Executive Summary
The paper is devoted to the concept of sustainability and its implementation in the tourism industry. Australian zoos are chosen as a focus for discussion. We are going to consider the sustainable initiatives, programs and plans which exist in the industry, whether they are effective and how they function.
The recommendations are going to be made about the additional initiatives which may be implemented in the industry paying attention to the failure to apply to one of the concepts in the sustainable development triangle. The results of the research show that social aspect is not developed, especially in the governmental regulations. A number of initiatives will be offered, directed at the children treatment skills and the elimination of the consequences of the bad impact of environment pollution on the industry.
Introduction
The Concept of Sustainability
There are a lot of different concepts which are directed at the understanding of the functioning of the specific spheres. Considering the concept of sustainability, it should be noted that this notion is defined as the concept which “explores the relationship among economic development, environmental quality and social equality” (Rogers, Jalal & Boyd 2008, p. 42).
Tourism industry has easily transformed the concept of sustainability to its needs and has offered the following issues which are considered to explain the concept of sustainability within the tourism and hospitality industry.
The concept of sustainability has transformed into tourism industry and captures the following issues, equity of the local government, tourists’ satisfaction with the conditions, the competitiveness of the industry, etc. (See Fig. 1; Munasingle 2004). It is important to remember that each department in the tourism industry is usually related to the specific issues within the concept of sustainability (Knowles, Diamantis & El-Mourhabi 2004, p. 145; Harris, Griffin & Williams 2002, p. 49).
Background on the Sector under Discussion
Australia is the country which has a good tourism sector. People come to have a rest on the aches of this country, but at the same time they are interested in the zoos located on its territory. It is important to understand that the activities provided by the zoo industry have encouraged more and more people to visit Australia with the purpose to see its wildlife.
The main purpose of this report is to consider the main initiatives, programs and plans which are implemented in the zoo industry, check their effectiveness, and point to the recommendations which may serve the basis for the future programs and initiatives. It is important to understand that the concept of sustainability is closely connected with each of those initiatives as they are related to the society, financial problems and environmental issues the industry faces.
Discussion
The Main Sustainable Issues that Confront Zoo Sector
Dwelling upon the zoo industry in Australia, it should be mentioned that his sphere faces numerous confronts and difficulties. Considering the problem on the global level, it may be concluded that one of the main confront zoos face is the climate change and the global warming as one of its consequences.
Between 15 and 37 per cent of the species may extinct by 2050 if nothing is done in the relation to environmental protection (Beaton 2007). The increase of the temperature in the Arctic Circle will lead to the extinction to the spread species. World Worldwide Fund has stated that the increase of the temperature is one of the main activities which show the increase of the greenhouse gas emissions.
The increase of these activities is usually related to Australians who are considered to be “the highest per capita greenhouse gas polluters in the world” (An Inconvenient Truth 2006, n.p.). The pollution of the air is also the confrontation for sustainable functioning of the sector.
A vast majority of different animals in the zoo, their increase due to different reasons, and the necessity to make some specific area for animals wider, makes Zoo face the problem of land possession. Having a restricted area, zoos sometimes has to create uncomfortable conditions for animals in order to arrange the place for all animals that require it (ZAA (ARAZPA) Research Award 2010).
Australian zoos face the problems of information lack. This does not create successful conditions for the work of the industry. The advertising information is commonly met in media, but the problems the zoo industry faces often remain uncovered (Craig 2007, p. 46).
Too many different species become extinct. Australia is the country which inhabits a lot of different animals which do not exist on other content in the whole world. Having a specific climate and other conditions, Australian zoos are interesting for the tourists from different countries. People from all over t world go o se the unique flora and fauna of Australia, but the increased cases of the species extinction may create many problems both to the zoo and tourism industries in general (Miller, Vandome & McBrewster 2010).
The harm to the natural environment is also great. Social and economic issues are also essential for the zoo industry in Australia as much attention is paid to the protection of unique species and nature conservation, that is why the financial support is in constant demand and governmental programs and general budgeting is not enough in this case.
Programs, Plans and Initiatives Implemented in Relation to the Main Issues
Having considered the main issues the zoo industry has faced in Australia, it should be mentioned that the government and other social organizations try to face those issues and cop with them. Moreover, some of the issues which are considered to be central not only for Australian zoos but for the whole mankind are initiated from the world organizations which try to help countries cope with the problems.
Getting down to the discussion of numerous programs, plans and initiatives implemented in relation to the main issues in the zoo industry in Australia, it should be mentioned that not all of these initiatives are successful, but the very idea of those and that they have been implemented point to the fact that there are people who care about Australian zoos.
