The aim of this study was to develop, evaluate and refine an ecosystemic program to facilitate self-regulation (SR) among corporate workers. A temporary program was developed with the aid of a literature review, based on the integration of the SR-theory with the principles of the ecosystem theory and program development. The program was presented over a period of three days at the Mabula nature reserve for a group of seven corporate employees in the broker industry. Each session took place in the form of a game drive, preceded by a group activity, a discussion of one of the three components of SR and followed by applicable examples out of nature. Data was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results show that although participants' goal management, self effectiveness (SE) and mindfulness improved after conclusion of the program, these changes were not statistically or practically meaningful. Possible explanations for this are detained in the nature of the program and the manner in which the program was implemented, as well as in the factors which could have negatively influenced the credibility and reliability of the program evaluation. The conclusion was made that the program had a greater impact on participants' insight of the theoretical under print of SR, rather than their SR skills and that the aspect of experiential learning is possibly not promoted enough. Nevertheless, the program is very promising and only a few changes are necessary to refine the temporary program. Recommendations include that there should be more intensive emphasis on the practical facilitation of SR during the presentation of the program and that standardised instruments with a greater group of participants, including a control group, should be considered. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The aim of this study was to develop, evaluate and refine an ecosystemic program to facilitate self-regulation (SR) among corporate workers. A temporary program was developed with the aid of a literature review, based on the integration of the SR-theory with the principles of the ecosystem theory and program development. The program was presented over a period of three days at the Mabula nature reserve for a group of seven corporate employees in the broker industry. Each session took place in the form of a game drive, preceded by a group activity, a discussion of one of the three components of SR and followed by applicable examples out of nature. Data was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results show that although participants' goal management, self effectiveness (SE) and mindfulness improved after conclusion of the program, these changes were not statistically or practically meaningful. Possible explanations for this are detained in the nature of the program and the manner in which the program was implemented, as well as in the factors which could have negatively influenced the credibility and reliability of the program evaluation. The conclusion was made that the program had a greater impact on participants' insight of the theoretical under print of SR, rather than their SR skills and that the aspect of experiential learning is possibly not promoted enough. Nevertheless, the program is very promising and only a few changes are necessary to refine the temporary program. Recommendations include that there should be more intensive emphasis on the practical facilitation of SR during the presentation of the program and that standardised instruments with a greater group of participants, including a control group, should be considered. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

This study addresses the measurement of satisfaction. In doing so, it proposes a hypothetical conceptual framework for examining visitors’ satisfaction with their experiences in nature-based settings. Visitors’ overall satisfaction with their experiences was examined in terms of its relationships to visitors’ satisfaction with various site attributes, to visitors’ perceived importance of interpretive programs to learning, and how it is affected by visitors’ age, gender (male or female) and visitation pattern. The responses of 1309 Visitor Information Program (VIP) surveys returned by visitors to two national sites in Nova Scotia (Port Royal National Historic Site and Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site) provided the data for this study’s investigation. Secondary data analyses revealed that visitors’ satisfaction with the site attributes has the strongest effect on their overall satisfaction with their experiences. While visitors’ perceived importance to learning was also found to be positively correlated to overall experience satisfaction, when other variable are taken into consideration, its effect on overall satisfaction was found not to be statistically significant. Amongst these variables, gender was found to explain a significant amount of variance in visitors’ overall satisfaction with experiences in nature-based settings. Moreover, visitors of different age groups differ significantly in their perceptions of importance of interpretation to learning, and in their satisfaction levels. Although the findings show high levels of satisfaction at both sites, these are taken with caution. A discussion of the issues related to the measurement of satisfaction is provided, along with recommendations for a more discriminant, valid and reliable satisfaction measurement instrument.

