bbc.com
Promoting Lesser-Known US National Parks for Sustainable Tourism
To address over-tourism in popular US National Parks, initiatives are promoting lesser-known alternatives, such as Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado, showcasing the Yampa River's natural beauty and responsible tourism strategies.
- How do initiatives promoting alternative national parks address the challenges of over-tourism in popular locations?
- Over-tourism threatens many iconic national parks, prompting initiatives to promote lesser-known alternatives. Organizations like Western National Parks highlight 72 under-visited parks, emphasizing responsible tourism and preserving natural habitats while sharing untold stories.
- What are the significant impacts of promoting lesser-known national parks, and how does this benefit both environmental conservation and visitor experiences?
- The US National Park System boasts over 400 sites, yet many underappreciated gems offer equally spectacular experiences with fewer crowds. Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado, for example, provides a 71-mile Yampa River rafting adventure through stunning canyons, showcasing the importance of preserving natural resources.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of failing to promote sustainable tourism practices in the US National Park System, and how might this impact the preservation of natural and cultural resources?
- The trend towards promoting less-visited national parks signifies a shift towards sustainable tourism, balancing preservation with access. This approach ensures the long-term health of these ecosystems while offering unique experiences for visitors, preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames lesser-known national parks as superior alternatives to popular ones, emphasizing their tranquility and untouched beauty. This framing is achieved through the use of evocative language and positive descriptions of the chosen parks, contrasted with the implication that popular parks are overly crowded and negatively impacted by tourism. Headlines and subheadings reinforce this framing by emphasizing the quiet beauty and solitude to be found in lesser-known locations.
Language Bias
The article uses language that favorably portrays lesser-known parks, employing terms like "quiet," "untouched beauty," "solitude," and "intimate experience." These words create a positive association with these parks. In contrast, popular parks are described with terms suggesting negative impacts from overcrowding. More neutral language could include phrases like "less crowded," "well-preserved" instead of "untouched," and descriptions of the diverse experiences offered by all parks.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on less-visited national parks, potentially omitting the challenges or benefits of more popular parks. While acknowledging the overcrowding of popular parks, it doesn't delve into potential solutions or management strategies for those locations. The piece also doesn't discuss the economic impact of tourism on local communities surrounding both lesser-known and popular parks.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that visitors must choose between "overcrowded" popular parks and "quiet" lesser-known parks. It ignores the possibility of responsible visitation and management strategies that could improve experiences in popular parks while still protecting them.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article promotes responsible tourism and the preservation of natural habitats in lesser-known national parks, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. It highlights the importance of protecting these areas from over-visitation and the threats of understaffing and budget cuts. Promoting these less-visited parks helps alleviate pressure on more popular parks, reducing their environmental impact.