The preservation of biodiversity and unique natural environments can contribute to tourism
A living landscape that protects species richness and natural values is a prerequisite for nature tourism. John Lind, doctoral student in the ALPMEMA project, who researches mountain hay meadows, presented at a tourism conference how the preservation of natural values and tourism can interact.
At the conference "Rethinking tourism for a sustainable future" hosted by Mid Sweden University in September, John Lind gave an insight into the ALPMEMA research project. It investigates, among other things, which policy instruments contribute to preserving species richness and biodiversity in mountain hay meadows in different parts of the world.
In Sweden, there are several hay meadows in Härjedalen and Jämtland, and nature tourism is also an important sector in that region. The diversity of species contained in this type of meadow requires that humans continue to use the land in the way they have done for hundreds of years, with natural grazing and mowing. The natural values created by this use of the land are also part of what draws tourists to the region.
Sustainable tourism can contribute
"Tourism with a focus on nature experiences is a key industry in this region. At the same time, an unsustainable tourism industry can also pose a threat to this sensitive environment that tourists want to experience. There is a reciprocity here that you need to be aware of and manage wisely," says John Lind.
At the same time, tourism that takes place in a sustainable way can contribute to the preservation of unique species environments such as mountain hay meadows. As the farms in these areas do not generate much income, tourism is a much-needed source of income that makes it possible to continue farming and thus contribute to the continued cultivation of hay meadows with their unique species.