Climate and weather have a major influence over seasonality in nature-based tourism by determining the availability and quality of certain outdoor recreational activities (Butler, 2001). Climate and weather act as central motivators involved in the travel decisions of tourists (Mintel International Group, 1991; Kozak, 2002). Climate as an attraction is also an integral component considered in destination choice among tourists (Lohmann and Kaim, 1999; Hamilton and Lau, 2005; Gössling et al. 2006). Due to the relationship between climate, weather and outdoor recreation, climate change is expected to have a direct impact on park visitation and camper decision-making (Jones and Scott, 2006a; 2006b). This study contributes to the understanding of weather sensitivity for different tourism segments across varying climate zones world-wide which can contribute to more informed park tourism planning and climate change adaptation in Ontario. Using a survey-based approach, this study identified and compared the stated weather preferences and weather related decision-making of campers from two different provincial parks in Ontario. The two provincial parks selected as case studies, based on differing park characteristics and perceived climatic requirements, were Pinery and Grundy Lake. Statistically significant differences (at the 95 percent confidence level) were observed in stated weather preferences and weather related decision-making, based on differences in respondent characteristics. Most notably, activity participation, length of planned stay and age of the respondent had the most significant and widespread effect on weather preferences and camper decision-making. Temperature preferences between the two parks were strikingly similar. However, differences in weather related decision-making were statistically significant showing campers at Pinery to be more sensitive to weather than those at Grundy Lake. Overall, parks that are more beach-oriented, closer to tourism generating areas and are characterised by visitors with shorter than average lengths of stay, are likely to be the most sensitive to weather variability. As such, it will be most important for parks that rely on similar tourism generating markets and share similar park characteristics as Pinery, to place a greater planning emphasis on climate change adaptation, as these parks are likely to be most affected by the impact of climate change on park visitation in Ontario. Climatic warming was not perceived by campers as a major threat to park visitation in Ontario. Instead, heavy rain, strong winds and unacceptably cool temperatures were the most influential weather variables in relation to camper decision-making. In response to the perceived threat of heavy rain and strong winds to camping in Ontario, and in association with projected increases pertaining to the frequency and intensity of these weather events under climate change, a number of recommendations have been made, which could be implemented by Ontario Parks in an effort to reduce camper vulnerability to extreme weather and improve overall trip satisfaction.

Humans are inherently drawn to places of naural scenic beauty. Alone in Australia's national parks; the demand on these locations is increasing because of increased population plus increasing regional domestic travel. It is important to understand how tourists are utilising nature-based tourism resources to ensure that tourist attractions, facilities and services provided in parks are not exposed to loss events. Environmental and human losses, when combined with their likelihood of occurrence, will constitute risk. Heavy use of popular sites in particular times of the year, beyond the carrying capacity, may result in an irreparable environmental loss. Besides, human risks in terms of becoming lost in the wilderness or falling down from the cliff are significant factors that park managers are considering. It is becoming utmost important to investigate how these visitors are interacting with the natural environment, in what ways at highly vunerable sites. Park managers are now required to understand the needs, demands, preferences and motivation of visitors to vist the parks. A proactive planning to manage potential risk particularly in relatively more fragile and vulnerable environments is needed. This thesis documents a study of visitors to Loch Ard Gorge Site within the Port Campbell National Park, Victoria. Visitors were monitored for their spatial behaviour using the GPS receivers. Visitor's attitude, interests, opinions and motives to travel to the study location is surveyed using onsite self-administrated questionnaire. Total 102 individuals were surveyed to determine their preferences and to obtain their socio-demographical profiles.These were latter coupled with their GPS track movements in order to derive their elicited spatial behaviour. It is well-established fact that visitors' attitude, preferences, and socio-demographical profiles are important factors to identify risk taking spatial behaviour. Hence, this research underpins the exhibited spatial behaviour of tourist to deliver their associated spatial behavioural risk typologies. Statistical classifications of visitors, based on survey responses were categorised using K-means Cluster Analysis. As a result, six different tourist types were obtained. They are; • Mid-Allocentics possibly Risk Takers. • Allocentrics and confirmed Risk Takers. • Mid-Psychocentrics and Risk Averters. • Allocentrics and Dependent Risk Takers. • Psychocentrics and confirming Risk Averters. • Psychocentrics and Risk Averters Mass Tourists. The mean values of all clusters (cluster centroids) are interpreted to understand tourist's risk taking and/or risk averting preferences. Visitors' actual spatial behavioural were spatially analysed using movement pattern maps. The typologies subsequently were verified using Discriminant Function Analysis and in this process tests of equality of group means (Significance of F-test), ANOVA classification are discussed. The final part of Discriminant Function Analysis is to determine the linear regression equations for prediction of group membership of data points in future using classification Function Matrix (Fisher's Linear Disceriminant Function). The developed tourist typologies may help park managers to regulate and mitigate human risk prior to its occurrence by understanding the visitors personality and preferences and their risk taking probabilities.

