Open AccessAdvancing environmental sustainability through nature-based science tourism: The potential of universities
Author(s) -
Juulia Räikkönen,
Henna Rouhiainen,
Miia Grénman,
Ilari E. Sääksjärvi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
matkailututkimus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2490-2039
DOI - 10.33351/mt.79852
Subject(s) - sustainability , tourism , sustainability science , political science , democratization , sociology of scientific knowledge , sustainable tourism , public relations , sociology , environmental resource management , engineering ethics , sustainability organizations , social science , engineering , ecology , environmental science , democracy , politics , law , biology
This review examines the potential of universities to advance environmental sustainability through nature-based science tourism, in which scientists are actively involved in co-creating nature-based tourism experiences. We first justify the review by presenting the current changes facing academia, namely the pressure to increase societal effectiveness, science democratization, and environmental sustainability. Then, we define science tourism and address the role of science and scientists in nature-based tourism. Finally, we evaluate the potential of nature-based science tourism to affect tourists’ environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Based on previous literature, we suggest that universities and scientists, who have the knowledge about environmental sustainability, biodiversity crisis, and climate change, could have a more significant role in providing nature-based tourism experiences and shaping tourists’ attitudes and behavior regarding environmental sustainability. In line with recent discussions on science dissemination, this requires not only providing scientific knowledge to large audiences but also active scientific engagement and interaction with tourists.