Implementing GPS logger data for visitor monitoring in the Karawanken–Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark
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Abstract
Human-Nature coexistence is an increasingly important component in the sustainable management of conservation areas. Pioneering conservation approaches are focused on integrating these two aspects rather than creating a strict separation. Disruptions to the balance between humans and nature can affect both natural resource conservation and the tourist experience. To avoid this, resource, infrastructure, and tourism flow management plans are needed. The HUMANITA project aims to develop innovative solutions to monitor tourism and its impact on the environment within selected conservation areas in Central Europe. It includes several methods to estimate tourism numbers, hotspots, and activities. We distributed 69 GPS loggers in the Karawanken–Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark and created visitor density and intensity maps. This study demonstrates that GPS logger tools can support science-based management in conservation areas by providing quantitative insights for managing tourism flows. However, part of our objective is also to highlight key limitations, including low tourist participation, technical challenges, and concerns related to the high spatial resolution of the data in the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Keywords
GPS tracking, Ecotourism, Human-Nature Coexistence, CUAS
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