An Island of two halves
Brownsea Island: Ecotourism Destination?
Masters Programme “Sustainable Tourism Management”
Prof. Dr. W, Strasdas
Module: Ecotourism and Rural Tourism
Winter Semester 2004
Morwenna Parkyn
(04.03.05)
Contents
1) Introduction.......................................................................................................2
2) Ecotourism........................................................................................................3
2.1) Ecotourism past and present. ................................................................................................3
2.2) What is ecotourism? ..............................................................................................................4
2.3) Ecotourism and Protected Areas ...........................................................................................8
3) Brownsea Island .............................................................................................10
3.1) Situation and History........................................................................................................... 10
3.2) The National Trust and its half of Brownsea Island. ........................................................... 11
3.2.1) The National Trust........................................................................................................ 11
3.2.2) The National Trust on Brownsea Island....................................................................... 12
4.3) The Dorset Wildlife Trust and its half of Brownsea Island.................................................. 13
4.3.1) The Dorset Wildlife Trust.............................................................................................. 13
4.3.2) The Dorset Wildlife Trust on Brownsea Island............................................................. 14
4) Brownsea Island: Ecotourism Destination? ....................................................15
4.1) Nature Based Tourism on Brownsea.................................................................................. 15
4.2) The Islands contribution to the Conservation of Biodiversity.............................................. 16
4.3) Brownsea Island’s interpretation/ learning experience....................................................... 16
4.4) Minimal impact management on the island ........................................................................ 17
4.5) Participation and cooperation on Brownsea ....................................................................... 18
5) Conclusion......................................................................................................18
6) Bibliography
7) Appendices
1
1) Introduction.
Ecotourism has a variety of definitions and interpretations but according to the World Tourism
Organisation (WTO) eco-tourism is “all forms of tourism in which the main motivation of tourists is
the observation and appreciation of nature, which contributes to its conservation, and which
minimises minimizes negative impacts on the natural and socio-cultural environment where it
takes place” (WTO, 2002. p 9).
The difference in definition can lead to so called “greenwashing”, the misuse of the term
ecotourism1, by certain establishments. There are, however, basic characteristics of ecotourism,
which can ascertain whether or no a business is worthy of the term ecotourism.
Ecotourism is an important segment of sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism involves the
correct management of ecological, economical and socio-cultural elements involved in tourism.
Emphasis is laid on long term planning and in looking to the future to ensure that the resources
found on the earth today will be available for tomorrow’s generations.
“Tourism can be a threat or a tool to sustainable development” (Buckley, 2003. p.219). With the
huge increase in tourism over the last few decades and the consequential threat to the
environment and the local people within a tourism destination, sustainable and ecotourism are
seen as forms of tourism, which can help to change the direction of mainstream tourism. They do
this by reducing the damage to the environement, which can be caused by tourists and tourism
products and by encouraging a sustainable approach to tourism. Both are “dynamic concepts
striving to make tourism a positive force for nature conservation and sustainable development”
(Strasdas, 2002. p 6).
Ecotourism can be applied to many tourism enterprises or organisations. Protected Areas (PA)
are an entity, which compliments ecotourism very well, if they are managed and developed
following the principles of ecotourism (see part 2.2), are Protected Areas (PA). The two can
benefit from each other considerably if a good balance between the conservation of the PA’s and
the tourism are found.There are various types of PA all over the world and in each different forms
of wildlife and habitats are conserved and differing levels of tourism are allowed to take place
within their boundaries. Combining these two phenomena requires a good balance of both and as
well as good management and planning within the PA.
This essay looks specifically at the example of the PA Brownsea Island, a small island situated off
the south coast of England. It is a well known tourism destination owned by the National Trust
(NT)2. It is not know as or described as an ecotourism destination but there is evidence, in the
way it is run, which suggests that ecotourism could be used to describe the type of tourism on the
island. By examining the tourism and other activities and features on the Island as well as looking
1
2
Buckley, 2003. pxiv
More details in part 3.2.1
2
closer at the Island in terms of the ecotourism criteria, this essay aims to assess and analyse
whether Brownsea Island can be described as an eco tourism destination.
Chapter 2 will examine the term ecotourism and its development in more detail and will introduce
the topic of Protected Areas and attempt to describe what they are. Brownsea Island is first
introduced properly in chapter 3, where its history and situation today will be observed and where
the two halves of the island will be looked at closely. Chapter 4 uses the basic criteria of
ecotourism applied to Brownsea Island to analyse whether or not Brownsea is an ecotourism
destination.
2) Ecotourism
This section examines the term Ecotourism in more detail. It follows the development of
Ecotourism from 1965 up to present day and looks at the role it plays and its importance in the
world today. It then attempts to define ecotourism and explore in more detail what ecotourism
actually is. The third part of section two introduces the topic of PA’s and explores the relationship
between PA’s and ecotourism.
2.1) Ecotourism past and present.
The origins of the term Ecotourism are unclear but various sources which suggest that it was first
coined by Dr. Nicholas Hetzer3 in 1965. As a concept and market segment, it developed through
the 1970s and 1980s with the environment movement and the first formal definition4 of
ecotourism is said to have been from Ceballos-Lascuráin5 in 1987. In the 1990s the use of the
term ecotourism increased dramatically. It was at first used primarily by American conservation
NGOs (WWF 1990) but gained widespread recognition across the globe, through the
development of organisations such as The International Ecotourism Society (1991) and a number
of conventions such as “The Earth Summit” in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 or the “Berlin Declaration
on Biological Diversity and Sustainable Tourism” in 1997. Perhaps the event, which proved just
how important ecotourism has become was the declaration of 2002 as the “International Year of
Ecotourism”.
