This book breaks new ground in the management of tourism in natural areas. It explains the ecology of natural areas in simple terms, and goes on to describe the major sources of environmental impact from tourism. Comprehensive means of planning for and managing these impacts are then covered. A central theme of the book is how to manage tourism in natural areas in a sustainable way while at the same time providing visitors with a high quality experience. Special attention is given to interpretation and education as key elements in this approach. One underlying theme is that natural area tourism is an appropriate vehicle for achieving deeper understanding of the environment in a way that other forms of tourism are not. If people in the developed world seek to leave some form of positive legacy to the earth then one of the best ways of doing this is by gaining an understanding and appreciation of our environment which will inspire action for its protection. The authors hope that readers of this book will share with them the notion that tourism, when planned, managed and implemented in an appropriate manner, can act as a tool for conservation. About Author: SDavid Newsome is a lecturer in the School of Environmental Science at Murdoch University, Perth, Western Asutralia. Susan A. Moore is a senior lecturer in the same department. Ross K. Dowling is Associate Professor of Tourism and Head of the School of Marketing, Tourism & Leisure at Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia. He is a foundation Executive Member of the Ecotourism Association of Australia, is Vice Chairperson of the Forum Advocating Cultural and Ecotourism in Western Australia, and is Treasurer of the Australian International Year of Ecotourism 2002 Organising Committee.