benefits of ecotourism essay

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Benefits of Ecotourism: How Responsible Travel Can Make a Positive Impact

Benefits of Ecotourism: Ecotourism, also known as sustainable tourism, is a form of tourism that aims to minimize the negative impact on the environment while providing a unique experience for travelers. This type of tourism is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the importance of sustainable living and conservation of the environment. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of ecotourism and why it is a great way to travel.

Environmental Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of ecotourism is the positive impact it has on the environment. Ecotourism is designed to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment. This means that when you choose to travel in this way, you are helping to protect and preserve the environment. Many ecotourism destinations have strict regulations in place to ensure that the local flora and fauna are not harmed, and natural resources are not overused.

Economic Benefits

Ecotourism can also bring significant economic benefits to local communities. Many ecotourism destinations are located in rural areas, where the local economy may be struggling. Ecotourism can provide a sustainable source of income for local communities, providing jobs and boosting the local economy. When you choose to travel in this way, you are supporting the local economy and helping to promote sustainable development.

Cultural Benefits

Ecotourism also provides an opportunity to learn about local cultures and traditions. Many ecotourism destinations offer opportunities to interact with local communities and learn about their way of life. This can be a transformative experience, helping to promote understanding and respect for different cultures.

Educational Benefits

Ecotourism can be a great way to learn about the environment and the importance of conservation. Many ecotourism destinations offer educational programs that teach visitors about the local ecosystem and the importance of protecting it. This can be a great way to learn about the environment and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Personal Benefits

Ecotourism can also be a great way to improve your physical and mental health. Many ecotourism destinations offer opportunities for physical activity, such as hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling. Being in nature can also be a great way to reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing. When you choose to travel in this way, you are not only helping the environment, but also benefiting yourself.

Conservation Benefits

Ecotourism can also help promote conservation efforts. By promoting sustainable tourism, ecotourism can help to protect and preserve natural resources. Many ecotourism destinations use tourism revenue to fund conservation efforts, such as protecting endangered species, preserving ecosystems, and reducing carbon emissions.

Sustainable Development Benefits

Ecotourism can also help to promote sustainable development. By providing a sustainable source of income for local communities, ecotourism can help to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty. This can have a positive impact on the environment, as well as on the lives of local communities.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Ecotourism also provides an opportunity to preserve cultural heritage. Many ecotourism destinations are located in areas with unique cultural heritage and traditions. Ecotourism can help to promote the preservation of these traditions, as well as to support the local communities that rely on them.

Responsible Travel

Ecotourism promotes responsible travel. This means that when you travel in this way, you are actively seeking to minimize your negative impact on the environment and local communities. Responsible travel can involve a variety of actions, from using eco-friendly products to supporting local businesses and avoiding activities that harm the environment.

Climate Change Mitigation

Ecotourism can also play a role in mitigating climate change. Many ecotourism destinations use renewable energy and implement sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. By supporting these destinations, travelers can help to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment.

Wildlife Conservation

Ecotourism can also help to promote wildlife conservation. Many ecotourism destinations are home to unique and endangered species. By promoting sustainable tourism in these areas, ecotourism can help to protect and preserve these species and their habitats.

Long-term Benefits

One of the great things about ecotourism is that it provides long-term benefits for the environment and local communities. When you choose to travel in this way, you are not just making a short-term impact. Your actions can have a lasting effect, helping to protect the environment and support sustainable development for years to come.

Positive Feedback Loop

Ecotourism also creates a positive feedback loop. By supporting sustainable tourism, travelers are helping to promote the use of renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment. This, in turn, creates more opportunities for ecotourism, which can bring economic benefits to local communities and promote the conservation of the environment.

Ecotourism is a great way to travel responsibly and make a positive impact on the environment and local communities. From promoting conservation to supporting sustainable development, ecotourism provides a wide range of benefits for both travelers and local communities. So, if you want to travel in a way that is responsible and sustainable, consider ecotourism as a great option. By choosing to travel in this way, you can help to protect the environment and support sustainable development for years to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ecotourism is about more than simply visiting natural attractions or natural places; it’s about doing so in a responsible and sustainable manner. The term itself refers to traveling to natural areas with a focus on environmental conservation. The goal is to educate tourists about conservation efforts while offering them the chance to explore nature.

Ecotourism has benefited destinations like Madagascar, Ecuador, Kenya, and Costa Rica, and has helped provide economic growth in some of the world’s most impoverished communities. The global ecotourism market produced $92.2 billion in 2019 and is forecasted to generate $103.8 billion by 2027.

A conservationist by the name of Hector Ceballos-Lascurain is often credited with the first definition of ecotourism in 1987, that is, “tourism that consists in travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in these areas.”

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of ecotourism since 1990, defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education [both in its staff and its guests].”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) looks at ecotourism as a significant tool for conservation, though it shouldn’t be seen as a fix-all when it comes to conservation challenges:

“There may be some areas that are just not appropriate for ecotourism development and some businesses that just won’t work in the larger tourism market. That is why it is so important to understand the basics of developing and running a successful business, to ensure that your business idea is viable and will be profitable, allowing it to most effectively benefit the surrounding environment and communities.”

Marketing an ecosystem, species, or landscape towards ecotourists helps create value, and that value can help raise funds to protect and conserve those natural resources.

Sustainable ecotourism should be guided by three core principles: conservation, communities, and education.

Conservation

Conservation is arguably the most important component of ecotourism because it should offer long-term, sustainable solutions to enhancing and protecting biodiversity and nature. This is typically achieved through economic incentives paid by tourists seeking a nature-based experience, but can also come from the tourism organizations themselves, research, or direct environmental conservation efforts.

Communities

Ecotourism should increase employment opportunities and empower local communities, helping in the fight against global social issues like poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Interpretation

One of the most overlooked aspects of ecotourism is the education component. Yes, we all want to see these beautiful, natural places, but it also pays to learn about them. Increasing awareness about environmental issues and promoting a greater understanding and appreciation for nature is arguably just as important as conservation.

As one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, there are bound to be some downsides to ecotourism. Whenever humans interact with animals or even with the environment, it risks the chance of human-wildlife conflict or other negative effects; if done so with respect and responsibility in mind, however, ecotourism can reap enormous benefits to protected areas.

As an industry that relies heavily on the presentation of eco-friendly components to attract customers, ecotourism has the inevitable potential as a vessel for greenwashing. Part of planning a trip rooted in ecotourism is doing research to ensure that an organization is truly providing substantial benefits to the environment rather than exploiting it.

Ecotourism Can Provide Sustainable Income for Local Communities

Sustainably managed ecotourism can support poverty alleviation by providing employment for local communities, which can offer them alternative means of livelihood outside of unsustainable ones (such as poaching).

Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that communities in regions surrounding conservation areas in Costa Rica had poverty rates that were 16% lower than in areas that weren’t near protected parks. These protected areas didn’t just benefit from conservation funds due to ecotourism, but also helped to reduce poverty as well.

It Protects Natural Ecosystems

Ecotourism offers unique travel experiences focusing on nature and education, with an emphasis on sustainability and highlighting threatened or endangered species. It combines conservation with local communities and sustainable travel , highlighting principles (and operations) that minimize negative impacts and expose visitors to unique ecosystems and natural areas. When managed correctly, ecotourism can benefit both the traveler and the environment, since the money that goes into ecotourism often goes directly towards protecting the natural areas they visit.

Each year, researchers release findings on how tourist presence affects wildlife, sometimes with varying results. A study measuring levels of the stress hormone cortisol in wild habituated Malaysian orangutans found that the animals were not chronically stressed by the presence of ecotourists. The orangutans lived in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, where a local community-managed organization operates while maintaining strict guidelines to protect them.

Ecotourism May Also Hurt Those Same Natural Ecosystems

Somewhat ironically, sometimes ecotourism can hurt ecosystems just as much as it can help. Another study in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution found that ecotourism can alter animal behaviors in ways that put them at risk. If the presence of humans changes the way animals behave, those changes may make them more vulnerable by influencing their reaction to predators or poachers.

It's not just the animals who are at risk. As ecotourism activities become too popular, it can lead to the construction of new infrastructure to accommodate more visitors. Similarly, more crowds mean more pressure on local resources, increased pollution, and a higher chance of damaging the soil and plant quality through erosion. On the social side, these activities may displace Indigenous groups or local communities from their native lands, preventing them from benefiting from the economic opportunities of tourism.

Ecotourism Offers the Opportunity to Experience Nature

Renown conservationist Jane Goodall has a famous quote: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall all be saved.” It can be difficult to understand something that we haven’t seen with our own eyes, and ecotourism gives travelers the opportunity to gain new experiences in natural areas while learning about the issues they face.

Ecotourism also educates children about nature, potentially creating new generations of nature lovers that could someday become conservationists themselves. Even adult visitors may learn new ways to improve their ecological footprints .

EXAMPLES OF ECOTOURISM

The East African country has some competitive advantages over its neighbors thanks to its rich natural resources, paired with the fact that it has allocated over 25% of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas. Because of this, an estimated 90% of tourists visit to Tanzania seeking out ecotourism activities. Ecotourism, in turn, supports 400,000 jobs and accounts for 17.2% of the national GDP, earning about $1 billion each year as its leading economic sector.

Some of Tanzania’s biggest highlights include the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro , and Zanzibar, though the country still often goes overlooked by American tourists. Visitors can take a walking safari tour in the famous Ngorongoro Conservation area, for example, with fees going to support the local Maasai community.

The country is also known for its chimpanzees , and there are several ecotourism opportunities in Gombe National Park that go directly towards protecting chimpanzee habitats.

Galapagos Islands

It comes as no surprise that the place first made famous by legendary naturalist Charles Darwin would go on to become one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations on Earth, the Galapagos Islands .

The Directorate of the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism require tour providers to conserve water and energy, recycle waste, source locally produced goods, hire local employees with a fair wage, and offer employees additional training. A total of 97% of the land area on the Galapagos is part of the official national park, and all of its 330 islands have been divided into zones that are either completely free of human impact, protected restoration areas, or reduced impact zones adjacent to tourist-friendly areas.

Local authorities still have to be on their toes, however, since UNESCO lists increased tourism as one of the main threats facing the Galapagos today. The bulk of funding for the conservation and management of the archipelago comes from a combination of governmental institutions and entry fees paid by tourists.

Costa Rica is well-known throughout the world for its emphasis on nature-based tourism, from its numerous animal sanctuaries to its plethora of national parks and reserves. Programs like its “Ecological Blue Flag” program help inform tourists of beaches that have maintained a strict set of eco-friendly criteria.

The country’s forest cover went from 26% in 1983 to over 52% in 2021 thanks to the government’s decision to create more protected areas and promote ecotourism in the country . Now, over a quarter of its total land area is zoned as protected territory.

Costa Rica welcomes 1.7 million travelers per year, and most of them come to experience the country’s vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Its numerous biological reserves and protected parks hold some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on Earth, so the country takes special care to keep environmental conservation high on its list of priorities.

New Zealand

In 2019, tourism generated $16.2 billion, or 5.8% of the GDP, in New Zealand. That same year, 8.4% of its citizens were employed in the tourism industry, and tourists generated $3.8 billion in tax revenue.

The country offers a vast number of ecotourism experiences, from animal sanctuaries to natural wildlife on land, sea, and even natural caves. New Zealand’s South Pacific environment, full of sights like glaciers and volcanic landscapes, is actually quite fragile, so the government puts a lot of effort into keeping it safe.

Tongariro National Park, for example, is the oldest national park in the country, and has been named by UNESCO as one of only 28 mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites. Its diverse volcanic landscapes and the cultural heritage of the indigenous Maori tribes within the create the perfect combination of community, education, and conservation.

How to Be a Responsible Ecotourist

Ensure that the organizations you hire provide financial contributions to benefit conservation and find out where your money is going.
Ask about specific steps the organization takes to protect the environment where they operate, such as recycling or promoting sustainable policies.
Find out if they include the local community in their activities, such as hiring local guides, giving back, or through initiatives to empower the community.
Make sure there are educational elements to the program. Does the organization take steps to respect the destination’s culture as well as its biodiversity?
See if your organization is connected to a non-profit or charity like the International Ecotourism Society .
Understand that wildlife interactions should be non-invasive and avoid negative impacts on the animals.

Ecotourism activities typically involve visiting and enjoying a natural place without disturbing the landscape or its inhabitants. This might involve going for a hike on a forest trail, mountain biking, surfing, bird watching, camping, or forest bathing .

Traveling in a way that minimizes carbon emissions, like taking a train or bike instead of flying, may also be part of an ecotourism trip. Because these modes of travel tend to be slower, they may be appreciated as enjoyable and relaxing ecotourism activities.

The Wolf Conservation Center ’s programing in New York State is an example of ecotourism. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation of endangered wolf species. It hosts educational sessions that allow visitors to observe wolves from a safe distance. These programs help to fund the nonprofit organization’s conservation and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

Stonehouse, Bernard. " Ecotourism ." Environmental Geology: Encyclopedia of Earth Science , 1999, doi:10.1007/1-4020-4494-1_101

" What is Ecotourism? " The International Ecotourism Society .

" Tourism ." International Union for Conservation of Nature .

https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1307712111

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0033357

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2015.09.010

https://doi.org/10.5897/JHMT2016.0207

" Galapagos Islands ." UNESCO .

" About Costa Rica ." Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC .

https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/tourism-satellite-account-2019

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How ecotourism benefits the environment and local communities

Ecotourism is all about respecting the local culture and environment. Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint and, why not, how to volunteer and give back to the community.

Raquel www.solanomundo.com.br

May 31, 2023

Ecotourism is becoming more and more popular, and one of the reasons is that the new generations are no longer just looking for to the next destination, but to travel with purpose.

If you are looking for new life experiences , to learn about other ways of living and meet like-minded people, stay tuned for great ideas. From supporting local communities to protecting nature and fighting climate change, this different form of travel is a whole new way of looking at packing and setting off on a new adventure .

What is ecotourism?

Travel to natural areas is a great opportunity to discover amazing landscapes , but it can also help preserve delicate ecosystems, provide economic benefits to local communities and promote conservation efforts.

To fully realize the potential of ecotourism, minimal environmental impact and stable and equitable economic growth must be paramount. Ecotourism is also an exciting option for your next volunteer experience with Worldpackers. Where you can visit ecological projects with the added bonus of supporting local communities .

You can practice ecotourism now, by supporting local businesses and having an eco-friendly mindset . But you can also be part of a larger community with different projects and causes. These practices help protect nature for future generations while making a positive impact.

This form of tourism focuses on environmental sustainability and responsible travel practices . It involves visiting national parks to observe wildlife, learn about local cultures, and appreciate the beauty of nature . And if you are an outdoor enthusiast, ecotourism can include activities like hiking, camping, bird watching, and kayaking.

When traveling with an eco-friendly mindset it’s important to remember that your actions have consequences. This means being mindful of how you interact with the environment around you, from avoiding littering to respecting cultural customs , these actions benefit everyone involved -including yourself.

Keep reading : Discover India's top 3 best ecotourism

The benefits of ecotourism

Travelers want to explore nature while minimizing their impact on the environment. One of the main benefits of ecotourism is that it reduces pollution and waste by promoting responsible use of natural resources . By limiting energy consumption, using renewable sources such as solar power, and avoiding single-use plastic, ecotourists help protect ecosystems from further damage.

But ecotourism can bring many benefits to both travelers and local communities . It can help support local economies by creating jobs and income opportunities for people living near touristic destinations. And in the other hand, ecotourists have the opportunity to learn more about a culture’s customs, beliefs, language, and food habits . This helps travellers to gain an understanding of different perspectives from around the globe.

Another benefit of ecotourism is that it educates travelers about the importance of preserving nature and protecting wildlife habitats. Through guided tours or volunteer programs, visitors can learn more about the environment they are visiting while helping with conservation efforts such as beach cleanups or tree planting initiatives . This type of education can be invaluable in raising awareness about global issues related to climate change or endangered species conservation .

How ecotourism benefits local communities

Ecotourism has the potential to benefit local communities in many ways, from creating jobs and boosting the economy to conserving natural resources . With responsible ecotourism practices, travelers can ensure that their impact is positive and meaningful.

Whether you’re backpacking through South America or trekking through Asia , choosing ecotourism can provide economic opportunities for local communities by creating jobs in hospitality, conservation, and other related fields. These jobs can help reduce poverty levels and improve the quality of life for locals. Instead of opting for large hotel or restaurant chains where sustainability may not be a top priority, opt for smaller establishments . That way, you'll help ensure that your money goes to those who are actively working to protect the environment , rather than just exploiting it for profit.

Ecotourism also promotes sustainable development by providing funds for conservation projects that benefit both people and wildlife. For example, ecotourism can provide funds for the protection of endangered species or develop educational programs about the importance of protecting natural resources . In addition, ecotourism companies often use locally sourced materials when building facilities such as lodges or hiking trails, which boosts the local economy.

How ecotourism benefits the environment

A good example of this is visiting national parks or other protected areas: Be careful not to disturb plants or animals by sticking only to designated trails and paths. Also, do not leave behind litter such as plastic bottles or packaging, as these can damage the local ecosystem if not removed.

Responsible ecotourism has proven to be beneficial in reducing negative impacts on local ecosystems such as deforestation or pollution from tourist activities like fishing or camping without proper waste disposal. Educating tourists on how to behave responsibly during their visit will ensure that these areas remain protected.

The main principles of ecotourism

1. Respect the local culture

Respect the customs, beliefs, and traditions of locals wherever you go. This includes dressing appropriately at religious sites, not taking photos without people's permission, and being mindful of cultural sensitivities when it comes to food or language.

2. Support local businesses

Whenever possible, try to support local businesses by buying locally made products or eating at restaurants run by locals rather than large chains or resorts. Not only does this help keep money in the community, but it’s also a great way to have an authentic experience that you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

3. Do not take souvenirs from protected areas

When visiting natural areas like national parks always remember to take your trash with you when leaving – never leave anything behind. Also, do not take souvenirs from protected areas as this can have negative impacts on wildlife habitats and ecosystems over time.

4. Use sustainable transportation

When possible, opt for more sustainable modes of transportation such as cycling or walking instead of driving, which produce harmful emissions into the atmosphere – plus, they’re usually cheaper too.

These small changes can make a big difference when it comes to preserving our planet's resources. By following these tips for responsible ecotourism, you can ensure that your travels have a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

Why should you choose ecotourism?

Ecotourism is an opportunity to explore beautiful places while learning about local cultures , customs, and traditions. But besides that, choosing this type of tourism can also help protect natural resources. It is possible to reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing energy consumption during your travels , as well as helping preserve wildlife habitats and ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

Ecotourists often have the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities, such as volunteering with conservation efforts or participating in educational workshops on sustainability practices. Ecotourism also helps create jobs for locals by providing them with employment opportunities related to tourism services like guiding or transportation .

Before embarking on your next trip, research the destination thoroughly so that you know what kind of environmental regulations are in place. This way, you can ensure that your visit will not negatively affect the environment or disrupt animal habitats unnecessarily.

It is also important to be mindful when interacting with wildlife - never feed wild animals (even if they seem friendly). This could out them in dangerous situations where they rely on humans instead of finding their own food sources . It is also important to always respect local customs and laws; be aware that some activities may be prohibited depending on the destination, so make sure you understand all relevant rules before engaging in any activity.

Read more on how to be a conscious traveler and how to find ecotourism jobs .

Disadvantages of ecotourism

While ecotourism has many benefits, it can also have negative impacts if not well managed. Travellers who want to travel responsibly can choose from a variety of ecotourism destinations . But these beautiful natural parks and desert beaches are seen as profit opportunities by some companiers and may face overtourism . Other drawback is the greenwashing. Many companies, resorts and restaurants advertise being sustainable, but in reality do nothing for the environment or local communities.

This is why it is so important to -not only choose ecotourism, but also to be a responsible traveller and ask questions. Among the potential disadvantages of ecotourism are the exploitation and displacement of local communities . They may benefit little from tourism and be exposed to negative impacts, such as increased traffic and noise. As operators prioritise profit over conservation, communities may also be forced to relocate to make way for tourism-related infrastructure.

Ecotourism volunteering with Worldpackers

Participating in volunteer programs during your travels often involves helping out in conservation areas, such as wildlife sanctuaries or reforestation efforts that directly benefit communities and the environment. Volunteering with Worldpackers allows you to gain valuable experience and develop new skills while making a positive impact on your community.

Ecotourism is a form of responsible travel that focuses on preserving the environment and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Through ecotourism, travelers can enjoy unique experiences while helping to protect nature and support local economies. Volunteers are also encouraged to visit natural areas such as national parks or wildlife reserves to learn more about and respect nature. By visiting these places, ecotourists can help protect them from destruction while providing much-needed economic support for conservation efforts

The process of finding a volunteering opportunity with Worldpackers is simple. First, you can create a profile on the platform and indicate your areas of interest and skills . Then, you can browse the available opportunities, and once you find one that matches your interests, you can become a verified member and reach out to the host to discuss details and make arrangements.

