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This research is to contribute to the conceptual understanding and operationalisation of monitoring the impacts of natural area tourism and recreation on (human) communities. Connected to this is gaining an understanding of the issues of and strategies for engagement and partnerships between natural and protected area managers and their stakeholder communities. These will differ with the community context and the varying perspectives, needs and demands of stakeholders of these natural and protected areas. Issues may include, though are not limited to the types of visitors, visitor experience, types of recreation opportunities, economic context and community attitudes towards social and environmental change. It is perceived that strategic communication techniques involving stakeholders would be key tools to minimise negative impacts whilst maximising positive ones.
Thus, the specific research aim of this proposed project is to model the community impacts of tourism and recreation within natural and protected areas in order to develop an impact management framework. This project has only recently commenced, so at this stage no formal findings are evident. However, initial explorations of the literature have identified that the nexus between communities, natural and protected areas and tourism is dynamic and complex. It is anticipated that further investigation will inform a model that will provide insights into the sustainable management of this nexus.
This research is being funded through a Sustainable Tourism CRC Postgraduate Research Scholarship.
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