The role of environmental conservation expected of eco-tour guides working in the national parks and protected areas of Japan

Abstract

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that contributes to environmental conservation. However, in Japan, the roles of Ecotour guide workers for environmental conservation is unclear. On the other hand, the role of assistants to support Park Managers (Park Rangers) is clearly defined. This study summarized the expected roles of eco-tour guide workers based on the literature surveys and the support system of Park Rangers in Japan (Natural Park Instructor, Park Volunteer, Green Worker, Active Ranger). As the result of this study, Japanese eco-tour guides workers are expected to have 6 roles for environmental conservation; 1) instruction to tourists, 2) monitoring of tourists, 3) survey of natural environment, 4) providing information to Park Rangers, 5) facility repair, 6) cleaning.