3
Founder of Forum International Travel, an American tour operator specialising in adventure, nature and cultural travel
(http://www.foruminternational.com/afewwords.shtml).
4
“Travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objective of studying, admiring and
enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and
present) found in these areas” (Weaver, D, 2001. p5).
5
Expert in eco and cultural tourism and director General of the Program of International Consultancy on Ecotourism (PICE)
as well as Special Advisor on Ecotourism to IUCN (The World Conservation Union) and the World Tourism Organization
(WTO), (http://www.ceballos-lascurain.com/english/news.htm).
3
Today Ecotourism is an important market segment of sustainable tourism. Unfortunately, there
have been no studies done, which have produced reliable facts or figures about ecotourism as a
market segment. Most of the data which has been collected refers to nature based tourism6, a
larger tourism segment, of which ecotourism is considered to be a “speciality segment”.
According to the WTO and other sources, approximately 7% of all international travel expenditure
is created by nature tourism and is experiencing a growth rate per year of between 10% and
30%. Between 40 – 60% of all tourists are considered to be nature tourists and between 20-40%
are wildlife tourists7.
Ecotourism’s role in the world of tourism has become increasingly important over the last twenty
years, particularly where sustainable tourism is concerned. Through following the same principles
as and being closely linked to sustainable tourism, it plays a leading role in the acceptance of the
principles of sustainability through the introduction of sustainability practices into the tourism
sector and through changing peoples behaviour in regard to environmental conservation.
The future outlook for ecotourism appears to be good. It is a tourism sector which has found itself
a strong niche in the tourism market and its principles, practices and relationship to sustainable
tourism will ensure that it continues to grow and be an important form of tourism, at least in this
day and age.
2.2) What is ecotourism?
The widespread popularity of ecotourism has, as mentioned in the introduction, resulted in many
different definitions and interpretations of the concept which are used diversely by various
stakeholders. These definitions differ not only in their focus on specific ecotourism criteria but
also depending on the region of the world where the ecotourism takes place as well as with the
type of organisation that is defining the term.
Probably one of the most widely acknowledged definition’s of ecotourism today is that of The
International Ecotourism Society (TIES), who believe that Ecotourism is “responsible travel to
natural areas that conserves the environment and promotes the well-being of local people”
(Strasdas 2002, p.5).
The term Ecotourism can refer to a concept and/or to a market segment. The concept of
ecotourism refers to the relationship of ecotourism to and its position within sustainable tourism.
Ecotourism incorporates different forms of tourism, namely rural, nature and cultural tourism.
Diagram 1 shows the position of ecotourism as a concept more clearly.
6
“…a form of travel to natural areas where the experience and appreciation of nature and natural phenomena is the
prime motivation for visiting these places” (Strasdas, 2002. p.5).
7
Ecotourism Statistical Fact Sheet, p1 (http://www.ecotourism.org/research/stats/files/stats.pdf)
4
Diagram 1: Ecotourism as a concept (http://www.world-tourism.org/sustainable/IYE/quebec/cd/about/iye.htm#whatis).
The concept of ecotourism also refers to the basic elements of ecotourism. The list of criteria
which follows is adapted from the WTO8.and a list in “Case Studies in Ecotourism”, Buckley,
2003. p.xiii.
Ecotourism;
•
Involves products which are based on nature
•
Contributes significantly to the conservation of biodiversity,
•
Includes an (environmental) interpretation/ learning experience,
•
Uses minimal impact management to ensure as little use of natural resources as
possible.
•
Stresses local participation, ownership and business opportunities, particularly for rural
people and cooperation with all stakeholders involved, as well as the importance of
sustaining the well being of local people.
•
Involves responsible action on the part of tourists and the tourism industry,
•
Is delivered primarily to small groups by small scale businesses,
Another feature which all definitions of ecotourism tend to share is that it is a form of nature
based tourism. Other forms of nature based tourism include adventure, nature and rural tourism.
The relationship between ecotourism, nature tourism, sustainable tourism and other forms of
tourism is shown clearly in diagram 2.
8
www.world-tourism.org/ sustainable/IYE/quebec/anglais/declaration.html
5
Diagram 2: Ecotourism in comparison with other forms of tourism
Source: Strasdas, 2001. p8
Ecotourism as a market segment is a small industry, which is increasing its market volume at a
fast rate and is usually marketed as nature based tourism. The different definitions and uses of
the term ecotourism as well as the fact that ecotourism is used mainly as a marketing instrument
by the private sector, who don’t consider the background meaning of ecotourism, means that
some products and businesses on the market just use the term as a marketing tool although their
practices are not classified as ecotourism.
Ecotourism is considered part of the tourism segment “nature tourism”, along with adventure
tourism. It also has strong links to cultural and rural tourism, because many ecotourism products
and activities involve activities in these areas. See diagram 3 for an overview of ecotourism as a
market segment in relation to other types of tourism.
Diagram 3: Ecotourism as a Market Segment.
(http://www.world-tourism.org/sustainable/IYE/quebec/cd/about/iye.htm#whatis)
6
Ecotourism “concentrates on leading and accommodating small groups in natural areas in an
educational manner through interpretive materials and local specialist guides”9 Experiencing
nature, especially observing wildlife, and education are considered to be key parts of the
ecotourism experience.
