Ecotourism

The Definition
Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)
Ecotourism is a term which refers to a form of nature-based tourism. In the field, it has proven to be one of the most effective tools for long-term conservation of biodiversity when the right circumstances are present, and it is of special interest for its relationship with conservation, sustainability, and biological diversity.
Principles of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

Minimize impact. Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect. Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation. Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people. Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.
BENEFITS OF ECOT Conservation

Ecotourism's primary aim is to counteract the negative effects of human development. People who live in cities often choose to visit pristine jungles, mountains and beaches to enjoy their beauty. As local communities begin to see their natural resources as sources of tourist income, the communities may work harder to protect those resources. In many cases, locals find work as tour guides and discover that their jobs depend on local conservation efforts. (See References 1)
Government Funding
As ecotourism in an area grows, the local government often recognizes the economic boom and seeks to maintain it. In Costa Rica, ecotourism's popularity led to the creation of several national parks and reserves, which established a protected wildlife corridor (see References 1). In turn, governments must have the funds to maintain their parks and keep hunters, poachers and loggers out of them. In Madagascar, poor infrastructure, government instability and the local communities' need for the food and lumber inside the Masoala National Park's borders have limited the park's success (see References 2).
Local Business
Aside from tour guides, a range of local businesses benefit from ecotourism. Craftspeople, innkeepers and restaurateurs all provide services that help tourists discover local features. A 2003 study of Costa Rican communities found that once ecotourism has boosted an economy, people stop cutting trees because they are simply too busy. The same study, however, found that such a behavioral change didn't necessarily indicate greater environmental awareness. Once the local economy experiences some success, development starts to threaten natural resources (see References 3 and 4).
Cultural Exchange
The same Costa Rican study found that people with more education were less likely to be environmentally destructive. In fact, education and awareness may be the true benefits of ecotourism and provide the most lasting effect. Ecotourists meeting people who live more closely with nature may learn to live more simply themselves. Meanwhile, locals gain the funds and the ability to pursue more education of their own, giving them a better understanding of world issues like environmentalism. Through cultural exchange, both parties stand to benefit Problems of ecotourism If the site is badly managed there can be problems of ecot

overcrowding constructions pollution of the habitat unlimited numbers of tourists The site becoming a "honey pot" area. The site becomes over-visited. Traffic congestion Erosion where cars park illegally Footpath erosion, soil loss Tourists don't understand or care what eco-tourism really is Criticism as "greenwashing" where the environment is used as a bait to attract tourists Examples include establishing a huge energy intensive hotel in a splendid jungle setting with no understanding of sustainable development or the correct provision for the disposal of waste and sewage etc. Examples include establishing a tourist resort which displaces the local people and illegally keeps endangered animals in cages to attract visitors (Nature's Sacred Paradise).

Ecotourism

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The Definition

BENEFITS OF ECOT Conservation

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