Challenges and Proposals for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism- Robin ...

Challenges and Proposals forSustainable Wildlife TourismRobin Andersen, Ph.D.Fordham UniversityChristina Paulette Colon, Ph.D.Columbia UniversityNew York Botanical GardenFrommer’s s Guide Books

Patterns• Natural areas, habitat andspecies are rapidlydeclining worldwide• Humans are increasinglyliving in urbanized andnon-natural natural settings• Tourism to wild places isincreasing• Animals are majorattractions for manydestinationsTourism to remote places includingTahiti and Baja California isexpanding

• Tourists are willing tobare the costs to see,pet, feed and otherwiseinteract with wildlifePractice• What is common forsome is exotic for othersBaby king penguin in Antarctica withcrew from Lindblad Expeditions ship• Tour operators facilitatewildlife encounteropportunitiesTamandua at Belize Zoo during night walk

• Most wildlife tourism isunregulated andunmonitoredProblems• Most tourists do not knowthe impact of theirwildlife encounters• Most tour operators arenot wildlife or habitatspecialists• Researchers and wildlifemanagers struggle tounderstand its impact.Family approaching pig tailedmacaque in BorneoHow cananimal/humanencounters inspireconservation action?

“Something ineffablehappened in those fewmoments, something sowonderful and profoundthat it awakened myconscience and foreverchanged the way I feltabout animals.”David WesternQuickTime and adecompressorare needed to see this picture.“The vision of the sable antelope is the book’sleitmotif, serving at times of stress to remindWestern of his primal commitment to savingAfrica’s s wildlife.” John Terborgh

Proposed Paradigm• Based on more than ten years ofobservations and several years of researchworldwide, we’ve noticed several patternsof wildlife tourism• Each category is described below• Differences and similarities are discussed• Proposed actions for all categories aremade based on patterns observed

Existing Cultural ContextCultural and economic practices currently shapeanimal encounters• Set expectation• Position the visitor in relation to nature and wildlife• Influence and reinforce certain attitudes over others• Invite behavior toward animals

Edutainment Modelrecreation, fun, entertainmentsome information, often not accurate• Captive wild animalsperforming tricks, orbehaviors by a trainer whorewards animal with treat orpraise• Few if any focus onconservation, habitatdestruction or other threats– Dolphin swims– Dolphin shows– Animal acts– Circus showsDolphin show at Curacao Seaquarium

Dolphins Plus Inc.Key Largo, Florida• Structured Dolphin Swim Program• Tame animals most now born in captivity

CubaEducationalopportunity, yet verylittle informationabout the animals,the environment ortheir habitat.No interpretivematerials availableHigh degree ofcommunicationblocks: languagebarriers

CubaAlmost no instructionabout behavioralrequirement for theinteractionThirteen to fifteen peopleinteract with twodolphins.Some not focused oninstruction from trainersor at times, the animals.

Dolphins Required toTow 2 People

Cuba• Location: Remote facility for marine mammals offersless negative impact on habitat pressures andanimal populations in the wild.

Biodiversity impact occurs with the capture ofindividual animals from the wild

Adventure• Experiencesbecomethrilling

• Animalsbecomedangerous• Humansinvited to beaggressive

Extreme Action Model• Objective is dangerand excitement• Adrenaline rush with noregard for the animals• No education or concernfor wildlife habitatBanana boat speeds past sealion colony in Cabo• Low safety standard forvisitors and animalsTube inside shark tank in Atlantisallows visitors to pass safely

Whale Watching• High cost and effort• Dependent onweather conditions• No guarantee ofsightings• Enjoyable boat ride• Alternate species toview such as sea lionsand bird colonies• Dramatic scenery• Free second trip if nowhales seen

Snorkel and Dive Model• Many marine animals aresessile or slow moving• Seldom resemble animalsand therefore subject toexcessive handling• Ocean is not as easilydefined as property• More susceptible toTragedy of the Commons

Dolphins Plus Inc.Key Largo, Florida• Dolphin-Child“Therapy”with “Island Dolphin Care”• “A A not-forfor-profit organization developed to help childrenand their families cope with various developmental,physical, and/or emotional disabilities. Their goal is toprovide a therapeutic, recreational environment thatfocuses on the emotional and physical well being of theparticipant and their family members.”

