Ecotourism at Natural Bridge located in the Springbrook National Park - Case Study Example

Ecotourism at Natural Bridge located in the Springbrook National Park (Name) (Institution) (Course) (Instructor’s Name) Date of submission Summary The following is a report on Natural Bridge located in the Springbrook National Park. The report uses a 5 factor criteria suggested by Weaver (2008) to qualify the site as an ecotourism destination. The criterion is based on form of tourism, basis in nature, educational, management and financial management. The report also looks at the management practices at the park which specifically are sustainability at the park and quality control. The involvement of two stakeholders in the running of the park is also highlighted. The report recommends some actions to be taken such as putting warning signs and labels that are more visible at night. The report also concludes that the site is not marketed adequately to increase tourist numbers in the area. Contents Page Summary 2 Contents Page 3 1.0 Introduction 4 2.0 Ecotourism Criteria (5 criteria from text book) 4 2.1 Form of tourism 5 2.2 Basis in Nature 6 2.3 Educational 7 2.4 Management 8 2.5 Financial 8 3.0 Management practices 9 3.1 Sustainability 9 3.2 Quality control 9 4.0 Stakeholders 10 4.1 Tour Gold coast 10 4.2 Springbrook Glow Worms Research Centre 11 5.0 Recommendations: 11 Conclusion 11 References 12 1.0 Introduction Tourism is responsible for economic growth in major regions in Australia and in some countries around the world. In fact in some countries such as Kenya, Tourism has in the past been the highest foreign exchange earner. In some regions around Australia such as Gold Coast, tourism and tourism related activities are the main economic activities. This implies that residents of such regions and government have actively worked towards promoting tourism by introducing ore features. Fortunately, this process has given rise to the pollution of environment resulting from indiscriminate use of resources. For example a very high number of tourists in a sport-fishing destination pose a danger to some fish species in the area. As a result, ecotourism has come into the picture. The world tourism organisation defines ecotourism as nature-based sustainable tourism. As such tourist destinations are working on this new product, ecotourism. The Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park is one of the many eco-tourists destinations around the world. This report aims to use a criterion suggested by Weaver (2008) to exemplify how the tourist sites qualifies as an eco-tourist destination. 2.0 Ecotourism Criteria (5 criteria from text book) Ecotourism is one form of tourism that is considerably different from standard tourism. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism is collective term for activities that people engage in, who at that particular time are away from their usual environment either traveling or staying away for leisure or business for less than one consecutive year (Berge et al 2009). Weaver (2008) offers a very close definition saying that tourism is traveling to visit friends of for business and leisure purposes. When the prefix ‘eco’ is added to tourism, the meaning changes substantially. Fennel says that ecotourism is different from general tourism in that it focuses on elements such as non-consumptiveness, education, romanticism, undisturbed natural settings which hold cultural and historical importance to the local people. There are other practical definitions of ecotourism. Martha Honey, the Martha Honey is the Executive Director (TIES) says that ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people” (Escudero 2008 ¶). Weaver (2008) does not explicitly define ecotourism but notes that the prefix ‘eco’ is borrowed from the words ecosystem or ecology implying that it has something to with nature. He instead offers five criteria to distinguish ecotourism from standard tourism. These are; form of tourism, basis in nature, educational value, proper management of resources and financial sustainability. Therefore, does Nature Bridge qualify to be an ecotourism destination? To answer this, the report uses the 5 criteria by Weaver (2008). 2.1 Form of tourism Natural Bridge is a spectacular geographical feature located in the larger Springbrook National Park. This feature was formed millions of years ago by water plummeting through the roof of a basalt cave. The site is home to an array of fauna and flora with the famous colony of glow-worms only visible at nigh. The area is surrounded by a lush rainforest which is home to a number of rare bird species and plants and animals. In summer, there are numerous fireflies and luminous fungi that add to the spectacular glow from the glow-worms. During the day, visitors have also a lot to view such as the natural arch over the Cave Creek where visitors can enjoy the pristine view of the waterfall and the cave. Moreover there are numerous paradise riflebirds, green catbirds and wompoo fruit-doves which keep the place alive with their chirping (Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park 2010). There is no entry fee to this park though travel companies charge tour guide fees. However, for those willing to camp, there are scheduled fees charged. The site is easily accessible by road from the Pacific Highway off Nerang or Mudgeeraba. Minibus tours are usually operated from the Gold Coast and Murwillumbah by various registered tour operator companies (Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park 2010; Big Volcano 2010). Again, the whole Springbrook National Park is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Forestry Act 1959. This recognition and protection implies that access and use of the resources in the area are restricted for other purposes other than tourism purposes. 2.2 Basis in Nature The Nature Bridge is just one among the many natural features that that Springbrook National Park has to offer to tourists. Going by the classification of nature tourism by Weaver (2008), there seems to be two levels of tourism in the Natural Bridge. The first form of tourism is Animal specific tourism which takes place both during the day and night. Night visits are encouraged in to odder to allow the visitors to view the glow-worms, the fire flies and the luminous algae which are best visible at night. As such, this form of tourism is not one type of animal species hence charismatic mega-fauna. The site is also a beneficiary of charismatic mega-flora given that the surrounding rain forests have different plant varieties apart from the tall trees. At the same time the site acts as charismatic megalith in that there are the natural features such as the bridge, the creek cave and the waterfall. All this combine to give the site a holistic tourist value. The Aboriginal people have preserved the Springbrook forest over the years and the surrounding physical features. Specifically, the Aboriginal people have been known to worship natural features such as the sun while others such as forest in this case the Springbrook forest have cultural and ancestral significance. In this regard, the cultural practices of the Aboriginal have ensured that the site has survived destructive exploitation by man. As such, any exploitation activities through ecotourism must respect the practices of the Aboriginal people by preserving the forest and the Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park 2010). 