Protection of flora and fauna

Norwegian Institute for Nature Research

Norwegian Institute for Nature Research

A proposed project to close a mountain hut and a number of roads in order to protect the local wild reindeer population has been a subject of debate in an area of Northern Norway for several decades. To justify the project’s viability, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) has installed Eco-Counters to compare the spatial and temporal distribution of visitors with the GPS positions of the wild reindeer.

What is the impact of strollers on the deer herds and what is the impact of human activity on a pristine natural environment? The study’s results will be used to develop an environmentally friendly land-use policy for this region where nature is at the center of every decision.

Managing flow of visitors

Mount Sainte-Victoire, France

Two car counters and approximately ten SLAB counters were installed at strategic points (parking lots, dams, lakes and other points of interest) on Mount Saint-Victoire in southern France in 2002.

The quantitative data logged at these points was combined with a large-scale qualitative study in 2009. The study revealed, among other things, that the flows of visitors had shifted and that areas that initially had not often been frequented by visitors had a much higher chance of being accessed.

Measures were quickly taken to protect these areas from damage caused by the rising number of visitors. Signs and trail markers were also added to direct visitors along the right paths.

Assessing the impact of tourism

Cathar Trail, Aude Valley, France

A dozen SLAB counters have been installed along the 250 km (155 mi) Cathar Trail in the upper Aude Valley. The count data has been compared with data from:

• Field surveys of visitors;
• Surveys of local accommodation providers (campgrounds, mountain huts, cottages, hotels, etc.);
• Telephone and mail surveys;
• Panel discussions (academics, technicians, etc.); and
• Local tourism promoters (hiking guide sales, etc.).

Comparing this data with the count data logged by pedestrian, equestrian and mountain bicycle modes,   helped identify the social and economic impacts on the popularity of the Cathar Trail, as well as the influence of the media.

Communicating on site attendance and usage

Portofino National Park / Italy

Eco-Counters with the ability to distinguish between different types of users had two major positive impacts on Portofino National Park in Italy. First of all, it was a very effective way to resolve usage conflict between cyclists and pedestrians.

Prevention methods combined with pedestrian and cyclist count data helped the park prevent conflict of space between users.

On top of this, the data from the counting systems was also used to validate park attendance figures and communicate these to the public.

Pyrénées National Park / France

Create detailed reports from an important database for key stakeholders 

Data collecting in Pyrénées National Park was a tremendous work. With over 80 counting sites all working with different systems, the counting system was not user-friendly.

But when Pyrénées National Park asked for Eco-Counter data expertise, they were then able to build clear and simple analysis. It became much easier to synthetise data from all counting sites. From employee to CEO, each person involved in site management can now benefit from clear data. Reports created have became a powerful communication tool, both internal and external.