Planning and Developing Trails and Routes - Tourism and Trails: Cultural, Ecological and Management Issues - page 187

the natural realm, emphasizing the socio-economic and cultural aspects of
sustainability as well (Timothy, 2002; Tosun, 2005; Wang et al. , 2010).
Community-based development is essential in espousing the principles of
sustainability within the context of tourism (Butler, 1999; Hampton, 2005;
Kontogeorgopoulos, 2005).
Community-based, or participatory, planning advocates for holistic
development that allows destination residents to partake fully of the benefits
of tourism. This includes job opportunities, encouragement and support for
entrepreneurial activities, tourism training, health care and education, and
improved quality of life in general (Timothy, 1999b). Equally important is
that residents of the destination are politically, psychologically and socially
empowered not only to be involved meaningfully in decision-making but
also to generate ideas and drive their success without external interference
(Scheyvens, 2002; Timothy, 1999b, 2007).
An important part of this approach is grass-roots control of resources and
social spaces. One common manifestation of the concern about grass-roots
development in recent years is the academic and industry recognition of the
value of indigenous knowledge and power. Planners and administrators are
more readily recognizing the value of aboriginal peoples, their knowledge
(Butler & Hinch, 2007), and their property rights over their own cultural
heritage (Johnston, 2003). This has empowered native communities in
countries such as the US and New Zealand to develop their own tourism
programs that are culturally sensitive, financially stable, and desirable for
residents and visitors (Amoamo & Thompson, 2010; McIntosh et al. , 2004;
Swanson & DeVereaux, 2012).
Public participation in decision-making and in the planning process can
help alleviate many fears, build support for trail development, and empower
communities in ways that will help them build a sense of pride and attach-
ment to place. These are important considerations in trail development, espe-
cially since it is, as Fiala (1999: 65) noted, 'hear it now or hear it later' as
regards the concerns of stakeholders. Participatory development is also cru-
cial in assuring that the public understands the role of certain routes, and
that there are multiple uses beyond just recreation (e.g. transportation).
A critical principle that has only recently come to the fore in trail
planning is the involvement of native peoples in decision-making. This is
especially important when routes pass over tribal lands or when a trail theme
is somehow linked to indigenous cultures. In the past, many elements of
native cultures, including land, were appropriated by non-natives for tourism
purposes. Many recreation and tourism routes have also been developed
across indigenous-controlled lands, and some have been themed according to
indigenous heritage. Recent legal debates have focused on intellectual prop-
erty rights and the aboriginal ownership rights of local culture (Johnston,
2003). Indigenous rights are an extremely important part of participatory
sustainable trail development, and the natives' voices must be heard in the