abstract: This study explores domestic and international tourists' perceptions of nature-based tourism using the North-South conceptualization of nature and the setting up of national parks as a conceptual framework. In addition, using Urry's (1990) tourist gaze, the study assesses tourism promotions in Botswana from locals' and tourism marketers' points of view. Moreover, the study assesses locals' tourist gaze and compares it with the international tourist gaze. Qualitative methods were used to collect data, including in-depth interviews with local residents, international tourists, and tourism promoters such as government agencies and the private sector. Photo-elicitation interviews were also carried out to help identify the respondents' gaze. Six study sites, including the protected areas of Chobe National Park (CNP), Moremi Game Reserve (MGR), two cities of Gaborone and Francistown, and two urban villages of Palapye and Maun were selected for this study. Results indicate that the way people in the South conceptualize nature is different from the way international tourists do, and this has an impact on visitations to national parks. While for international tourists nature symbolizes recreation, rejuvenation, and an opportunity `to get away from it all', for locals it is seen as a part of everyday life. Furthermore, tourism promotions in the country are geared towards promoting Western tourists' gaze with the local market gaze being totally ignored by the sector. The local gaze is also different from the Western gaze. While for international tourists visiting Botswana the gaze is directed towards wildlife and wilderness, for locals, the gaze is directed towards more traditional destinations, such as farms, as well as more `modern' attractions and `touristic' attractions. However, it is the Western gaze that is taken into consideration by tourism promoters, thereby questioning the sustainability of an industry that disregards one group over another. The results also indicate that culture and historical events have an impact on visitations to protected areas. Policy implications are discussed. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Community Resources and Development 2014

Abstract Nature-based tourism has increased considerably during recent years, which has raised questions about the tolerance of ecosystems experiencing growing visitor numbers. The present thesis focuses on the ecological and social sustainability of nature-based tourism in protected areas and their surroundings. The objective of the ecological studies was to determine the effects of tourism on vegetation, soils and risk of introduction of alien plant species. The social survey investigated whether opinions concerning nature conservation and tourism by local people are dependent on socio-economic and demographic factors. The studies were carried out in Oulanka and Pallas-Ounastunturi National Parks, and in the Ruka and Syöte regions, in northern Finland. This research demonstrated that nature-based tourism (hiking, horse-riding and skiing) affected boreal forests, altering vegetation, soils and trail networks. The major effects were; reduction in vegetation cover, including of different life-forms, changes in plant species composition, soil chemistry and soil erosion. Trampling decreased plant cover more on slopes compared to flat terrain. Moreover, downward trampling reduced the plant cover more than did upward trampling. In addition, horse riding resulted in the introduction and establishment of a range of alien plant species. In general, ecological changes due to nature-based tourism were inevitable even when there were limited numbers of visitors. Respondents to the survey were classified into three groups according to their opinions concerning nature conservation and tourism development: (i) supporters of nature conservation, (ii) critical to nature conservation and (iii) critical to tourism development. The majority of respondents were supporters of nature conservation. However, opinions were strongly dependent on the socio-demographic background of the respondents, such as residential area, age, level of education and indigenousness. Since the impacts of tourism were dependent on the characteristics of plants and habitats and the quality of activities, case-specific planning, monitoring and rapid responses are the most efficient methods in avoiding irreversible environmental damages. Furthermore, close co-operation between different stakeholders and detailed scientific information about the ecological, economic and social elements of sustainability are needed to promote a sustainable development of nature-based tourism.

