Business planning for natural areas
Balancing visitor management and resource use for effective environmental protection
If you have responsibility for a Botanic Garden or well visited environmental reserve you will already be familiar with the delicate balancing act required to ensure visitors have a fantastic experience without compromising the environmental values they came to enjoy.
Good business planning requires a sound understanding of the environmental values and ecology of the area in question. It requires obtaining reliable data on visitation rates where possible, and must also take into account resource, legal and governance constraints.Typically, development of a realistic business plan for a reserve or visitor facility requires the following elements:
- an understanding of visitor needs and expectations;
- a review of current facilities and resources - "where are we now";
- collection of available management data including financial information;
- developing strategies for managing visitor numbers;
- setting a realistic strategic direction or vision for the future;
- pinpointing management actions and strategies to achieve that vision.
Working with a range of stakeholders
Often development of a business plan will include liaison with an extensive range of public and private sector stakeholders. We have extensive experience in this arena, particularly with Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. This well known rainforest remnant was gifted to the council in 1941, and remains very dear to the local community. Work at the reserve is conducted in close consultation with the Management Committee and Friends of Mary Cairncross Association, volunteer interest groups with representatives from the local community, and must also take into account tourism and research interests.
For a fresh perspective on visitor and business planning for your garden or reserve contact Shirley on 0409 235 432 or complete our online enquiry form.