There are a number of ecotourism principles, or criteria, which underlie the concept of
ecotourism, distinguish it from the general concepts or principles of sustainable tourism. The
criteria can be used as guidelines in defining whether a business or product is actually ecotourism
or not. These principles state that ecotourism;
•
Contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage,
•
Includes local and indigenous communities in its planning, development and operation,
and contributes to their wellbeing,
•
Interprets the natural and cultural heritage to visitors and
•
Lends itself better to independent travellers, as well as to organized tours for small sized
groups.
It is very difficult for a business or organisation to fulfil all the criteria. The number of cases that
have managed to do this are very low.
The objectives of ecotourism are linked strongly to its principles and include the minimisation of
environmental impacts, social and cultural compatibility and political empowerment, financial
contribution to protected area management and conservation, the generation of benefits to local
communities and the creation of environmental awareness. Ecotourism as a business should
strive to be competitive and viable and should include effective management structures and
methods10.
Factors which can lead to a successful ecotourism business or product include;
•
Choosing attractive areas where there is a demand for ecotourism.
•
Using products, which are diverse and of a high standard of quality.
•
Good marketing and communication abilities.
•
Participatory planning and management, which compliment each other
•
Cooperation between all stakeholders involved.
•
Giving advice to and improving the skills/knowledge of the private tourism sector and the
local population.
•
Having a long term support network and adapted financial instruments11.
9
www.worldtourism.org/sustainable/IYE/quebec/cd/about/iye.htm
Taken from class notes, 13.12.04, from the module “ecotourism and rural tourism”
11
Adapted from: Class notes, 13,12,04, from the module ecotourism and rural tourism
10
7
Under these conditions it is possible for ecotourism to help “conserve biodiversity, ...alleviate
poverty in rural areas and…benefit groups of different stakeholders” (Buckley, 2003. p xiii).
2.3) Ecotourism and Protected Areas
Nature based tourism in all forms, including ecotourism, use PA’s as destinations. PA’s are,
however, considered to be one of the most effective tools for the implementation of ecotourism
and ecotourism is also seen as the ideal form of tourism for PA’s. It is a two way exchange and if
managed correctly the two can benefit each other considerably. “Tourism needs protected areas
since they are a profitable visitor attraction and at the same time local people and managers of
protected areas need the income that is generated by the tourism” 12 and the principles and
practices of ecotourism can lead to a good balance between conservation and tourism, ensuring
the minimum amount of impact to a PA, whilst getting the maximum benefit possible out of
tourism within the PA.
A PA is a specific area in which flora; fauna; habitats and cultural landscapes are protected, to
differing degrees, depending on the sensitivity of an area, from damage and interference from
human beings. The UNEP describes a PA as “An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to
the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural
resources, and managed through legal or other effective means”13.
There are many different types of PA’s around the world. Various types of habitats can be
designated a PA and the level of protection in the designated area also alters, for example, some
PA’s allow no access to tourists whatsoever, concentrating entirely on the conservation of the
area, some allow just a small degree of tourism and others a large amount of tourism. No matter
how large or small the level of tourism may be in a PA, conservation always remains an important
issue. Examples of PA categories defined by The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and there
uses and the level of tourism which may take place within them can be seen in appendix 1. There
are, however, approximately 34,036 additional PA’s around the world, which are not assigned to
these categories.
To be a successful ecotourism enterprise a PA should include and carefully consider the following
features and criteria.
1) The costs and benefits of a protected area and its tourism potential should be examined
carefully.
12
13
http//www.world-tourism.org/sustainable/IYE/quebec/cd/statmnts/pdfs/fogrce.PDF
http://www.unep-wcmc.org/index.html?http://www.unep-wcmc.org/protected_areas/data/nat2.htm~main
8
2) The attractions and products, which it can offer to tourists are important. These can be
divided into the original supply (attractions which are already available), including natural
attractions, such as habitats, scenery, flora and fauna, the climate etc., and cultural
attractions (historical monuments, culture in general etc.), and the derived supply
(features which should be added to make the area accessible and interesting for tourists),
examples of which are the infrastructure of a destination (walkways, directions,
information etc.) and facilities such as accommodation, shops, entertainment etc.
3) The infrastructure and services are extremely important. Infrastructure should include,
among others, facilities, which enhance experiences (hides, viewpoints etc.); roads, trails,
tracks etc. for getting around; signs stating regulations, directions and other information;
visitor centres, exhibitions, displays where information about the PA and its wildlife etc.
can be found; accommodation; reception area; other facilities such as shops and
restaurants. It should contribute to the destinations attractiveness to visitors, be
sustainable and be easy to use.
4) Information and interpretation of wildlife and other interesting features within the PA is
important. The depth of the information or interpretation provided depends on the type of
tourist. Environmental education is an important feature of a PA and can contribute to
widening peoples understanding and acceptance of sustainable principles.
5) The management of the resort should be geared towards creating minimum impact within
the PA. This can be achieved through zoning and other types of visitor management.
6) Local participation is particularly important, as is the participation and cooperation with,
as well as mutual respect for all stakeholders involved. Local participation can mean
either, that local people have a say in the planning and development of the area, or that
they benefit economically or socially from the PA through various projects carried out by
the PA authority in the local area.
The next section looks specifically at the PA Brownsea Island, which is part of the Poole Harbour
RAMSAR Site14 and is also designated a Special Protection Area (SPA15) and a Site of Specific
Scientific Interest16. Half of the island is a Nature Reserve, which is managed by Dorset Wildlife
Trust (DWT)17. The NT, who own the island and manage the other half, have specific powers to
declare the land that they own “inalienable”, which also acts as form of protection for the Island
against development.
