Abstract:
This paper argues that current directions in park interpretation
reflect an increasing tendency towards the commodification of
nature. The quest for profit from nature based activities, particularly
tourism, has spawned an outdoor industry lacking an ethics of care
for nature or an appreciation of the consequences of human action
on nature and local cultures. Issues surrounding the commodification
of nature will inevitably dictate the future terms under which
outdoor experiences may be provided. The dominance of economic
rationalism as an approach to resolving conflict between conservation
and development inadequately recognises the intrinsic and
intangible values of nature. This often results in the inappropriate
development or use of natural resources and changes the capacity
of the resource to meet the expectations of users. Trends in outdoor
provision, such as larger numbers of people using nature and more
commercially orientated groups, coupled with competition for
higher economic returns sees a need for the outdoor industry
(included in this term are operators in the tourism industry) and
interpretive practice to ensure sustainable use of the environment.