Global warming and the climate changes are the main issues which require constant programs and decisions. There are a lot of different initiatives and plans which are aimed at protecting the nature.
First of all, the following existing environmental regulations should be mentioned in order to make sure that the government takes care of its country and also tries to protect environment, the Wild River Act 2005 (QLD), the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the Nature Conservation Act 1994 (QLD), the wild river Environment Bill 2010 (Inquiry into indigenous economic development in Queensland and review of the Wild Rivers (Environment Management) Bill 2010 2011, p. 5).
Apart from the governmental influence, the industry tries to implement different plans and initiatives to protect environment and influence of the natural processes in a positive manner.
Being aware of the unique flora and fauna, as well as of the harmful effect of climate change on the inhabitants of zoos in Australia, a number of initiatives are created with the purpose or help implement nature conservation programs. Some initiatives are not strictly directed at the zoo industry, but they are aimed at saving the spheres which influence Australian zoos straight.
Here they are: ‘Minimising energy consumption’, ‘Recycling initiative with Coca-Cola’, ‘Mobile phone recycling program’, ‘Recycling with Visy for all paper and cardboard’, ‘Garden maintenance’, ‘BP Global Choice Program’, ‘Biodegradable coffee cups’, water conservation and the usage of environmentally friendly paper (Carbon Footprint 2010).
The problem with limited area of Australian zoos may be solved by means of a number of plans. First of all, the Australian government plans to offer the industry about 114 hectares of forest at Peachester (about 86 hectares were given to the zoos in 2006).
The source declares that even though the huge area of the forest is going to be offered to the zoos, “all commercial entities would have to comply with all planning laws and environmental laws” (Land provided for Australia Zoo expansion 2010, n.p.). The forest area is returned to the zoos as in 2007 it was taken in return for the land where the zoos expected to set-up open-range safari experience (Flatley 2007, n.p.; Surviving Australia Australian Bush Exhibit, Melbourne Zoo 2006, n.p.).
Australian Zoo society claims that “eating, killing and wearing wildlife products is legal and ‘sustainable’ is obviously the greatest disaster for today’s wildlife” (Say NO to Wildlife Products 2009, n.p.). Implementing the idea of conscious consumerism, this initiative is aimed at preventing the consumption of unique natural wildlife products.
More than 600 employees on Australian zoo try to teach tourists and other visitors that buying wildlife products they support illegal trade and species extinction (Say NO to Wildlife Products 2009, n.p.). Wildlife products usually cost too much and there are always people who want to get that money no matter that their actions ad to limitation of the species representatives. The demand on the products increases their supply, both legal and illegal.
This information spread is one more issue the zoo industry faces in Australia. Many people remain ignorant of the problems zoos face. The spread of this information is really important, but mot many initiatives and plans are developed in this direction.
The participation of pilgrims in the information delivery is really crucial for the industry as those who have visited the zoos in Australia and have seen the problems which exist there have an opportunity to deliver this information via the Internet, communication etc. They create special social connections on websites, numerous chartrooms, and thematic blogs where everyone can read the information and reflect on it (Vivanco 2009, p. 395).
There are two more programs which are directed and financial support and social issues, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide (2010) and Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (2010). These programs are directed at the protecting natural environment, funding supporting projects and programs.
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide (2010) is also directed at the spread of information and educational programs in the sphere of environmental protection and the awareness of wildlife issues. Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treats about “10,000 patients annually with the cost to treat one animal ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars” (Vote for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors 2011, n.p.).
Australian zoo has initiated a number of other programs, like Endangered Species (2009), Breeding Programs (2009), Answer the Call (2009), and Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund (2009) which have different purpose, but in are directed at one specific goal, inform the society about the existing problems and collect money for solving them.
All of the programs, plans and initiatives in the zoo organizations are based on the donations as the government is unable to finance the programs in such scope as the industry tries to implement (Animals Australia Conference 2006 2007, p. 6).
The Effectiveness of the Initiatives, Plans and Programs
Dwelling upon the effectiveness of the initiatives, plans and programs implemented by different departments in the zoo industry in Australia, it is important to mention that most of the purposes have been reached, some programs still continue to perform their functions, while the smallest part of the initiatives has been considered as unsuccessful.
Considering the case with Australia Zoo and koalas, it may be concluded that the legal acts and the industry initiatives do not coincide that leads to the problems for koalas only. The legal acts make the zoos to release koalas within 5 kilometres from their usual inhabitation, but the injured animal cannot be released as they are unable to survive in the wild environment. The governmental initiative in the relation to koalas’ release has failed (Australia Zoo defends koala policy 2008).