Volunteering with ecotourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most important destinations for ecotourism , and ideal for animal lovers. It’s a tropical destination with rainforests, countless beaches, volcanoes, and mountains. The ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, means pure life—and is the true philosophy of Costa Rica.

With Worldpackers volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica, you can work on projects to protect sea turtles and rescued and endangered species , such as feeding and caring for animals, cleaning enclosures, and assisting with rehabilitation and release programs.

This eco-village in Drake Bay is looking for help to build its agro-ecological farm and produce organic food through regenerative agriculture and hydroponics. They are looking for volunteers with green fingers who want to learn how to produce bio-inputs, such as soil, fertilizers, repellents and microorganisms, and how to process and prepare food. Volunteers are staying in a purpose-built station and can use any of the facilities at the property.

Volunteering with ecotourism in Kenya

Ecotourism in Kenya is a great opportunity to help with community development projects, such as building schools and promoting eco-friendly tourism. With Worldpackers volunteer programs, you can develop new skills while participating in teaching programs in Nairobi .

Since Kenya is home to more than 50 national parks, you can immerse yourself in nature or wildlife while volunteering. Travelers often go to Kenya in hopes of meeting ‘The Big 5’, and this has encouraged the government to stop illegal poaching, ban single-use plastic and plastic bags , while promoting sustainable tourism.

Volunteering with ecotourism in Norway

The opportunity to volunteer with ecotourism in Norway is for nature enthusiasts. It offers the chance to work in national parks, promoting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. Volunteer tasks may include trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, and visitor education.

You can also experience the Fjords while helping to grow vegetables on a small farm and in a greenhouse.

Volunteering with Ecotourism in the Amazon rainforest

The traditional peoples and the Amazon rainforest are daily resisting. For years they have resisted burning and deforestation, land grabbing and lack of public policies. As a volunteer in Amazonas , you can develop new skills in a cultural space in Presidente Figueiredo. Close to waterfalls and the people who live near the Amazon River .

If you choose to volunteer with ecotourism options, you can have unique experiences not available anywhere else in the world - from trekking through remote jungle areas to snorkeling among coral reefs teeming with life. Such activities give visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature while creating lasting memories in some truly spectacular locations around the globe with Worldpackers. Did you like these ideas? Subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified.

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Raquel Pryzant

www.solanomundo.com.br

Travel journalist, author of the @solanomundo project and collaborator in different media such as Viajes National Geographic, Folha de S. Paulo and Qual Viagem Magazine. Read more: www.solanomundo.com.br

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What is Ecotourism and Why is it Important?

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Sustainable Travel | 12

We’ve become an increasingly global world and travel has never been easier.

Every year, billions of people travel internationally to the point where popular tourist destinations have started to suffer from the effects of overtourism.

The existence of some of the world’s most beautiful locations is now under threat, and it’s getting out of control.

Travel is a gift, but it needs reform. The tourism industry needs to cut back and become more sustainable to manage.

One way this can work is if travel becomes more responsible.

The answer is ecotourism.

So, what is ecotourism, and why is it important? What are the benefits of ecotourism, and how does it work?

When it boils down to it, ecotourism is about using small-scale, nature-based tourism to actively protect the environment and local communities, and educate travellers.

Read on to find out how this works.

What is Ecotourism?

First, what does ecotourism mean? To put it simply, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as:

‘Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.’

The definition of ec otourism is that it’s all about active nature tourism.

It’s a small-scale, low-impact form of travel that seeks to preserve the natural world by ensuring that biodiversity, ecosystems and local communities remain protected and unspoiled.

It’s a rewarding and educational experience that improves our cultural awareness and understanding of nature.

Ecotourism destinations tend to be fragile, untouched and fairly preserved. Think islands, densely biodiverse reserves and significant cultural landmarks.

This form of travel was first introduced in the 1970s, but it only started to take off towards the end of the 1980s.

Thanks to the growing trend of people prioritising greener choices, it’s getting more popular every year.

Why is Ecotourism Important?

A girl walking on a black sand beach in Costa Rica.

The purpose of ecotourism is that it helps to preserve and foster respect for some of the most beautiful environments on Earth.

Ecotourism is a sustainable way to travel. It encourages tourists to protect the environment and contribute to local communities on a deeper level than those just passing through.

This hands-on approach plays a vital part in educating travellers about some of the hardships these environments face, which can only be a good thing!

The more knowledge we have about the world, the better we can protect it from ourselves and climate change.

Overtourism is a huge problem . It puts a strain on a destination’s resources and inhabitants, and it can prevent them from safeguarding their most fragile assets.

Popular places like Machu Picchu in Peru are beginning to limit the number of tourists for fear of long-term and irreversible damage to these precious sites.

So, why choose ecotourism? It’s an antidote to unsustainable tourism.

It’s also an ally of conservation.

No one wants to visit a beach that’s covered in plastic. Ecotourism-focused attractions put environmental welfare first to ensure that they can provide excellent long-term service.

It also provides a chance to go off the beaten track and see destinations in a more authentic light.

Examples of Ecotourism

Inside of a wooden lodge with two beds and large windows. An ecolodge in Costa Rica.

The growing trend in ecotourism has made it easier than ever to find bucket list-worthy eco-friendly tourism opportunities.

You can now do ecotourism activities that focus on working with and protecting the environment.

These can involve attractions and locally-run small group tours that consider their environmental and social impact. I love G Adventures exactly for this reason.

They are committed to ensuring that every tour they run positively impacts the community and the environment.

They have some pretty epic adventures , from wellness tours to National Geographic Journeys and everything in between!

Ecotourism can also be about where you stay on your travels. Eco-resorts and ecolodges are now popular places to stay among travellers.

The term ‘ecolodge’ is usually associated with roughing it, but it’s not the case.

Ecolodges might not have all the amenities of a standard hotel, but they have become the definition of eco-luxury – beautifully designed, comfortable and unique. You’ll be surprised at what luxuries they do offer.

Read More: 10 of the Best Ecolodges in the World

The Benefits of Ecotourism

Colourful paintings of animals hanging up against a wooden background. Authentic Maleku art in Costa Rica. What is ecotourism and why is it important? It helps foster cultural understanding.

We’ve talked about the importance of ecotourism and how it minimises negative impacts. Now, let’s dive into why we need it.

So, what is the purpose of ecotourism? Well, it:

Educates People

Ecotourism can also help inspire real change.

All it takes is for someone to spread the word about ecotourism and conservation efforts for more people to get informed, make changes from home and encourage policymakers to make a difference.

Knowledge is power.

Makes the World a More Beautiful Place

Earth is already beautiful, but some of its corners are far from pristine.

Ecotourism ensures that the world stays beautiful long-term. It protects and preserves some of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

By supporting ecotourism, you can use your travels to fight climate change and save some of the world’s most precious natural gems.

Supports Local Communities and Conservation Efforts

Ecotourism benefits the local economy by putting money into the hands of small enterprises and local communities rather than large corporations that cut corners to save money.

It can also increase wealth in impoverished communities and help sustain the livelihoods of local and rural areas.

Improves the Quality of Travel

Travel should be about enriching experiences, and ecotourism does just that. You get a much deeper cultural understanding of a destination and the chance to appreciate its natural beauty.

Ecotourism is not just good for the environment. Our own personal development and mental health reap the rewards of it too.

It allows us to connect with nature which has many benefits for our well-being.

Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments is crucial to our psychological health. In other words, ecotourism makes us feel good.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Just like any form of tourism, ecotourism needs to be carefully managed to ensure it remains sustainable and beneficial for all. If not, some drawbacks may include:

Overtourism: even a small influx of tourists could result in overtourism and environmental pollution in previously unvisited or remote destinations (like Antarctica )
Negative cultural impact: it may damage cultural traditions or disrupt traditional ways of life in small communities.
Uneven distribution of wealth: you can’t be 100% sure exactly where your money goes and who stands to benefit. Marginalized communities may still suffer.

If it’s about the Environment, Shouldn’t We Just Stay at Home?

The answer is yes and no.

It’s true that tourism accounts for roughly 8% of greenhouse gases, but it doesn’t mean we should give up travelling altogether. It’s about finding a balance which is exactly what ecotourism does.

By choosing ecotourism, you’re avoiding mass tourism in favour of an experience that matters and gives back to the planet. It’s conscious travel.

What is the Difference between Ecotourism and Sustainable Travel?

A rainforest covered cliff and hills in the background with a waterfall visible cascading down its side in Costa Rica.

‘Ecotourism,’ ‘sustainable travel,’ ‘responsible travel,’ ‘eco-travel,’ ‘green travel,’ ‘regenerative travel,’ ‘ethical travel…’ There’s a lot of jargon about this type of travel and it all starts to get confusing.

Sustainable travel and ecotourism are similar. They both come from the idea that travel should positively impact the community and the environment.

For both terms, it comes down to making conscious decisions about eco-friendly and ethical travel.

Despite their similarities, sustainable travel and ecotourism differ slightly . The UN World Tourism Organisation defines sustainable tourism as:

‘Refer[ring] to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development. A suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability.’

Sustainable travel is a broader term than ecotourism because it refers to a set of guidelines rather than a form of travel.

These guidelines are aimed at businesses and travel providers rather than consumers. It brings the overall principles of sustainability into the travel industry.

These principles are known as the three pillars of sustainability:

Economic impact,
Socio-cultural impact
Environmental impact

The focus of these principles is to make sure that the consumer has the opportunity to make sustainable choices in all aspects of their travel, including where they stay and what they do.

The principles of ecotourism refer to a specific type of travel that focuses on conservation and the preservation of communities and ecologies.

It takes action to ensure that the natural world remains preserved and unspoiled.

It’s a blurred line between the two. You couldn’t have ecotourism without sustainable travel, and there are aspects of each in both concepts.

Read More: Two Responsible Travellers Share Their Sustainable Travel Tips

How to be an Ecotourist

A girl walking along a suspended canopy walk in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Choose a Destination which is Known for its Ecotourism

Choose responsible, low-impact, small-scale travel in protected, unspoilt, and natural areas.

These are usually found in destinations that are known for their ecotourism initiatives. I’ve included a list of some of the top ecotourism places below to give you ideas.

Ecotourism is associated with somewhere biodiverse and tropical, but you can find evidence of it worldwide.

Keep reading to find some popular ecotourism destinations!

Make Sure the Ecotourism Project or Organisation is Legitimate

Ecotourism has seen a rise in popularity but so has greenwashing.

The term describes organisations that market their products as ethical and eco-friendly to appeal to consumers who want to make a positive impact on the planet.

Greenwashing organisations are far from the environmentally conscious businesses they depict themselves to be.

To avoid greenwashing, make sure that the organisation is transparent about its operations.

They should have detailed information about their environmental efforts, and they’re sometimes endorsed by a green label.

Check out my guide to picking trustworthy activities when you’re on holiday so you can get the most out of your trip.

Avoid Exploitative Voluntourism

Volunteering abroad is a popular trend among travellers wanting to make a difference in the world.

Volunteer tourism (voluntourism) is an unregulated industry. Some volunteer programmes do more harm than good.

If you’re keen to volunteer, look into how the programme operates. Think about how your skills can benefit the programme rather than turning up as an unskilled volunteer.

Avoid working in orphanages and be wary of animal ‘sanctuaries.’

Read More: Why Voluntourism Does More Harm than Good

Make Use of Local Guides

Book activities with small-scale businesses that employ local staff as guides. You’ll be rewarded with a more in-depth experience from someone who has an insider’s perspective on the area.

Travel companies that employ local staff and work on projects that give back to the community are prime examples of what to look for in ethical tourism businesses.

Leave Only Footprints

The Leave No Trace principles of responsible hiking, camping and backpacking also apply to ecotourists in nature .

Stick to designated pathways, dispose of your rubbish responsibly, leave everything as you find it and take only photos.

You should also be respectful of wildlife, observe them at a safe distance and don’t try to feed them.

Pack travel essentials that are kind to the planet too. This packing list can help.

Stay in Ecolodges that Support the Environment and the Community

The best ecolodges, eco-resorts and homestays go above and beyond to ensure their accommodation is cohesive with the natural environment and local communities.

They work with NGOs to protect the surrounding environment and employ staff from local towns and villages.

Homestays in particular can give you an in-depth cultural understanding of their way of life and you can see first-hand how tourism impacts them.

Top Ecotourism Destinations

A girl wandering along a path through the trees in Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica, one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world.

What you see below is by no means the extensive list of all ecotourism locations.

There are projects and organisations all over the world. For example, you can stay in luxury ecolodges in Vietnam, plant trees in Scotland and participate in cultural activities in Jordan.

Here are some of the best destinations for ecotourism:

Costa Rica

Costa Rica accounts for nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity, so it’s no surprise that the country is one of the world’s best examples of ecotourism.

Almost 40% of Costa Rica’s territory is protected, and 25% of its landmass is national parks.

The Galapagos Islands

Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands have been called a living laboratory of evolution. Some of the species of flora and fauna that live here are not found anywhere else in the world.

Ecotourism is an important part of this destination and a ll tourists are required to have a guide when they visit.

The archipelago of over 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean is committed to becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral tourism destination.

All visitors to the country are required to sign the Palau Pledge, which promises to protect and respect the environment.

Palau also created the world’s sixth-largest marine sanctuary in 2015, and toxic sunscreen is banned.

Bhutan

As mandated in the constitution, 60% of Bhutan’s forests are protected, and it has the largest percentage of protected land (51%) than any other Asian country.

Bhutan has also set up a homestay programme that provides tourists with an authentic cultural experience and supports local communities.

Borneo

Borneo’s ecotourism is a huge part of the island’s impressive biodiversity. The Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the last remaining untouched jungles in the world.

Although deforestation threatens much of Borneo, organisations like the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership work to find a solution that protects them and supports the local economy.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a leader in understanding the importance of nature tourism. The country has over 10,000 protected areas, including reserves and 13 national parks.

Ecotourism plays a huge part in encouraging visitors to enjoy its unique natural sites and wildlife responsibly.

Finland

The untouched landscape, paired with the deep-rooted respect for the environment, makes Finland a haven for environmental tourism.

With over 70% of land covered by forest, Finland is one of the most forested countries in the world.

Kenya

Kenya is a top ecotourism destination in Africa and owes its eco-friendly focus to its wildlife.

The country has seven habitats, about 11% of the world’s avian species and wildlife, including the ‘Big Five’ (buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard).

Visitors can participate in a variety of nature-enriched activities that support conservation and the local communities.

Read More: Forest Bathing Therapy: What It Is and How to Do It

Ecotourism infographic to explain what it is and why it's important

Quick Guide to Ecotourism (video)

Want a recap? Watch this short video about why we need ecotourism.

To recap, the significance of ecotourism is that it:

Educated people about nature and conservation
It keeps the world beautiful in its natural state
It has a lower ecological footprint than other ways to travel
It supports local communities
It improves the quality of travel

It’s a form of nature tourism that helps preserve otherwise fragile ecosystems, supports community development and gives visitors an enriching and immersive travel experience.

What’s not to love?

If you have any questions about ecotourism or if you would like to discuss the topic further, my inbox is always open for a chat.

And remember to check out my list of some amazing examples of ecotourism!

Looking for more sustainable travel tips?

Top Sustainable Travel Tip That Will Save the World
15 Best Ethical Animal Experiences Around the World
9 Amazing Ecotourism Activities To Do Around The World

Ecotourism is a form of action-based travel that protects the environment and local communities. It's an antidote for overtourism. Check out our guide to find out why ecotourism is so important, the top ecotourism destinations in the world and why ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism.

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About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

12 Comments

This is such an important topic, especially now. If ecotourism becomes more of a focus then tourism providers will start focusing on it more as well.

It is indeed. I’m excited about how it will progress in the future!

Thanks for this guide to ecotourism! There are so many great reasons to travel this way, so thank you for helping us understand what it is and how to do it.

Costa Rica is one of my favorite regular destinations. One reason that I love traveling there so much is that it has never felt touristic to me. I think the government has done a great job preserving it’s authenticity for the most part. Thanks for educating me further on ecotourism.

Costa Rica is such an amazing example of a country that recognises its assets and puts them first above anything else. A true inspiration!

Fascinating read. Let’s hope travel goes in the right direction.

Thank you! Yes, let’s hope so. Things are starting to at least point that way!

Excellent round up of ecotourism. Very clearly defined and I do hope it inspires others to travel a little better.

Nice article.well articulated!

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Last Updated on 06/01/2024

Essay on Ecotourism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Ecotourism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Ecotourism

Understanding ecotourism.

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that focuses on nature and aims to conserve the environment. It promotes sustainable travel and respects local cultures.

Importance of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is important because it helps protect our environment. It encourages activities that do not harm nature, and it supports local communities.

Benefits of Ecotourism

Ecotourism benefits both the environment and the local people. It helps conserve biodiversity, reduces pollution, and contributes to the local economy.

Challenges of Ecotourism

Despite its benefits, ecotourism faces challenges. These include ensuring sustainability and managing the impact of tourism on local communities and wildlife.

Also check:

Paragraph on Ecotourism

250 Words Essay on Ecotourism

Introduction to ecotourism.

Ecotourism is a sustainable, non-invasive form of tourism that seeks to conserve the environment and uphold the well-being of local people. It is a responsible approach to travelling to natural areas, ensuring minimal damage to these habitats, and promoting conservation efforts.

The Essence of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is not merely about enjoying scenic landscapes, but about understanding the complexities of ecosystems. It encourages travelers to learn about the cultural and biological diversity of their destinations, fostering an appreciation that can translate into conservation efforts.

Ecotourism and Sustainability

Ecotourism is closely linked with the concept of sustainable development. It promotes the use of renewable resources while minimizing the impact on the environment and local culture. It also contributes to the local economy, providing employment opportunities for the community.

Challenges in Ecotourism

However, ecotourism comes with its own set of challenges. Without proper regulation, it can lead to environmental degradation and cultural disruption. Therefore, it is crucial to establish guidelines to ensure that ecotourism practices are sustainable and beneficial for all parties involved.

Ecotourism can serve as a powerful tool for environmental conservation and socio-economic development if managed correctly. It is a sustainable alternative to conventional tourism, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature and local cultures while contributing to their preservation. As responsible global citizens, we must promote and participate in ecotourism to ensure the survival of our planet’s precious biodiversity and cultural heritage.

500 Words Essay on Ecotourism

Introduction.

Ecotourism, a niche yet growing segment within the broader tourism industry, is premised on the idea of sustainable, responsible travel to natural areas. It aims to conserve the environment, preserve local cultures, and contribute to the economic well-being of local communities.

Ecotourism is more than just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to environmental stewardship and socio-economic development. It emphasizes low-impact travel, respect for local cultures, and support for conservation efforts. It’s about experiencing nature in its pristine form without imposing adverse effects on the environment or its inhabitants.

The Importance of Ecotourism

Ecotourism plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of resources. It can generate funds for ecological conservation directly from tourists who are willing to pay for the opportunity to experience nature in a responsible manner. Furthermore, it can also provide job opportunities and income for local communities, thereby promoting economic development in areas that might otherwise lack opportunities.

Despite its potential benefits, ecotourism also faces significant challenges. It needs to strike a delicate balance between conservation and development. Over-commercialization can lead to environmental degradation, the very antithesis of what ecotourism seeks to achieve. Moreover, it can sometimes lead to cultural commodification, where local cultures are reduced to mere tourist attractions.

Ecotourism: A Sustainable Approach

The key to successful ecotourism lies in its sustainable approach. It should be planned and managed in a manner that preserves the natural and cultural integrity of the destination. This involves setting limits on visitor numbers, implementing sustainable practices like waste management, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are equitably distributed among local communities.

Ecotourism represents a shift from traditional, often exploitative tourism practices towards a more sustainable and responsible form of travel. It holds great promise for environmental conservation, socio-economic development, and cultural preservation. However, its success hinges on careful planning, effective management, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. As we move towards a more environmentally conscious world, ecotourism offers a path that respects the earth while still allowing us to explore its diverse beauty.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Ecosystem Restoration
Essay on Economics Extended
Essay on Economic Prosperity

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development

Submitted: 28 December 2012 Published: 01 July 2013

DOI: 10.5772/55749

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1. Introduction

Ecotourism is a sub-component of the field of sustainable tourism. Ecotourism’s perceived potential as an effective tool for sustainable development is the main reason why developing countries are now embracing it and including it in their economic development and conservation strategies. Ecotourism, as an alternative tourism, involves visiting natural areas in order to learn, to study, or to carry out activities environmentally friendly, that is, a tourism based on the nature experience, which enables the economic and social development of local communities. It focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artifacts from the locality. A symbiotic and complex relationship between the environment and tourist activities is possible when this philosophy can be translated into appropriate policy, careful planning and tactful practicum. Carefully planned and operated ecotourism sites, especially if it is village-based and includes local participation, is able to provide direct benefits that might offset pressure from other less sustainable activities that make use of natural and cultural resources. Eco tourism, natural resources, cultural heritage, rural lifestyle and an integrated tourism is a type of local economic activities. Therefore, ecotourism in naturel and culturel areas was carried out with a number of elements in their natural landscape and cultural landscape (water, vista, topography, vegetation, clean air), as well as in the variety of recreational activities suitable for all kinds of environments. Therefore, ecotourism and its natural assets and raw materials to create, as well as directing people to travel is an attractive force.