14
RAMSAR Sites are Wetlands of international importance. There are 73 RAMSAR sites in the UK.
Special Protection Areas are designated by the European Commission Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. It is
an area, which protects wild birds and provides a diverse number of habitats to sustain decent sized bird populations.
16
A SSSI is a designation specific to the UK. It is designated to areas, which are considered to have flora, fauna or
geological or physiographical features of scientific interest. There are over 4000 SSSI’s in England.
17
More in section 3.3.
15
9
3) Brownsea Island
3.1) Situation and History
Brownsea Island (see Appendix 2) is situated at the entrance of Poole Harbour and is roughly 1.5
miles (2.4km) long and 0.75miles (1.2km) wide, making it the largest island out of the 5 found in
the harbour. Open to visitors between the beginning of March and the end of October, it is a
popular tourism destination. No cars are allowed on the island and tourists are generally not
allowed to stay over night 18. on the Island so the vast majority of tourists are day trippers, who
come for many reasons including for the wildlife, peace and tranquillity, the events, the beach and
woodland walks19.
In 2003 the Brownsea had over 107,000 visitors, including the normal day trippers, Scouts and
Guides, school parties, special interest groups and people who had come to watch the open air
theatre and join in other events. Brownsea Island can only be reached by boat from Poole Quay
and Sandbanks and entrance to the Island is on the southern side managed by the NT (see
appendix 3). Visitors must pay for the use of the ferry service and also, when they are not a
member of the NT, a landing fee when they reach the island. The Island has only 30 permanent
residents throughout the year.
Brownsea Island is such a popular destination due to its scenery, including a variety of different
habitats as well as many different types of flora and fauna. Habitats on the Island include
pinewood, saltmarsh, heathland, reed beds, beach etc. Brownsea is famous for the large number
of birds that come to the Island each year as well as its population of Red Squirrels, which is one
of only two populations which can still be found in England today. Deer, watervole and rabbits are
also found on the island as well as an abundance of insects, for example butterflies, dragonflies
and moths, and over sixty types of tree. Brownsea also supports a population of peacocks.
The Island (see appendix 4) is owned by the NT, who brought it in 1963. They, however, only
manage the southern side of the Island. 96.8 hectares of the Island on the northern side of
Brownsea is let by the NT to DWT, who run their half separately, as a nature reserve. The two
halves of the island have a relationship based on trust, which has grown through prior working
relationships on different projects, between the two organisations. The DWT is allowed to
manage their half of the Island on their own and can, within reason, develop it how they wish.
There has previously been little cooperation between the two halves of the Island, but this has
changed recently and, as a consequence, an Island wide development plan could be
implemented in the future.
18
There are, however, a few possibilities. These include a cottage let by the NT, scouting camps which often take place
on the Island and within the castle, which is a hotel leased to John Lewis (a high street store) and whose staff only are
allowed to reside there.
19
Email from Colin Williams, 24.02.05, DWT warden on Brownsea Island
10
Brownsea Island is considered a PA because of its rich amount of wildlife and habitats as well as
the policies and practices carried out on the island. Unusually for a Protected Area the different
halves of the Island are, however, managed very differently. This means that as a PA, Brownsea
Island can be split into two distinct halves or zones, one which focuses on the conservation side
of things and puts little emphasis on tourism (the DWT side) and one which gives more
importance to the tourism side of things but also fulfils nature conservation responsibilities (the
NT side). The next few sections will examine each of the different halves of Brownsea in more
detail, so that this difference can be seen more clearly.
3.2) The National Trust and its half of Brownsea Island.
3.2.1) The National Trust
To get a better perspective of the NT’s side of the Island and the way in which it is managed, a
detailed look at the NT, its views towards sustainable tourism and the environment is necessary.
The NT is a registered charity, independent of the government, founded in 189520 for the
“permanent preservation for the benefit of the nation of lands and tenements (including buildings)
of beauty or scientific interest and as regards lands for preservation… of their natural aspect
features and animal and plant life”21. It now looks after 248 000 hectares (612 000 acres) of
countryside in Britain as well as approximately 965.6km of coastline and has over 3 million
members. The NT looks after “forests, woods, fens, farmland, downs, moorland, islands,
archeological remains, nature reserves and villages”22. These properties23 are visited by almost
62 million visitors per year, which means that the NT has gained itself a significant role in the
tourism industry in Great Britain.
Its position and influence has meant that the government have given the NT the unique statutory
power to name any land that it buys inalienable. This means that land purchased by the NT
“cannot be voluntarily sold, mortgaged or compulsorily purchased against the trusts wishes
without special parliamentary procedure. This special power means that protection by the trust is
forever”24.
The Trust employs almost 4,000 full time staff and roughly the same amount of seasonal staff.
Each year approximately 38,000 volunteers help in many ways in the running and conservation of
20
It was founded by Miss Octavis Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/nat_con/_fs/fs_natur.htm
22
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/nationaltrust/facts.html
23
Pay for entry properties, coastal and countryside properties.
24
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/nationaltrust/facts.html
21
11
NT properties. Education is also important to the NT and over 500 000 school children visit NT
sites each year 25.
The NT has a firm stand where sustainable tourism and the environment is concerned and it
believes that sustainable tourism is the way forward, “the National Trust believes that the prime
objective of any tourism strategy must be to protect the environment on which tourism depends. If
Tourism impacts too much on the environment, visitors may degrade the very thing they are
coming to enjoy. A sustainable approach must also embrace the social and economic effects of
tourism ensuring that visitors enjoy their visit, local economies benefit, living standards are
protected and the skills of local people are harnessed”26. It has been previously known as an
environmental organisation and has recently started taking the steps towards becoming a
“sustainability organisation”.