Considering the annual report devoted to the identification of the completed tasks, the following issues have been addressed, the communication with the supporters, use of email for appeals, opening of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, charities on the websites and other initiatives have been successfully implemented (Chairmans report 2009).
The fact that more and more people want to visit zoos in Australia is a proof that the information is delivered to people. The desire to see the wildlife in the appearance it does not exist anywhere is one of the main reasons tourists come to Australia. Furthermore, the initiatives directed at educational facilities, breeding captive animals and conservation efforts are considered to be successful (Tribe 2001, p. ii).
The donations have increased and the zoo industry has an opportunity to enlarge their areas, bread animals and protect environment in the way they can do it. Thus, the initiative Answer the call has also been successful. It should be stated that understanding the social situation and the lack of financial support, zoo organizations do not try to set unrealistic goals. Strict consideration of the necessities and the understanding of the opportunities are considered the guarantee of the effective realization of the programs and plans set by the industry.
The Areas of Sustainability Failed to Be Addressed
Having conducted a thorough research, we failed to find the information devoted to the social issues that demonstrate a commitment to the local community. Much information is devoted to the issues which have already been discussed, but the obligation of the zoos commitment to the local community cannot be found.
This may testify about two problems, the first on is the absence of the local acts in the relation to the zoo community, or the second one is the absence of the awareness of the problem. Zoo-related society (different organizations, communities, etc.) should be responsible before the local legal structures, but there is no information devoted to this issue. Thus, it may be concluded that this are of sustainability has failed to be addressed.
Spread Implementation of Sustainable Practices in the Industry
Sustainable practices in the zoo industry in Australia have widespread implementation. The initiatives are held not only in Australia, but in some cases they are related to other countries (‘Animals Australia Conference 2006 2007, p. 6).
Many people are concerned about the change of the climate, so it may be concluded that the place of Australian zoos’ industry initiatives is not the last in the delivering of the information to the society. Australian zoos become the entertainment not only for the citizens of the country, but also for the visitors from other countries. Coming to Australia, about 53% of tourists have visited zoos that points to their desire to see the real wildlife while it still can be seen in its initial form (Frost 2010, p. 6).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be mentioned that the industry under discussion and the organizations have responded to the sustainable issues in the following ways. The social relations were based on the volunteer desire of the participants to work in the zoos, to deliver the information and to help animals be feed and healthy. The zoos in different parts of Australia are interconnected as they serve the same idea and try to consider similar problems.
The initiatives directed at the nature conservation and charity are the most successful. One of th main reasons of high success may b the idea that these problems are similar for different industries (not only in the tourism sphere) and counties. The social issues that demonstrate a commitment to the local community are not addressed in a proper way, still, the social activity in the problem consideration is effective and deserves additional attention.
Zoo industry in Australia involves many initiatives directed at the environment protection. Both, national and global projects are under discussion. The climate change and the air pollution are the issues which are considered within the zoo industry as this sphere is dependent on this factor.
The worsening of the climate leads to the extinction of different species which are under protection now. The opportunity to involve the society in the initiatives is a great opportunity as the lack of financial support from the government and the variety of the problems which must be considered constantly increases.
The Australian Zoo is the biggest organization in the industry which covers most of the programs. The understanding of the objectives and the possession of the necessary control lever makes it possible for the industry to develop and reach the desired goals. Even though zoo industry in Australia covers many programs and initiatives, it is possible to make some recommendations and consider the sustainable triangles which have not being addressed yet.
Recommendations
The sustainable triangle involves three aspects, economic, social and environment. It should b concluded that the industry under discussion has address all these three areas, still, the social area is not checked in a proper way.
The zoo industry involves the society in the work with the problems, but, as it has been mentioned above, there are no specific governmental acts which cold regulate the social intrusion into the programs and initiatives regulation. Government should pay more attention to the legal aspect of social participation in the programs initiated by the zoo industry.
Much attention is paid to the spread of the information about the problems which exist in the Australian zoos, but it is important to understand that not all people are aware of those problems due to the hard reach of data. People should be offered examples of how climate change may ruin the Australian flora and fauna, but not only state the problem.
Much attention should be paid to healthy conditions of the pets which live in the zoo (Woods & Bunn 2005, p. 56). There are a lot of different initiatives which may be focused on this problem. For example, the social program devoted to the children education of treating animals may be a good introduction and acquaintance with the industry.
Having analyzed the environment protection initiatives, we have concluded that most of them are directed at the conservation. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the cleaning and elimination of the harmful consequences of so specific industrial activities. Zoo industry does not pay attention to the battling with the made damage, but rather tries to prevent the future. A number of initiatives may be developed in the direction of forests, rivers, etc. cleaning (Kumar p.73).
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