Underwater experiences 'could change eco habits'
Tuesday, November 10, 2009Imaginative travellers have been encouraged to experience contact with exotic marine animals in their natural habitat and consequently become more eco-friendly.
Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia have found that people are more likely to change their outlook towards the environment if they have swam with creatures such as dolphins, turtles or whales.
The study, which could provide a boost to ecotourism around the world, revealed that connecting with animals in such a way made up to seven per cent of visitors to sea life centres or swimming experiences change their habits and become more environmentally friendly.
Senior research fellow Dr Jan Packer commented: "With whale watching, in particular, there was a bonding between the mammals and humans. People reported things like whales looking at them, being curious and approaching them. That had an emotional impact."
Mon Repos turtle rookery was one of the attractions featured in the research and sits 15km outside the east Australian region of Bundaberg, where travellers can see nesting green, loggerhead, flatback and leatherback turtles.
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