3.2.2) The National Trust on Brownsea Island
The NT on Brownsea Island strives to assert the policies and practices of the organisation on
their half of Brownsea. This tourism and features on this half of Brownsea will now be explored.
The number of visitors entering Brownsea Island each year varies between around 95 000 and
110 000. The numbers of visitors are managed through the access to the Island by boat, which
only run at certain times through out the day. This automatically restricts the number of visitors.
Fees are also a way to restrict them and have to be paid to reach the island and also for entering
the island. The fees are used to fund work and improvements carried out on the Island. Tourism
on the NT side of the Island is emphasised more than conservation, this means that the number
of visitors to that half of the Island does not have to be restricted too dramatically. Unfortunately
due to a lack of information other methods of visitor management can not be confirmed, but the
use of fencing and signs forbidding entrance to certain areas are highly likely to be used for
keeping the tourists away from certain areas.
The habitats on the NT side of the Island, part of the Islands original attractions, include sandy
and pebbly beaches, meadows, mixed woodland and pine woodland and heathland (see
appendix 5 for examples of habitats on the NT side). Peacocks are also mainly found on this side
of the island and can be seen strutting across the open grassland throughout the day. In addition
to the habitats and wildlife there are also cultural attractions on Brownsea. On the NT side among
others these include; St Mary’s church, a memorial stone of the very first Scout camp, which took
place on Brownsea, the ruins of Maryland village and the remains of an old pottery works.
This half of the Island also has a lot more to offer in the form of services and infrastructure (the
derived supply). The Infrastructure includes a number of view point dotted around the coast line,
and a public hide near the entrance of the island. There are also marked trails for walks around
25
26
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/nationaltrust/facts.html
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/env_iss/_fs/fs_envir.htm
12
the Island and a main mud track, which leads around the island. This is primarily present for use
of the Land rovers on the Island used by the wardens to get around. Infrastructure related to
information consists of, a visitor centre, signs for directions, and an information centre on the
quay. Brownsea also offers a few exhibitions near to the quay and information in the public hides
on wildlife found on Brownsea, an information island video show as well as toilet facilities, one
Scout camp ground and a cottage for accommodation. There is a sweet shop, a tea room as well
as a shop selling NT souvenirs also near the quay at the entrance to the Island. Not available to
tourist but still considered infrastructure is the castle hotel, owned by John Lewis and the houses
of the 30 permanent residents on the island. There are also appropriate facilities for disabled
visitors, especially those which are partially sighted.
Products and services offered on the NT half are mainly the many different events put on
throughout the time the island is open to the public, e.g. church services, performances at the
open air theatre, events for children and families etc. Tourists visiting the Island can spend their
time walking, admiring the views, sitting on the beach, having picnics and are generally left to
their own devices.
4.3) The Dorset Wildlife Trust and its half of Brownsea Island.
4.3.1) The Dorset Wildlife Trust.
In this section the DWT as an organisation will be observed. This should create a better
understanding of how the side of the Island managed by the DWT is managed and why it is
managed the way that it is.
The DWT was founded in 1961. It is a registered charity like the NT, but it is a lot smaller because
it is based in the county of Dorset, in England. It was set up with the aim “to protect the wildlife
and natural habitats of the county”27 and is now the largest voluntary organisation in Dorset with
more than 18 000 members, 38 staff and around 600 volunteers. The DWT also leases or owns
35 nature reserves across Dorset, which are visited by over 200 000 people per year and runs a
number of additional projects, that aim to improve habitats for wildlife outside of PA’s28.
It is one of a network of 47 local Wildlife Trusts across the UK “dedicated to Wildlife protection”29.
Together these Wildlife Trusts form the UK’s most important conservation charity, The Wildlife
Trusts partnership.
27
http://wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/aboutdwt/index.htm
http://wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/aboutdwt/index.htm
29
http://wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/aboutdwt/index.htm
28
13
Unlike the NT, the DWT is not a tourism orientated charity. Its priority is conservation, which it
carries out through its nature reserves and wildlife sites, where it protects flora, fauna and
habitats. It is, however, also a firm believer in sustainable development and its vision is “a
sustainable future for Dorset’s wildlife and people, where nature conservation contributes to
everyone’s quality of life and that of future generations”30. They also use their influence to try and
increase peoples understanding and appreciation of wildlife, as well as to attempt to change the
practices of people that effect the environment the most, e.g. farmers, developers etc.
4.3.2) The Dorset Wildlife Trust on Brownsea Island.
The half of Brownsea Island, which is managed by the DWT, like that of the NT, also conforms to
the principles and practices of the DWT. From looking at both the organisations, which contribute
to the management of Brownsea Island, and observing their dissimilarities, it should now be clear
why the two halves are so different and why they require different types of management.
The DWT have leased their half of the island since 1963, when the NT brought the island, and it
is let to them on a 25 year contract by the NT.
In comparison to the number of visitors, which land on the southern side of Brownsea each year,
the number of visitors who came to the DWT reserve are relatively small. In 2004 only
approximately 9,719 people, of the 107 000 visiting Brownsea, entered the reserve. The visitor
numbers are, however, small for a reason. The number of visitors to the reserve is purposefully
restricted in various ways to insure that the nature conservation responsibilities of the DWT are
not compromised31. These methods include charging fees for access to the reserve and for
guided tours, which naturally controls number, there is also a divide between the NT side and the
DWT reserve across most of the island, so that, generally, visitors only enter and leave by the
main gate to the reserve. During the busiest summer months, access to the reserve is severely
restricted for visitors because it is only open for one public guided tour per day. There also
methods of visitor management within the reserve, to stop visitors from entering particularly
sensitive areas, for example fenced off areas or signs forbidding access.