Ecotourism helps in community development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to local community which is more sustainable. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially biological diversity, and maintain sustainable use of resources, which an bring ecological experience to travelers, conserve the ecological environment and gain economic benefit. However, achieving the aims in ecotourism depends on whether they are environmentally and ecologically sustainable and economically applicable. Ecotourism helps in involving local community for the conservation of the ecology and biodiversity of the area that biodiversity in return provides the economic incentives to the local community. Eco-tourism contributes to conservation of biodiversity; sustains the well-being of local people; involves responsible action on the part of tourist and the tourism industry; promotes small and medium tourism enterprises; requires lowest possible consumption of natural resources; stresses local participation, ownership, and business opportunities, particularly for rural people; and above all includes the learning experiences.

In order for ecotourism to encourage patterns of sustainability, which can benefit local communities, protect the environment, and be economically viable, it must be comprehensive and account for the complexity of issues that have been mentioned in this paper.

This chapter has revealed that there is a need for sustainable development in tourism, and the connection between tourism and environment is much stronger than in other sectors. Ecotourism must account for social, economic and environmental implications, in order to succeed. The purpose of this study look at ways in which ecotourism and sustainable development can be evaluated; and suggest ways to improve current ecotourism practices. In parallel with this purpose, it was aimed at looking for an answer to questions of: What is Ecotourism? “What might be the effects of ecotourism?” What are the impacts and challenges of ecotourism? What are the possible benefits that ecotourism can bring? Within this scope, we focused on ecotourism’s definition, its objectives, the reasons of its emergence and development, its principles, its types, its environmental, social and economic impacts; ecotourism and sustainable development and on the examination of approaches to ecotourism in Turkey and Europe.

In this section, the subjects below will be discussed.

Introduction

What is ecotourism and its types?

What is sustainable development?

Ecotourism and environmental, social and economic impacts

Ecotourism and sustainable development relationship

Ecotourism – examples of implementation

2. What is ecotourism and its types?

Ecotourism, a unique subset of the tourism industry, is ‚focused on the enhancement or maintenance of natural systems through tourism. Ecotourism means different things to different people. To some, it is the general term that encompasses nature‐based, adventure, soft adventure, and cultural tourism. The term ecotourism was coined in 1983 by “Hctor Ceballos Lascurain” a Mexican environmentalist, and was initially used to describe nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. Ecotourism guarantees the sustainable use of environmental resources, while generating economic opportunities for the local people ( Farrell & Runyan 2001 ; Bhattacharya, Chowdhury and Sarkar, 2011 ).

Ecotourism itself is meant to be a sustainable form of natural resource-based tourism. Even though ecotourism lacks a concrete definition, there are many wellrecognized definitions that have formed a clear picture of its core principles, which are shown in Table 1 .

Definitions of ecotourism

The (International) Ecotourism Society in 1990: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people in 1996 by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) which describes ecotourism as: Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples ( Joshi, 2011 )

Ecotourism tries to raise environmental consciousness by exploring ecology and ecosystems and by providing environmental type experiences. Taking part in ecology actively and getting first hand impressions of how ecosystems work influence peoples’ ways of thinking, which finally raises awareness of conservation and protection ( Ecotourism – Sustainable Tourism in National Parks and Protected Areas, 2005 ).

According to Patterson (2002 ), characteristics of an ecotourism business are that it:

Have a low impact upon a protected area’s natural resources and recreation techniques.

Involve stakeholders (individuals, communities, ecotourists, tour operators and government institutions) in the planning, development, implementation and monitoring phases

Limits visitation to areas, either by limiting group size and/or by the number of groups taken to an area in a season

Supports the work of conservation groups preserving the natural area on which the

experience is based.

Orients customers on the region to be visited.

Hires local people and buys supplies locally, where possible.

Recognizes that nature is a central element to the tourist experience.

Uses guides trained in interpretation of scientific or natural history.

Ensures that wildlife is not harassed.

Respects the privacy and culture of local people.

According to Chesworth (1995 ), Ecotourism has six characteristics. These are: a) ecotourism involves travel to relatively undisturbed natural areas and/or archeological sites, b) it focuses on learning and the quality of experience, c) it economically benefits the local communities, d) ecotourists seek to view rare species, spectacular landscapes and/or the unusual and exotic, e) ecotourists do not deplete resources but even sustain the environment or help undo damage to the environment, and f) ecotourists appreciate and respect local culture, traditions, etc.

It focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artifacts from the locality. A symbiotic and complex relationship between the environment and tourist activities is possible when this philosophy can be translated into appropriate policy, careful planning and tactful practicum ( Rahman, 2010 ).

While the details vary, most definitions of eco-tourism boil down to a special form of tourism that meets three criteria:

it provides for environmental conservation;

it includes meaningful community participation;

it is profitable and can be self-sustained

As shown in Fig 1 , there is just a thin line of differentiation between sustainable tourism and ecotourism, which also shows that there is as such no absolute boundary between sustainable and unsustainable tourism ( Eriksson, 2003 ). According to Weaver (2001) ; Ecotourism exists within the broader classification of tourism types which, at an initial level, can be divided into ‘mass tourism’ and ‘alternative tourism’ ( Figure 1) . Mass tourism is seen as the more traditional form of tourism development where short-term, freemarket principles dominate and the maximization of income is paramount. The differences between mass tourism and ecotourism are shown in Table 2 .

Conceptual model of tourism ( Eriksson,2003 )

Ecotourism as a very specific form is part of the broad concept of nature-based tourism, or it can be said that ecotourism describes a nature-based operation in the field of tourism. “The most obvious characteristic of Ecotourism is that it is nature based” Figure 2 ( Weaver (2001 );

Distinct characteristics between mass tourism and ecotourism ( Dorobantu & Nıstoreanu, 2012 )

Relationship of ecotourism to other forms of tourism ( Hill & Gale, 2009 )

Adventure tourism is defined as: “an outdoor leisure activity that takes place in an unusual, exotic, remote or wilderness destination, involves some form of unconventional means of transportation, and tends to be associated with low or high levels of activity” ( Fennel & Dowling, 2003 ). According to this definition of adventure tourism and to that of ecotourism as previously stated, it seems that there are many overlapping concepts.

Ecotourism is a component of sustainable tourism. In many ways, sustainable tourism exemplifies the relationship between ecotourism and sustainable development ( Sâmbotın et al., 2011 ; Bansal & Kumar, 2011 );

Sustainable tourism will focus on three areas:

Quality – valuable experience for visitors and increased life quality for host communities through cultural identity, poverty reduction and environmental quality;

Continuity – exploitation is made at the optimum level that allows the preservation and regeneration of the natural resources;

Balance between the needs of tourism industry, environmental protection, and local communities by an equitable distribution of benefits among stakeholders

Standarts of ecotourism ( Weaver & Lawton, 2007 );

Protection of the Ecosystem

Maintenance of the ecosystem where the ecotourism attraction is located

Protection and maintenance of wildlife especially endangered species

Wildlife live harmoniously with people

Maintenance of the physico-chemical conditions of the area

Maintenance of the quality of fresh water and marine resources

No wastes overflow and contamination of the environment (water, soil and air)

Conservation of local culture and history

Culture of locality is maintained

Historical structures are maintained as part of cultural heritage

Infrastructures and signboards blend with the environment

Sustainability

Maintenance of Carrying Capacity of the environment;

Environmental education program is part of the ecotourism package;

Livelihood must benefit more the local community than outside entrepreneurs;

The local government supports the ecotourism project through ordinances and resolutions; and

The Management Board (community-based) and appropriate government agencies, e.g. DENR, support the project through strict enforcement of environmental laws

Experience and product management should follow principles and practices associated with ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.

Many dimensions clearly emerge from these widely stated definitions including ( Matthews, 2002 )

Ecotourism occurs in natural areas (most often protected areas) and/or places of unique ecological or cultural interest

Ecotourism contributes to conservation or preservation of the natural resources and promotes stewardship of natural and cultural resources.

Ecotourism should create necessary funds to promote permanent protection of ecological and socio-cultural resources

The local residents accrue economic and social benefits thereby contributing to project’s long-term success.

Ecotourism incorporates environmental and cultural education.

Ecotourism should be effectively managed for the long-term through minimal negative impacts on the host environment.

Ecotourism should provide a quality tourism experience.

These principles and standards must be put in place by those who develop ecotourism products, as well as those who plan the development of an area-based ecotourism. In ecotourism branch a special place is given by the marketing concept. The importance of proper marketing is widely recognized throughout the tourism sector that today tourism market has become increasingly segmented over the methods of communication to reach consumers have multiplied and diversified ( Boghean & Boghean, 2006 ).

3. What is sustainable development?

The concept of sustainability first appeared in the public scene in the report put out by the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) in 1987. The commission report advances the idea of sustainable development by noting that economic growth and environmental conservation are not only compatible but they are necessary partners. One cannot exist without the other ( Harris et al., 2002 ).Sustainable development is high potential for any community within economic, social, cultural, ecologic and physical constraints ( Bhuiyan et al., 2012 ). Sustainable development has been defined in many ways, but the most frequently quoted definition is from Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report:

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts ( IISD, 2012 ):

The concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and

The idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs."

Van der Merwe & Van der Marwe (1999) add that Sustainable development is a program for changing the process of economic development so that it ensures a basic quality of life for all people and at the same time protects the ecosystems and community systems that make life possible and worthwhile.

This was the dominant dilemma addressed by the Brundtland Commission which indicated that sustainable development should, as a minimum, address the following elements ( Wall, 2007 );

Maintenance of ecological integrity and diversity;

Meet basic human needs;

Keep options open for future generations;

Reduce injustice; and

Increase self-determination.

It was further suggested that in order for this to occur, it would be necessary to:

Revive economic growth;

Change the quality of growth;

Meet essential needs such as for jobs, food, energy, water and sanitation;

Conserve and enhance the resource base;

Reorient technology and manage risk; and

Merge environment and economics in decision making.

Defined sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is often called intergenerational equality, the idea is that we should share natural resources not just with people who are alive on the planet today but also with future generations of the earth’s inhabitants. Sustainable development integrates economic, social with the aforementioned environmental goals. Sustainability highlights on the resource conservation ( Dixon & Pretorius, 2001 ; Mebratu, 1998 ; Jaini, Anuar & Daim, 2012 ). Dixon & Pretorius (2001 ) cite the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), which emphasizes environmental, social and economic concerns as three distinct but interrelated components of sustainable development.

According to Hall (2008 ) sustainable development and tourism present change which refers to the movement from one state or condition to another. Whether such a transition is positive or negative depends on the original criteria by which change is measured. Sustainable tourism requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. Achieving it requires monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary. Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them ( World Tourism Organisation, 2001 ).

Sustainable development through ecotourism is a concerning issue in the world today. Many countries have ensured their regional development by this concept. In this concept, sustainable development may be occurred by the ecotourism and regional development ( Figure 3) simultaneously in an area. Dimensions of ecotourism development refer to the environmental, economic, and social aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance between these dimensions must be established to maintain its long-term sustainability ( Bhuiyan et al, 2012 ).

Sustainable development throught ecotourism ( Bhuiyan et al., 2012 )

4. Ecotourism and environmental, social and economic impacts

Tourism can be sustainable if development meets the needs of tourists and local residents while protecting future opportunities. Ecotourism offers benefits for local residents, conservation, development and educationalexperiences. Ecotourism is a sustainable form of natural resource-based tourism. It focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artefacts from the locality ( Dowling,1997 ; Fennell, 1999 ).

Ecotourism entails a combination of conservation and tourism (the economics related with it) to benefit local communities, especially focusing on sustainability ( Myburgh & Saayman, 2002 ).

Natural and cultural landscape values form a basis for ecotourism. These values are geographical position, microclimatic conditions, existence of water, natural beauties, existence of natural vegetation, existence of wildlife, surface features, geomorphologic structure, local food, festivals and pageants, traditional agricultural structure, local handicrafts, regional dress culture, historical events and people, heritage appeals, architectural variety, traditional music and folk dance, artistic activities and so on ( Gerry, 2001 ; Lane, 1993 , Lanquar, 1995 ; Soykan, 1999 ; Brıassoulis, 2002 , Catibog-Sinha & Wen, 2008 ; Mlynarczyk, 2002 ; Drzewiecki, 2001 ; Kiper, 2006 ).

Ecotourism operates for one or more of the eco-friendly alternatives for the economic use of natural resources compared with mining, hunting, farming and so on ( Li, 2006 ). Ecotourism promotes an enhanced appreciation of natural environments and environmental education by exposing visitors and locals to nature and conservation ( Bob et al., 2008 ).

Ecotourism is largely perceived to safeguard natural areas and thereby to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. It focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artefacts from the locality. In ecotourism planning the first issue that emerges is the environment and its conservation ( Munn, 1992 ; Ceballos-Lascurain, 1996 ; Gössling, 1999 ; Tisdell & Wilson, 2002 ; Lindsey et al., 2005 ; Lopez-Espinosa de los Monteros, 2002 ; Fung & Wong, 2007 )

An ecotourism destination must in no way be developed without planning in terms of environmental concern ( Rahman, 2010 ). Within the ecotourism implementation existence of water resources creates advantages in terms of both visuality and utilization. Climatic features of a region influence tourism directly and indirectly and play a crucial role in the development of tourism. Plants drawing interest thanks to their size, age or appearance are other appealing components of ecotourism. Flowering plants are important resources in ecoturism. Historical, natural and folkloric values are important sources for ecotourism. According to Soykan, traditional commercial products are one of the most significant appeals leading to development of ecotourism in a region. This is because whole production process from planting to harvest and processing bear cultural differences, and most of them are performed in traditional ways ( Kiper, 2011 ).

Ecotourism has the potential to seriously impact local communities, largely due to the tendency of ecotourists to have a greater interest in the culture and nature of the areas they visit, as compared to mass tourists ( McMinn, 1997 ).

Ecotourism destinations are always environmentally sensitive because ecotourism activities directly involve various environmental phenomena including bird watching, trekking, mountaineering, horse riding and elephant riding within the forest wilderness trail, staying in natural caves, studying about flora and fauna, simple bush walking, fishing, animal behavior study, ecological studies ( Rahman,2010 ). Ecotourism always incorporates various activities in nature (hiking, mountain climbing, observing the living beings in their natural habitat, etc.), but it may include cultural activities, too. Ecotourism is an important educational component, it is a chance to learn respect for nature, for the local culture, and for some it is a chance to self-reflection being inspired by the beauty of the surroundings.

5. Ecotourism and sustainable development relationship

Tourism is a highly complex activity and thus requires tools to assist in effective decision making to come to terms with the competing economic, social, and environmental demands of sustainable development ( Fadahunsi, 2011 ). Table 3 indicates some interesting examples of potential risks from tourism activities, which are especially crucial in naturel and culturel areas.

Potential Risks from Tourism (Ecotourism – Sustainable Tourism in National Parks and Protected Areas, 2005)

Ecotourism has been regarded as a panacea for solving many of the environmental and economic problems of lessdeveloped nations. Yet, regardless of how socially and environmentally responsible ecotourism may be in theory, in practice it remains rooted in the tourism industry ( Wall, 1997 ). Similarly, tourism activities generally can create various negative impacts on the surrounding environment. Increased human interference in ecologically fragile areas can cause irreversible change in the existing ecological processes. These problems can be reflected in degrading natural resources, vegetation structure and the size of the habitat patch, increasing deforestation and decreasing upstream water flow ( Tourism Queenland, 2002 ).

Ecotourism is rooted in the concept of sustainable development, as defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development’s Brundtland report (1987) ( Place, 1995 ; King & Stewart, 1992 ; McMinn, 1997 ; Stem et al., 2003 ). According to the emergence of sustainable tourism development it is proven that the milestone for its emergence was the Brundtland Report by the WCED in the year 1987. Previously, many ideas in this field had been developed at the IUCN -The World Conservation Union and referenced in the World Conservation Strategy published in 1980 ( Ritchie & Crouch, 2003 ). Ecotourism is often perceived as an tool for promoting sustainable development in developing countries. Ecotourism helps in community development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to local community which is more sustainable. Many view ecotourism as a viable way to protect the natural environment and create social and economic benefits for local communities. Ecotourism encompasses a spectrum of nature-based activities that foster visitor appreciation and understanding of natural and cultural heritage and are managed to be ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. Therefore, ecotourism is accepted as an alternative type of sustainable development. Ecotourism has attracted increasing attention in recentyears, not only as an alternative to mass tourism, but also as a means to promote a country’s economic development and environmental conservation. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially biological diversity, and maintain sustainable use of resources, which can bring ecological experience to travelers, conserve the ecological environment and gain ( Bansal & Kumar, 2011 ; Godratollah et al., 2011 ; Tewodros, 2010 ). Ecotourism is increasingly being lauded as a sustainable development option for rural communities, one that is able to spur economic development ( Vogt, 1997 ) and instill environmental protection at the same time ( Cater, 2002 ). If the environment has not at least achieved a net benefit toward its sustainability and ecological integrity, then the activity is not ecotourism.

Many groups have proposed sets of guidelines or principles for sustainable tourism and ecotourism. Ecotourism is a sustainable version of tourism in natural areas, including at the same time elements of rural and cultural tourism. Besides subscribing to the principles of sustainable tourism, ecotourism has specific principles: it contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, it includes local communities in planning, development and operation activities, and it contributes to their welfare, it involves complete and interesting explanations for visitors, regarding the natural and cultural resources, it is intended mainly to individual visitors and also to small organized groups ( Sâmbotın et al, 2011 ). According to Buchsbaum 2004 ; in many ways, sustainable tourism exemplifies the relationship between ecotourism and sustainable development. Many groups have proposed sets of guidelines or principles for sustainable tourism and ecotourism Tourism Concern and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature developed a wellknown list of principles and guidelines in 1991, which are presented in Table 4 .

Principles for Sustainable Tourism ( Blamey, 2001 ).

Medina (2005 ) explains that a criterion for sustainable tourism should include indicators of social and economic sustainability adding up to indicators of environmental sustainability. In addition, Wall (1997) has argued that for tourism to contribute to sustainable development it must be economically viable, environmentally sensitive and culturally appropriate, and the forms that this might take are likely to vary with location. The following table 5 . develops sustability goals of ecotourism. Achieving sustainable tourism—defined here as tourism that is ecologically benign, economically feasible and socially acceptable—is thus contingent on environmental protection and reconciling tourism activities with local socio-economic values ( Brown et al., 1997 ).

Three systems of sustainability in ecotourism development (According to Wall 1997; Alexander and Whitehouse 2004; ( Jiang 2008 ).

These criteria include quantification of environmental performance for most of the key environmental indicators. This allows recognition and encouragement of ecotourism product that makes measured environmental improvements which result in a more sustainable world (http://www.ecoroute.eu/brochures/Report_SW_Europe_draft30-04-2004.pdf. Review of criteria, procedures and legal framework for ecotourism in Europe).

According to Rome (1999 ); Ecotourism is one strategy for supporting conservation and providing income for communities in and around protected areas. It can contribute to economic development and conservation of protected areas by: a) generating revenues that can be used to sustainably manage protected areas, b) providing local employment and c) inculcating a sense of community ownership. However, without careful planning and management that balance ecological, social, and economic objectives, it may lead to environmental damage. Furthermore, envisioned as a positive approach towards sustainable development, unplanned or poorly planned and implemented tourism can have serious negative effects, offsetting the benefits it was designed to provide. Even the potential local benefits of ecotourism can lead to environmental damage to a protected area.

The core set of eight principles are that ecotourism product should: ( The Green Globe 21 International Ecotourism Standard , 2004 )

Focus on giving visitors the opportunity to personally and directly experience nature (Natural Area Focus);

Provide opportunities to experience nature in ways that lead to greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment (Interpretation);

Represent best practice for environmentally sustainable tourism (Environmental Sustainability Practice);

Contribute directly to the conservation of natural areas (Contribution to Conservation);

Provide ongoing contributions to the local community (Benefiting Local Communities);

Be sensitive to, interpret and involve the culture/s existing in the area (Cultural Respect);

Consistently meets consumer expectations (Customer Satisfaction) ; and

Be marketed and promoted honestly and accurately so that realistic expectations are formed (Responsible Marketing).

One of the most influential ecotourism documents, the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism (2002), produced after the World Ecotourism Summit during the International Year of Ecotourism, recognized that not only does ecotourism embrace the principles of sustainable tourism but it also embodies the following specific principles: (1) contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage; (2) includes local and indigenous communities in its planning, development and operation, and contributes to their well-being; (3) interprets the natural and cultural heritage to visitors; (4) encourages independent travelers, as well as organized tours for small size groups. TIES’ (2010) asserts that those involved in ecotourism should follow six principles: (1) minimize impact; (2) build environmental and cultural awareness and respect; (3) provide positive experiences for visitors and hosts; (4) provide direct financial benefits for conservation; (5) provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people; and (6) raise sensitivity to hosts’ cultures political, and social climate)( McLaughlin, 2011 ).

