Question 1: Determine the types of ecotourism activities carried out in your country, state or area.
Answer: Australia houses nineteen World Heritage Sites varying from Greater Blue Mountains, to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, to the fossil mammal sites in Riversleigh/ Naracoorte, to the Gondwana rain forests, to the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Though the nature of ecotourism activities depend on the features of the ecosystem in some cases, in others, the activities are same, the place changes. Mountain biking is an example of the former, and, exploring the flora and fauna, of the latter.
The activities offered by ecotour operators include mystery tours to explore the legends, culture, myths, ghost stories and history of a place, sight-seeing, professionally guided hiking to discover the geology, flora, and fauna, star-gazing, off-road guided walks in private chartered vehicles, aboriginal walkabouts, and spending few days to understand the indigenous community, and, volunteering to conserve endangered species of plants and animals.
Queensland offers opportunities for volunteering for conserving endangered sea turtles, the Great Barrier Reef, and monitoring the underwater environments of dugongs. Other activities are canoe riding through a lagoon, and, kayaking. Wildlife activities include seeing koalas and kangaroos at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane, or, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast. One could also indulge in bird watching in the Wet Tropics in the Cairns, and, Great Barrier Reef region to spot Albert’s lyrebird, southern cassowary, and, buff-breasted kingfisher. Eco-tourists also get a chance to watch the endangered Loggerhead turtles hatch at Mon Repos beach in Bundaberg. The eco-activities offered at Heron island off the Gladstone coast comprise snorkelling and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, reef walking, and, viewing underwater life from coral submarine. At Gold coast eco-tourists can surf, and, swim with dolphins.
On the other end is seeing the footprints of the great dinosaurs at the stampede site of Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways near Winton, and, enjoying the extensive fossil exhibitions at the Riversleigh fossil mammal site in Boodjamulla National Park. Then there is opportunity for fossicking for gemstones and opal in Opalton, Quilpie, Yowah. Ecotour operators also offer a station stay in the interior to experience the everyday activities of working with sheep, cattle, and, fishing in the waterways for yellowbelly, sooty, and welch grunters, sleepy, and Murray cods, barramundi, catfish, and, redclaw.
The participants can also explore the indigenous community of Mapoon on Cape York Penninsula or Tjapukai at Caravonica, north of Cairn, that encompasses learning about natural medicines, crafting spears, participating in the cultural festivals of Torres Strait, the Laura Aboriginal Dance, and, the National Aboriginal and Islander Week. The activities can further be extended to seeing the Aboriginal rock art galleries in the Laura area, fire starting techniques, and, playing Aboriginal musical instruments in the Riverlife Mirrabooka.
If the tour is to the Greater Blue Mountains, the unique activities would be mountain biking, bush walking, abseiling, mountain climbing, ice-skiing, white river rafting, seeing the iconic Three sisters, and, learning, and, living the life of the Darug people.
The ecotourism activities are guided by the elements of education and sustainable development to ensure a responsible behavior towards environment. The ecotourism industry in Australia provides endless opportunities to the tourists to learn about the environment, culture, and participate in a responsible manner.
Question 2: Classify different ecotourism experiences according to their appropriateness for different demographic groups. (1 page, table form)
Answer:
Mountain biking, hiking, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba-diving, and, surfing, require a certain level of physical fitness. So their suitability for elderly and disabled vary from person to person according to the fitness levels.
Question 3: Explain (in a sentence or two for each) the benefits to participants of being involved in the following activities:
Answer:
- Bushwalking: Bushwalking acts as a stress-buster as it diverts the mind towards the natural wonders, in addition to toning up the body, building up stamina, and, flexibility.
- The study of culture of indigenous people: The participants get an opportunity to observe the creative side of the indigenous people, such as searching for the right food, bush medicines, and, get a glimpse of their art, rituals, and, spiritual life. It helps to understand the bond we share with nature, the role of the environment in shaping our cultures, importance of conserving environment, and, appreciate the different cultures.
- Volunteering holidays: Volunteers learn new skills, and perspectives, since they interact with people from different age groups, ethnic and social backgrounds. Volunteering also leads to a greater understanding of the environmental problems, and, the complexity of socio-economic, and, political factors underlying the problems.
- White water rafting: White river rafting gives a sense of adventure and thrill because of the adrenaline rush while facing the challenges of the gushing river. It is a great stress reliever.
- Skiing: The snow-capped peaks lift the mood, and, skiing also helps in building the balance, strength and flexibility of the body.
- Canoeing: Canoeing helps in building social bonds, improving reflex action, and reducing stress. It also builds stamina and general body fitness.
- Climbing/ abseiling: Climbing and abseiling helps in overcoming the fear of altitude, and, boosts self-confidence.
- Nature studies (e.g. bird watching, nature walks): Nature studies build the knowledge of the myriad of birds, animals, insects, flowers and plants. It also gives a chance to appreciate the beauty and enormity of nature.
- Scientific research/ education: Scientific research and education help to understand the complex natural systems, and, design conservation programs around those principles. Research also armors the participants to understand the reasons for the natural calamities facing our earth today, such as, climate change.
- Other marine activities: Marine activities give a glimpse of the dynamic oceans, the biodiversity present underneath, and, their vast expanse. It helps in bringing the participants close to nature.
Question 4: Write a set of principles for the ecotour operator using your own words (half to one page)
Answer: The core guiding principles for the ecotour operator are education, and, sustainable development. The ecotour operator ensures that each activity has an inherent element of learning about the nature and natural processes, and, the participant understands, and, appreciates the diversity, and, unique geological features of the place. When visiting an indigenous community, he ensures that the participants learn the cultural values, enjoy the experiencing the off-beat activities in a way that at the same time instills a sense of belonging, and, a yearning to give back to that culture, and, build respect for the people. He conducts the tours by adopting the best possible sustainable practices, and, energy efficient technology, arranges accommodation with low carbon footprint, and, provides professional and responsible guidance to the participants to minimize the disturbance to the flora and fauna, and, a instilling the will to conserve nature. He also assists them in volunteering activities for protecting endangered plants and animals. He markets his products, and services accurately, so that the clients know what to expect from the travel package, and, he is able to meet their expectations.
The ecotourism industry in Australia has evolved over the years, and, is guided by various certifications. Eco certification ensures commitment to sustainable practices, Climate Action certification is dedicated to reduce carbon emissions, Respect our Culture certification stimulates the ecotourism industry to encourage respect for the Indigenous cultural heritage, EcoGuide certification endorses the authentic, professional and environmentally responsible guides, and, EcoLodges of Australia ensures eco-certified accommodation.
