Visitor Management in the National Park Gesaeuse

The concept is mainly based on the model of VERP — Visitor Experience and Resource Protection Framework the principles of which are currently being used in many US National Parks (MANNING 2007). Yet, it was adapted to the needs of the National Park Gesaeuse, considering the legal situation of the protected area as well as the resource and tourist background. In addition, the Natura 2000 standards had to be included. On this behalf, the risk analysis concept for Natura 2000 species and habitats according to Proebstl et al. (2007) was adapted. It takes into account the conservation status of habitats and species, the relevance and intensity of tourism use, as well as the efficiency of management actions. The concept includes the following steps: Creation of an interdisciplinary project team Definition of park purpose and significance Collection of basic data on resources and visitor use Description of visitor experience and resource conditions Impact assessment of visitor use on sensitive habitats and species (risk analysis) Designation of management zones and areas of conflicts Definition of indicators and standards for each zone Definition of management actions Monitoring of resource and social indicators