Coast to Coral: Engaging tourists as citizen scientists in marine tourism
Join Reef Check Australia and friends on the second Tuesday night of each month in your lounge room/office/comfy chair, for an evening of discovery, inspiration and appreciation of our local marine, coastal and catchment environments.
THE SPEAKER:
This month we will hear from Dr Vikki Schaffer who began working at University of the Sunshine Coast in 2005. Vikki completed a degree in Sustainable Tourism, BA Honours (Class 1: Environmental impacts of marine based sporting events) and Doctorate in Philosophy (Valuing Artificial Reefs: The Case of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park) all of which focused on her strong interest in adventure and conservation with a particular passion for the marine environment. Nationally and internationally recognised for learning and teaching, Vikki incorporates research into teaching for innovative approaches to high quality student learning, effective industry and community outcomes and leadership for the empowerment of others. Vikki’s more recent research examines the cognitive appraisal of immersive experiences (emotional responses; awe) to explore and informs products that generate sustainability-focused visitor experience (marine and adventure tourism: artificial reefs, whale tourism). In addition, Vikki has been investigating citizen science approaches (evaluation of the participant experience in the SC TurtleCare program and Clean up for the hatchlings) and an advancing interest in tourist scientists.
ABOUT THE TALK:
Tourism that involves meaningful, visitors’ interactions with nature is of increasing interest to destinations managers, governments, tourism operators and researchers. Maximising the benefits relies on understanding the visitor experience to inform the development of quality experiences, that may influence decision making, and the identification and implementation of sustainable products to increase positive attitudes towards environmental conservation and preservation. It is argued that emotional experiences are among the most important benefits realised by those engaging in the natural environment. Greater understanding of cognitive (i.e., appraisal processes) and emotional elicitation may inform experience design, product development, and visitor and destination management. From this perspective, we are currently exploring awe, due to the complexity and transformative potential that may lead to behavioural and attitudinal responses that challenge a person’s perception of the world around them.
Virtual doors (zoom) opens at 6.25pm for a 6:30 pm start.
Stay after the event for networking and nibbles (BYO obviously!) - get your burning questions answered and continue your thoughts, ideas and sea-minded discussions with your local community, all from the comfort of your couch!
Bring a mate and share in the discovery!
At Reef Check Australia we’re all about inspiring our mates and we love to read your thoughts! So, share your favourite parts about the night and tag us! Reef Check Australia #coasttocoral
This initiative is hosted by Reef Check Australia, and proudly supported by oh so many groups including the City of Gold Coast, Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd, Sunshine Coast Council's Environment Levy partnerships grant, and Townsville City Council.
Future talks take place on the second Tuesday night of each month, with a new, interesting and engaging speaker.
For more information contact seqsurveys@reefcheckaustralia.org