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The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of whale encounters on tourists' pro-environmental intentions, and possible influences of individual characteristics. Data were collected from whale watching/swim-with-whale experiences within Australia and the Kingdom of Tonga. Comparison of pre and post trip survey data (N = 267) indicated that engaging and reflecting during the experience was positively associated with pro-environmental intentions following the encounter. However, tourists who reportedly lacked mutualistic values, displayed a low awareness of consequences, or adopted non-nature-based tourism motivations were less likely to engage and reflect. Therefore, tour operators should aim to facilitate cognitive and affective processing during wildlife encounters, especially for groups that are less likely to engage as this could both increase experience satisfaction and the potential for attitude and behaviour change. Further exploration of these complex relationships and their application are recommended to maximize environmental protection efforts while minimizing the ecological impacts of wildlife tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One way national parks can sustain their societal relevance and ensure ongoing political and community support is through conscious and deliberate repositioning. This study investigates the potential for psychologically repositioning national parks using persuasive communication designed to shift public perceptions of the benefits of visitor experiences in parks. The experimental communication interventions were selected to target benefits where gaps were identified between the perceptions of park managers and the parks’ constituent publics. Using a pre–post design on 1,055 respondents split evenly across two Australian states, the experiment revealed that the website and the video used as interventions were highly effective at improving public perceptions of park benefits. This was attributed to the persuasiveness of the website and the video, which respondents rated as having positive valence, as highly vivid and as credible. This research provides theoretically informed insights into the application of persuasive communication theory to psychologically reposition national parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A four-tiered approach to understanding motorised recreation in natural and protected areas is introduced, using examples of motor events from Australia to demonstrate each conceptual level. The aim is to increase understanding of motorsport and motorised recreation phenomena that impact natural and, in particular, protected areas and other users of the natural environment. An illustrative study approach shows the interrelatedness of multi-level motorised recreation and its governance, from local community motor clubs and amateur motor racing competition through to international hallmark motor racing events and how their sociocultural significance influences protected area management. The illustrative examples show user groups engaged in governance and policy issues of motorised recreation in natural and protected areas. These groups include both motor clubs involved with environmental management of natural and protected areas, as well as professional and community groups opposed to motorised recreation in protected areas. An agenda for further research is identified, including policy and governance of motorsport, large-scale events and protected area management and impacts of motorised recreation and events on the environment and the community including those who access the natural environment for more contemplative and quiet leisure pursuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the strategic alignment between external and internal stakeholders' perceptions of the benefits of parks. To achieve this objective, surveys were distributed to park agency staff, as well as a sample of residents in New South Wales, Australia. Findings revealed alignment between external and internal stakeholders, with executive managers' perceptions being generally more favourable than staff and community. The paper pays particular attention to the alignment of internal stakeholders' (staff) perceptions, which is important for establishing and defending the market position of parks. A high degree of strategic alignment was found between executive and staff for personal benefits. However, results revealed incongruence between perceptions of lower level and executive staff for community-wide benefits. Gender, age, frequency of interaction with visitors, and visitation to parks outside of work hours were found to influence staff perceptions of park benefits. This research provides valuable insights into how park management agencies can build strategic alignment among internal stakeholders, and in turn external stakeholders, critical for building support for parks and associated conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Examination of the values that people assign to specific natural places is likely to be useful for environmental decision-making but is an underdeveloped area of socio-psychological research. A mail survey was used to examine the differences and similarities in values assigned by people to the Loddon River in south-eastern Australia. Environmental, social and economic values were explored across five different community types: urban residents, rural residents, natural resource management (NRM) professionals, environmental group members (EGM) and landholders. While urban residents, rural residents and landholders had similar responses, NRM professionals and EGM placed much stronger emphasis on environmental values derived from the river, and much less emphasis on economic values. Members of two community types (EGM and NRM professionals) responded in a relatively homogenous way, within a narrow range of response options. By contrast, three community types (urban residents, rural residents and landholders) responded in more diverse ways. There were similarities in the social values (historical and aesthetic) expressed by the different community types, suggesting common points for stakeholder engagement in the management of the river. Results point to the need for environmental managers to ensure that consultation is not limited to the most actively engaged sectors of the community, as their responses may not be representative of other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has found that urban fringe parks are particularly sensitive to population growth and rising demands for recreation and tourism. High visitor levels, a more sophisticated and demanding visitor, and park budgetary pressures have demanded a rethink of management approaches, including the benefits of partnerships. This paper describes two current partnerships in Australia where the managers of urban fringe parks and other government agencies, the tourism industry, and community groups share management responsibility. The study was informed by theoretical perspectives from sociology and environmental management, particularly social capital, environmental dispute resolution, and institutional analysis and development. Qualitative data regarding the success factors of these partnerships revealed that for both partnerships, important features were support and leadership provided by the park agency, a commitment to power sharing, and the willingness to adapt to changing conditions. These findings may have broader relevance for managing urban fringe parks elsewhere and may also be worthwhile pursuing in protected area partnerships beyond the urban fringe context in Australia and internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]