The participants at the World Ecotourism Summit, held in Quebec in May 2002, have acknowledged that ecotourism respects the principles of sustainable tourism referring to the economic, social and environmental impact, with some further specific principles ( Sâmbotın et al, 2011 );

Ecotourism actively contribute to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Ecotourism include local communities in the activities of planning, development and operation, and it contributes to

their welfare.

Ecotourism involves complete and interesting explanations for visitors, regarding the natural and cultural resources.

Ecotourism is intended mainly for individual visitors and small organized groups.

According to Ramwell and Henry (1996) point out four basic principles of sustainable development and sustainable ecotourism tourism development (Yogi, 2010).

Holistic and strategic planning

Conservation of essential ecological system

Conservation of both human (cultural) and natural heritage

Long term development and productivity for the future generation.

So both sustainable tourism and sustainable development focuses on the same key issues of ecology, society, and a systemic process of development that is guided by strategic planning ( Yogi, 2010 ).

6. Ecotourism – examples of implementation

More tranquil, natural and original spaces are preferred to ordinary tourism centers. Likewise, individuals have begun to prefer activities, which they can particularly perform in naturel and culturel areas and with which they can learn original cultural values and be within the nature, instead of sea-sand-sun tourism. Ecotourism has increased very quickly in recent years especially in developing countries. These are highlighted in Table 6 and pertain to economic aspects, impacts on culture, environmental concerns and development. In the Tourism Strategy of Turkey-2023 and the Ninth Development Plan (2007-2013), it is aimed to utilize natural, cultural, historical and geographical values of Turkey based on conservation-use balance, to increase the share of Turkey from tourism and to promote the attractiveness of regions via alternative tourism types like ecotourism ( Tourism Strategy of Turkey-2023 , 2007; Ninth Development Plan, 2006 ).

Ecotourism is implemented differently around the world, and the impacts on native cultures vary similarly. It is universal that tourism is a crucial industry to provide economic support to developing countries. An international pact in 1996 designated the tourism industry as the paramount economic growth strategy within Central America ( Moreno, 2005 ). At this point, “Ecotourism” activities have particularly recently become sectors which can create great changes both in socio-cultural and economic aspects.

Effects of eco-tourism in international countries ( Watkin, 2003 ; Kiper, Özdemir, Sağlam, 2011 )

Ecotourism activities have been sorted into the following categories: ( Economic Development Branch BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, 2003 )

Marine Ecotourism

marine cruising including sailing, yacht and power cruising

sea kayaking tours

Land based Ecotourism

Bicycle Touring/Mountain Biking

Horseback Trail Riding

Hiking/Backpacking/Trekking

Freshwater River Rafting, Canoeing and Kayaking

Winter Tourism (Back Country /Tour Skiing, Dog Sledding, Snow Shoeing)

Walking, camping, boating, hunting, sight-seeing, swimming, cultural activities, observing wildlife and nature, skiing, visiting historical places, and horse riding among

The general trend in ecotourism is to increase experiences by encouraging activities such as long-distance walking, camping, boating, hunting, sight-seeing, swimming, cultural activities, bicycling, observing wildlife and nature, skiing, visiting historical places, and horse riding among others. Generally, instructive activities, for example, wildlife observation, participation in festivals, cultural activities and nature landscapes, attract most attention. Activities like hiking, outdoor sports, picnic, paragliding arranged according to different areas of interest influence the preferences of many visitors ( Kiper, 2011 ; Cengiz, 2007 ). According to Soykan, for Europeans rural roads are natural and cultural heritages. This is because they have natural, economic and cultural identities. Some give us opportunity to familiarize with local planting patterns by passing through agricultural lands, some lie among virgin natural areas with beautiful views (e.g. forests, rivers, lakes) and some connect the settlements which have unique cultural monuments. Therefore, in many countries in Europe (specifically Austria, Switzerland and France, which have mountainous areas) long distance trekking is well-organized ( Kiper, 2011 ).

In order for ecotourism to have a sustainable development, the analyses for determining land use suitabilities gain importance. It and other similar methods set standards or ranges of acceptable change and describe a methodology for determining these standards, measuring impacts and identifying management strategies for controlling negative impacts. They include ve includeIn recent years resources assessments have adopted oppottunity spectrum methods.

Opportunty spectrum this group includes ( Fagence, 2001 ; Rome, 1999 ) ;

ROS (Recreation Opportunty Spectrum)

TOS (Tourism Opportunty Spectrum)

LAC (Limits of Acceptable Change)

TA (Threshold Analysis, and more recently UET-ultimate environmental thresholds)

ECOS (Ecotourism Opportunty Spectrum)

Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC)

Visitor Impact Management (VIM)

Visitor Experience and Resource Protection (VERP)

Tourism Optimisation Management Model (TOMM)

The ECOS model ( Table 7) has been developed especially to cope with the peculiar needs of planning for ecotourism the capture of ecolpgical base-line data is the important first step.

Refinement to ECOS assesments could include

Landscape assesments (to differentiate geographical sectors according to their principal ecotourism resources, stages of “naturalness/change, levels of ecotourist interest)

Attractiveness indices ( to differentiate according to uniqueness, international drawing power, primacy-a measure of comparative attraction)

Resource status (to differentiate according to the degree of disturbance of the natural resource, and any circumstance which might impede its sustainability or cause its attractiveness to be forfeited –a form of carrying capacity assesment)

Conservation potential (including rehabilitation potential)

Marketing assesments (combining some of the other assessments according to an aggregation of attractiveness for particular consumer/tourist market segments –to interpet the feasibility of capturing and sustaining tourist interest)

This data is then assessed or measured in terms of the capacity to be used in ecotourism, with the assessment focusing on eight important factors:

ECOS models ( Fagence, 2001 )

Also, “Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods” are used widely in detecting land use suitabilities. The integration of ELECTRE, to give the order of precedence of uses, with GIS, a quite important means in spatial planning studies, will enable to reach successful results. Studies for determining the suitabilities for use of a land for ecotourism will also determine the development of the land in the following years and the sustainability of its resource values.

In the eco-tourism plans, diversifying economic and ecologic activities by starting and developing organized eco-tourism practice, enhancing the life quality of the locals with the economic gains provided by eco-tourism, increasing the participation of habitat conservation, improving environmental conscious, conserving natural, cultural and historical landscape values and passing them onto the next generation and popularizing ecotourism planning with the support and participation of responsible and related organizations should be aimed. Good planning of natural and cultural elements that create resources for eco-tourism activities and their management will make important contributions to the local public. ( Gültekin, 2010 ).

While envisioned as a positive approach towards sustainable development, unplanned or poorly planned and implemented tourism can have serious negative effects on the environment and on communities, offsetting the benefits it was designed to provide. In order to anticipate negative impacts and to prevent or mitigate them, ecotourism impacts monitoring is required. The sample of potential ecotourism monitoring ındicators are shown in Table 8 .

A sample of potential ecotourism monitoring ındicators ( Rome, 1999 )

7. Conclusion

Various tendencies also occur in the understanding of tourism upon changing living conditions. More tranquil, natural and original spaces are preferred to ordinary tourism centers. Likewise, individuals have begun to prefer activities, which they can particularly perform in naturel and culturel areas and with which they can learn original cultural values and be within the nature, instead of sea-sand-sun tourism. At this point, “Ecotourism” activities have particularly recently become sectors which can create great changes both in socio-cultural and economic aspects. Main purpose is not only ensuring the socio-economic development but also the protection of natural and cultural landscape values to ensure awareness of nature conservation on the other hand.

Ecotourism should be seen in direct relation to nature conservation (protected areas), with preservation of the authentic and involving local communities in all stages of the process. Development process is a lengthy process, which requires a sustained effort from all those involved but can bring major benefits in the long term, contribute directly to the creation of "sustainable existing 'target area ( Roxana, 2012 ).

Ecotourism is about ( Roxana, 2012 );

environmentally responsible travel to relatively undisturbed natural areas,

travel in order to enjoy, study and appreciate nature,

the promotion of conservation,

combining sustainable development with the natural environments,

the use of natural assets and resources in ecologically sensitive areas to create unique visitor experiences with minimal impact on the area.

After research we can draw the main conclusions of this work, as it follows: ( Sâmbotın, 2011 )

Ecotourism is a form of tourism developed in natural areas, whose goal is to acknowledge and to appreciate nature and local culture, which includes conservation measures and ensures an active involvement, generating benefits for the local population;

Ecotourism clothes the sustainable tourism principles, but differs from it by aspects related to local community issues, interpretation for visitors to a particular destination, the number of visitors;

Tourism has a complex impact on the environment, but it is also generating both cost and benefits;

The interest of tourists for travel in natural areas (land or water) has increased recently;

Ecotourism contributes to increased revenues from tourism, but also to the positive social effects;

Worldwide, there are a large number of natural areas associated with a specific cultural diversity, resulting in particular through the perpetuation of the long traditions and customs;

Tourists have a certain responsibility towards the destination visited and the environment by their choice itself, behavior and activities performed in that space, and therefore it is important to be informed about the quality and sensitivity of destinations.

These principles should be envisaged both for lovers of this form of tourism and service providers of such eco-touristic products.

Basic purposes of ecotourism are to preserve and utilize natural and cultural resources in a sustainable way and to enable economic development of local people. However, achieving the aims in ecotourism depends on whether they are environmentally and ecologically sustainable and economically applicable. In order to achieve these, a participative tourism planning is required ( Kiper, 2011 ). Figure 4 illustrates the multiple and diverse elements essential for ensuring that communities fulfil their role in ecotourism development ( Drumm & Moore, 2002 ).

Essential elements for ecotourism in community setting

Now that ecotourism has reached such stature, it is especially important to scrutinize its effectiveness as a strategy for sustainable development, and search for ways to improve policies and practices. Clearly ecotourism is not a universal remedy; but its potential to promote sustainable development deserves considerable attention.

In conclusion, According to Kiper, Özdemir and Sağlam (2011 ); ecotourism activities which are not performed according to the purpose, the principles and the characteristics cause the disturbance in environmental, economic and socio-cultural fields due to over-intensification to be occurred especially in sensitive ecosystems like naturel and culturel areas. Therefore, in order to provide sustainability in the ecotourism, it is necessary to know environmental, social and economical effects of ecotourism activities and to consider these effects during the planning. Tourism planning purposes this. relationship between rational resources requirements Ensuring the sustainable use of natural (water, vista, topography, clean air, natural vegetation structure, microclimatic features of climate, marine and coastal topographic structure and motion, etc.) and cultural resources (Archeological heritage, Religious structures, Conventional architecture, Traditional social activities) to the evaluation of the physical planning decisions in the field of ecological planning strategies ( Dinç and Kocan, 2012 ). Additionally, According to Bunruamkaew & Murayama (2012 ); ecotourism development must promote educational development and create awareness in people of the need to jointly maintain the ecosystem of the area. There is a need to implement development plans and manage natural resources in a way that ensures ecological and environmental integrity. Environmental education and interpretation is the key to creating an enjoyable and meaningful ecotourism experience, and is one of the key points of differentiation between ecotourism and other tourism products. Successful interpretive components of ecotourism products will foster appreciation and support for conservation efforts, local communities and culture.

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24. Ecotourism- Sustainable Tourism in National Parks and Protected Areas 2005 Banff National Park in Canada and Nationalpark Gesause in Austria-a Camparison, 170 Online [Available]: www.np-gesaeuse. at/.../Obenaus_oJ_Ecotourism.pdf.
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64. Ninth Development Plan (2007-2013) 2006 Online [Available]: http:// ekutup.dpt.gov.tr/plan/plan9.pdf
67. QuickStart Guide to a Tourism Business 2006 Ecotourism vs Nature Based Tourism, Tourism Western Australia. http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/Publications%20Library/Growing%20Your%20Business/Ecotourism%20vs%20Nature%20Based%20Tourism%20 3 final).pdf.
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Ecotourism: Argument/Persuasion

Argument/Persuasion
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Sample Articles

Jones. (2015). Marshmallows for Alligators: Defining Ecotourism in Southwest Florida. Culture, Agriculture, Food and the Environment, 37(2), 116–123. This paper considers how the ecosystem service or natural resource capital model can help reconcile what ecotourism offers to both the traveling consumer and to those tasked with measuring and protecting our natural resources.
Introducing Ecotourism.... from UF-IFAS INTRODUCING ECOTOURISM TO FLORIDA'S COUNTIES AND LANDOWNERS: AN ECOTOURISM/NATURE BASED TOURISM FACT SHEET
The Economic Benefits of Ecotourism What is ecotourism? Webster's Dictionary indicates that the first known use of the term dates to 1982, only 30 years ago. Webster's defines it as "The practice of touring natural habitats in a manner meant to minimize ecological impact." Nationally, ecotourism encompasses a wide range of outdoor recreation activities with far reaching economic benefits. Outdoor recreation contributes $730 billion annually to the nation's economy and supports nearly 6.5 million jobs across the United States.1 In Florida, "ecotourism" includes a diverse mix of activities, including cycling, camping, fishing, hunting, paddling, hiking, birding, visiting scenic byways, and other wildlife viewing. This web page explores why ecotourism is big business that creates jobs for Florida's citizens.

Databases for News

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Persuasive/Argumentative Essay

For this essay, we will look at one issue together and go through the process of learning more about it and taking an informed stance. The subject we will look at is ecotourism, which has a direct impact on us as residents of a state heavily dependent on tourism.

We all have different opinions and issues about what we hear or see in the news and even in our everyday lives. These opinions are what we think based on our experience. Now what if we listen to others' opinions and arguments and find facts that support what we think? With a persuasive or argumentative essay you can:

Analyze a problem or controversy
Develop your own informed opinion
State facts and evidence to support your opinion or views

Decide what the purpose of your essay is:

To Convince others to share your opinion
To convince your reader to do something
To seek support for a cause or solution
To inform others through a cohesive argument

Proceed by:

Selecting a topic (controversy, current affair, or issue)
Finding out background information
explore different viewpoints
find information that supports your viewpoint
find additional information

Cite your sources and cite within your argument to avoid plagiarism.

Ecotourism Videos

What is Ecotourism?

Coral Restoration Ecotourism in the Florida Keys

Selected Websites

Geotourism: Places, tips and articles from National Geographic

Links to articles from the New York Times web site travel section.

"This web site is for businesses in the agricultural area and covers traditional and "nontraditional" areas of business and profit for agriculturally based businesses. Covers the areas of: Nature-based Tourism; Equine Agri Tourism; Nature-based Tourism; and Wine Tours. The Agritourism overview includes statistics from several states and links to various other resources.: (LOC Research guide)

Journal of Ecotourism ( Open Access only ) The Journal of Ecotourism is the world's only international journal that "focuses specifically on ecotourism and nature-based tourism, and it is considered to be the leading source for knowledge on these topics."

Portal to organizations that develop awareness and educate on issues related to sustainable tourism

EcoTourism Florida is a fun resource, but too commercial; don't use it for our essay, but use it to explore the subject!

Discover Compelling Topics

Where do you go to follow the issues and listen/read the news? Explore the places below...

FL Public Broadcasting-WFSU
OnPoint Controversy and issues news show
PBS-Frontline News show
PBS-Nova News show
Pew Research Center Lots of graphics and charts
WBUR Public radio website
Wikipedia Use for subject headings and references. Any encyclopedic information on Wikipedia needs to be verified by other authoritative sources.

Databases for Articles

Here are some select comprehensive general databases to find articles, ebooks, and other resources. Note: some of the databases below include tourism, environmental studies, and other topics related to ecotourism.

Cite Your Sources

SPC's Citation Help This guide will provide you with the basics of APA, MLA, and CSE citations including sample papers.
OWL MLA Guide A comprehensive online guide to MLA citation
Purdue Citation Generator (by Citation Machine) A great citation tool
Thesis Builder A nifty little tool to help you form a thesis statement
bubbl.usa A great free brainstorming tool
Next: Evaluate Sources >>
Last Updated: Sep 1, 2023 11:24 AM
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Ecotourism: What it is, Advantages & Disadvantages, Examples & More

Ecotourism is a form of responsible tourism focused on natural areas rather than traditional tourist hotspots. Some of the biggest aims of ecotourism include conservation, education, promoting environmental awareness, protecting local people, and encouraging respect for the natural world and different cultures.

Key Takeaways

Core Principles: A responsible form of travel that minimizes the impact of tourism on nature, delivers benefits for local people, and boosts environmental awareness.
Types of Ecotourism: Examples include agritourism, culturally sensitive travel, eco trekking, eco lodging, activity-based ecotourism, and community development trips.
Pros and Cons: Ecotourism contributes to conservation, creates jobs, and combats environmental harm. However, there are challenges related to the uneven distribution of the benefits.
Educational Component: Ecotourism experiences build greater cultural and environmental understanding among travelers.
Certification: Authentic, quality ecotourism experiences are assessed and certified to keep standards high.

Table of Contents:

What is Ecotourism?

What Are the Principles of Ecotourism?

What is the difference between ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

Why is Ecotourism Important?

Different Types of Ecotourism

What are the advantages of ecotourism, what are the disadvantages of ecotourism, 8 ecotourism examples, 2 video’s explaining ecotourism, tourism trends and opportunities, destination marketing strategies, understanding tourism management, find courses in ecotourism, an overview of tourism jobs, ecotourism and sustainable tourism development, the growth of slow tourism.

Introduction

One of the growing trends within the tourism industry is the growth of ecotourism, which centers on ecological conservation. However, to fully understand this concept, looking at the advantages and disadvantages and some real-world examples of ecotourism in action is essential.

What Is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a form of tourism based on organizing travel to places of natural beauty but in a way that avoids damaging the environment while also helping local people. It can be viewed as limiting the damage caused by traveling to natural areas while trying to leave a positive legacy.

Generally speaking, ecotourism strongly focuses on areas featuring plant life, animal life, and cultural heritage. There is also often an educational component to ecotourism, with travelers aiming to learn something from their trip and give something back to the people in the area.

Ecotourism is a kind of responsible tourism and is especially popular with environmentalists and those concerned with protecting the natural world. Another key aim of ecotourism is to minimize negative consequences that may be linked to a human presence in locations of natural beauty so that future generations can enjoy them too. It is a rapidly growing market – according to the Ecotourism Global Market Report by Research and Markets, the global ecotourism market is forecasted to grow to $331.62 billon by 2027.

There are a number of core principles that those who participate in ecotourism and those involved in relevant tourism marketing efforts should stick to. These can be summarised as follows:

Minimize tourism’s negative physical, social, and behavioral impacts on natural areas.
Generate environmental awareness and respect for local culture.
Provide financial benefits and positive experiences for local individuals and businesses.
Deliver positive, memorable experiences for visitors traveling to places of natural beauty.
Work in partnership with indigenous people and recognize their rights, customs, and beliefs.

Responsibility for delivering the benefits for local people and businesses should fall on travelers themselves, as well as companies that are selling ecotourism products and services.

The concepts of ecotourism and sustainable tourism or green tourism share some similarities, including a focus on environmentally responsible travel. However, there are some significant differences, too, and marketers, providers, and travelers must fully understand these differences.

Ecotourism focuses on travel to areas of natural beauty, combined with nature conservation and benefiting the local community. By contrast, sustainable tourism focuses on sustainability and making travel less harmful. As a result, sustainable tourism can include a greater number of different types of travel to a wider variety of locations. In contrast, ecotourism has a narrower focus on nature and conservation efforts.

Table: Differences Between Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

Why is ecotourism important.

Ecotourism is important because companies and individuals who abide by the core principles and prioritize ecology and education within their travel habits help benefit local people and the world. According to the Ecotourism Market Report by imarc Group, the ecotourism market growth rate 2024-2032 is 12%.

Traditional tourism can place a huge strain on destinations because it increases the number of people who are active in that location and who are reliant on its resources. At the same time, it can encourage the destruction of the natural world as businesses strive to keep up with ever-increasing demand levels.

Companies that market and sell ecotourism products and services help educate travelers about the negative consequences associated with many other forms of tourism, which can assist with conservation efforts. Environmental tourism is also a growing trend, and ecotourism helps cater to this trend while providing jobs.

Ecotourism can take many different forms, but there are four main types, as outlined below:

Mutually Beneficial Community Development Trips

Many instances of ecotourism can be described as being based on community development. Often, this will mean a traveler goes to a developing country or a poorer community and experiences life while also engaging in activities or project work intended to benefit local residents.

Traveling to these communities helps their local economy, while the project work benefits those living there. The traveler benefits from an authentic experience of local culture, traditions, and ways of living.

Eco Lodging and Low Impact Accommodation

Eco lodging refers to accommodation designed and developed to impact the surrounding natural environment as little as possible. Accommodation of this kind can take many forms, including huts, tents, and houses, and their location is chosen to minimize disruption to local wildlife and local people.

Generally, accommodation that falls into this category will be built using ethically sourced materials. Care will be taken to limit the extent to which local resources are used for water and energy.

