1.Tourism and nature management

1A: Balancing Tourism and Agriculture for Nature Preservation on Texel: Insights from Local Stakeholders

This research project on Texel examines the interplay between tourism and agriculture and its impact on nature preservation. Texel is known for its biodiversity and as a crucial stopover for migrating birds. It attracts about one million tourists annually, significantly impacting the local economy and environment. The impacts from both tourism and agriculture present challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.

Using qualitative methods, including interviews with farmers, government officials, and nature managers, this study aimed to uncover stakeholders' perspectives on the interlinkages between tourism, agriculture, and nature conservation. Tourism serves as a major economic driver, providing significant revenue and seasonal jobs, while also benefiting farmers by creating a market for local products. However, agriculture, which covers around half the island, faces challenges such as soil salinity, limited expansion opportunities, competition, and interest from outside actors.

The environmental impact of tourism and agriculture was also highlighted. Tourism increases traffic and habitat disturbance, particularly affecting bird species. While agriculture supports soil health through livestock grazing, conversely intensive farming practices degrade the ecosystem. Stakeholders proposed solutions to mitigate these impacts, including the development of multi functional farms that integrate tourism with agriculture. These farms could include farm shops, camping sites, and educational tours, thereby diversifying income while promoting nature conservation. As well as financial compensation for farmers engaged in nature preservation, controlling tourist access to sensitive areas, and implementing a tourist tax to fund sustainable initiatives were suggested.

Collaboration emerged as a crucial theme. Effective collaboration between farmers, tourism operators, and conservationists is essential, with agritourism highlighted as a potential strategy to support local farmers and educate visitors. Involving the local community in decision-making processes ensures their interests are considered, and importantly that they are taken into account as well. The future requires fostering a sustainable balance between economic drives and environmental preservation.

To address the challenges and opportunities of tourism and agriculture on Texel, several policy recommendations are proposed. Establishing financial incentives for farmers engaged in nature management such as grazing protected areas, is essential. Compensation could support sustainable farming and nature preservation efforts.

Enhancing infrastructure to manage tourist traffic can mitigate adverse effects on natural habitats and agriculture. Promoting agritourism will boost the local economy and educate visitors on sustainable practices, while developing multi-functional farms can enhance agricultural sustainability.

Dit is een samenvatting van het resultaat van het onderzoek. Het onderzoek maakt deel uit van de Texelse veldwerkweek 2024. Hieraan doen ongeveer 200 eerstejaarsstudenten van de opleiding Global Sustainability Science aan de Universiteit Utrecht mee. 

Mocht u het uitgebreidere rapport van dit onderzoek willen, dan kunt u deze opvragen via: info@kenniswerkplaatstexel.nl of via de contactpersoon van de Universiteit Utrecht:
Ralph Temmink: r.j.m.temmink@uu.nl

Hier kunt u de samenvatting en andere resultaten van de veldwerkonderzoeken van 2023 en 2024 vinden.