Untitled

Veblen, T. �1970 [1899]) The Theory of the Leisure
Class, London: Unwin Books.
conservation
TOM SELWYN, UK
Conservation is a philosophy governing the
manner and timing of resource use, and may be
defined as managing the resources of the environment
± air, water, soil, mineral resources and
living species including humans ± so as to achieve
the highest sustainable quality of life. Nature
conservation is a dynamic concept which is subject
to diverse understandings and interpretations,
spatially and temporally, and which is supported
for many different reasons �for example, ethical
bases, environmental sustainability, genetic diversity,
recreation, scientific research, future choices
and utility, education and political reasons).
Recognition of the importance of nature preservation
can be seen in the recent rise of the
environmental movement and, simultaneously, the
development of a conservation ethic in modern
society. That recognition is tangibly evident in the
creation and resourcing of public and private
sector agencies and interest groups; in related
legislation and public policy; and in the establishment
of resource management units such as
national parks and wilderness areas, which
often serve as important attractions.
Tourism and nature conservation are interdependent,
and their relationship has been a
lengthy one. Tourism often stimulates measures to
protect or conserve nature, but, at the same time
�and somewhat paradoxically), presents a significant
environmental risk, especially because of its
demands on the natural environment. These risks
are intensifying as domestic and international
tourism demand for natural areas is growing.
Furthermore, the nature of that demand is such
that tourists are seeking more spontaneity, independence
and participation in their experiences
�and thus contributing to the growth of ecotourism).
Researchers recognise three different relationships
with respect to conservation and tourism:
conflict, coexistence or symbiosis. These can exist
conservation 103
between those promoting tourism and those
advocating conservation of nature. Conflict occurs
when conservationists see that tourism can have
only detrimental effects on the environment.
Coexistence is noted when some, though very little
positive contact, occurs between the two groups.
Symbiosis is reached when the relationship between
tourism and conservation is organised in
such a way that both derive benefit from the
relationship. Conflict and coexistence are common.
Symbiosis is perhaps the least represented relationship
in the national and international perspective.
Tourism can cause both environmental degradation
and enhancement. Ecologically sustainable
tourism requires the conservation of nature,
and thereby leads to the maintenance or substantial
enhancement of natural areas and subsequent
increases in visitor satisfaction. The viability
of recreational and tourism resources, rather than
conflicting with conservation, actually demands it;
otherwise visitor satisfaction will be reduced as the
inherent appeal of the resources decline.
Tourism provides an economic impetus for
conservation of the environment because protected
and/or scenic areas are major attractions for
domestic and international tourists. This can also
contribute to a wider appreciation of nature
conservation by promoting and making more
accessible specific sites and aspects of nature. But
the role of tourism as a consistent contributor to
nature conservation is often debated because,
among other things, tourists trample vegetation,
disturb wildlife, carry pathogens and weeds and
engage in vandalism and littering, and thus do not
always behave in ways which promote a symbiotic
relationship between the industry and conservation.
Further, tourism has fostered the intensive
viewing �with resulting disturbance or damage) and
export of protected and/or endangered species.
Therefore, interrelationships between tourism
and nature conservation are extremely complex
and dynamic, with conflict being most acute where
tourism development occurs rapidly and without
strategic planning. Unfortunately, research has
developed few strong concepts or theories to guide
the role and management of tourism in nature
conservation. Many studies focus narrowly on the
physical impacts of developments at a particular
site, few have a longitudinal basis, and most are