Some time ago, I had the pleasure of visiting El Palmar National Park, a palm tree paradise in Entre Ríos (Argentina). Beyond enjoying the views of a calm river, different trekking circuits can be self-guided easily. During the tour, I came across some signs, which I stopped to observe, detailing the species of flora and fauna in the Palmar and how they are cared for and observed. I can’t give an exact figure of the number of people who walked by me and stopped to read these signs, but for the most part, no one did. That triggered me to reflect on technology and the shortcomings it has in the tourism field.
In the vast natural scenery of the world, where the most fragile and valuable ecosystems are intertwined with human life, protected areas in every country act as custodians of biodiversity. However, as society becomes increasingly immersed in a frenzy of digital activity, traditional control and management methods in these areas lag behind.
In protected areas, signs are fundamental for educating and guiding visitors and providing crucial information on rules, risks, and precautions. However, these signs, as informative as they are, are static and limited in their ability to interact with visitors. In a world where communication has become instantaneous and personalized thanks to social media and technology advancing by leaps and bounds, the passivity of these signs is remarkably obsolete. Accustomed to a digitized and dynamic experience, visitors can easily overlook the information in these “media,” leading to irresponsible and environmentally damaging behaviors.
The preservation of protected areas faces an unprecedented challenge in the digital age. Overexploitation, pollution, and climate change are increasingly urgent threats that demand immediate and innovative responses. In this context, the mere presence of signs is not enough to ensure the protection and conservation of these fragile ecosystems. It is time to ask ourselves: how can these protected areas adapt to today’s society, where information constantly flows, and digital interactions’ immediacy drives actions?
One possible solution is to implement more active human resources control in these areas. Trained rangers and guides could play a crucial role in monitoring and educating visitors, ensuring responsible and conscientious behavior. However, this solution presents its own challenges, such as limited resources and difficulty covering large areas effectively.
This is where advanced technology comes into play, offering a beacon of hope for the future of protected areas. From remote monitoring systems to interactive mobile applications, there are numerous technological tools that could revolutionize the way we manage these areas. For example, environmental sensors connected to wireless networks could provide real-time data on air and water quality, alerting protected area managers to any significant changes. Similarly, mobile applications using augmented reality could turn the experience of exploring these areas into an educational and interactive adventure, providing relevant information and guiding visitors in a personalized way.
However, implementing advanced technology is not without its challenges. The digital divide, data privacy, and infrastructure costs are just a few of the concerns that must be addressed comprehensively. In addition, it is crucial that any technology implemented in these protected areas respects and preserves the integrity of the environment, avoiding any negative impact on the ecosystems it is intended to protect.
Technological adaptation in protected areas should not be seen as a threat to the natural experience but as a necessary complement to ensure its long-term preservation. Static signs may not talk, but with the help of the right technology, these areas can communicate more effectively with today’s society. It is time to start implementing them to stop lamenting permanent damage.
* Camila García Carou holds a degree in Tourism Management and is an Associated Researcher at Fundación Internacional Bases
Source: We Are Innovation