Eco Trekking and Activity-Based Ecotourism

Eco trekking and other similar ecotourism types can be considered active educational travel, combining physical activities with a wider purpose. Travelers participate in hiking, climbing, nature walking, water-based activities, etc., which are carried out while causing minimal disruption to the local environment.

The activity will be combined with educational experiences, teaching travelers about the area and its culture. Companies offering eco treks may donate some of their profits to help local causes.

Agritourism and a Focus on Rural Communities

Finally, agritourism is a form of tourism centered around agricultural activities and rural communities. It will typically consist of travelers visiting rural areas and actively participating in local life and culture, allowing them to experience life in different parts of the world.

As part of the trip, travelers may help with local farming tasks or contribute to the local economy in other ways. This then assists the development and financial health of the rural community.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of ecotourism is that it encourages travelers and businesses operating in the tourism industry to become more mindful of nature and more committed to adopting sustainable and helpful behaviors that can limit the damage caused by tourism activities.

It can provide jobs and an economic boost for areas that need investment while avoiding using valuable resources, leading to improved living standards. Moreover, ecotourism activities can help incentivize governments, businesses, charitable organizations, and others to take conservation efforts seriously.

The educational aspect of ecotourism can also lead to travelers adopting positive behavior in their everyday lives, such as by making a more conscious effort to assist with conservation and sustainability. Meanwhile, tourists in areas that have not historically been tourist hot spots can help locals learn new skills.

For travel companies, ecotourism products are also easier to sell to environmentally conscious travelers.

While the motives that drive ecotourism are positive, disadvantages can also be associated with the practice. For instance, while ecotourism does help to provide jobs for people living in the chosen tourist areas, many of these jobs may be unsteady or seasonal in nature, meaning there may be times of the year with no work.

Even when steps are taken to minimize the damage caused by tourism, there is likely to be an increase in carbon emissions in the area as tourists bring vehicles. The benefits created through ecotourism may not be distributed evenly or fairly, which can increase inequality, while over-tourism is still possible.

Despite efforts to avoid causing a negative impact on the natural world, ecotourism also has the potential to make certain destinations much more popular for visitors. Eventually, this will likely lead to some of the traditional problems with tourism manifesting, including the displacement of wildlife or indigenous people.

A good way to improve your understanding of ecotourism is to look at real-life examples. In this section, you will find eight specific examples and what they offer tourists and locals.

1. Trash Hero Cleanup Programmes

Trash Hero is a volunteer-led movement that began in Thailand but is now global. The project supports local action groups and offers hands-on education about everyday waste’s impact on the environment and nature. Through community-based projects, which include tourists, Trash Hero aims to remove existing waste through clean-up programs and increase awareness of the main issues so that people adjust their behaviors.

2. Crystal Creek Meadows

Crystal Creek Meadows is an eco-friendly luxury accommodation in Kangaroo Valley, Australia. The property has earned sustainable tourism certification and tries to protect and regenerate native species in the area through tree planting. Ecotourism is made possible through various conservation and sustainability activities and lessons, which become available to guests in luxury eco-cottages.

3. Ecotourism in Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is situated in South Asia, and its mountainous terrain and Buddhist traditions give it a clear appeal to hikers and culture lovers alike. The country’s tourism industry has a natural tendency towards ecotourism because there is a “ high value, low impact ” policy. While this has been criticized in some circles for only attracting wealthy tourists, its strict limits on tourist numbers and its daily tariff also help with conservation.

4. Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experiences

Many tourism companies around the world offer summit expeditions that have ecotourism qualities. Typically, this means sustainable expeditions to summits like Kilimanjaro, where the most popular routes are left alone to regenerate, and every effort is made to avoid unnecessary damage. Plenty of companies also offer sustainable nomadic experiences, taking relevant measures to limit negative impacts.

5. Taronga Conservation Society Australia

Another example of ecotourism in Australia comes in the form of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia . The society offers a range of educational options for visitors interested in learning about wildlife conservation, along with up-close encounters with animals. The money generated is used to help fund breed and release programs, nature recovery programs, and ongoing efforts to protect native species and their natural living environments.

6. Volunteering in Belize’s Rainforests

Finally, another excellent ecotourism opportunity involves volunteering to help conservation groups working in the rainforests of Belize. All efforts are carried out while respecting the local population, and strict guidelines are in place to assist volunteer groups with their efforts to protect the rainforest. However, it should be noted that spaces are limited, and volunteers must pass stringent checks before participating.

7. Costa Rica Nature Parks

Another popular destination for ecotourism is Costa Rica, which is a country with an abundance of nature parks. Within these parks are everything from rainforests to beaches and mountain ranges, allowing visitors to enjoy the various natural wonders. Also, nature reserves help showcase some of the country’s indigenous wildlife. The Costa Rican government is keen to protect the country’s natural offerings from some of the negative side effects of tourism, so there are restrictions designed to mitigate this threat and reduce the potential for harm. Some of the country’s natural areas are protected areas, which can only be visited by a few people.

Video: Costa Rica Nature Parks

8. Palau Islands

The Republic of Palau has an innovative approach to ecotourism and protecting its natural features. In 2017, the country introduced a ‘Palau Pledge,’ requiring international visitors to agree that they will preserve and protect the islands for the benefit of future generations living there.

Beyond this, the country recently introduced a new way to ‘gamify’ ecotourism through a mobile app that rewards good tourism practices. By engaging in responsible tourism activities, like eating sustainable local foods or learning about the culture, visitors can unlock rewards, like free activities.

Video: Palau: Best in Travel 2021 Sustainable Islands

Below you find two videos explaining more about Ecotourism.

Video: What is Ecotourism

How would you describe Ecotourism’s three guiding principles? Tourism that preserves the environment and helps local people is the theme of our subject knowledge animation.

Video: Ecotourism – A Sustainable Way To Travel

Learn more about ecotourism and why going green on the road is important! When you travel sustainably, you can observe a place, its people, and its culture up close. You get to experience the locals’ way of life and learn more about a place by participating in their activities.

Ecotourism is a good example of a growing tourism trend, but there are plenty of others to be aware of. These include an increased focus on hygiene, a renewed focus on local customers, the rise of voice search and virtual reality, the growing need to provide personalization, and the wider use of artificial intelligence.

You can explore all of these trends, learn more about what is driving them, and find out more about a variety of other trends by reading the “Tourism Trends: The Latest Opportunities for The Tourism Industry” article.

The concept of ecotourism goes hand-in-hand with destination marketing. Simply put, this is the process of marketing a destination to customers, highlighting the things to do there and the experiences that can be enjoyed. This is often the responsibility of a destination marketing organization or a tourist board, but businesses can also carry it out.

If you want to learn more about destination marketing, what it is, why it is important, and some of the main destination marketing strategies, read “Destination Marketing Strategies to Attract More Visitors” .

Working within the tourism management field requires a deep understanding of the concept of ecotourism and all aspects of the tourism industry as a whole. After all, tourism management means overseeing core business functions, managing staff, financial planning, training, coaching, staying up-to-date with trends, and more.

The “Tourism Management: All You Need to Know About Tourism” article goes into far more depth about the nature of tourism management, what it involves, the level of education required, and the different tourism sectors.

Ecotourism is a complicated subject with a lot of depth to it, and there are specific courses that can teach you more and help you find work within this particular industry sector. Alternatively, a wide variety of other courses can help you increase your understanding of tourism and develop new skills.

Read “Tourism Course: A Complete Overview of Courses & Tourism Educators” to learn about some of the available main course types and resources for finding and applying for these programs.

The field of ecotourism provides a range of career options, and even more paths are available within the wider tourism industry too. Suppose you are interested in working in the industry. In that case, it is important to use the right channels to explore vacancies, and dedicated tourism job boards represent one of the best options.

Take a look at “Tourism Jobs: The Best Tourism Industry Job Boards for Your Career” for an overview of the main job boards covering different sectors, along with information about other channels to try.

Ecotourism is just one example of sustainable tourism, and for tourism in a particular location to be sustainable, the right steps need to be followed. The actions that are taken to create, manage, and maintain a sustainable industry in a particular part of the world are called sustainable tourism development, and it is crucial to understand this process.

Read our article, “Benefits of Sustainable Tourism Development” , where you can explore the topic of sustainable tourism, learn about tourism development of this kind, and learn more about the main plus points and incentives.

The concept of ecotourism can be further developed by promoting slow tourism. This approach to tourism encourages travelers to slow down, avoid attempts to cram as many travel experiences into their trip as possible, and instead focus on a more sustainable form of travel based on meaningful engagement with the area and its culture.

You can explore the topic of slow tourism in further detail, including learning about the definition and some specific examples, by reading the “Slow Tourism: What It Is, Its Importance, and Examples” article.

Ecotourism FAQs

What is the meaning of eco travel.

Eco travel, or ecotourism, refers to responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education about the natural and cultural heritage of the place.

Is eco tourism good or bad?

Ecotourism is generally considered good when properly managed, as it aims to minimize the negative impacts of travel, support conservation efforts, and benefit local communities economically and socially, promoting sustainable travel practices.

Is ecotourism a type of tourism?

Yes, ecotourism is a type of tourism focused on ecological conservation and educating travelers about the environment. It emphasizes low-impact travel and contributes to the protection and enhancement of natural and cultural resources.

Where did the term ecotourism come from?

The term “ecotourism” was coined by Hector Ceballos-Lascurain in 1983. He used it to describe nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. The concept has evolved to emphasize sustainability and local community involvement.

Why is ecotourism a thing?

Ecotourism is a thing because there is a growing recognition of the environmental impacts of traditional tourism and a desire among travelers to have experiences that are sustainable and beneficial to local environments and communities, contributing to conservation and social responsibility.

Ecotourism is a kind of tourism that focuses on travel to areas of natural beauty to aid conservation and minimize the negative consequences of travel. Companies selling ecotourism products and services often contribute to local causes, while travelers gain unique experiences and become more educated.

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One Comment

Wonderful article about ecotourism. Greetings from Chile.

89 Ecotourism Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best ecotourism topic ideas & essay examples, 🥇 most interesting ecotourism topics to write about, 💡 good research topics about ecotourism, ❓ ecotourism questions.

Trends in Ecotourism Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”.
Ecotourism in Mauritius: How to Have an Eco-Friendly Holiday In addition to this, the Mauritius business community has reinvested part of the proceeds from the sector into the Mauritius economy thereby fostering the country’s economy. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
Popularity of Eco-Tourism According to What Is Eco-tourism, this term implies “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”.
Exploring Environmental Issues: Marine Ecotourism For marine ecotourism to succeed, it must thrive in a manner that accommodates the needs of both the current and future generations and safeguards the natural environment.
The Eco-Tourism and Ways That Have Shaped Eco-Tourist Experience After the realization of this “staged authenticity,” the modern tourist is keener to search and experience the real tourist products, the real-life lived, the real natives, and their real practices.
Ecotourism vs Cultural Voyeurism: Protection of Local Communities and Cultures Moreover, cultural voyeurism can be attributed to the practices of international companies that do not attach much importance to the lives of indigenous people. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that the inflow of tourists […]
Ecotourism in Tropical Biome: Preserving New Zealand Description of Proposal: “Preserving New Zealand” is an adventurous and inspiring tour designed to introduce the participants to the unusual flora and fauna of Fiordland the largest National Park of New Zealand.
Types of Tourism and Ecotourism in Peru Therefore, travelers gain an understanding of the natural, cultural, and ethnographic features of the terrain; thus, contributing to the preservation of the continuity of ecosystems and creating the economic setting for the development and maintenance […]
Eco-Tourism Activities in New Zealand The project entailed adventurous tours organised with a motive of introducing the participants to the variety of flora and fauna found in the Fiordland of New Zealand.
Tourism: Eco, Sports, Culture, Space When tourism is mentioned, many people have the notion that one has to go to a foreign country for a couple of weeks to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Ecotourism Industry Organization The environment is the combination of all living and non-living components on the earth and on the universe as a whole.
Eco-Tourism and Eco-Cities The main reason cited for the support of sustainable development is the impact it has on the environment and the communities nearby.
Fairmont the Palm Hotel Eco-Tourism Adoption The uniqueness of the above analysis contributes to the existing body of knowledge regarding the cost of implementing eco-tourism, plus the environmental impact of the growth of the tourism industry on the environment.
Eco and Cultural Tourism: Extraordinary Experience and Untouched Natural Environment Water which is the source of all forms of life must be used sustainably and thus to be considered an eco friendly resort, water pollution should be unheard of within the resort and water recycling […]
The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Tourism Marketing The connection between tourism and indigenous is that the tourism industry must include traditional ecological knowledge because it will help to enhance their tourism products and increase benefits to the local community. The links will […]
Eco Tourism and Hospitality Industry The aim of this research is to provide the theoretical aspects that govern eco tourism with an aim of increasing conservation of the environment as well as increasing the participation of the local communities.
Ecotourism and Voluntourism Strategies and Recommendations The stakeholders such as WARF, ecotourists, voluntourists and the local communities are concerned with the environmental conservation and generation of revenue from the preservation activities which involve conservation of the natural habitat and the wild […]
Ecotourism Resort at the Amazon: Amazon Eco-Tourist Resort The objectives of the Amazon Resort will include: Maintaining the natural ecology of the Amazon Providing visitors with service worth their fee Mission The mission of the Amazon Eco Resort will be to offer eco […]
Economic Tourism in Australia When the number of foreign tourists is high the government can increase the exchange of currency so as to gain from the tourists at lower taxes on some products mostly used by the inhabitants what […]
Alleviating Poverty Through Ecotourism: Monarch Butterfly Reserve of Mexico
Aspects Regarding the Romanian Certification in Ecotourism Destinations
Tourism and China’s Development: Policies, Regional Economic Growth and Ecotourism
The Relationships Between Buddhism and Ecotourism
Capturing Tourists’ Preferences for the Management of Community-Based Ecotourism
Challenges For Romanian Ecotourism Destinations
Community-Based Ecotourism: Its Socio-Economic Impacts at Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana
Conservation, Ecotourism, Poverty, and Income Inequality
Community-Based Ecotourism: Livelihood Adaptation Strategy for Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia
Developing Ecotourism for the Survival of Sea Turtles
Community-Based Ecotourism Management: Case of a Cooperative in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Economic, Educational, and Conservation Benefits of Sea Turtle-Based Ecotourism
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Ecotourism and Economic Growth in the Galapagos: An Island Economy-Wide Analysis
Effective Environmental Impact Management Through Ecotourism
Ecotourism and Economic Incentives: An Empirical Approach
The Relationship Between Sustainability and ‘Ecotourism’
Ecotourism and Its Impact on the United Arab Emirates
Households’ Assets Dynamics and Ecotourism Choices in the Western Highlands of Cameroon
Ecotourism and the Development of Indigenous Communities: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Implementation of Strategies Based on the Ecotourism Products
Ecotourism and the Economy: Case Study of Mara & Amboseli in Kenya
Integrated Communications Marketing Plan For Ecotourism
Ecotourism and the Modern Development of the Larnaca
Koh Chang Ecotourism: SWOT Analysis
Ecotourism: Brazil vs. Costa Rica Comparative Analysis
Larnaca’s Ecotourism and Its Development in Modern Days
Ecotourism Demand and Differential Pricing of National Park Access in Costa Rica
Management Control Systems Within Sustainable Ecotourism: A Study of Belitung
Ecotourism Experiences Promoting Conservation and Changing Economic Values
Responsible Environmental Behavior Intention of Travelers on Ecotourism Sites
Ecotourism for Community Development: Stakeholder’s Perspective in Great Himalayan National Park
Rural and Ecotourism Development in Scope of Bulgarian Tourism
Ecotourism Involves Responsible Traveling Tourism
Preferences for Ecotourism Alternatives on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation
Ecotourism, Tourism, and Development in Mexico
Case for the Redistribution of Ecotourism Gains in Kenya
The Development and Management of Ecotourism
The Relationship Between Common Management and Ecotourism Development
What Is the Difference Between Alternative Tourism and Ecotourism?
Does China’s Ecotourism Reflect the Country’s Economic Growth?
Where Is Ecotourism Most Popular?
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What Is the Socio-Economic Impact of Ecotourism in Ghana?
What Are the Economic Indicators of the Sustainability of Ecotourism in Mexico?
What Is the Difference Between Tourism and Ecotourism?
How Does the Economy of the Galapagos Islands Depend on Ecotourism?
What Is the Impact of Ecotourism on the United Arab Emirates?
How Does Ecotourism Impact the African Economy and Environment?
What Is the Definition and Concept of Ecotourism?
How Big Is the Demand for Ecotourism?
What Are the Benefits of Ecotourism to the Environment and Society?
What Are the Contributions of Tourism to Economic Development?
What Are the Trends in the Development of Ecotourism in Mexico?
What Are the Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism?
What Are the Ecological Consequences of Ecotourism?
What Is the Relationship Between Sustainable Development and Ecotourism?
Is Ecotourism a Hospitality Trend?
How Can Ecotourism Help You Have a Positive Experience?
What Is the Role of Ecotourism in the Implementation of Sustainable Tourism Development?
What Is the Marketing Plan for the Integration of Ecotourism?
Is Organic Farming a Part of Ecotourism?
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What Are the Main Priorities of Rural Tourism and Ecotourism in Romania?
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Ecotourism: An obvious panacea or a looming conundrum?

By Ian Michler, Africa tourism operator.

I have been working across three spheres of the ecotourism sector for the past 33 years. Principally, I am a co-owner of a safari company, and at times, I accompany guests as a wilderness guide. I am also an inquisitive photographer and journalist covering environmental, conservation, and sustainability issues.

Conventional wisdom deems such participation to be a positive factor in the conservation of the continent’s protected areas and biodiversity . However, I have long pondered these apparent contributions, including thoughts on the shortcomings and drawbacks of what we do. In 2008, I wrote an article titled ‘Is Ecotourism Working?’ and mused as to whether I was part of the solution or merely contributing to the problem. I am not alone: I have colleagues that have similarly deliberated over these issues.

What is ecotourism?

All these years on, for the most part I now accept that I can and should be part of the solution. In the grand scheme, it’s a simple trade-off; if it’s not ecotourism, then expect every other form of economic activity—from agriculture and mining to golf estates and theme parks—to be competing for what’s left of our natural world. However, I have also come to see and understand that poorly defined and badly managed ecotourism is both destructive on the environment and to the integrity of communities, and at its worst, can be cannibalistic, as it ends up devouring the very essence of what it claims to be protecting.

But first, a little history. While learning-based tours were offered in the decades prior, the concept of ‘ecotourism’ has its beginnings in the 1970s after the first global environmental movements expressed concerns over the growing impacts of mass-market tourism. By most accounts, Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin (Special Advisor on ecotourism to the IUCN) brought the term ‘ecotourist’ into mainstream use in 1983. He used it to explain why low-impact tourism activities were vital for protecting a wetland area from developers in his homeland of Mexico. From the outset, conserving natural habitats was his primary objective, but also front of mind were the potential economic benefits to the region. Ceballos-Lascuráin argued that activities such as birdwatching and hiking would also generate sustainable employment opportunities and have knock-on benefits to the wider local economy, without destroying the environment.

During the 1990s, the concept of sustainability gained traction as decision-makers infused it into every sphere of development, including tourism. In 2002 the responsible travel sector became globally accepted as a specific market when the United Nations proclaimed the International Year of Ecotourism. Since then, its stature has grown, and today, ecotourism’s perceived potential as a solution for our conservation challenges as well as economic growth, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa that lag the global development curve, has seen it being vigorously embraced and endorsed by the sustainable development lobby across most economic and conservation agendas.

So, what started out as a notion of responsible travel is now best described by several principles rather than having a strict definition. It is generally understood that good ecotourism embraces the following:

The development footprint of operators and the activities they offer must be low-impact and sustainable, which implies low-volume tourism.
The experience for ecotourists should be nature-based and incorporate high levels of educational input and ecological awareness.
Outside of the financial rewards to operators, benefits should also result in fair and equitable contributions to surrounding communities and the environment, making ecotourism a pillar of conservation objectives.
All those involved must respect local cultures and customs.

The benefits of ecotourism

In essence, if you wrap these attributes in present-day contexts, we now have a multifaceted industry that is seen as a panacea in that it is expected to deliver on a variety of environmental, social, and developmental objectives, while also meeting the expectations of thousands of ecotourists. The International Ecotourism Society states that ‘ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.’