Habitats and wildlife, the original attractions, found on this side of the island are much more
numerous than on the NT half. Particular to this half are habitats such as a fresh water reedbed
and wetland, two acid lakes, created by peat digging in the second half of the 18th century, a large
saline lagoon and Scots and Maritime Pine woodland. Among other wildlife red squirrels are
abundant on this half of the island and can be observed live on the television in the visitor centre
through a special link which has been set up outside. Deer can also be found. Many types of
birds can be found on the lagoon and can be watched from a few of the hides. There is also a
30
31
http://wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/aboutdwt/index.htm
Email from Colin Williams, 24.02.05, DWT warden on Brownsea Island
14
heronry where many herons and storks come to breed (see appendix 6 for examples of habitats
and wildlife on this side).
Infrastructure and services in the reserve are much less than on the NT side. There are many
hides for watching the wildlife, dotted around the reserve. There is a larger dirt track running the
length of the reserve, for easy access to areas in the reserve where conservation work is being
carried out, where materials and waste, e.g. plant cuttings, may need to be cleared away. All
other routes are smaller tracks, which can be used to walk around the reserve. The rest of the
reserve is fairly undeveloped and there is only one building near the centre of the reserve. This is
an old Victorian house, where the reserve wardens live and the lower floor is equipped with a
kitchen and bunks, where volunteers have their breaks or sleep when they are staying over a
longer period of time. It should be mentioned here that all water and electricity supply for
Brownsea comes across from the mainland in underwater pipes. The Villa is also home to the
visitor centre for the reserve.
Information and interpretation is an important issue for the reserve. The times of Its guided tours
are written by the public hide on the NT’s half so that people arriving on the island are informed.
Guided tours are offered around the reserve in the busiest months but normally leaflets are
available at the entrance to the reserve so that visitors can take a self-guided tour. There are, as
mentioned above, a number of hides around the reserve where information can be found on the
wildlife expected in that area. In the visitor centre there is plenty of information in the forms of
displays and exhibitions, about the wildlife in and the work done on the reserve.
4) Brownsea Island: Ecotourism Destination?
Using the main characteristics of ecotourism from the basic criteria listed in section 2, this chapter
will apply them to Brownsea Island in an attempt to analyse whether Brownsea can be
considered a tourism destination where ecotourism takes place or whether the tourism on the
island should only be referred to as nature tourism.
4.1) Nature Based Tourism on Brownsea
Brownsea Island is, as a PA, nature based. It is unusual because it is a small island with only 30
permanent inhabitants and the only area on the island which can be considered to be built up is
the area around the entrance quay. The rest of the island, although managed by rangers and
volunteers, is made up of fairly natural habitats.
The products or events offered by the half of the island manage by the NT differ in the level in
which they are nature based. Some are very cultural, for example the theatre events which are
15
put on Brownsea. Can these still be considered nature based because they take place outdoors
in a natural setting? Others involve guided tours looking specifically at the different types of
biodiversity on the island.
The DWT normally offer a self guided tour around the Nature Reserve and in the months of the
year where tourism on Brownsea is at its busiest only one public guided tour per day is offered.
Private tours are also available if booked in advance.
4.2) The Islands contribution to the Conservation of Biodiversity.
The NT and the DWT are both organisations, which lay a lot of importance on sustainability and
conservation, even if it is to varying levels. As mentioned previously the NT is an organisation,
which not only emphasises the importance of the conservation and sustainable development of
its properties, but also acknowledges the importance of the public, the role that they play in the
funding of the organisation as well as the fact that they should be given the opportunity to enjoy
the beautiful scenery that the trust upholds. This philosophy is therefore echoed in the way that
the NT run their half of Brownsea. Conservation and biodiversity are still considered extremely
important, but there must be a good balance between it and the tourism on the island. NT rangers
and volunteers work together on the conservation work on the NT’s half.
Conservation is the main focus of the DWT, who also allocate considerable importance to the
principles of sustainable development. Tourism is only an issue in respect to environmental
education and the financing their of reserves and other areas that they manage. This
concentration is again echoed on the side of the island that they managed. Visitors are restricted
in various ways and the tours through the reserve are based on the wildlife and habitats found
along the routes. There are also two wardens, who live in the reserve and work together with
many volunteers, 400 – 700 volunteer days are worked per year in the reserve, to coordinate and
manage the various habitats found in the reserve. The volunteers main jobs include: ‘manning’
the trail and visitor centre, conducting public and booked private tours, bird counts and practical
habitat work, e.g. rhododendron clearing.
4.3) Brownsea Island’s interpretation/ learning experience
Environmental education is also an important aspect for the NT and the DWT. Both organisations
see that the properties they manage and the way they are managed, with emphasis on
conservation and sustainability, can be used in positive ways to increase environmental
awareness of visitors and to introduce the principles of sustainability to a wider audience.
Both sides of Brownsea Island have a visitor centre, with particular information the wildlife and h
on each side of the island. They are also both equipped an education room, with suitable
16
materials for investigations and other hands on activities. The NT side also has an informative
video and exhibitions about the history of Brownsea Island as well as information in the reception.