Healing/Therapy Model• Animals purported to havehealing powers• Encounter intended to treator cure diseaseAccording towww.dolphinhealing.net:“Dolphins are highly evolved omnidimensional beings who live in theOneness. Their role is similar to that ofthe angelic kingdom. Like the angels,the dolphins' influence transcendstime, space and physicality.”• Misinformation about theanimals, their behavior andtheir capabilities presented• Implied claims that animalscan detect and heal tumors,cancers and injuries

Conservation Identity Models * shouldtransform existing cultural models in StrategicCommunication DesignThe style and content of promotional material designedto appeal to needs and expectations withcorresponding conservation messages.• Curiosity Driven; seeks to learn more• Experience Seeker; derives pleasure from visitingecologically notable ecosystems and charismaticwildlife• Spiritual Pilgrim; seeking contemplative or restorativeexperience• Naturalist/Altruist; enhance commitment, knowledgeand outreachmodified from the AZA

Conservation Identity Models * shouldaddress existing cultural models in StrategicCommunication DesignThe content of promotional material appealing to expectationswith corresponding conservation messages.• Edutainment/Mystery• Curiosity Driven; seeks to learn more• Action/Adventure Trainer• Experience Seeker; derives pleasure fromvisiting ecologically notable ecosystems andcharismatic wildlife• Healing/Therapy• Spiritual Pilgrim; seeking contemplative orrestorative experience• Naturalist/Altruist; enhance commitment*modified from the AZA

Private Wildlife Facilities• Natural breeding• Wildlife chooselocation• Humans encouragebreeding• Man made viewingarea• Multiple species• UnregulatedPenguin Place in New Zealand

Animal Farm Model• Domesticated non-native species• Bred for profit byprivate owner• Sold for meat,feathers, eggs etc• Sold in gift shop andexportedCuracao Ostrich Farm

Safari Model• Animals large and/or easyto spot from a distanceeither out in open or upin trees• In protected naturalareas with open terrain• Habituated or slow• Multiple species to viewin natural habitat• Indirect evidence ofwildlife easy to spot andrewarding if no animalsare seenAustralian wildlife in parks and reserves

Sanctuary Model• Sanctuary for displaced orferal animals• Donkeys primates andother beasts of burdenimported to islands at turnof century• Tame but dangerous or anuisance to citizens• Often run by animal welfareagency or non-profit• Proceeds support sanctuary• Serves tourists and acommunity service

Voluntourism Model• Tourists pay for theprivilege of volunteeringon a wildlife conservationproject• Work with researchersand trained guides tomonitor, observe orprotect animals, habitatand eggs or nestlings• Highly educational• High profile• Well managed• Well fundedMacaw research inTambopata AmazonSea turtle egg removal forhatch and release

Conservation and Breeding Model• Breeding or rehabilitationfacility for endangered species• Ultimate goal is restoration ofpopulation through research,breeding and release• Run by non-profit group andvolunteers

Community Development Model• Wildlife encounter inthe context ofconservation andcommunitydevelopment and localconservation ethic• Education aboutspecies and threats aswell as interactionwith locals andcultural connectionsCommunity Baboon Sanctuary in Belize

Wildlife Touristsas Stakeholder, ManagementParticipant, and Information SourceProviding Codes of Conduct• A checklist should be provided to guideand inform the responsible wildlife tourist• This can be a first step towards moreresponsible behavior and philanthropy

• Wild animals have theright to be wild• By definition, they arecapable of and withintheir rights to defendthemselves from realand perceived danger• Perceived threats caninclude eye contact,petting, feeding,sudden movements,loud noises, andchasing, pursuing orcorrallingWILD IS WILD

• Handling or touchingcauses stress, manifestas freezing (oftenmistaken for tameness)or unprovoked attack• Chasing or corneringmimics predation,inducing a flight orfright response• Long term effects leadto illness, death, or lossof anti-predatoryresponseDON’T T TOUCHCaptive born jaguar at Belize Zoo

FEEDING IS HARRASSMENT• Feeding can result inillness and death• Even appropriate foodchanges natural foragingbehavior and leads tohabituation• Animals that exhibitnatural foraging protectswildlife, their food-webs,tourists and local residentsWild iguana in ArubaImported monkey in Grenada

TAKE ONLY PICTURES• Do not purchase, consumeor collect parts of wildanimals or their resources• Even when legal,consumption oftenunmonitored• Lack of understanding canlead to population declineor local extinctionBlack coral jewelry in GrenadaMolded coral figurines in British Virgin Islands

Empowering Tour Operators• As gatekeepers they hold all power• Perception of who holds power is invertedin developing countries• Guides dictate and mediate the experienceand expectation of tourist• Tourists want to be educated and open tonew information and ideas

