Never Miss An Opportunity

Any one who has ever trawled through the massive literature surrounding Ecotourism theory will realise that the subject is thwart with debate on what it is all about. This is fine for the academics in the world - however for those of us involved in the practical side of delivering Eco-programmes and Eco-experiences making sense of the theory is somewhat of a challenge. “Well here’s what I think”

When do I practice Ecotourism? Well as I am currently not working as a guide or tour operator it is interesting to see what opportunities I get to deliver skills in Ecotourism away from a teaching role.

For two weeks each year I escape to the Abel Tasman National Park. It was in this part of the world that I both learnt and developed a life long love affair with the natural environment and in later years developed my guiding skills around the attractions this park has to offer.

Each year a visit into the park reinforces my love of the outdoors.  Yes SAD this seems to be the only outdoor experience I get that is not work related - GREAT that much of my working life sees me out and about in the great natural locations of the South Island.

The Abel Tasman is not endowed with megafauna, Which throughout the world is the great motivator of the Ecotourist, be it the Giant Panda of China’s Sichuan Province or the Gorilla’s of  Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or even the  regular whale sightings off the Kaikoura Coast. Nor does it have the megaflora of the Segoria’s in California or the Kauri of the far north. The Abel Tasman can’t compete with these locations. Therefore I believe in highlighting its incredible minutefauna and flora found throughout the park.

Never is the minute more exciting than when viewed through the eyes of a 2 and a half year old, in this case my daughter, Alex. Her world view was very much on the small.  And really this part of the world does small well,  from the multitude of tiny shells scattered on the tide line: morning stars, baby dog cockles, cats eyes. To the leaf litter with their delicate skeletal remains of especially the costal favourites; Mahoe and Kawa Kawa.  And the most exciting feature for her? The Cicada cases that hang off trees and undersides of leafs which are just at the eye height of a small child.

With each find would come an explanation of what they were and how they came to be there, not dissimilar to an interpretation for an international visitor on a kayak tour.  Alex would often repeat the story back with the seriousness a zoologist making a first discovery of brand new species. 6 weeks later these experiences are still very much in her mind.

I became the Ecoguide for my daughter. The chance to talk about the things that I love the importance of each specimen (many who have come home to Greymouth and are frequently re-examined) as part of the biomass that makes up our planet reminds me that big is good but small can also be immensely appealing. A good guide/tutor never misses an opportunity to rave* about the story that lies within the bits and pieces they come across on their day to day travels.
John Kennedy

*Bearing in mind that a good guide while being enthusiastic about their job will also show appreciation for a clients space and noises of nature not just their own voice.