In many of the hides on the island there are pictures and details on the wildlife that can be found
in the habitats that can be seen. School groups are particularly encouraged and a number of
subjects, including natural history, geography, leisure and tourism etc. can be investigated on the
island.
The NT side also have a variety of events, for families and other visitors, which aim to introduce
people to the wildlife and habitats on their half of the island. The DWT offer self guided tours and
public guided tours around the reserve. There are very few signs around the island giving
interpretive information about the wildlife etc. The DWT side admit that this is an area, which
needs to be developed32.
4.4) Minimal impact management on the island
The principles of both organisations means that minimum impact management is an important
issue for them both.
The NT “is committed to the development and demonstration of best environmental practice in all
its operations”33. It has also developed a programme, which states by when certain measures
should be implemented in their properties34. It is also currently looking at ways in which it can
become more sustainable in its policies and practices. The changes which they make in regards
to sustainability will effect and be carried out by all of their properties including Brownsea Island.
Unfortunately a lack of information on the specific management plan for the NT’s side of the
island, means that in regards to the NT this question is unable to be answered as fully as
possible.
Unfortunately little information about the management plan of the DWT also means that this
question can not be answered properly. The fact that they restrict visitors coming into the reserve
to reduce their impact on the flora and fauna is a start. They govern their half of the island by a
five year management plan and is written by the reserve manager, based on present and
previous experience gained on the reserve. It details what work should be carried out on the
reserve day by day and month by month. It has to be approved by the NT, the Brownsea reserve
committee and the DWT council35. Unfortunately this document is confidential and further details
are therefore unavailable.
32
Email from Colin Williams, 06.03.05, DWT warden on Brownsea Island
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/env_iss/papers/envissu1.htm
34
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/env_iss/papers/envissu1.htm
35
Information from an email from Colin Williams, assistant warden on the reserve, sent on 03.03.05.
33
17
4.5) Participation and cooperation on Brownsea
Brownsea Island is a special case where participation is concerned. The island is inhabited by so
few people that the development and management of the island has little impact on them. There
are probably also no other stakeholders involved or effected, except the organisations which
manage the island.
With the NT and the DWT participation is heavily weighted around benefits for the local
community. The NT has a variety of projects, which it is working on that involve the mainland.
One of these is work with deprived children on the mainland. They have a number of links with
schools in deprived areas of the local mainland and organise trips to Brownsea, with the schools,
for the children, who seem to benefit enormously from their time on Brownsea Island. They are
also part of the Harbour Challenge Scheme, which was set up to give children, from a local
housing estate with a disreputable name, the opportunity to learn how to sail. They are also
members of The Dorset Biodiversity Partnership, along with 34 other organisations, which aims to
reverse the decline in Dorset’s biodiversity through collaborative action.
Due to lack of information, it is uncertain whether the DWT on the island are also involved with
community projects.
People living on Brownsea Island are only allowed a say in issues, which affect their life styles,
e.g. boat times, recycling etc. They are not involved with the overall management and planning
on the island. Locals can only influence the planning and management on Brownsea through
volunteering36.
5) Conclusion
Ecotourism is a tourism sector which is increasing and continually gaining in importance in a
world, which seems to be dividing into forms of sustainable and non-sustainable tourism. It is a
form of nature based tourism, which plays an important rule in sustainable tourism, due to its
ability to inform people about sustainable principles.
Ecotourism and PAs have an especially important relationship. If PA’s adopt the principles of
ecotourism for tourism which takes place within their boundaries, and they are managed well, the
two have the ability to complement each other well, protecting the biodiversity within the PA,
whilst allowing tourism to take place with minimum impact on the environment. Ecotourism in a
PA can also bring benefits to the local population as well as the PA.
36
Email from Colin Williams, Assistant Warden for the DWT, 06.03.05.
18
This essay examined in detail an example of a PA in England and tried to ascertain, whether this
PA could be described as ecotourism. The PA described was Brownsea Island, a designated
SSSI, SPA and RAMSAR site, situated in Poole Harbour, south of England.
Brownsea Island is a particularly unusual PA, because of the way that it is split into two halves.
The first is managed by the NT and the second by the DWT. Tourism takes place on both halves
and conservation is an important issue for both organisations but the emphasis on each half is
different, which leads to each half being managed differently.
Defining ecotourism is problematic, due to the fact that there is no one overall definition for the
term. There are, however, criteria which should be fulfilled for a business or organisation to be
worthy of the label “ecotourism”. To fulfil all these criteria is an extremely difficult task and as a
consequence there are very few ecotourism businesses or organisations which have fulfilled
them all.
This essay used the criteria as a means to analyse, whether the tourism on Brownsea Island is
ecotourism or whether it is just a form of nature tourism. Through looking in depth at the tourism
on Brownsea, the organisations which manage it and the criteria, it can be seen that the tourism
on Brownsea Island can be described as ecotourism. The tourism taking place on the half of the
DWT, maybe more so than that managed by the NT.
Due to too little information on some of the criteria, it could not be seen whether all of the
ecotourism criteria were fulfilled. Strengths were that Brownsea Island is nature based and offers
nature based products, the interpretation and education offered on Brownsea and its contribution
to biodiversity. Weaknesses seem to be the level of local involvement in the development of the
island, in respect to local inhabitants and tourism businesses, and also the use of minimal impact
management on the island. This could, however, not be examined properly because of lack of
information and privacy reasons.
With one last look at TIES definition of ecotourism, “responsible travel to natural areas that
conserves the environment and promotes the well-being of local people” (Strasdas, 2002. p.5). it
can be concluded that Brownsea Island can be described as an ecotourism destination.
