Global Ecotourism Conference 2007 in Oslo: Innovative Approaches to Ecotourism and Conservation
„Ski for Nature“ in Kamchatka Developing sustainable winter tourism in Kamchatka’s Nature Parks Tobias Luthe
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
Ski for Nature - Partners
A joint project in sustainable snow sports development: Kamchatka Ecotourism Society (KES) Telemarkzone German Ski Federation, Department of Sustainable Snow Sports Development WWF Germany UNDP-GEF
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
The Telemarkzone Network
International network of Telemark skiers, mountain guides and photographers, researchers and professionals snow sports and sustainability. applied projects to: -
promote skiing and mountain riding with fairness to the environment develop ways for local sustainable development of snow sports in mountain regions [zones] communicate effects of skiing and snow sports on the environment raise awareness for environmental problems in mountain ranges use emotions and experiences of snow sports and nature as a medium to communicate sustainable development networking people more info: www.telemarkzone.com
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
Department of sustainable snow sports development of the German Ski Federation
Winter tourism and sustainability Skiers travel worldwide, especially in the face of climate change 1985: 1st federation to discuss environmental impacts of snow sports 6 Million skiers and boarders in Germany/1 Million members applied research in many fields: e.g. skiing and wildlife, skiing and plants, technical snowmaking, climate change, socio-economic questions, concepts for world venues (e.g. olympic winter games) ski areas of the future in the context of climate change www.save-snow.com >> sustainability benchmarking for snow sports and winter tourism, indicators for sust. skiing communication and outreach, films, books, youth camps etc. more info: www.ski-online.de/umwelt
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
The “Ski for Nature” project
Winter tourism – multiple facets: alpine skiing/snowboard in ski areas nordic/crosscountry skiing telemark ski touring/mountaineering snow shoeing heli skiing snow cat skiing
skidooing winter hiking/nordic winter walking dog sledding horse riding igloo/ice hotel tubing/sledging/…
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
„Sustainable“ winter tourism
Problems with winter tourism in especial: -
mobility and individual access to remote regions access of pristine mountain wilderness volume of skiers comparably low - wildlife disturbances very high skiing and vegetation ski resorts – advantages and disadvantages „negative“ trends – heli/snowcat skiing, skidooing „positive“ trends: snowshoeing, skitouring, increasing environmental demand foreign package: no local involvement …
Approach: -
earn your turn snowshoe/skitouring guiding/maps/signs (“Skibergsteigen umweltfreundlich”) local guides emissions of travel – e.g. light bulbs exchange more information and communication … GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
Expected standards of „the“ far travelling ski tourist interested in „sustainable“ skiing
How to describe the needs of „Homo Skitouriensis“? -
downhill oriented – mind and gear alpine terrain needed – „freeride“ but willing to work for the descent (mountain experience) only short distances in the flats well experienced, highly skilled technical – yes likes exotic places (volcanoes, high elevations, remote places, sea) costs – not the first objective service – high standard of guiding some comfort in terms of accommodation expected (alpine hut system)
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
The market in Europe and in North America
How big is the market? What are main players? What are standards? 50 Million ski visits (SV) per year in the Alps about 20 Million skiers/boarders in Europe 1 Million ski mountaineers, number is growing rapidly about 70 Million SV in North America’s ski resorts per year ski and travel internationally: The DAV Summit Club as the biggest provider world wide offers mountain trips to 57 countries (2007) …causing a lot of environmental problems, but also economic income growing demand for benchmarking tools on sustainability of winter tourism
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
Why „Ski for Nature“?
How to preserve wilderness in Kamchatka? Eco winter tourism? Research and demonstrate opportunities to establish eco ski tourism in Kamchatka generate income for the Nature Parks, e.g. Nalychevo What makes this place special for skiers: -
snow depth cultural contrasts (former Sowjet system) scenery hot springs volcanoes wildlife the Bering sea far far away…
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
What we did
Planning process to define “hot spots” for ski touring local expert consultations two different trips to explore “hot spots” filming, photographing, interviewing work shops and consultations with local stakeholders CO2 and exchanging light bulbs – raising local awareness equipment, sponsors, exchange networking
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
Challenges faced
lack of infrastructure (huts, base camps) missing guides with international certification language barrier different understanding of “ski touring” vast distances to approach the steeps difficult to get into “hot spots” uncontrolled skidoo traffic heli skiing, …
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
Recommendations
Major companies in Germany interested in serving Kamchatka! What needs to be developed: -
improving infrastructure: starting with one hut in European standard (“eco lodge”) alternative: heated tent camp close “hot spots” for skidoos and helicopters access with dog sleds or heli/skidoo/snow cat – but no through traffic local guides needed with international certification and understanding of customers’ needs (also part of costs) > kite skiing? advertisement in source markets (Telemarkzone movie coming up!) address issue of traveling (CO2,…)
networks & partnerships Finances/funding?
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe
Thanks for your interest
www.telemarkzone.com
GEC 07 Oslo | Tobias Luthe