********************************************************************* Seeking information and data on volcano-related tourism From: Gerald Ernst <plumeman2000@xxxxxxxxxxx> ********************************************************************* While doing field volcanology research on poorly-known potentially hazardous volcanoes of SW Tanzania, colleagues Karen Fontijn (UGhent), Edista Abadalla (U Daar es Salaam) and I have come across three local NGOs (the Bongo Development Project, Rungwe Tea & Tours, Wildlife Conservation Society 'Southern Highlands Project') that develop relevant activities to reduce poverty at a local or regional level, help enable sustainable community-driven development and promote environmental conservation in this unique region. Income to support these humanitarian activities comes in large part from developing volcano ecotourism in this magnificent but poverty-stricken volcanic region of the East African Rift. We have started a modest effort where we are exploring how our volcanological work may help with assisting these local NGOs in their efforts. It seems that there are opportunities to make ourselves helpful, drawing from the developing scientific work and from means available to us (eg. access to internet, conferences, forums, publications, poster-printing; teaching/training/writing experience, etc..). Generally we are starting to get the impression that volcano-benefits, on average and at most times, far outweighs the problems posed by volcanoes, although applications of volcanology research do appear to have focused and to continue to focus overwhelmingly on addressing volcanoes as posing problems. We would like to assess the experienced benefits of volcano tourism in contrasting world regions inasmuch as possible both qualitatively and quantitatively by trying to compile and analyse information and data on local volcano-related tourism anywhere in the world. I am writing to seek the assistance of VOLCANO-LIST recipients in this effort. We would like to find out how many tourists have been visiting volcano sites, especially in recent years (eg. Volcano National Parks, Museums, Observatories, particular volcano field sites). Any info on how the tourism-related operations operate, on whether they are private or public ventures (funded by state, region, ministry of education/tourism or via a commercial operation or an NGO), on who benefits, on which portions of populations from where take part, would also be invaluable. We are also curious to hear from anyone who could tell us if National Park or UN World Heritage Site Status have made any difference to volcano-related tourism or associated local community development at any given sites and in what ways. Any information or data shared will be compiled and contributions acknowledged. The very first results/insights will be presented at the IAVCEI Conference in Iceland, but this is anticipated to be a long haul effort requiring data gathering and analyses over a number of years. We are also open to anyone or any group who would like to join in this effort. As we say in Belgium "L'Union fait la force". We would love to hear from anyone: from National Park scientists or officials, Museum staffs, volcanologists, school teachers who have visited volcanic sites with their pupils or students and can comment on features perceived as attractive, adventure travel or eco-travel tour operators, media colleagues, anyone who feel they can provide some insights, info, data. This may enable to establish how much volcanoes contribute to local development, poverty reduction, environmental conservation and generally to see if there is a case that volcano resources far outweigh volcano hazards or other problems and if the recovery of volcano resources (eg. volcano tourism) may deserve to become a research focus in its own right in the future, together with activities to promote sustainable volcano-tourism anywhere but especially in the developing world where reducing poverty typically is, and often by far, the number one concern. To my knowledge, the only paper published by volcano scientists on volcano tourism is to be found in the "Encyclopedia of Volcanoes" edited by Haraldur Sigurdsson and colleagues. I would also be grateful to anyone who could inform us on any other publications relating to presenting or analysing volcano tourism locally or generally. I thank you in advance for considering assisting or proposing to join this starting effort. My email for replying is: plumeman2000@xxxxxxxxxxx With best wishes and kind regards to everyone, Gerald ============================================================== To unsubscribe from the volcano list, send the message: signoff volcano to: listserv@xxxxxxx, or write to: volcano-request@xxxxxxxx To contribute to the volcano list, send your message to: volcano@xxxxxxxx Please do not send attachments. ==============================================================