Broadly speaking, the ecotourism model and its leading protagonists in Africa, which include many of the more well-known safari operators as well as a range of conservation agencies, have had numerous successes:

African Parks has signed long term management leases for 22 protected areas in 12 countries covering over 20 million hectares, securing the environment and ecotourism opportunities in the process.
In South Africa, Wilderness Foundation Africa and Eden to Addo are using corridor conservation initiatives to link numerous protected areas that in turn enhance ecotourism opportunities and benefits to local communities.
Singita has revitalized over 150,000 hectares of Tanzanian hunting grounds into prized ecotourism destinations.
Wilderness Safaris secured the future of northern Kafue by establishing a network of low-impact camps in a region set to sink under heavy poaching.
The ecotourism industry has been the primary factor ensuring the survival of mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda and has played roles in supporting conservation of wild dog , whales , and the African penguin, amongst other species.
Six Rivers Africa, a Tanzanian NGO founded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is establishing an ecotourism network in the southern sectors of Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks to rehabilitate over 11 000 square kilometres of old hunting blocs incorporated into these parks.
IFAW’s Room to Roam initiative is securing the population and range status of elephants in parts of Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia has allowed ecotourism to return to regions once neglected.
The wider photographic ecotourism sector has been by some margin the driving force behind the surge in economic growth and development across northern Botswana over the last thirty years.
After decades of war, the future of Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique has been secured through philanthropy and the ecotourism industry.

In all these instances, the protection of wildlife and the restoration of large tracts of wilderness, including once degraded agricultural land, has been central, but with noteworthy additional benefits. Funding requirements have been significantly boosted, and scientific and other research programmes, vital to directing future conservation initiatives, have been instituted, as have ranger training and administrative programmes improving levels of guiding and management. Work and career opportunities have been enhanced in rural communities, and the wider economic benefits have percolated beyond the protected areas. These aspects are particularly important in regions that otherwise have little to no other development. For the most part, a great report card.

The challenges

However, the ecotourism model faces several serious challenges. Firstly, like much of our global environmental legislation, the concept of ecotourism remains a set of principles and guidelines that are, for the most part, either non-binding or remain open to wide interpretation. So, while some companies and countries have policies that carry out the mandates imbued in the concept, so many don’t, and for these entities, the term remains nothing other than a convenient marketing tool.

The following examples represent the questionable or poor face of ecotourism:

While there have been recent attempts to deal with its challenges, the Masai Mara in Kenya has experienced too many vehicles and insufficient guiding, all compounded by poor management for almost 20 years.
The authorities managing Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti continue to chase revenues as the number of lodges and vehicles increase appreciably each year, and seemingly without any ecological assessments in support thereof.
Victoria Falls has been a crush for some time, with the upstream portion of the Zambezi a constant din of helicopters, while at sunsets, an increasingly noisy flotilla of cruise boats chases the ultimate sundowner setting.
In some countries, South Africa being the prime example, a flawed interpretation of sustainability has resulted in discredited activities such as canned hunting, cub petting, and walking with lions being introduced as tourism products.
Trophy hunting agencies, often lumped in as a form of ecotourism, continue to deplete the gene pool of lions and elephants, among other threatened species.
The sizes of lodges and hotels continue to grow, with some now accommodating over 120 guests, bringing the sustainability of their footprints into question. This is particularly relevant with regards to water and electricity use, waste disposal, and other pollution levels, as well as the nature of activities offered.
The industry continues to allow the sale of crafts and trinkets made from endangered hardwood species as well as animal parts such as lion teeth, ivory, and shells of marine species.
The cultural integrity and social fabric of traditional communities can be disrupted through ongoing tourist interactions when drugs, alcohol, and prostitution are introduced.
When the economic benefits of ecotourism are corruptly or unevenly distributed, this can result in disillusionment and even disempowerment of those involved.
The mainstream ecotourism industry has a history of only supporting the most favourable destinations. The model is undermined when agents and operators continue to neglect the so-called marginal or out-lying areas.

Bear in mind, most of the entities involved in the examples above market under the ecotourism banner, which includes claiming conservation credentials. This duplicity exposes the discrepancies, vagueness, and loopholes in marketing and regulatory frameworks, and until this is changed, rectifying this face will remain problematic.

The existential threat

Lastly, to the numbers game, there is a conundrum that needs to be addressed. It’s the thorniest issue of all and one that represents an awkward mirror at the very least, and quite possibly an existential threat if left unchecked.

Due to the shortcomings already expressed, getting precise data on the size and growth of ecotourism as a sector is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, we do have some idea. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), by 2019, Africa’s travel and tourism industry had grown from US$75 billion in 2000 to US$186 billion by 2019, when there were 84 million international travellers (since COVID-19, the sector is again approaching these levels).

Looking ahead, the WTTC forecasts growth of at least 6.5% per annum over the next decade and suggest in a best-case scenario that tourism’s combined contribution to continental economies could reach over US$300 billion, with close to double the number of travellers a possibility by 2033. If we then match Conservation Magazine’s claim that in sub-Saharan Africa, four of every five international tourists arriving in Africa will visit a wildlife destination, we start to get an idea of the astronomical numbers.

For the politicians, economists, and accountants, this data clearly speaks to ecotourism as a golden goose for investment, growth, and profit. However, to the environmentalists, there must be concerns. How many more people and vehicles can Africa’s protected areas take? How many more lodges, hotels, and airports, along with the infrastructure footprints, are required to accommodate these people before ecological degradation sets in? Has the erosion already begun?

It remains extremely difficult to measure benefits and negative consequences of ecotourism objectively. This allows everyone to continue operating within the grey areas of conflation and confusion, without consideration or consequence. In addition, operating leases and permits are at the discretion of governments, which means safari operators and researchers are often constrained into not speaking out over bad practices or poor management for fear of being expelled or having licences withdrawn.

If the goal for successful ecotourism is to be truly sustainable, the purveyors and scorekeepers need to understand and accept that the environment, its principal asset, operates within scientific and ecological constraints. Wilderness cannot be treated as an infinite or renewable resource. The industry urgently needs a visionary and united management process, one that accepts the ecological limits while balancing the demands of all stakeholders. Under the current paradigm and trends, ecotourism in the more popular destinations will not be ecologically or experientially sustainable.

Given these concerns, there is an added responsibility on prospective ecotourists looking at Africa. You need to be discerning and selective when choosing your agent and operator, and do so after due research and consideration, including asking serious questions about their credentials. And while travelling, if there is anything that concerns you, please speak up.

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What Are The Advantages Of Ecotourism?

By: Author Leoni

Posted on Last updated: April 7, 2021

Ecotourism is on the rise. The movement has been gaining popularity since the 1980’s and is today also referred to as nature travel, responsible travel, mindful travel or conscious travel. Many different terms for more or less the same principles – but what exactly does this mean and what are the advantages of ecotourism?

The advantages of ecotourism include

sustainable rural development based on environmental protection
the creation of jobs
education and awareness about endangered animals and climate change
the improvement of life quality for locals
understanding of and sensitivity towards other cultures

Let’s dig a bit deeper to understand how this is achieved.

Table of Contents

What is Ecotourism and what are its Advantages?

Ecotourism means responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, while improving the welfare of local people.

Principles of Ecotourism

According to the International Ecotourism society , those who implement, participate in, and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following principles:

Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.
Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.

Advantages of Ecotourism

So, how does this work and what are the main advantages of ecotourism? Let’s take a look at the economy , our environment , and your experience .

Economic Advantages of Ecotourism

The tourism industry means rapid development and rapid development can lead to huge disadvantages for local communities.

Ecotourism on the other hand aims to promote sustainable rural development, with the goal to generate revenue based upon the conservation of the environment, rather than through its transformation. That basically means that the communities are reaping the financial rewards from protecting the local land.

Local jobs for example are advantages of ecotourism. According to a study by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, ecotourism can return as much as 95% of revenues to the local economy, compared to only about 20% for “standard all-inclusive package tours”.

Money Well Spent

In the mainstream tourism industry, sometimes you can’t be sure that your money doesn’t go to corrupt governments or organizations that use it for purposes you don’t support. In the ecotourism industry however, the opposite is the case.

With access to business training and employment opportunities, ecotourism may result in an improved quality of life – You basically pay the locals directly for whatever service they offer.

Environmental Benefits

Commercializing tourist destinations poses a huge threat to natural environments throughout the world. Deforestation, air pollution and habitat loss of wild animals are only a few of the devastating results.

Ecotourists however pay to see a country’s natural beauty, not the destruction caused by short-run exploitation. That makes ecotourism a leading way for developing countries to generate revenue by preserving their rainforests , and protecting their wildlife .

Education Goals

It’s one thing to watch Netflix documentaries on the most beautiful places on earth and how they are being destroyed by climate change and overtourism: It’s sad. You are shocked. You want to make a difference. But you don’t really know where to begin. And a few days later, you have already forgotten about it again.

Experiencing an issue firsthand is a whole different story. Imagine standing in the middle of a rainforest. Listen to the diverse sounds of wildlife in the background, feel the fresh air on your skin.

Or picture diving through crystal clear warm waters, surrounded by colorful corals, playful dolphins and exotic fish.

While this is not supposed to imply that you can only make a difference if you have seen the place, ecotourism allows travelers to become aware of an area’s fragile biodiversity and its community’s needs. The impact such an experience can have on you is a powerful one.

Responsible tourists will also increase their understanding of and sensitivity toward other cultures.

And when back home, the newly gained knowledge and passion can educate and inspire others.

Are There Disadvantages of Ecotourism?

This all sounds a little bit too good to be true, don’t you think? Well, as always, there is a flip side – ecotourism can have disadvantages as well.

Threats to indigenous people : A significant amount of the world’s indigenous communities reside in remote areas, often the most marketable of destinations. Sometimes, local communities are forcefully relocated in order to make space for accommodation and ecotourism expansions.

TIP : Make sure you are not supporting the displacement of indigenous people with your money. It is important that the ecotourism industry works closely together with indigenous groups through effective business partnerships that support their cultural survival.

Travel impacts: This is a very obvious one: Even as the most conscious and careful ecotourist, you still produce emissions. You have to get to your destination somehow and in the worst case, that includes flying.

TIP: It doesn’t always have to be that remote island on the other side of the globe. Why don’t you rather explore what’s right in front of you? There is fascinating wildlife and natural beauty all over the world.

And if you are already there, use low-impact transport, buy local and try to eat vegan .

Greenwashing: The advantages of ecotourism can have a positive impact, however, that only works if all persons and organizations involved actually follow the ecotourism principles mentioned above.

Unfortunately, greenwashing has become a real problem. Companies can call their products and experiences ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘green’ without actually having such practices in place, which sometimes makes it hard for tourists to find the real eco-conscious and responsible operators.

TIP: Always do a proper background check before you book accommodation or tours. Ask questions – a good, eco-friendly organization will be happy to help you understand their methods and goals.

Embrace the Advantages of Ecotourism

Before you plan your next adventure, make sure to follow the ecotourism principles and do your research.

The following resources can help:

The International Ecotourism Society :

The membership site TIES offers certificates as well as master classes related to ecotourism.

Planeta.com :

Planeta.com provides free access to more than 10,000 pages for travelers, students, and policy-makers. It features news, articles, an eco-travel directory, and recommended reads.

Ecoclub.com :

This global cooperative network promoting ecotourism is one of the most popular websites spotlighting eco-lodges and activists around the globe.

Sustainable Travel International :

The non-profit organization’s mission is to promote sustainable development and responsible travel by providing programs that help travelers as well as organizations in the tourism industry to protect wildlife, environment and locals.

Greenloons :

Greenloons helps you find the perfect eco adventure anywhere in the world.

What is your favorite ecotourism initiative that everyone should experience? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Open access
Published: 31 May 2023

Eco-tourism, climate change, and environmental policies: empirical evidence from developing economies

Yunfeng Shang 1 ,
Chunyu Bi 2 ,
Xinyu Wei 2 ,
Dayang Jiang 2 ,
Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5446-7093 3 , 4 &
Ehsan Rasoulinezhad ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7726-1757 5

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications volume 10 , Article number: 275 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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Environmental studies

Developing ecotourism services is a suitable solution to help developing countries improve the status of sustainable development indicators and protect their environment. The primary purpose of this paper is to find out the effects of green governance variables and carbon dioxide emissions on ecotourism for 40 developing economies from 2010 to 2021. The results confirmed a uni-directional causal relationship between the green governance indicator and the inflation rate of the ecotourism indicator. In addition, with a 1% improvement in the green governance index of developing countries, the ecotourism of these countries will increase by 0.43%. In comparison, with a 1% increase in the globalization index of these countries, ecotourism will increase by 0.32%. Moreover, ecotourism in developing countries is more sensitive to macroeconomic variables changes than in developed economies. Geopolitical risk is an influential factor in the developing process of ecotourism. The practical policies recommended by this research are developing the green financing market, establishing virtual tourism, granting green loans to small and medium enterprises, and government incentives to motivate active businesses.

Comprehensive green growth indicators across countries and territories

Role of foreign direct Investment and political openness in boosting the eco-tourism sector for achieving sustainability

Ways to bring private investment to the tourism industry for green growth

Introduction.

The challenge of climate change has become a primary threat to living on the Earth in the last centuries (Rasoulinzhad and Taghizadeh-Hesary, 2022 ). Many meetings of the countries at the regional and international level are held on the topics of environment and climate change. Regardless of environmental issues, population growth, and the lack of control of greenhouse gas emissions, industrialization has been the most crucial cause of the climate change crisis. Chao and Feng ( 2018 ) address human activity as the leading cause of climate change and express that this challenge is a potential threat to living on Earth. Woodward ( 2019 ) argued that climate change threats include the rise in global temperature, the melting of polar ice caps, and unprecedented disease outbreaks. Therefore, urgent policies and solutions are essential to control and lower the risk of global change. One of the signs of climate change is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface. Figure 1 shows the temperature data from 1910 to 2021 for the four continents of Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.

Source: Authors from NOAA ( https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/global/time-series ).

The data in Fig. 1 shows that the air temperature has increased significantly over the past century, which has been more prominent in Asia and Europe. In 2021, we saw a decrease in temperature changes due to the spread of the Corona disease and a decrease in the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the role of the Asian continent in increasing the global temperature has been more than other continents due to its large population and excessive consumption of fossil fuels.

During the past decades, the world’s countries have tried to formulate and implement various environmental policies collectively in the form of agreements or separately to fight environmental threats. Regarding international agreements, such things as the Paris Agreement of 2015, the Kyoto Protocol of 1997, the Montreal Protocol of 1987, and the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1985 can be addressed whose primary purpose is to integrate the goals and motivation of the international community to the world’s environmental threats. However, a group of earlier studies, such as Zheng et al. ( 2017 ), Takashima ( 2018 ), and Roelfsema et al. ( 2022 ), emphasized the inefficiency of these global agreements, especially after the left the USA from the Paris Agreement on 1 June 2017. The most important cause of this inefficiency has been the need for more motivation of countries to fulfill their international obligations towards environmental issues. However, many governments consider the threat of climate change only within their geographical boundaries and have tried to formulate and implement green policies to advance their environmental protection goals. These policies include green financial policies (green taxes, green subsidies), monetary policies (such as green loans and green financing), and cultural and social policies in line with sustainable development. The ultimate goal of these green policies is a green economy, an environmentally friendly economy, a zero carbon economy, or a sustainable economy. Lee et al. ( 2022 ) define the green economy as a broad concept comprising green industry, agriculture, and services. Centobelli et al. ( 2022 ) express that environmental sustainability should be more attention in the service sector owing to its penetration into social life and interactions.

Tourism and travel-related services are among countries’ main parts of the service sector. By creating the flow of tourists, tourism services can lead to capital transfer, job creation, cultural exchange (globalization), and increasing welfare in the country hosting the tours. According to the Yearbook of Tourism Statistics published by the World Tourism Organization, international tourism has increased from 522.2 billion US dollars in 1995 to nearly 1.86 trillion US dollars in 2019. This increase shows the importance of tourism services in generating income for countries, especially in the era of Corona and post-corona. Casado-Aranda et al. ( 2021 ) express that tourism services can be a central driver of economic growth recovery in post COVID era. Jeyacheya and Hampton ( 2022 ) argue that tourism can make high incomes for host countries leading to job creation and economic flourishing in destination cities for tourists.

An important issue mentioned in the corona era and relies on the post-corona era is the revitalizing of green economic growth. An important issue mentioned in the corona era and relying on the post-corona era is the revitalizing green economic growth (Bai et al., 2022 ; Werikhe, 2022 ), an opportunity that countries should pay more attention to in order to rebuild their economic activities. In other words, countries should plan their return to economic prosperity with environmental issues in mind. To this end, the issue of tourism finds a branch called Ecotourism or sustainable tourism which has environmental concerns and tries to help countries to improve environmental protection policies. Ecotourism is an approach based on environmental criteria, which is opposed to over-tourism (a type of tourism that disrupts the protection of the environment and destroys natural resources). The International Ecotourism Society defines Ecotourism as an efficient way to conserve the environment and improve local people’s well-being. It can be said that Ecotourism, along with various economic advantages (income generation, job creation, globalization, poverty alleviation), will bring environmental protection to the world’s countries, achieving the goals of green economic growth recovery and sustainable development. Xu et al. ( 2022 ) consider Ecotourism as one of the essential components of achieving sustainable development in the post-corona era.

Ecotourism in developing countries has more priorities compared to developed economies. Firstly, developing countries are often countries with financial problems of the government, and the governments in these countries need more capital to advance sustainable development goals. Therefore, developing ecotourism services can be a suitable solution to help these countries improve the status of sustainable development indicators and protect their environment. Second, due to the spread of the Corona disease, developing countries have experienced numerous bankruptcy in the tourism services sector. Therefore, promoting ecotourism in these countries is of great importance in the post-corona era. Third, developing countries have a high share in the emission of greenhouse gases in the world due to their high dependence on fossil fuels and the lack of advanced green technologies. Fourth, due to bureaucratic processes, high cost, and lack of market transparency, greenwashing may happen in developing economies’ ecotourism industry, meaning that a company serving ecotourism services makes its activities seem more sustainable and ethical than they are. The term “greenwashing” can harshly impact the future development path of the ecotourism industry in developing economies. According to the reasons mentioned above, developing ecotourism in developing countries can be an essential factor in controlling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in these countries.

This paper tries to contribute to the existing literature from the following aspects:

Calculating the ecotourism index for selected countries based on the criteria for measuring sustainable tourism stated by the World Tourism Organization in the United Nations. Considering that there is no specific index for ecotourism, the calculation of ecotourism in this article will be innovative.

Measuring the green governance index as a proxy for environmental policies for selected countries based on the Environment Social and Governance (ESG) data.

Selecting a sample of 40 developing countries from different geographical regions to calculate the interconnections between ecotourism, green governance, and climate change

Making a further discussion to address the role of uncertainty and the developing level of countries in the relationship between ecotourism and explanatory variables.

The main results confirm the existence of a uni-directional causal relationship running from the green governance indicator and inflation rate to the ecotourism indicator. In addition, with a 1% improvement in the green governance index of developing countries, the ecotourism of these countries will increase by 0.43%. A 1% increase in the globalization index of these countries accelerates ecotourism by 0.32%.

Moreover, ecotourism in developing countries is more sensitive to macroeconomic variables changes than in developed economies. Geopolitical risk is an influential factor in the developing process of ecotourism. The practical policies recommended by this research are developing the green financing market, establishing virtual tourism, granting green loans to small and medium enterprises, and government incentives to motivate active businesses.

The paper in continue is organized as follows: section “Literature review” provides a short literature review to determine the gaps this research seeks to fill. Section “Data and model specification” argues data and model specification. The following section represents empirical results. Section “Discussion” expresses discussion, whereas the last section provides conclusions, policy implications, research limitations, and recommendations to research further.

Literature review

This part of the article analyzes and classifies the previous literature on ecotourism and sustainable development in a rational and structured way. The importance of tourism in economic growth and development has been discussed in previous studies. However, the study of the effect of tourism on climate change has received little attention. Especially the relationship between sustainable tourism, climate change, and environmental policies is a problem that has yet to receive the attention of academic experts.

A group of previous studies has focused on the place of tourism in economic development and growth. Holzner ( 2011 ) focused on the consequences of tourism development on the economic performance of 134 countries from 1970 to 2007. They found out that excessive dependence on tourism income leads to Dutch disease in the economy, and other economic sectors need to develop to the extent of the tourism sector. In another study, Sokhanvar et al. ( 2018 ) investigated the causal link between tourism and economic growth in emerging economies from 1995 to 2014. The main results confirmed that the linkage is country-dependent. Brida et al. ( 2020 ) studied 80 economies from 1995 to 2016 to determine how tourism and economic development are related. The paper’s conclusions highlighted tourism’s-positive role in economic activities.

Another group of previous studies has linked tourism to sustainability targets. Sorensen and Grindsted ( 2021 ) expressed that nature tourism development has a positive and direct impact on achieving sustainable development goals of countries. In a new study, Li et al. ( 2022 ) studied the impacts of tourism development on life quality (as one of the sustainable development goals defined by the UN in 2015) in the case of Japan. They found that tourism development positively impacts the quality of life of age groups in the country. Ahmad et al. ( 2022 ) explored the role of tourism in the sustainability of G7 economies from 2000–2019. The primary findings revealed the positive impact of tourism arrivals on sustainable economic development. Zekan et al. ( 2022 ) investigated the impact of tourism on regional sustainability in Europe. They concluded that tourism development increases transport, leading to increased carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, tourism development causes environmental pollution.

