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Abstract |
Nature sports place a number of demands upon the landscape structures being utilised. In order to assess the effects of sporting activities on nature and the landscape, it is insufficient to simply analyse the impacts of certain sports. Therefore, new assessment and planning methods for sporting areas are necessary in order to identify potential ecological conflicts and draw conclusions with respect to the desired aims and the measures to be implemented. The extent of the reference level plays a key role in the planning procedure. Tools, which include spatial as much as factual information, are necessary for implementation at all levels. The application of modern information technology, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is required. The term ‘Sport Area Management System’ (SAMS) is used to describe management possibilities in the context of the development of a sustainable sporting area. The SAMS includes various components of sport orientated land use planning and the management of sporting activities. It is subdivided into regional and local sport area management. The approaches to visitor flow management and communications are of particular significance at both levels. The SAMS concept is illustrated on the basis of the example of the sports tourism concepts developed for the Southern Black Forest Nature Park. The park offers many different opportunities for sporting activities and tourism. At the same time, a substantial part of the area is of a high ecological value. Therefore, the nature park association is seeking a sport tourism concept, which identifies and analyses potential conflicts and possibilities for further development. Following a detailed assessment of the current situation an analysis of the possibilities and potential conflicts was carried out. Further emphasis was placed on the development of an overall concept and possibilities for further development. The implementation of the project findings in parts of the nature park, and subsequent monitoring, are also important parts of the concept. Visitor flow management model projects are shown with the examples of hiking, mountainbiking and Nordic Walking. The methodology behind the SAMS proved to be useful when the projects were put into practice. The initial model projects had the desired positive effect and the concept is to be applied to the whole nature park. Visitor flow management revealed that the large majority of sport tourists made use of the facilities. The co-existence and the cooperation between nature protection and all stakeholders in the region are an important basis for successful future development. |
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