Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Nature-Based Tourism: Development of Vulnerability and Resilience Indices for Protected Areas to Manage Adaptation Strategies - PACT-VIRA
Research area : Sustainable tourism development
Project manager : Ph.D. Izidora Marković Vukadin
Performer :
Implementation period : 2024. - 2027.
Client :
Today's tourism demand is increasingly influenced by external factors, with climate change being one of the most important. Climate change is a burning global problem with far-reaching consequences for various sectors, including tourism. There is great heterogeneity in the assessments of the physical and socio-economic impacts of climate change, depending on the destination and methodology. Climate change particularly threatens the sustainability of nature-based tourism, especially in protected areas, which are often untouched ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots and are sensitive to extreme weather events, fires, droughts, habitat loss, and changes in species distribution. Tourism in protected natural areas represents an important segment of the global economy and is crucial for the preservation of natural resources. However, with the increase in climate change, these areas are increasingly exposed to threats that can significantly impact their sustainability and attractiveness to tourists. Therefore, it is important to investigate how climate change affects tourism in protected areas and to develop adaptation strategies that will ensure the sustainability of tourism activities. The objectives of this project are multidisciplinary and aimed at a deeper understanding of the interactions between climate change, tourism, and nature conservation. The first objective is to assess the current state of tourism in protected areas to identify key climate threats. Then, the vulnerability of these areas to climate change will be analyzed, with a special focus on extreme weather conditions, changes in species habitats, and tourism development. Identifying relevant vulnerability indicators will be crucial for monitoring and evaluating the impact of climate change. By developing tailored vulnerability and resilience indices, the research will contribute to more effective management of the impacts of climate change on tourism. The ultimate goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of protected areas and to maximize the benefits of tourism for local communities and nature conservation.
Details and news about the project: https://iztzg.hr//en/main-projects/scientific-projects/pact-vira/.