Tourism that can pay attention to environmental issues is called “ecotourism.” Many new studies have studied different dimensions of ecotourism. Lu et al. ( 2021 ) expanded the concept of the ecotourism industry. The significant results expressed that smart tourist cities are essential for efficient ecotourism in countries. Thompson ( 2022 ) expressed the characteristics of ecotourism development through survey methodology. The results confirmed the importance of transparent regulations, government support, and social intention to promote ecotourism. In another study, Heshmati et al. ( 2022 ) employed the SWOT analysis method to explore the critical success factors of ecotourism development in Iran. They found that legal documentation and private participation are major influential factors in promoting ecotourism in Iran. In line with the previous research, Hosseini et al. ( 2021 ) tried to explore the influential factors in promoting ecotourism in Iran by employing a SWOT analysis. They depicted that attracting investors is essential to enhance ecotourism projects in Iran. Hasana et al. ( 2022 ) reviewed research to analyze the earlier studies about ecotourism. The conclusions expressed that ecotourism is necessary for environmental protection. However, it is a challenging plan for the government, and they should carry out various policies toward ecotourism development. Kunjuraman et al. ( 2022 ) studied the role of ecotourism on rural community development in Malaysia. The significant results confirmed that ecotourism could transfer-positive impacts.

Several earlier studies have concentrated on the characteristics of ecotourism in different developed and developing economies. For example, Ruhanen ( 2019 ) investigated the ecotourism status in Australia. The paper concluded that the country could potentially make a larger share of ecotourism to the entire local tourism industry. Jin et al. ( 2022 ) studied the role of local community power on green tourism in Japan. They concluded that the concept of agricultural village activity and regional support positively influences the development of green tourism in Japan as a developed economy. Choi et al. ( 2022 ) sought to find aspects of ecotourism development in South Korea. The preliminary results confirmed the importance of green governance and efficient regulation to promote a sustainable tourism industry. Baloch et al. ( 2022 ) explored the ecotourism specifications in the developing economy of Pakistan. They found that Pakistan’s ecotourism needs government support and the social well-being of the visited cities. Sun et al. ( 2022 ) studied ecotourism in China. They concluded that there is imbalanced development of ecotourism among Chinese provinces due to the need for more capital to invest in all ecotourism projects throughout the Chinese cities. Tajer and Demir ( 2022 ) analyzed the ecotourism strategy in Iran. They concluded that despite various potentials in the country, insufficient capital, lack of social awareness, and political tension are the major obstacles to promoting a sustainable tourism industry in Iran.

Another group of earlier studies has drawn attention to promoting eco-tourism in the post COVID era. They believe that the corona disease has created an excellent opportunity to pay more attention to environmental issues and that countries should move towards sustainable development concepts such as sustainable (eco) tourism in the post-corona era. Soliku et al. ( 2021 ) studied eco-tourism in Ghana during the pandemic. The findings depicted the vague impacts of a pandemic on eco-tourism. Despite the short-term negative consequence of the pandemic on eco-tourism, it provides various opportunities for developing this sector in Ghana. Hosseini et al. ( 2021 ) employed the Fuzzy Dematel technique to find solutions for promoting eco-tourism during COVID-19. They found out that planning to increase the capacity of eco-tourism and incentive policies by governments can help promote the eco-tourism aspect under the pandemic’s consequences. Abedin et al. ( 2022 ) studied the consequence of COVID-19 on coastal eco-tourism development. The primary findings confirmed the negative impacts of a pandemic on the development of eco-tourism.

A review of previous studies shows that tourism can positively impact green growth and sustainable development. Sustainable tourism can be used as a policy to deal with the threat of climate change. This issue needs more attention in the corona and post-corona eras. Because in the post-corona era, many countries have sought to revive green economic growth, and ecotourism can be one of the tools to achieve it. As observed, a detailed study of the relationship between climate change, ecotourism, and environmental policies has yet to be done. Therefore, this research will address and fill this literature gap.

Data and model specification

Data description.

The paper seeks to find the relationship between climate change, ecotourism, and environmental policy for the panel of 40 developing economies from different regions from 2010 to 2021 (480 observations). The sample size could have been more extensive due to the lack of information on some variables. However, there are 480 observations in the data analysis of the data panel; therefore, the number of samples selected is acceptable.

To determine the proxies for main variables, CO2 emissions per capita are selected as the proxy for climate change. Many earlier studies (e.g., Espoir et al., 2022 ) have employed this variable as an appropriate variable representing the status of climate change. Regarding ecotourism, the World Tourism Organization proposed some measurements of sustainable tourism, and also following Yusef et al. ( 2014 ), the entropy weight method is employed to calculate a multi-dimensional ecotourism indicator comprising per capita green park area (square meters), gross domestic tourism revenue (US dollars), the ratio of good air quality (%), green transport, renewable water resources (km3) and deforestation rate (%). It is a novel ecotourism indicator that can show the ecotourism status in countries.

In addition, the green governance index is calculated as a proxy for environmental policy. Principally, the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) data from World Bank are gathered to calculate this variable. With the improvement of the Green Governance Index, the quality of environmental policies will also increase, and vice versa. With the adverseness of the Green Governance Index, the efficiency of environmental policies will decrease.

Regarding control variables, the inflation rate as an influential factor in tourism flows is selected. The importance of this variable to promoting/declining tourism flows has been drawn to attention by some earlier studies, such as Liu et al. ( 2022 ). The inflation rate can raise the total cost of travel, causing a reduction in tourism flows, while any reduction in the inflation rate can increase the intention of tourists to travel. In addition, the KOF globalization index provided by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute is another control variable. A country with a higher degree of globalization means more readiness to accept tourists from countries with different cultures and religions.

Model specification

According to the variables mentioned above, 40 examined developing countries from 2010 to 2021, the panel co-integration model can be written as Eq. 1 :

ETOR indicates the ecotourism index, while CO2, GGI, INF, and GLOB denote Carbon dioxide emissions per capita, green governance index, inflation rate, and globalization index, respectively. i is 1,2,…,40 and shows examined developing economies, while t is time and contains 2010, 2011,..,2021.

Prior to the estimation of coefficients of Eq. 1 , the panel unit root tests are employed to find out whether the series is stationary. To this end, three tests of LLC (Levin et al., 2002 ), Breitung’s test ( 2000 ), and the PP-Fisher test (Philips and Perron, 1988 ). If all the variables are stationary at the first level of difference (I(1)), a panel co-integration test can be conducted to explore whether the model is spurious. To this end, Kao’s co-integration test ( 1999 ) and Pedroni’s residual co-integration test ( 2004 ) are conducted. If the co-integration relationship exists among variables, the panel causality test can be run to determine the causal linkages among variables. In this paper, the two steps of Engle and Granger (1987)‘s test, which is based on the error correction model (ECM) is used as Eqs. 2 – 6 :

In the above Equations, Δ is the first differences of variables, while θ and ECT represent the fixed country effect and error correction term.

The next step is the long-run panel co-integration estimations. To this end, Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) and Dynamic OLS (DOLS) as robustness checks are conducted, which are two famous panel co-integration estimators (Rasoulinezhad, 2018 ). The FMOLS estimator has various advantages. It allows serial correlation, endogeneity, and cross-sectional heterogeneity (Erdal and Erdal, 2020 ).

Empirical results

In this section, we will implement the experimental research model. The purpose of implementing an econometric model based on panel data is to find the effects of green governance variables and carbon dioxide emissions on ecotourism. As the first step, the panel unit root tests are conducted. The results are reported in Table 1 as follows:

According to Table 1 , all three-panel unit root tests depict that all series are non-stationary at the level and become stationary after a first difference. Next, the panel co-integration tests are conducted, and their results are represented in Tables 2 and 3 :

The two-panel co-integration tests’ findings confirm the presence of co-integration linkages among variables.

The panel causality test studies the short-term and long-term causal relationship among variables. Table 4 reports the results of the panel causality check as follows:

According to Table 4 , there is a uni-directional causal relationship between the green governance indicator and the inflation rate of the ecotourism indicator. At the same time, there is a bi-directional causal relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and ecotourism indicators, confirming the existence of the feedback effect. In addition, there is only short-term causality from the green governance indicator to carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, ecotourism and the globalization index have a uni-directional causal linkage. In the short term, improving ecotourism can cause globalization and reduce carbon emissions in developing economies. Regarding the long-term causality, it can be concluded that the ECT of ecotourism, green governance index, and globalization index are statistically significant. These three variables are major adjustment variables when the system departs from equilibrium.

In the last stage, the long-run estimations are done through FMOLS and DOLS estimators. Table 5 lists the results of the estimations by these two-panel co-integration estimators:

Based on FMOLS estimation, it can be concluded that the Green Governance index has a positive and significant coefficient in such a way that with a 1% improvement in the green governance index of developing countries, the ecotourism of these countries will increase by 0.43%. By improving the state of green governance, the quality of formulated and implemented green policies in these countries will increase, improving the conditions of ecotourism development. This finding aligns with Agrawal et al. ( 2022 ) and Debbarma and Choi ( 2022 ), who believe that green governance is essential to sustainable development. In the case of carbon dioxide emissions, the coefficient of this variable is not statistically significant. In other words, the variable of carbon dioxide emissions per capita has no significant effect on ecotourism in developing countries. The inflation rate has a significant negative effect on ecotourism. With a 1% increase in the general prices of goods and services in developing countries, ecotourism will decrease by 0.34%. This finding aligns with Rahman ( 2022 ), who showed a negative relationship between inflation and sustainable development in their research. An increase in inflation means an increase in the total cost of a tourist’s trip to the destination country, inhibiting the growth of tourist services.

Regarding the globalization variable, this variable has a significant positive effect on the ecotourism of developing countries. With a 1% increase in the globalization index of these countries, ecotourism will increase by 0.32%. Globalization means more interaction with the world’s countries, acceptance of different cultures and customs, more language learning in society, more acceptance of tourism, and development of tourist services in the country. This finding is consistent with the results of Akadiri et al. ( 2019 ), who confirmed that globalization is one of the crucial components in tourism development.

The DOLS estimator was also used to ensure the obtained findings’ validity. The results of this method are shown in Table 5 . The signs of the coefficients are consistent with the results obtained by the FMOLS method. Therefore, the validity and reliability of the obtained coefficients are confirmed.

In this section, we will briefly discuss the relationship between ecotourism and climate change and the environmental policy considering the uncertainty and the relationship between variables in developed and developing countries.

Consideration of uncertainty

Uncertainty as a primary reason for risk has become a research issue in recent decades. Uncertainty can make the future unpredictable and uncontrollable, affecting economic decision-making. Regarding tourism, the impacts of uncertainty have been drawn to attention by several earlier studies (e.g., Dutta et al., 2020 ; Das et al., 2020 ; and Balli et al., 2019 ; Balli et al., 2018 ). In general, uncertainty in the tourism industry reflects tourists’ concerns and consumption habits in the way that by increasing uncertainty, it is expected that tourists make sense of risks and postpone their tourism activities, and vice versa; in the sphere of certainties, the various risks are clear, and tourists can make rational decisions for their tourism plans and activities. In order to explore the impacts of uncertainties on eco-tourism of the examined developing economies, the geopolitical risk index (GPR) as a proxy for economic policy uncertainty index is gathered and added as a control variable to Eq. 1 . The estimations results by FMOLS are reported in Table 6 as follows.

According to Table 6 , the uncertainty (geopolitical risk) has a negative coefficient meaning that with a 1% increase in geopolitical risk, the eco-tourism industry in the examined developing countries decreases by approximately 0.69%. The signs of coefficients of other variables align with the earlier findings, represented in Table 5 . In addition, the magnitude of the impact of geopolitical risk is larger than the impacts of other variables highlighting the importance of lower geopolitical risk in these economies to reach sustainable tourism targets.

Difference in developed and developing economies

Considering the different structures and financial power of these two groups of countries, the relationship between the variables mentioned in these two groups is expected to be different. In the previous section, the results for the group of developing countries showed that the Green Governance index has a positive and significant coefficient. In the case of carbon dioxide emissions, the coefficient of this variable is not statistically significant. The inflation rate has a significant negative effect on ecotourism. Regarding the globalization variable, it can be mentioned that this variable has a significant positive effect on the ecotourism of developing countries. In order to analyze the relationship between variables in the developed countries, the top 10 countries with the highest HDI in 2021 are selected (Switzerland (0.962), Norway (0.961), Iceland (0.959), Hong Kong (0.952), Australia (0.951), Denmark (0.948), Sweden (0.947) and Ireland (0.945)). The selected variables, explained in section “Data and model specification”, are collected from 2010 to 2021. The panel unit root tests confirmed that all series are non-stationary at the level and become stationary after a first difference. In addition, the presence of co-integration linkages among variables is revealed by the panel co-integration test. The panel co-integration estimator of FMOLS is employed to study the long-term relationship among variables. The findings are reported in Table 7 as follows:

According to the estimated coefficients, the green governance indicator positively and statistically significantly impacts ecotourism in the examined developed economies. However, the magnitude of the impact of this variable is more considerable for developing countries because these countries have more imbalances in markets and regulations. Therefore, the presence of good green tourism can have a more positive effect on advancing the goal of ecotourism. Contrary to the findings of developing countries, carbon dioxide emission in developed countries has a negative and significant effect, meaning that with an increase of 1% in carbon dioxide in developed countries, the level of ecotourism becomes more unfavorable by 0.034%. Moreover, inflation and globalization variables have significant negative and positive coefficients, respectively. However, the magnitudes of these two variables’ coefficients are also higher in developing countries. Ecotourism in developing countries is more sensitive to changes in macroeconomic variables such as green governance, globalization, and inflation.

Another difference between eco-tourism in developed and developing economies may be interpreted through the term “greenwashing,” introduced by Westerveld in 1986 (Maichum et al., 2016 ). In developing countries, due to the economic structure, limited knowledge, bureaucratic process, lack of legal eco-certification, and imperfect competition, a company involved in the eco-tourism industry makes an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into accepting the company’s services are in line with environmental protection policies. Hence, green governance in developing countries should have another role in regulating the eco-tourism market to lower the threat of greenwashing in eco-tourism services.

Conclusions and policy recommendations

Concluding remarks.

The findings of econometric modeling revealed the relationship between environmental policies, climate change, and ecotourism. Based on the findings of the econometric model, the following conclusions can be presented:

A uni-directional causal relationship runs from the green governance indicator and inflation rate to the ecotourism indicator, which means that any changes in green governance and inflation rate cause changes in ecotourism, which is vital for developing economies where governance and inflation rate are two crucial issues.

There is a bi-directional causal relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and ecotourism indicators, confirming the existence of the feedback hypothesis, expressing that in developing economies, any policies related to ecotourism cause changes in CO2 emissions and vice versa.

There is only short-term causality from the green governance indicator to carbon dioxide emissions, whereas there is a uni-directional causal linkage from ecotourism to the globalization index. In other words, in the short term, improving ecotourism can cause globalization and reduce carbon emissions in developing economies.

By improving green governance in developing economies, the quality of formulated and implemented green policies in these countries will increase, improving the conditions of ecotourism development.

An increase in the inflation rate raises the total cost of a tourist’s trip to developing economies, inhibiting the growth of eco-tourist services.

Globalization means more interaction with the world’s countries, acceptance of different cultures and customs, more language learning in society, more acceptance of tourism, and development of tourist services in developing countries.

Policy implications

In order to achieve the promotion of ecotourism in developing countries, the implementation of integrated and effective strategic and practical policies is of great importance. According to the concluding remarks mentioned, practical policies are presented as follows for enhancing ecotourism in developed countries. The development of ecotourism requires the improvement of various infrastructures and mechanisms, which depends on the implementation of projects related to ecotourism in developing countries. Because most countries do not have enough financial power to invest in such projects, developing the green financing market can be one of the critical practical solutions. The green financing tool can increase the investment risk and return on investment in such projects, and as a result, the participation of the private sector in these projects will increase. With information and communication technology development, virtual tourism can solve many environmental issues related to human physical presence. Virtual tourism is one of the branches of tourism services that provide people with destinations, places of interest, and tourist attractions with full quality but in virtual form. Another practical policy is granting green loans to small and medium enterprises active in ecotourism. Despite the organizational agility, these companies do not have the significant financial power to develop different sectors of ecotourism; therefore, the cooperation of the banking industry of developing countries by providing green loans (with low-interest rates) can motivate small and medium-sized companies in the field of activities related to ecotourism. Government incentives to motivate businesses active in ecotourism and government deterrent policies (green tax) from businesses active in the field of tourism to lead them to increase the share of ecotourism in their activities can be a proper operational strategy. In developing countries, the role of government and green governance is vital in advancing the goals of ecotourism. By improving the level of its green governance, the government can create efficient policies, regulations, and social tools to create motivation and desire to accept ecotourism, an essential and undeniable issue in developing societies. Creating a guarantee fund for ecotourism companies in developing countries is another practical policy to support these companies financially. Guarantee funds can be established with the participation of the people of ecotourism destinations in order to strengthen the financial strength of ecotourism companies in these destinations.

Limitations and recommendations to further research

This research had a practical and innovative contribution to the literature on ecotourism in developing countries. The findings obtained from the econometric model analysis provided appropriate practical and strategic policies to the policymakers of countries interested in the development of ecotourism. However, access to data related to the ecotourism index and sustainable development of developing countries due to the lack of community in a specific database is considered one of the critical limitations of this research. This limitation caused many developing countries to be excluded from the research sample, which may have created a deviation in the research. Adding more countries to the test sample in future research is suggested to obtain complete and accurate results. Also, due to the outbreak of the Corona pandemic at the end of 2019 and the Russia-Ukraine war since the beginning of 2022, it is suggested that these two variables be included in the econometric model as an illusion in order to analyze their effects on the ecotourism of the countries of the world. Using other econometric methods, such as artificial neural networks, is suggested to model ecotourism in different countries. Complex modeling by taking into account trends and trends to predict the relationship between variables in the future will be an essential step in formulating effective programs in ecotourism.

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Shang, Y., Bi, C., Wei, X. et al. Eco-tourism, climate change, and environmental policies: empirical evidence from developing economies. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 10 , 275 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01777-w

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01777-w

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Essay on eco-tourism: definition, objective, function and other details.

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Essay on Eco-Tourism: Definition, Objective, Function and Other Details!

By the end of the 20 th century, tourism has become the largest industry in the world, and this is now considered as the most rapidly growing industry of the world. The World Tourism Organization (WTO 1996) predicts that international tourism will grow at approximately 4% per year through the year 2010.

Until the start of the second last decade of the last century, tourism was seen as a profitable sector of business with no obvious constraints to growth, few barriers to entry to market, an almost universal welcome from governments, and few effective regulatory requirements to take the environment into consideration.

Commercial organizations, be large or small, were acting on the ‘Dowkin’s Principle of Self Interest.’ With such wanton and rapid growth in tourism activity, it is no wonder that the impact of largely unplanned tourism development has been felt deeply as impending on environment, ecology, and on the people or the community.

In the wake of these impacts, there is a need for the alternate tourism so that we can preserve tourism with its benefits for next generations also. And the outcome is the concept of eco-tourism. Thus, sustainable tourism development has become one of the essential elements of new tourism paradigm from “mass tourism” to “sustainable tourism.”

Ecotourism is now a major growth area in its own right. It is against this backdrop, the ASSOCHAM organized an International Conclave on Tourism for Sustainable Development during December 10-11, 1999 at New Delhi.

After three years, the United Nations declared year 2002 as the “Year of Mountain and Eco-tourism.” The World Tourism Organization (WTO) declared the theme of the World Tourism Day to be observed on 27 September 2002 as “Eco-Tourism: The Key to Sustainable Development.”

Though ecotourism assumes so much significance in the present context, it accounts for a small proportion of the global tourism market – current estimates vary between 3 to 7% only. Ecotourism is usually considered to be more than just tourism to natural areas.

However, since the formal introduction of the term by Ceballos- Lascurain almost three decades ago, controversy over appropriate uses for the term and inconsistency in its application have hindered the development of the concept and its practical realization at specific sites.

Those at the forefront of ecotourism research and development now provide definitions, which address the fundamental goals of conservation of natural areas and local development. For example, The Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as “Purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and the natural history of the environment; taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem; producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of the natural resources beneficial to the local people.”

The World Conservation Union’s (IUCN) Commission on National Parks and Protected Areas (CNPPA) defines ecotourism as “Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appropriate nature (and any accompanying cultural features both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local population.”

One of the best definitions of ecotourism is that provided by the Australian National Ecotourism Strategy which states: “Ecotourism is nature based tourism that involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable.”

The above definitions indicate that ecotourism is a complex phenomenon, involving integration of many factors including tourists, resident peoples, suppliers, and managers and multiple functions. In ecotourism, natural areas and local population are united in a symbolic relationship through the introduction of tourism.

A sound ecotourism is characterized by the four key hallmarks that distinguish it from simple nature, wildlife or adventure tourism.

The four hallmarks are that ecotourism projects have should:

1. Be designed, built and operated so that they leave a “soft imprint”.

2. Contribute money to the local economy and local community services.

3. Contribute financially to environmental protection.

4. Educate visitors and members of the local community.

The definitions of ecotourism focus on three significant aspects viz. nature, tourism and local communities. It differs in a meaningful way from mass tourism that aims at consuming nature leaving it depleted on more than one front. Conservation, sustainability and biological diversity are the three interrelated aspects of ecotourism.