2.3 Educational The Nature Bridge attains its educational value by creating the awareness of biological diversity, natural evolution and forms a good example of a natural environment undisturbed by human influence. However, there is no perfectly natural environment undisturbed b man. However, man should aim to make his presence and activities are least felt by certain environments such as the Natural Bridge. 2.4 Management The management has incorporated visitors at Natural Bridge in conservation and protecting the natural habitat through various measures and a number of rules. These rules are enforced by the Department of Environment and Resource Management, which runs the park. Visitors in participate in protecting the rainforest by staying on the walking track as per rules. The management also does not provides dustbins around the area and visitors are required to go back home with their garbage. However, toilets are provided to avoid visitors relieving themselves in surroundings. To avoid littering further, camping is restricted around the Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park 2010). 2.5 Financial The Springbrook National Park is managed by the Department of Environment and Resource Management under the Queensland Government so it is not profitable. The natural resource is marketed as every person’s responsibility to protect and preserve for future generation. This is the main reason why there are no entry fees to the park except for camping fees. This ensures that visitors feel a sense of belonging with the park in that keeping it clean, undisturbed and natural as ever is their responsibility and not the responsibility of the organization that runs in it in case there were entry fees charged. Again, financing the preservation of the Natural Bridge and the Springbrook National Park assists the federal government in achieving its commitment to the Kyoto protocol on environmental protection (Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park 2010). . 3.0 Management practices 3.1 Sustainability There are a number of rules enforced in order to ensure that the ecosystem at Natural Bridge remains undisturbed and also to preserve the site for future generations. These rules are; Glow-worms are sensitive to changes to their environment, so there are some basic rules follow suggested by the State Government: Do not expose glow-worms to smoke from cigarettes or fire, as these can kill them. Smoking is not permitted in the cave—smoke can kill glow-worms. Do not shine torchlight directly on the glow-worms; they will stop glowing for up to one hour and interrupting their feeding as well as spoiling the experience for others. Apply any insect repellent before entering the park, but not in the park as repellent can kill glow-worms. 3.2 Quality control A number of quality control practices are identifiable at Natural Bridge. These practices minimize the human impact on the environment and ensure that the suitability of the park as a tourist attraction is maintained. Restriction of access into some areas such as Cave Creek in the Natural Bridge section. Swimming in the creek and access to the creek bank is also prohibited with defaulters penalized. Domestic animals are not permitted in Springbrook National Park Toilets and coin-operated barbecues are provided. Water is available for washing only—it is not suitable for drinking. Some areas are restricted after heavy rains for public safety. Small group sizes of 10-12 people are encouraged. Tourists should keep to the walking tracks where provided Risky places such as cliffs are well labeled. 4.0 Stakeholders 4.1 Tour Gold coast This is one of the few tour operators recognized by the management of Springbrook National Park as a protected area. This company is certified as eco friendly in its operations. It has qualified guides to guide visitors through the park and educate them about the park. The guides are also well informed about the cultural significance of the park to the former aboriginal inhabitants of the land. The firm also contributes financially to the management of the park. The operator also provides other necessary information to tourists pertaining to this particular site (Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park 2010). . 4.2 Springbrook Glow Worms Research Centre This is a research centre established in 1987 to find and identify new bioluminescent organisms in this site. The organization studies glow worms, fireflies, luminous earthworms and luminous caterpillars for scientific purposes. The center also grows luminous mushroom and breed the glowing worms (Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park 2010). 5.0 Recommendations: The managements should work on the labeling of risky sites such as cliffs as they are not visible at night and to people with eyesight problem during the day. Walking tracks near cliffs should be well fenced to avoid incidences falling over the cliffs. Ballast or tarmac should be laid on some tracks that are very slippery during the wet season. A small convenience store should be established at the entry of the park in order to encourage more campers (Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park 2010). Conclusion The Natural Bridge and the Springbrook National Park at large are important national and historical features in Australia. The Springbrook National Park also carries immense cultural significance to the Aboriginal people who should be congratulated for preserving the forests over a hundred of years. The management at Springbrook National Park should also carry out more aggressive marketing activities to inform the Australia and the world about this unique feature. By doing so, the urge to preserve the park will be heightened and the region will benefit economically from increased tourist flow. References Beger, D. et al (n.d.) Defining the tourism industry. Retrieved online on 16/10/10 from, http://www.wi.uni-muenster.de/wi/studieren/io/ws08-09/essay/Defining%20the%20tourism%20industry_new.pdf Escudero, A. (2008). Ecotourism: Traveling the world without harming it. Retrieved online on 16/10/10 from, http://www.takoma.com/archives/copy/2005/05/ecotour.html Weaver, D. (2008). Ecotourism. Milton, Qld: John Wiley & Sons, Australia. Natural Bridge, Springbrook National Park. Retrieved online on 16/10/10 from, http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/things-to-see-and-do/natural-bridge-springbrook-national-park/index.cfm Big Volcano. (2010). The National Parks of the Tweed Volcano Region. Retrieved online on 16/10/10 from, http://www.bigvolcano.com.au/natural/natparks.htm Read More