Environment
Media

Support to Irish Government Departments in Marine Mammal Ecology

Seal Population Ecology

Population Ecology of Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises

Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)

Publications & Reports

Development of Community-based Environmental Tourism (Ecotourism)

Development of Community-based Environmental Tourism (Ecotourism)

Members of SIAR Environment & Media have considerable training and experience working directly on and evaluating projects designed to develop community-based and experience-based nature and environmental tourism (ecotourism). This work has involved a very wide range of sectors and stakeholders such as national and European funding providers, SMEs, service providers, the voluntary sector, community organisations, local authorities and government departments. It has also involved the promotion of protected areas and high-value natural areas as sustainable natural resources through the considered use of education, consultative and environmental management practices.

Projects undertaken to date include the community-based development of walking trails in western Ireland, the strategic development of community resources and skill-sets to service local and regional outdoor-based tourism, environmental information-gathering, education and promotion (e.g., via excursions, festivals and brochures), the assessment and development of tourism infrastructure requirements (e.g., signage, information boards, support services), and the development of proposals for national and international funding (e.g., the INTERREG programme) and for tourism-related competitions (e.g., European Destinations of Excellence – EDEN).