A recent study by Trinity College Dublin found that tourism can enhance biodiversity, conducted in Derrynane on the Wild Atlantic Way, Co Kerry.
Researchers, led by Andrew Torsney, discovered that targeted grazing by the Office of Public Works (OPW) improved plant diversity in dune habitats.
The study revealed a 20pc decline in biodiversity in ungrazed areas over four years, while grazed habitats showed modest increases in species.
This research challenges existing beliefs about tourism’s negative impact, suggesting that with proper management, tourism and conservation efforts can work together for improved ecological health.
Andrew Torsney shared “Tourist destinations such as those along the Wild Atlantic Way capitalise on showcasing impressive visuals of nature using stunning landscapes and lush meadows as attractions, but many people have held the belief that tourism is damaging to the conservation of these habitats.”
“As nature-based tourism grows, this study can help authorities to chart a way forward where tourism and conservation are aligned. The OPW’s approach to balancing visitor access with grazing management for habitat protection has led to greater plant diversity, which in turn enhances the overall experience for visitors who appreciate a richer, more vibrant landscape.”
“Most of the(scientific literature focuses on using people as a proxy for damage. The researcher goes to damaged sites, records the damage and uses visitor numbers as a predictor of this.”
“Our findings highlight how targeted conservation grazing supports the health of species-rich dune habitats, providing a valuable tool for land managers seeking to balance conservation with public access.”“Our findings highlight how targeted conservation grazing supports the health of species-rich dune habitats, providing a valuable tool for land managers to balance conservation with public access.”
