Students:Tourists group instructions

Background information: what the landscape means for us

The surrounding landscape is the main reason we are coming to the region – we want to spend our time in a healthy, aesthetic, inspiring environment with numerous natural, historical etc. values.

Our perception might be formed by romantic images, but we do not care about the source of our aesthetic values. The harmony of different landscape components, the possibility to explore its hidden beauties, and also opportunities for entertainment, that’s what matters. Some of us are of course fond of its traditions, others consider it as a setting for relaxation.

Who we are

Most of us come into the region without any specific knowledge about its environment, history, traditions etc. – we are concerned about perceiving all these landscape factors with our senses as well as rationally. All relevant information is of interest to us, but it shouldn’t be too scientific, just some comprehensive info we need only “packages” of entertainment and information that will be used within the limited time we spend here and about which we do not care after we leave. But there are also really traditional tourists among us – those who thoroughly study the informational background before coming, and are concerned about regional development. We value these representatives of our group above all as they are prepared to enter into dialogue about the regional future which would benefit all of us.

What we want

We expect to have all services so that we don’t need to worry about basic needs too much – we are able to pay for that. Some of us do not particularly want to develop deep relationships with anything or anybody and are interested only in some spectacular real life performance. But on average, we not only care about adventure, and want to see something extraordinary – we also have an interest in traditions that should be protected within future development.

What do we need to explore (potential themes for dialogue with local stakeholders)

We want to ask local people about traditions and the possibilities of preserving them – and also about the possible problems. We might have an influence from outside and need to know the real situation.

We are interested in the activities of environmentalists – they might have similar interests to us. On the other hand, their radical activities frighten us.

Demands towards the other groups

• Local residents – we perceive them as a “social environment” and want them to be educated enough to be able to provide services and information at a good management and intellectual level.
• The mining company – we do not understand why they are not concerned with the environment etc. and we would like them to be more enlightened. On the other hand, they might support prosperity and hence infrastructure in the region etc.
• Environmental NGOs – we appreciate that they start discussions of a certain type but want them to keep within some limits.
• Scientists – are supposed to deliver solutions for the region. As their view is from outside, we understand them and are able to communicate with them.
• Regional government – we expect them to pay attention to our interests in formulating a development strategy. On the other hand, we are not able to observe their work continuously.

What we are offering

We are offering our interest in the region, finances that support it, and a view from the outside. Some of us might have an opportunity to influence national policies (from our positions in government, through lobbying etc.)

Tasks for the group

Compile accessible information about the region that is interesting from your perspective – text 2 pages long that provides insight into most interesting features and is based on facts.

Receive input from local people – you should question those you meet during the lectures, visits and excursions, or in normal conversation when you meet somebody relevant “in the street”. Concentrate on those representatives of real stakeholders that could provide you some info important for your involvement from outside.

Use “value neutral” information from diverse sources when preparing your SWOT analysis of the current situation (natural conditions, environmental problems and their analysis, policy, institutions, existing strategies on regional as well as state level,…) – identify positives, negatives, risks, opportunities from your point of view.

Using the outcome of the SWOT, express your interests clearly (with regard to the issues relevant for the current policy debate). Your own position could be based on the opinions of the people you have met on various occasions with whom you share some point of view. Your interests might be oriented toward different thematic issues. However, you have to agree within the group on a list of priorities for future development.

Develop your arguments for supporting your realistic demands and future visions, and identify an area for negotiation with other groups: your positions should be defended against those other groups; you should identify interests which you could occasionally compromise on.

On this basis, develop a strategy for defending your standpoints on environmental problems within regional development that you will claim against the other interest groups, identify potential conflicts, and prepare yourself for the final negotiation & conflict resolution process!