Morwenna Parkyn
06.03.05
19
5) Bibliography
Books and reports:
BLARNEY, R.K. in:
Ed. Weaver, D (2001), The Encyclopedia of Ecotourism (tourism). CAB International,
Wallingford,UK.
BUCKLEY, R (2003), Case Studies in Ecotourism. CAB International, Wallingford,UK.
STRASDAS, W (2001), Ökotourismus in der Praxis. Studiekreis für Tourismus und
Entwicklung, Ammerland, Germany.
STRASDAS, W (2002), The Ecotourism Training Manual for Protected Area Managers.
German Foundation for International Development, Zschotau, Germany.
WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION (2002), Sustainable development of ecotourism. A
compilation of good practices. World Tourism Organisation.
Internet sites:
1) Resume of Ceballos- Lascuráin
• 03.05. http://www.ceballos-lascurain.com/english/news.htm
2) The Ecotourism Statistical Fact Sheet
• 02.05. http://www.ecotourism.org/research/stats/files/stats.pdf
2) Main site for Forum International
• 03.05. http://www.foruminternational.com/home.shtml
• 03.05. http://www.foruminternational.com/afewwords.shtml
3) Multimap.com
• 02.05.
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=403200&Y=87800&scale=25000
4)The National Trust
Main Site
• 02.05.http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Article: “Position Statement. Sustainable Tourism”.
• 02.05.http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/env_iss/_fs/fs_envir.htm
Article: “Environmental Principles”
• 02.05.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/env_iss/papers/envissu1.htm
20
Article: “Bridging a Gap”
• 02.05
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/features/papers/islands02.htm
Article: “The National Trust: A Nature Conservation Organisation”
• 02.05. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/nat_con/_fs/fs_natur.htm
Facts about the National Trust.
• 02.05.http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/nationaltrust/facts.html
Brownsea Islands main site
• 02.05.http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/brownsea/
• 02.05.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/brownsea/html/visitor%20info/0genframe.htm
• 03.05.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/brownsea/html/photopages/views/woodland.htm
• 03.05.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/brownsea/html/photopages/views/pond.htm
Article: “Stepping Stones to Sustainability”
• 02.05.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/environment/html/env_iss/papers/stepping01.htm
5) Naturnet.
Main Page
• 03.03. http://www.naturenet.net/index.html
Ramsar definition
• 03.05. http://www.naturenet.net/status/ramsar.html
Special Protected Area definition
• 03.05. http://www.naturenet.net/status/spa.html
Site of Special Scientific Interest definition
• 03.05. http://www.naturenet.net/status/sssi.html
6) United Nations Environmental Programme
Designated Protected Area Database
• 03.05. http://www.unep-wcmc.org/index.html?http://www.unepwcmc.org/protected_areas/data/nat2.htm~main
List of Protected Areas, 2003
• 03.05. http://www.unep-wcmc.org/index.html?http://www.unepwcmc.org/protected_areas/UN_list/index.htm~main
7) RAMSAR site
• 03.05. http://www.wetlands.org/RSDB/default.htm
8) The Dorset Wildlife Trust
Main Site
• 02.05. http://wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/aboutdwt/index.htm
9) The Wildlife Trusts partnership
Main Site
• 03.05. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=home
10) The World Tourism Organisation
• 03.05. http://www.org/sustainable/IYE/quebec/anglais/declaration.html
• 03.05. http://www.org/sustainable/IYE/quebec/cd/about/iye.htm
21
• 03.05.
http://www.world-tourism.org/sustainable/IYE/quebec/cd/about/iye.htm#whatis
Article: “Ecotourism and Protected Areas”
• 03.05. http://www.org/sustainable/IYE/quebec/cd/statmnts/pdfs/fogrce.PDF
Class Notes:
13.12.04. Background and definitions. Module: Ecotourism and rural tourism.
16.12.04. Ecotourism in Protected Areas. Module: Ecotourism and rural tourism
Other sources:
Emails from Colin Williams, DWT warden on Brownsea Island. From the 24.02.05, 03,03.05 and
06,03,05
22
6) Appendices
Appendix 1
Source: Taken from class notes from 16.12.04. Module
Ecotourism and Rural Tourism
Source: http://www.unep-wcmc.org/index.html?http://www.unepwcmc.org/protected_areas/UN_list/index.htm~main
23
Appendix 2.
Arial view of Brownsea Island
Source: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/brownsea/
Map of Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour
Source: http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=403200&Y=87800&scale=25000
24
Appendix 3
The entrance to Brownsea Island on the southern side.
Photo: Morwenna Parkyn, 2004.
Appendix 4
Outline map of Brownsea Island
Source: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/brownsea/html/visitor%20info/0genframe.htm
25
Appendix 5
A piece of the south coast of Brownsea Island
Photo: Morwenna Parkyn, 2004
An example of the woodland on the NT side of Brownsea Island.
Photo: Joe Cornish, 1999
(http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/brownsea/html/photopages/views/woodland.htm)
The Lilly Pond on the National Trusts half of the Island
Photo: Joe Cornish, 1999
(http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/places/brownsea/html/photopages/views/pond.htm)
26
Appendix 6
The Lagoon with views across to the mainland
Photo: Morwenna Parkyn, 2004.
Pine Woodland on the DWT side of Brownsea
Photo: Morwenna Parkyn, 2004.
Beach on the northern shore
Photo: Morwenna Parkyn, 2004.
27