Geotourism (cont'd 3/3)
[ Continued from here... ]
Protection and enhancement of destination appeal: To encourage local land owners to sustain natural habitats, heritage sites, aesthetic appeal, and local culture. Prevent degradation by keeping volumes of tourists within maximum acceptable limits. Seek business models that can operate profitably within those limits. Use persuasion, incentives, and legal enforcement as needed.
Land use: To anticipate development pressures and apply techniques to prevent undesired overdevelopment and degradation. Contain development to retain a diversity of natural and scenic environments.
Conservation of resources: To encourage businesses and individuals to minimize water pollution, solid waste, energy consumption, water usage, and overly bright nighttime lighting. To advertise these measures in a way that attracts the large, environmentally sympathetic tourist market.
Planning: To recognize and respect immediate economic needs without sacrificing long-term character and the Geotourism potential of the destination. Promote the use of employees who are from the region. Adopt strategies for mitigating practices that are incompatible with Geotourism and damaging to the image of the destination.
Interactive interpretation: To engage both visitors and hosts in learning about the place. Encourage residents and students from Yachana High School to show off the natural and cultural heritage of their region, so that tourists gain a richer experience and residents develop pride in their locales.
Evaluation: To establish an evaluation process to be conducted on a regular basis by an independent panel representing all stakeholder interests, and publicize evaluation results.
