Preface: Special Issue on Environmental Impact of Nature‐Based Tourism.

Tourism is growing rapidly throughout the world, including nature‐based tourism, but natural habitats are shrinking. How do we avoid damaging what is left as an increasing number of visitors wish to experience nature or enjoy adventure or relaxation in natural surroundings? This issue explores various environmental impact factors, from the physical effects of trampling through the disturbance of wildlife to the attitudes of visitors and how well‐run tourism ventures might modify their behavior

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Welfare of Animals in Australia

We report on the various responses in Australia during 2020 to minimize negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the welfare of animals. Most organizations and individuals with animals under their care had emergency preparedness plans in place for various scenarios; however, the restrictions on human movement to contain the spread of COVID-19, coupled with the economic impact and the health effects of COVID-19 on the skilled workforce, constituted a new threat to animal welfare for which there was no blueprint. The spontaneous formation of a national, multisectoral response group on animal welfare, consisting of more than 34 organizations with animals under their care, facilitated information flow during the crisis, which helped to mitigate some of the shocks to different organizations and to ensure continuity of care for animals during the pandemic. We conclude that animal welfare is a shared responsibility, and accordingly, a multisectoral approach to animal welfare during a crisis is required. Our experience demonstrates that to safeguard animal welfare during crises, nations should consider the following: a national risk assessment, clear communication channels, contingency plans for animal welfare, a crisis response group, and support systems for animal care providers. Our findings and recommendations from the Australian context may inform other countries to ensure that animal welfare is not compromised during the course of unpredictable events

Nature Conservation and Nature-Based Tourism: A Paradox?

Throughout the world, areas have been reserved for their exceptional environmental values, such as high biodiversity. Financial, political and community support for these protected areas is often dependent on visitation by nature-based tourists. This visitation inevitably creates environmental impacts, such as the construction and maintenance of roads, tracks and trails; trampling of vegetation and erosion of soils; and propagation of disturbance of resilient species, such as weeds. This creates tension between the conservation of environmental values and visitation. This review examines some of the main features of environmental impacts by nature-based tourists through a discussion of observational and manipulative studies. It explores the disturbance context and unravels the management implications of detecting impacts and understanding their causes. Regulation of access to visitor areas is a typical management response, qualified by the mode of access (e.g., vehicular, ambulatory). Managing access and associated impacts are reviewed in relation to roads, tracks and trails; wildlife viewing; and accommodations. Responses to visitor impacts, such as environmental education and sustainable tour experiences are explored. The review concludes with ten recommendations for further research in order to better resolve the tension between nature conservation and nature-based tourism

Australian wildlife tourism and research network

[Extract] Many operators working in the field of wildlife tourism - be they tour guides, zoo-keepers or eco-accommodation managers - have a demonstrable interest in the natural history, ecology, behaviour and conservation of wildlife. They are also often very well situated to collect data, as they either live or work in areas rich in biodiversity or harbouring particular species of interest. Some have scientific backgrounds, and others are enthusiastic, self-taught naturalists who are happy to work with scientists or to be trained in the essentials of data collection, whether for research publication or monitoring for conservation management, improved husbandry practices or enhancement of nature interpretation. Working in partnership with other operators, as well as scientists and educators, they have the potential to contribute substantially to scientific research, education and conservation

Australian wildlife tourism and research network

[Extract] Many operators working in the field of wildlife tourism - be they tour guides, zoo-keepers or eco-accommodation managers - have a demonstrable interest in the natural history, ecology, behaviour and conservation of wildlife. They are also often very well situated to collect data, as they either live or work in areas rich in biodiversity or harbouring particular species of interest. Some have scientific backgrounds, and others are enthusiastic, self-taught naturalists who are happy to work with scientists or to be trained in the essentials of data collection, whether for research publication or monitoring for conservation management, improved husbandry practices or enhancement of nature interpretation. Working in partnership with other operators, as well as scientists and educators, they have the potential to contribute substantially to scientific research, education and conservation

Nature Conservation and Nature-Based Tourism: A Paradox?

Throughout the world, areas have been reserved for their exceptional environmental values, such as high biodiversity. Financial, political and community support for these protected areas is often dependent on visitation by nature-based tourists. This visitation inevitably creates environmental impacts, such as the construction and maintenance of roads, tracks and trails; trampling of vegetation and erosion of soils; and propagation of disturbance of resilient species, such as weeds. This creates tension between the conservation of environmental values and visitation. This review examines some of the main features of environmental impacts by nature-based tourists through a discussion of observational and manipulative studies. It explores the disturbance context and unravels the management implications of detecting impacts and understanding their causes. Regulation of access to visitor areas is a typical management response, qualified by the mode of access (e.g., vehicular, ambulatory). Managing access and associated impacts are reviewed in relation to roads, tracks and trails; wildlife viewing; and accommodations. Responses to visitor impacts, such as environmental education and sustainable tour experiences are explored. The review concludes with ten recommendations for further research in order to better resolve the tension between nature conservation and nature-based tourism