Nature based tourism is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide since the beginning of the century. This growth is seldomly accompanied by natural areas management systems which struggle with the increasing number of tourists, lack of infrastructures, information and overall organisation.One of the solutions adopted by many natural areas was to adopt further classification such as Biosphere Reserves, Ramsar, Natura 2000 among many others. This strategic approach committed most of the management structures to the bureaucratic endeavours, instead of adapting.
The several classification statuses, though easily understood, fall somehow short, applying traditional methodologies, poor promotion, low stakeholder involvement and conventional learning strategies. Academic knowledge and audio-visual professionalism can produce documental and promotional video materials for a wide range of audiences, supplying educational and development tools. Science communication is a classified area’s powerful management tool, the management participation of relevant regional entities, benefits the proximity engagement of Municipalities, higher education institutions, non-governmental organizations and stakeholders, intervening in territorial sustainable development, with responsibilities in the promotion, awareness and communication.
This study will present an introductory video serving as an example of the communication strategy for the Natural Park of Serras D'Aire and Candeeiros, adaptable to other protected areas as a strategy of natural and cultural tourism. Concluding that communication in classified natural areas must be governed by the same rigor and quality required in science without losing the necessary interest for its effective and efficient participated communication.
http://www.jthr.es/index.php/journal/article/view/466