EVALUATING WILDLIFE TOUROPERATORS• Tour operators, guides andstaff often lack knowledgeon ecology andconservation issues• Interpretation should beposted and stated• Information should includenatural history, range,diet, conservation statusand threatsAtlantis has the largest aquarium inthe world, but not a single sign

SIZE MATTERS• Groups should be smallwhen interacting withsensitive species (20)• Visitors must be briefedon appropriate conduct• Briefing should specifyminimize noise, rapidmovement, flashphotography, chasing,feeding, petting etc.Guide briefs sub group of 20 touristsbefore locating wild koalas in AustraliaGroup searching for manatees in Belize

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE• Wildlife must be housed inclean areas with shelter, shade,food, water and cover• Social groups must reflect thespecies natural preferences• Keepers must never threaten orharm• End encounter when animalsexhibit signs of stress: panting,growling, yawning, baringteeth, flattening ears, lungingor fanning wingsProtected flamingos in Aruba and Bonaire

CONSERVATION EDUCATION• Value• Threats• Conservation efforts• Laws• Message should beculturally relevant• Opportunities to reduceimpact, learn more andpromote conservation

• Display, import,release of non nativeor exotic species mustbe discouraged• Potential threat tonative species andhabitats throughcompetition,predation and diseaseAVOID EXOTICSButterfly farm in Aruba

AVOID ILLEGAL PETS• Illegal pets oftenhidden and kept inpoor conditions• Violators pay fines orbribes to avoidrelinquishing pet andincome from tourists• Lack properveterinary careOne armed orangutan in BorneoEmaciated clouded leopard in Borneowith intestinal blockage

REPORT VIOLATIONS• Speak up if violations areobserved• Communicate to the owneror tourism board• Inform them that violationswill be reported throughmajor travel sites such asLonelyplanet.com orFrommers.comTurtles in private menagerie in Bonaire

REWARD EXEMPLARYOPERATORS• Guides who exhibit appropriate behaviorshould be explicitly thanked for their efforts• Operators who communicate conservationmessages should be supported during andafter the experience• Actively promote through local andinternational venues such as the tourismboard, local NGO’s s and regulatory agencies andvarious travel websites

CONSIDER YOUR FOOTPRINT• Opt for activities that do notdestroy the natural landscapeand do not threaten wildanimals whose habitat you areutilizing and impacting• A quick thrill can causeeverlasting damage• Communicate to others• Offset through philanthropyLoud dangerous ATV in CuracaoATH (All Terrain Horse) in Aruba

Global Sustainable Tourism CriteriaThe Partnership for Global Sustainable TourismCriteria (GSTC) are organized around four mainthemes• effective sustainability planning• maximizing social and economic benefits for thelocal community• enhancing cultural heritage• reducing negative impacts on the environment.Number 5?• ensuring that animal based tourism protectsanimals and animal communities from harm, andprotects habitats and biodiversity from negativeimpacts

“Best Practices” must specify differentanimals, conditions of encounters, settingsand habitats• Domesticated animals in captivity• Captive bred wildlife in captivity• Wild born wildlife in captivity• Free ranging wildlife in natural habitat• Wildlife in protected areas

How Does the EncounterImpact:• A) Individual Animals?Stress factors, etc• B) Populations and Communities?Feeding issues, etc• C) Habitat?Range, etc• D) Global Sustainability?Does the experience promote environmentalawareness?Alter attitudes and behavior?Lead to future participation in conservationefforts?

Evaluating the Multiple Roles ofTour Operators• How does promotional material position the visitor?Do they set expectations consistent withconservation?• How do they structure and guild the encounter?Do they provide sound interpretive materials• Are they trained in animal care and protection?Do they adhere to conservation and protectionguidelines?• Do they contribute to habitat and conservationefforts?• Do they observe Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria?

Broad Conservation Messagesshould be applied to specificencounters• All life on earth exists with in an ecosystem:interdependent relationships between groups of livingthings and their physical environment.• An impact on any element has ramifications for thewhole system.• Human beings are responsible for dramatic changes toecosystems at a rate unprecedented in Earth’s s history.• We have a responsibility to care for the Earth, and toleave healthy ecosystems for future generations• Due to the unprecedented changes the human species iscausing on the planet, we must take action to savewildlife.distilled from the AZA

Lake Manyara National ParkTanzaniaA clearly communicated conservationmessage beneficial to animals andvisitors alike.“Remove nothing from the park exceptnourishment for the soul, consolation for theheart and inspiration for the mind.”