Dianne Draper

Socially cooperative choices: An approach to achieving resource sustainability in the coastal zone

Achieving resource sustainability, particularly in the coastal zone, is complicated by a variety of interdependencies and trade-offs between economic, social, and ecological variables. Although trade-offs between each of these variables are important, this paper emphasizes the social components of resource management. In this regard a distinction is made between individual and cooperative choices. Individual choices frequently are made from a shortterm, self-interested perspective, whereas cooperative choices are made from a long-term, community and resource-sustainability perspective. Typically, when presented with a spectrum of resource management decisions, individuals have a tendency to act in a self-interested manner. Thus, cooperative benefits, such as reduced conflict and improved resource certainty, are not realized. An overview of selected aspects of social dilemma theory suggests that socially cooperative choice outcomes are attainable in coastal zone management by integrating structural and behavioral solutions in resource use decision making. Three barriers to successful integration of structural and behavioral solutions are identified as self-interest, mistrust, and variable perceptions of resource amenities. Examples from coastal zone management indicate that these barriers may be overcome using approaches such as scopereduction, co-management, community education, and local participation. The paper also provides comment on the potential benefits of integrating structural and behavioral solutions in international coastal zone management efforts.

The role of taboos in conservation of sacred groves in Ghana's Tallensi-Nabdam district

More than half of Ghanas forest cover has been lost to deforestation. Although the Tallensi-Nabdam district has suffered deforestation, portions of the biosphere called sacred groves have survived. The purpose of this study was to explore the particular reasons why the groves have thrived by articulating precise sacred grove taboos, many of which are gender specific. Our enquiry led to a compendium of taboos categorized into environmental, social and regulatory conventions. We found that the adherence to taboo and fear of repercussions, including barrenness and even death, plays a role in the continued preservation of the sacred groves. Also, people who do not adhere to traditional religions still stayed away from sacred groves to avoid dealing with traditional authorities. The paper indicates that in spite of modernization, taboos serve useful purposes in the conservation of biodiversity within sacred groves. The paper extends the argument that biodiversity conservation is linked with cultural preservation.

A collaborative approach to understanding local stakeholder perceptions of tourism in Churchill, Manitoba (Canada)

Abstract This paper explores the process of research that investigated perceptions of tourism held by local stakeholders, particularly residents, in Churchill, Manitoba (Canada). The research adopted a collaborative, multi-stage, multi-method approach to examine how a range of stakeholder groups perceive tourism; their fears and concerns, likes and dislikes about past and present tourism activities and their aspirations for future tourism development. Qualitative data gathered during four visits to Churchill in 2005–2006 illustrate that the perception of tourism activities varies considerably among stakeholder groups. From the responses, a five-fold classification of stakeholder perceptions was developed. As a distinct stakeholder group, the majority of local residents generally were welcoming of tourism. The implications of this research for theory and method are highlighted, and in an effort to enhance local benefits arising from the research, key recommendations for the community are presented.

Metatourism: Dealing Critically with the Future of Tourism Environments

This essay links the virtually endless varieties of tourist developments which are proceeding in many parts of the world to the system of tourism. The finite nature of tourism environments is recognized and the losses which result when development demands are not balanced with the finite nature of the areas where tourism takes place are discussed. The argument is presented that to avoid such impending losses, perceptions about tourism need to be restructured along ecological lines. This new way of thinking about tourism and its development has been labelled metatourism. The sources from which this concept derives, and some of its implications, are considered.