Balancing Tourism with Conservation
Balancing Tourism with Conservation: Preserving the Trails, Land & Waterways We Love...
Introduction
The allure of the great outdoors beckons adventurers and tourists alike. Growing up in the great state of Montana, I feel especially-fortunate to have wilderness in my backyard. And, I appreciate the value of sharing this with others, especially because it means the more people who appreciate the outdoors means that more people will support preserving it, too. However, the growing influx of tourism presents both an opportunity and a challenge—and it's worth revisiting this topic often. As a sports, tourism, and outdoor brands marketer I frequently-ponder the critical balance between promoting our natural treasures and ensuring their conservation. Here is my contribution to the conversation...
Montana's Stats
According to the latest report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), outdoor recreation accounted for 4.3% of Montana's gross domestic product, positioning the state third in the U.S. based on the proportion of its economy associated with outdoor recreation's economic impact. Quoting Melissa Weddell, Director of the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana,“Montana’s contribution is impressive, with the outdoor recreation economy driving $2.9 billion in economic output and providing support for 29,450 jobs across the state,” . Further, their research shows that in 2022 outdoor recreation was 4.3% of our state GDP, ranking us 3rd in the nation for GDP. How fascinating! Simply stated, outdoor recreation fuels Montana's economy as much as it fuels our personal enjoyment.
Integrating Conservation with Tourism
The integration of conservation efforts with tourism not only enhances the tourist experience but also promotes sustainable practices. Outdoor & Tourism brands have a wonderful opportunity to steward sustainable practices to a captive audience. Here are some ways this can be achieved:
Eco-certifications: Encouraging businesses to achieve eco-certifications can drive sustainable practices across the industry. It also shows prospective tourist customers that you support causes that matter to them.
Guided tours: Employing knowledgeable guides who can educate tourists on local ecology and conservation efforts enriches the visitor experience and raises awareness.
Conservation Fees: Implementing fees that directly fund conservation projects helps maintain and restore natural sites. Especially with increased use, we need these measures. Admittedly, no one likes an additional fee, but it is small and put to great use.
Outdoor Ambassadors: I love the Clark Fork Coalition's River Ambassador jobs that they hire for each summer. This is a beautiful example of providing leadership that sets the example and educates people on how to enjoy the river safely and sustainably. This yields better results than a punishment or shame-based model would. It provides a pathway for everyday folk to take action and encourages asking questions when someone doesn't know the right choice.
Outdoor brands have a unique position to influence and enact change. By promoting and practicing responsible tourism, these brands can lead by example, showing that business success and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Strategies might include:
Guided Tours: Guides are incredible humans with a capacity for storytelling, and they care about the natural world on a deep level. When guiding trips, guests are captivated by the hero who is making their adventure possible. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage sustainable practices.
Adventure Tourism Companies can be part of the solution by modeling sustainable practices. Encouraging reusable water bottles and meal preparation gear is just the start! What else can you model?
Product lines that give back: Sales from specific products can support conservation projects. One Percent For The Planet is a great example that comes to mind, or your outdoor brand can support a local organization that is doing great work. When selecting product lines to support your company can align with brands that further conservation efforts.
Awareness campaigns: How can you utilize your platforms to educate the public about conservation issues and solutions? If you'd like some inspiration check out the national parks social media accounts. Many of them share helpful info about visiting the parks in a humorous way that disarms viewers and invites everyone to join in the conversation. This can be woven into your brand's narrative without compromising the quality of your marketing. In fact, it strengthens it by positioning you as a thought leader alongside being an industry leader.
Partnerships: Collaborating with conservation groups to fund or volunteer in restoration projects goes a long way! We can do this any time of the year, not just on Earth Day (no shade on Earth Day...).
Conclusion
Balancing tourism with trail, land, and waterway conservation is an ongoing challenge that requires cooperation, innovation, and commitment. As stewards of nature, both businesses and tourists have the responsibility to ensure that the thrill of discovery and the serenity of nature will be accessible for generations to come.
By championing conservation through our strategies and communications, Missoula Leads not only advances the interests of our clients in the sports, tourism, and outdoor sectors but also contributes to the vital mission of preserving our planet’s natural beauty and resources.
The Case for Preservation
Tourism undeniably contributes to local and national economies. But this economic gain must not come at the expense of the environment. The degradation of trails, pollution of waterways, and erosion of landscapes can have irreversible impacts on biodiversity and risk harming, or destroying, natural sites.
Preservation efforts focus on maintaining the integrity and sustainability of these natural resources, ensuring that they continue to thrive for future generations. For outdoor brands, these efforts are not just about corporate responsibility—they're about safeguarding the very foundation of their business.
Trail Preservation: More Than Just Paths
Trail preservation is crucial in preventing soil erosion, protecting habitat, and minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. Well-maintained trails direct tourists along designated paths, reducing vegetation damage and disturbances to wildlife. For instance, switching to durable materials like gravel or boardwalks in high-traffic areas can significantly reduce the trail’s wear and tear, maintaining natural aesthetics and functionality.
Land Conservation: The Broader Canvas
Land conservation initiatives often involve collaborations between non-profits, government agencies, and local communities. These programs aim to protect and restore lands from the adverse effects of overuse. Techniques such as controlled burns, reforestation, and native planting not only enhance the ecological health of these areas but also maintain their allure for nature enthusiasts.
Water Conservation: The Lifeblood of Ecosystems
Water bodies are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of tourism. Conservation efforts here focus on pollution control, sustainable water sports practices, and habitat restoration. Educating tourists and engaging them in conservation activities, like beach clean-ups or citizen science projects, can foster a culture of respect and care for aquatic environments. In fact, guided tours can help steward responsible recreation on the water because it standardizes processes in accordance with widely-accepted best practices and is executed by professionals.
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This post not only aims to inform but also to inspire businesses and individuals to participate actively in conservation efforts, aligning with Missoula Leads' commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices in the outdoor industry.