ABSTRACT
This chapter contributes to our knowledge of the challenges that common pool resources pose to sustainable tourism development. These challenges are discussed in the context of whale shark tourism in Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. After discussing the nature of common pool resources, the chapter identifies the threats to whale shark tourism which have the potential to adversely affect its sustainability as an environmental resource and niche tourism market over time. The management strategies being employed to meet the challenges of sustainable governance of whale shark tourism are examined. Finally, the chapter identifies an approach, based on the concept of the protected landscape, to underpin strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation associated with tourism development at Ningaloo Marine Park.
