Minimal-impact guidelines for mountain ecotours

Abstract

Many mountains have intensive tourism and recreation concentrated in small areas of high conservation value. Minimal-impact guidelines are one management tool, intended to reduce per capita impacts of commercial tour groups and the general public. Mountain ecotours include activities such as hiking and camping, skiing and snowboarding, climbing and abseiling, and rafting and kayaking. Some mountain tours also involve mountain bikes, pack or riding animals, or motorised vehicles. A range of minimal-impact guidelines are available for specific activities. Their effectiveness in reducing impacts has rarely been tested. Most of those available are aimed at individuals rather than tours. They are used widely by protected area management agencies in mountain areas.