Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourism in Protected Areas

Following the new paradigm of protected areas (PAs) most parts of the literature focus on the importance of the local community and their cultural heritage for a PA in achieving its conservation and development goals. However, few studies have addressed the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of a local community living within a PA and its possible relationship with tourism. In addition, the notion of ICH is taken as an emerging topic in the academic environments; therefore, up to know there is little indication of the role and manifestation of ICH in tourism within the boundaries of PAs. In many cases, tourism and the local community usually are considered as two fundamental aspects for the development and prosperity of a PA. Also, a considerable part of ICH of the local community living in a PA is linked to the surrounding natural features in many ways. Regarding these relationships, a tripartite interconnection between the concepts of ICH, tourism, and PAs is identifiable. With regard to this interconnection, a question arises about what the possible role and manifestation of ICH are in tourism in a PA. In fact, this question addresses the possible ways that ICH contributes to tourism within the territories of PAs. To answer this question and to fill a part of the gap in the literature, this research project is an attempt to explore the potential and possible role, and the manifestation of ICH in tourism in a PA from the perspective of locals and visitors. The empirical phase of this research project was conducted in the first declared geopark in the Middle-East; Qeshm Island Geopark (QIG) is located in the Persian Gulf in the south of Iran. Applying an ethnography, qualitative semi-structured interviews and participant observation were used over six months to explore the research objective among the natural and cultural landscapes of QIG. Applying thematic network analysis to analyse the rich empirical information, two global themes supported by six organizing themes were identified. In general, the intangible cultural asset is presented as a set of “opportunities” for a tourism setting in a PA. This thesis also outlines a set of “challenges” in the way of ICH promotion in tourism in a PA. Exploring the roles that the intangible aspect of local culture can take in a PA’s tourism, as well as the existing, and potential challenges in the way, this thesis provides an avenue towards a greater understanding of the area of the relationship between tourism in PAs and culture of the local community. Notably, this understanding supports the principles and objectives of the new paradigm of PAs. I believe that the implication of this research is transferable and applicable to different types of PAs across the world, PAs that are populated by a human community (ies), and also are open to tourism

Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourism in Protected Areas

Following the new paradigm of protected areas (PAs) most parts of the literature focus on the importance of the local community and their cultural heritage for a PA in achieving its conservation and development goals. However, few studies have addressed the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of a local community living within a PA and its possible relationship with tourism. In addition, the notion of ICH is taken as an emerging topic in the academic environments; therefore, up to know there is little indication of the role and manifestation of ICH in tourism within the boundaries of PAs. In many cases, tourism and the local community usually are considered as two fundamental aspects for the development and prosperity of a PA. Also, a considerable part of ICH of the local community living in a PA is linked to the surrounding natural features in many ways. Regarding these relationships, a tripartite interconnection between the concepts of ICH, tourism, and PAs is identifiable. With regard to this interconnection, a question arises about what the possible role and manifestation of ICH are in tourism in a PA. In fact, this question addresses the possible ways that ICH contributes to tourism within the territories of PAs. To answer this question and to fill a part of the gap in the literature, this research project is an attempt to explore the potential and possible role, and the manifestation of ICH in tourism in a PA from the perspective of locals and visitors. The empirical phase of this research project was conducted in the first declared geopark in the Middle-East; Qeshm Island Geopark (QIG) is located in the Persian Gulf in the south of Iran. Applying an ethnography, qualitative semi-structured interviews and participant observation were used over six months to explore the research objective among the natural and cultural landscapes of QIG. Applying thematic network analysis to analyse the rich empirical information, two global themes supported by six organizing themes were identified. In general, the intangible cultural asset is presented as a set of “opportunities” for a tourism setting in a PA. This thesis also outlines a set of “challenges” in the way of ICH promotion in tourism in a PA. Exploring the roles that the intangible aspect of local culture can take in a PA’s tourism, as well as the existing, and potential challenges in the way, this thesis provides an avenue towards a greater understanding of the area of the relationship between tourism in PAs and culture of the local community. Notably, this understanding supports the principles and objectives of the new paradigm of PAs. I believe that the implication of this research is transferable and applicable to different types of PAs across the world, PAs that are populated by a human community (ies), and also are open to tourism

The effects of stakeholder education and capacity building in marine protected areas: a case study from southern Mozambique

Stakeholder engagement is a critical component of marine protected area (MPA) management. Education and capacity-building initiatives, in particular, have the potential to empower stakeholders, promote collaboration, create a culture of marine stewardship and encourage alternative and sustainable livelihoods. Empirical evidence on the impacts of these initiatives on stakeholders and MPAs is however still lacking. This study tested the impact of an ocean literacy, marine education and environmental monitoring initiative on stakeholders' views of conservation, community and livelihood in the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR) in southern Mozambique. Data were collected via two focus groups, one before and one after participation in the initiative. Stakeholders who participated in this research included representatives from governance, tourism and education sectors in the PPMR. Participation in the initiative had a positive effect on stakeholders' views of conservation, community and livelihood. Following the initiative, some of these views became more aligned with the goals of the PPMR, while others highlighted important issues to be addressed by management. This study demonstrates the bilateral nature of stakeholder engagement in MPAs, including stakeholder empowerment and steering management strategie