I recently read a very interesting article, thanks to my
Tasmania Google Alert, which discussed a battle between tourism and
preservation. This topic is personally relevant to me because I am passionate
about traveling; especially ecotourism. However, I am simultaneously passionate
about wildlife preservation and environmentalism.
According to several articles12,
the Tasmanian government is planning to open up the state’s wilderness world
heritage to tourism and development. While I am against extensive development,
part of me would be interested in tourism because Australia, quite obviously,
is a place I am interested in exploring. Former Greens leader Bob Brown
believes that, “This will trash decades of community commitment to Tasmania’s
wilderness pre-eminence. The brigade backing the government ... has dollar signs
in its eyes”.
Because of this, I believe that a middle ground should be found. Tasmania should adapt a personalized ecotourism program that will
allow tourists to appreciate the beauty of the wilderness world heritage and
Tasmania will benefit economically. In addition, a percentage of the profit can
go towards continuing the preservation of wildlife. This program should ensure
that tourists leave no “prints” on the wilderness they are exploring. No
buildings should be built but instead, eco-friendly, small huts and tents for
camping during the more forgiving seasons. In addition, tourists should be
accompanied by a guide that will ensure no pollution, littering, disruption of
habitat, or disruption of wildlife. This ecotourism will allow humans to
interact and be inspired by the wilderness, with very minimal disruption. Perhaps it will encourage sustainable practices once humans are more connected with nature.
Author: Alicia Menendez
1. http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jan/18/opening-up-tasmanias-wilderness-area-a-selfish-land-grab-says-bob-brown
2. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/01/18/bob-brown-says-development-would-trash-tasmanian-wilderness
Very insightful article!
ReplyDeleteFinding middle ground between environmental conservation and tourism is important, especially for places where both are plentiful.
-Daimen Sagastume
Interesting perspective on a very controversial topic. This definitely pertains to not only Tasmania but a lot of other natural landmarks as well.
ReplyDelete-Jessica Tam