Nature-based integration projects present nature and green spaces as an arena for interaction and integration between immigrants and native-born Swedes, and amongst immigrants of different backgrounds. To explore this, the study looks at experiences of NBI projects from the perspective of immigrants who have moved to Sweden and started the process of settling into the new society. The concepts of social networks, as well as structural, cultural, interactive and identificational integration were applied to view the interviewees experiences of nature-based integration activities in Sweden. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight immigrants', about their participation in NBI projects in Sweden, and how they describe their experiences and perceptions of nature and social interactions. The findings were that time spent in nature was experienced as beneficial for the individual by contributing to their psychological well-being and providing opportunities for socialisation,. Nature in Sweden was depicted as vast, accessible and inclusive when compared with their countries of origin. Interactions and new diversified social networks provided information exchange and novel knowledge. This was seen as one of the entry points to society, and another way in which to understand Swedish cultural traditions, as nature was generally perceived as important in Swedish society. The final results showed that participation in nature-based integration activities was able to contribute to their structural, cultural and interactive integration, but could not be linked to their identificational integration in Sweden.

Since mindless actions of the South African society persist in the form of environmentally degrading behaviour, the sustainability of healthy eco-systems is constantly threatened. Practical ways of acquiring environmental literacy is necessary to develop environmental responsible behaviour of citizens. Theory-based research on nature-based extreme sports participation rarely acknowledges its positive transformative value on society. This neglect roots, in part, from naïve or novice misconceptions that motives for participation are primarily risk-focused in pursuit of an adrenaline rush. Thrill-seeking theories often make anthropocentric assumptions of a rivalry human-nature relationship to showcase individual prowess. As a result, “extreme” is naïvely associated with “out-of-control” or “reckless” actions. Phenomenological traditions from Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty navigate a hermeneutical understanding of a bodily-being-towards-death in such high-risk sports activities. This interpretative phenomenological analytical study considers the lived experiences of 10 expert South African nature-based extreme sports participants who take calculate risks. Their first-hand narrations provide evidence, which derails the naïve stigma and identify voluntary high risk-taking as a by-product of participation. For some, the extensive period of time spent in the wilderness, where their survival depends on the collaboration with natural elements enable a realization that humanity is part of a larger functioning network. Findings from semi-structured interviews present an eco-centric outlook on the facilitative role of participation, in eco-sensitivity. Flow and mindfulness are recognised as contributing factors in the display of pro-environmental behaviour of nature-based extreme sports participants. How participation encourages an intimate bond with and sensitivity of nature, which permits a setting for extraordinary physical and psychological changes, is explored. From this study, eco-centric management principles can be discovered and its educational principles incorporated within schools and sport organizations to become more ecologically sensitive and just. / Dissertstion (MA (Human Movement Science))--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / MA (Human Movement Science) / Unrestricted

The tourism industry is one of the most thriving industries in the world and nature-based tourism is one of the most expanding sectors in the European tourism industry. However, destinations today have global substitutes which means a destination can easily be exchanged for another destination. Thus, destination market organizations have become a critical component in the tourism industry. While there is a growing interest for nature-based destinations due to international tourism and a growing awareness of environmental issues there is still a need to create a differentiation from the global competition. By setting up strategic plans and continuously market a destination, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) can attract tourist from distant markets. Therefore, the purpose with this report is to examine strategies that DMOs use when it comes to attract tourists to nature-based destinations. With the aim to fulfill the purpose of this study one research question of descriptive and exploratory kind were stated: “What strategies are DMOs using to attract tourists to nature-based destinations?”.   A theoretical framework was conducted by reviewing scholarly journals which generated potential answers for the stated research question. Furthermore, the frame of reference provided the study with a theoretical foundation which was applied during the data collection as well as the data analysis. Methodologically, this study had a qualitative approach and was therefore collecting data through semi-structured and in-depth interviews with employees of different DMOs. The findings and conclusions show that the practical work done by a nature-based DMOs in a high degree follows existing previous research. Where the importance of having a clear market position, being able to segment an audience, as well as promote an appropriate message is of high concern for a DMO. Hence, it helps them to attract tourist to a nature-based destination.