II. Main Cultural products 5. Nature Section 5.3: Presentation and Organization

5.3.3. Interpretation

Interpretation [4] is an activity that shows, in an attractive, direct and participative manner, the characteristics of an area and its biophysical and cultural relations with the purpose of generating in the participants enjoyment, awareness, knowledge and commitment to the values interpreted.

It is a discipline that arose in the United States in the last third of the 20th century; one of its great theorists is Jorge Morales who defines it as the Art of revealing in situ the meaning of the natural, cultural or historical legacy to the public that visits these places in their leisure time.

According to “the great interpretation cheat-sheet” prepared by the same author, interpretation must:

• Be considered an effective management instrument; be addressed to the visitor of the natural heritage (general public, including persons with disabilities).
• Be a free and voluntary activity; take into account the recreational context the visitor is in (vacation, free days, etc.).
• Be inspiring; reach the spirit of the individuals.
• Stimulate the use of the senses.
• Be motivating and provocative.
• Be suggestive and persuasive.
• Stimulate active participation, orient and inform about specific facts.
• Stimulate critical thought.
• Deliver a clear message.
• Deliver a brief message.
• Reveal meanings and interrelationships.
• Contribute to citizen awareness.
• Tell the presence of the real object.
• Follow up inasmuch as is possible with personalized activities (with a guide).
• Maintain as a goal the conservation of the natural heritage that is the object of the interpretation.

The suitable interpretation of the environment can cause great variations in the impression the visitors take with them of the place. According to Don Aldridge (1973) “Interpretation is the art of explaining the place of man in his environment, with the purpose of increasing the awareness of the visitor about the importance of this interaction, and to awaken in him the desire to contribute to the conservation of the environment”.

With the visit to the environment, the aim is that the visitor will increase his awareness of it, know it, understand it and be enthused with its characteristics and special gifts. The visit with suitable environmental interpretation increases the quality of the experience and makes possible a greater appreciation of the resource on the part of the visitor, maintaining the recreational character.

5.3.2. Planning The Journey

5.3.4. Communication