As a developmental tool, ecotourism can advance the three basic goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity:

1. Conserve biological (and cultural) diversity, by strengthening protected area management systems (Public or Private) and increasing the value of sound ecosystem.

2. Promote the sustainable use of biodiversity, by generating income, jobs and business opportunities in ecotourism and related business networks.

3. Share the benefits of ecotourism developments equitably with local communities and indigenous people, by obtaining their informed consent and full participation in planning and management of ecotourism businesses.

The strong orientation of the ecotourism field towards principles, guidelines and certification based on sustainability standard gives it an unusual position in the tourism field.

Ecotourism is viewed, as a means of protecting natural areas through the generation of revenues, environmental education and involvement of the local people in such ways; both conservation and development will be prompted in a sustainable manner.

While difficult to measure, ecotourism is believed to be the fastest growing tourism segment. Ecotourism has recently come to be regarded as the panacea that enables us to aggressively seek tourism dollars with no obvious damage to ecosystems, since wild resources are not being harvested and there is no apparent associated development.

As a concept, ecotourism has gained momentum recently in India, but as a way of life Indians have practiced ecotourism since times immemorial to nature and rich cultural heritage.

The main Objectives of Ecotourism are:

a. Provision of socio – economic benefits.

b. Provision of environmental services.

c. Conservation of the natural areas.

d. Provision of high quality experience.

e. Promotion of environment advocacy.

Fundamental functions of Ecotourism include:

a. Protection of natural area

b. Generation of money

c. Education

d. Quality Tourism

e. Local Participation

Success of Ecotourism :

Unfortunately, ecotourism will not be successful without effective management and the framework, which has been presented, will be of little consequence in the absence of adequate institutional arrangements and administrative commitments.

The development of positive relationship between people, resources and tourism is very unlikely to occur without implementation of effective policies, management strategies, and involvement of a wide range of organizations, including NGO’s and other development agencies. To get success in ecotourism we should follow a process.

The various steps of this process may include the following:

a. To assess its impact.

b. To plan for tourism development on the basis of sustainability.

c. To involve the local community.

d. To assist and encourage the participation of the NGO’s.

e. To facilitate the functioning of the ecotourism development.

f. To examine the developmental process.

Options for Revenue Collection :

We know that tourism is an important economic tool, and is contributing for the development of the countries. But in case of the ecotourism we have to generate revenue to make theory a practice. And the success of the ecotourism depends upon the quality of tourism. And this depends upon the resource exploitation and the revenue generated.

While developing the ecotourism, we can opt for several methods of revenue generation as follows:

1. Entrance fee

2. Facility use fee

3. License/permit fee

4. Sales, royalties

5. On-site donations

6. Collection from the Tour Operators

7. Collection from the other sources related to tourism

We can say that ecotourism is neither a simple concept to define nor a straightforward phenomenon to implement and evaluate. Ecotourism should be regarded as being more than tourism to the natural areas and should be viewed as a means of combining the goals of resource conservation and local development through tourism in a synergistic fashion.

This means that care should be taken to ensure that the goals of tourism development do not interfere with the goals of protecting natural areas and biodiversity. All the stakeholders in tourism development should safeguard the natural environment with a view to achieving sound, continuous, and sustainable economic growth geared to satisfying equitably the needs and aspirations of present and future generations.

Sustainable Tourism: Concept, Principles and Strategies | Ecotourism
Role of Photography and Electronic Media in Ecotourism | Tourism

Eco-Tourism

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Benefits of Ecotourism Essay Example

Pages: 4 (939 words)
Published: April 4, 2017
Type: Research Paper

Win Win Approaches to Development and the Environment, Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation. Center for Development Information and EvaluationWhether called nature tourism or ecotourism, recreational and educational travel based on natural attractions is a promising means of advancing social, economic, and environmental objectives in developing countries. It offers countries new opportunities for small-enterprise investment and employment and increases the national stake in protecting their biological re

However, making ecotourism a positive economic and environmental tool requires policies that foster responsible nature tourism development, broad-based and active local participation in its benefits, and conservation of developing countries' biological heritage. The ProblemForest and marine habitats are being destroyed and some of the wildlife they contain is being driven to extinction under the pressures of hunting, logging, agriculture, and fishing. Where areas have been officially reserved for nature conservation, many developing country governments lack sufficient funds to manage and protect them.

These areas are being destroyed because they are not fully valued for their role as nature's genetic reservoirs of the world's biological resources. The Win Win SolutionA recent USAID evaluation has identified ecotourism as an enterprise with potential positive contributions to the conservation of endangered biological resources. (See Synthesis Report Stemming the Loss of Biological Diversity

An Assessment of USAID Support for Protected-Area Management, July 1995).

Contributions of ecotourism include raising local awareness about the value of biological resources, increasing local participation in the benefits of biodiversity conservation (through new sources of jobs and incomes), and generating revenues toward conservation of biologically rich areas. Wildlife and its habitats in developing countries are becoming increasingly popular attractions for international tourism. Many of the richest areas, biologically, are in the developing world.

Growing numbers of ecotourists are flocking to the mountains of Nepal and Madagascar, the tropical forests of Costa Rica and Thailand, and the beaches of Belize and Sri Lanka. Nature tourists bring with them money to spend, money that creates jobs and incomes for households and communities in and around national parks and other protected areas. Ecotourism enterprises tour agencies and guide services, lodges and private reserves as well as such satellite activities as crafts industries and transportation and food services, also generate revenues and foreign exchange.

Governments can use this income in operating and protecting natural habitats. By recognizing the importance of protecting biological diversity, ecotourism is raising appreciation for biological resources and leading to better conservation practices by developing country populations. It must of course be properly regulated and managed to protect against adverse environmental and cultural effects that can come with overbuilding of tourist facilities and influx of populations around fragile ecosystems. Assuming such oversight, nature tourism can benefit both the environment and economic development.

The Role of USAIDUSAID supports nature-based tourism activities as part of its biodiversity conservation programs in more than a dozen countries worldwide. The Agency's ecotourism activities include support for developing national park systems, demarcating and equipping new

national parks, recruiting and training park staff, and encouraging government reforms that promote regulated investments in private lodging, guide service, and other tourism ventures. The Agency's involvement is recent, beginning in the mid-1980s, and the effect of these activities is only starting to emerge.

USAID biodiversity conservation programs have demonstrated that potential local resistance to setting aside forest and fishing areas for conservation can often be softened by employment and income-producing opportunities ecotourism can generate. In Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka, USAID support led to the creation of entirely new wildlife parks that have begun to spawn tourism facilities around them. Tourist demand for food, lodging, souvenirs, educational materials, and guide and transportation services stimulates local investment, employment, and incomes.

Costa Rica has introduced revenue retention arrangements to eep earnings from entrance fees for park operations; it awards contracts to local communities to operate food and souvenir concessions as a means of building local involvement in and commitment to park conservation. Costa Rica has also included a variable park entrance fee structure (charging higher fees to international tourists than to local visitors) to increase revenues. In Nepal, Madagascar, and Thailand, USAID has supported integrated conservation and development activities to promote new livelihoods including nature tourism based employment as alternatives to encroaching into protected national parks for hunting, logging, and farming.

Engagement of local people in planning and conducting ecotourism activities has generated a new group of stakeholders with a vested interest in protecting parks. The new nature jobs depend on it. USAID's Central American Paseo Pantera ("Panther Walk") project has helped establish national nature tourism councils in Guatemala and Honduras to involve local communities and tourism enterprises.

The councils also enlist international conservation organizations as advisers to promote green, self-sustaining tourism activities.

In 1989 the Agency began a Parks in Peril project to improve management of 20 parks in Latin America and the Caribbean. The project also seeks to enhance recreational and educational use of the parks. For example, in Bolivia, Parks in Peril is working through a U. S. environmental nongovernment organization (NGO) to assist a Bolivian NGO in providing nature tourism packages in two national parks. The project has helped create jobs for tour guides, park rangers, educators, and the like in several countries in the region.

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Carers and disability benefits

Disability Benefits system to be overhauled as consultation launched on Personal Independence Payment

Government to reform disability benefits system to ensure they’re targeted at those most in need.

Consultation to be published today on proposals to move away from fixed cash benefit system towards tailored support
Comes as over 2.6 million people of working age now receiving PIP with monthly new claims almost doubling since 2019

Plans to make the disability benefits system fit for the future and overhaul the “one size fits all” approach are set to be published today (Monday 29 April), following the Prime Minister’s speech which set out the government’s wide-ranging ambitions for welfare reform.

The Modernising Support Green Paper will explore how our welfare system could be redesigned to ensure people with disabilities and long-term health conditions get the support they need to achieve the best outcomes, with an approach that focuses support on those with the greatest needs and extra costs.

The UK’s health landscape has changed since Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) was introduced in 2013 with the intention that it would be a more sustainable benefit that would support disabled people to live independently by helping with the extra costs they face.

However, the caseload and costs are now spiralling. There are now 2.6 million people of working age claiming PIP and DLA – with 33,000 new awards for PIP each month which is more than double the rate before the pandemic. This is expected to cost the taxpayer £28 billion a year by 2028/29 – a 110% increase in spending since 2019.

This is in part fuelled by the rise in people receiving PIP for mental health conditions such as mixed anxiety and depressive disorders, with monthly awards doubling from 2,200 to 5,300 a month since 2019.

Since 2015, the proportion of the caseload receiving the highest rate of PIPhas increased from 25% to 36%. And many more people being awarded PIPnow have mental health conditions than when it was first introduced.

In line with the wider reforms to ensure the welfare system is fair and compassionate, the Modernising Support Green Paper proposals centre on targeting and improving the support for those who need it most.

These ideas include removing the PIP assessment altogether for people with certain long term health conditions or disabilities, including those with terminal illnesses to reduce bureaucracy and make life easier for those most in need of support.

By more accurately targeting support, we will ensure the large scale of government expenditure on PIP translates into better outcomes for disabled people and those with health conditions.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

It’s clear that our disability benefits system isn’t working in the way it was intended, and we’re determined to reform it to ensure it’s sustainable for the future, so we can continue delivering support to those who genuinely need it most.

Today’s Green Paper marks the next chapter of our welfare reforms and is part of our plan to make the benefits system fairer to the taxpayer, better targeted to individual needs and harder to exploit by those who are trying to game the system.

We’re inviting views from across society to ensure everyone has a chance to make their voices heard and shape our welfare reforms.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

We’re making the biggest welfare reforms in a generation – protecting those most in need while supporting thousands into work as we modernise our benefit system to reflect the changing health landscape.

A decade on from the introduction of PIP , this Green Paper opens the next chapter of reform, enhancing the support for people with health conditions and disabilities while ensuring the system is fair to the taxpayer.

The Green Paper sets out proposals across three key priorities to fundamentally reform the system:

Making changes to the eligibility criteria for PIP , so it is fairer and better targeted

Through previous consultations, we have been told that the criteria currently used in assessments do not always fully reflect how a disability or health condition impacts on a person’s daily life. The criteria have changed over time and no longer capture these different impacts as originally intended.

We will consider whether the current thresholds for entitlement correctly reflect the need for ongoing financial support. This includes considering if current descriptors - such as the need for aids and appliances - are good indicators of extra costs.

We will also look at changing the qualifying period for PIP in order to ensure the impact that people’s conditions will have on them over time is fully understood and consider whether we should change the test used to determine if a condition is likely to continue long-term.

Reforming the PIP assessment so that it is more closely linked to a person’s condition and exploring removing assessment entirely for those most in need.

PIP is over a decade old and a lot has changed since the assessment was developed. We know some people continue to find PIP assessments difficult and repetitive, and view the assessment as too subjective.

We will consider whether some people could receive PIP without needing an assessment by basing entitlement on specific health conditions or disabilities supported by medical evidence.

This includes looking at whether evidence of a formal diagnosis by a medical expert should be a requirement to be assessed as eligible for PIP . This will make it easier and quicker for people with severe or terminal conditions to get the vital support they need.

We will explore alternative approaches to ensure people are given the right help to fulfil their potential and live independently. The UK has used a fixed cash transfer system since the 1970s but there are a number of international systems that look at the specific extra costs people have and provide more tailored support instead.

For example, in New Zealand, the amount of Disability Allowance is based on a person’s extra costs which are verified by a health practitioner. Norway’s Basic Benefit requires people to provide a letter from a GP outlining the nature of their condition and the associated extra costs.

We are considering options including one-off grants to better help people with significant costs such as home adaptations or expensive equipment, as well as giving vouchers to contribute towards specific costs, or reimbursing claimants who provide receipts for purchases of aids, appliances or services.

This reflects the fact that some claimants will have significant extra costs related to their disability, and others will have minimal or specific costs.

While these alternative models help people with the extra costs of their disability or health condition, we know other forms of support including health care, social services care provision and respite are also important to help people to realise their full potential and live independently.

We are also considering whether some people receiving PIP who have lower, or no extra costs, may have better outcomes from improved access to treatment and support than from a cash payment.

Andy Cook, Chief Executive of the Centre for Social Justice, said:

Our landmark Two Nations report laid bare the lasting impact of the pandemic on our nation’s most vulnerable communities.

With the welfare system now grappling with the combined challenges of economic inactivity, school absence and mental health, this consultation provides a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of Britain’s welfare state.

We owe it to those most struggling to make sure the benefit system provides the best support to those who need it. And with costs skyrocketing, it is time to bring the welfare system into the post-lockdown age.

The Green Paper is the latest of the government’s welfare reforms to ensure disabled people and people with long-term health conditions can live full and independent lives. It builds on last year’s Health and Disability White Paper and the £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan which will break down barriers to work for over one million people.

The Government is also delivering the largest expansion in mental health services in a generation, with almost £5 billion of extra funding over the past five years, and a near doubling of mental health training places.

Our reforms to the Work Capability Assessment are expected to reduce the number of people put onto the highest tier of incapacity benefits by 424,000, people who will now receive personalised support to prepare for work, while our Chance to Work Guarantee will mean people can try work without fear of losing their benefits.

Further Information

The consultation can be found here: Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability green paper - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
This consultation will be open for 12 weeks and we are inviting views from across society to ensure everyone has a chance to shape the modernisation of the welfare system. The findings of the consultation, which closes on Tuesday 23 July, will inform future reforms.
The UK Government is committed to improving the lives of disabled people and people with long-term health conditions in all parts of the UK.
In Wales, Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) is the responsibility of the UK Government.
In Northern Ireland, PIP is transferred and is the responsibility of the Department for Communities.
In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment ( ADP ) has replaced PIP and is the responsibility of the Scottish Government. The transfer of existing Scottish PIP claimants from DWP to Social Security Scotland started in summer 2022 and will continue until 2025.
We will continue to work with the Devolved Administrations to consider the implications of the proposals in this Green Paper in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Benefits of the Death Penalty

This essay about the death penalty discusses the arguments made by its proponents, emphasizing its role as a deterrent, a means of providing closure to victims’ families, and a necessary action for ensuring public safety. Advocates argue for the death penalty’s alignment with retributive justice, suggesting that it proportionately addresses severe crimes and offers fiscal benefits by reducing recidivism. However, the text also acknowledges the critical views against it, highlighting the moral and practical concerns raised by opponents, thus illustrating the deep divisions and ethical complexities surrounding capital punishment debates.

How it works

In the intricate tapestry of discourse surrounding the death penalty, proponents wield a diverse arsenal of arguments in defense of its continued existence within the justice system. They fervently advocate for its retention, contending that it serves as a formidable deterrent against the commission of heinous crimes. The looming specter of capital punishment, they argue, acts as a chilling reminder to would-be offenders, dissuading them from crossing the threshold into irreversible acts of violence.

Furthermore, proponents espouse the notion that the death penalty offers a semblance of closure and justice to the victims and their shattered families.

The profound trauma inflicted by acts of violence leaves indelible scars on the fabric of society, tearing at its very seams. In the eyes of proponents, the imposition of the ultimate penalty upon perpetrators represents a form of recompense, a solemn acknowledgement of the irreparable harm inflicted upon innocent lives.

In the realm of public safety, proponents assert that the death penalty serves as a vital safeguard against recidivism, effectively removing irredeemable threats from society’s midst. By permanently incapacitating individuals who have demonstrated an unyielding propensity for violence, proponents argue that society can shield itself from the looming specter of future atrocities.

Moreover, proponents uphold the principle of retributive justice as the moral cornerstone of their advocacy for the death penalty. They contend that the severity of the punishment should be commensurate with the gravity of the crime, ensuring a measure of accountability for those who have callously violated the sanctity of human life. In their eyes, the death penalty stands as a solemn testament to society’s unwavering commitment to justice, a resolute stance against the forces of lawlessness and chaos.

Economically speaking, some proponents argue that the death penalty can yield long-term fiscal benefits, notwithstanding the initial costs associated with capital punishment trials. By expeditiously administering justice in cases of egregious violence, proponents posit that society can alleviate the burden on an overtaxed criminal justice system, reallocating resources to address pressing societal needs.

Yet, amidst the impassioned rhetoric of proponents, dissenting voices persist, casting a shadow of doubt upon the moral and practical underpinnings of the death penalty. Opponents raise compelling concerns regarding the risk of wrongful convictions, the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, and the moral ambiguity of state-sanctioned killing. These voices serve as a poignant reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of justice, urging society to tread cautiously in its pursuit of retribution.

In the crucible of debate, the death penalty remains a contentious and divisive issue, eliciting fervent emotions and stirring profound introspection. While proponents champion its virtues as a bulwark against crime, a source of solace for victims, and a safeguard for society, opponents sound a clarion call for compassion, fairness, and the sanctity of human life. As society grapples with the weighty implications of its choices, it must strive to navigate a path that balances the imperatives of justice with the dictates of mercy, forging a future that upholds the dignity and worth of every individual.

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This therefore means that ecotourism should help raise funds for environmental research, protection and education. This should be done using a variety of means which include: park entrance fees, hotel, tour company, airline, and airport taxes along with voluntary contributions. The tourism should afford financial benefits and empowerment to the ...
Essay on Ecotourism
Benefits of Ecotourism. Ecotourism benefits both the environment and the local people. It helps conserve biodiversity, reduces pollution, and contributes to the local economy. ... 500 Words Essay on Ecotourism Introduction. Ecotourism, a niche yet growing segment within the broader tourism industry, is premised on the idea of sustainable ...
Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development
1. Introduction. Ecotourism is a sub-component of the field of sustainable tourism. Ecotourism's perceived potential as an effective tool for sustainable development is the main reason why developing countries are now embracing it and including it in their economic development and conservation strategies.
(PDF) Ecotourism
Eco-tourism is the fastest-growing tourism activity, responsible for nature and culture. This type of tourism can support conservation efforts, public education, and sustainable development [15] .
Argument/Persuasion
Ecotourism: Argument/Persuasion. For this essay, we will look at one issue together and go through the process of learning more about it and taking an informed stance. The subject we will look at is ecotourism, which has a direct impact on us as residents of a state heavily dependent on tourism. We all have different opinions and issues about ...
Ecotourism can play vital role in maintaining healthy forests
Local benefits. Ecotourism can provide local communities with motivation to maintain and protect forests and wildlife. When local people get income and employment from ecotourism, they are far less likely to destroy the natural resources through unsustainable exploitation. "Ecotourism has a far greater potential for contributing to income and ...
Ecotourism: What it is, Advantages & Disadvantages & Examples
Ecotourism is a kind of responsible tourism and is especially popular with environmentalists and those concerned with protecting the world.
89 Ecotourism Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
Ecotourism Industry Organization. The environment is the combination of all living and non-living components on the earth and on the universe as a whole. Eco-Tourism and Eco-Cities. The main reason cited for the support of sustainable development is the impact it has on the environment and the communities nearby.
Ecotourism, biodiversity conservation and livelihoods: Understanding
To find research papers, keywords such as "ecotourism" AND "developing country" OR "developed country" AND "local community" OR "community-based ecotourism" were employed. ... (2008) focused on the unequal distribution of ecotourism benefits among various stakeholders and the reasons that encourage local people's ...
Ecotourism: An obvious panacea or a looming conundrum?
By Ian Michler, Africa tourism operator, who has been working across three spheres of the ecotourism sector for the past 33 years.
What Are The Advantages Of Ecotourism?
The advantages of ecotourism include. sustainable rural development based on environmental protection. the creation of jobs. education and awareness about endangered animals and climate change. the improvement of life quality for locals. understanding of and sensitivity towards other cultures.
Essay on Ecotourism
Ecotourism has numerous merits to the environment and nature in general. It has a long run benefits to the climate which in turn improves the favourable weather in the area. By adopting ecotourism as a sustainable model, the forest cover is increased, the canopy is created and in the long run, the climate improves.
(PDF) A Review of Ecotourism and its Economic ...
Ecotourism a great essay topic for students". IV. ... This paper is an empirical study of the local economic benefits of ecotourism development in one of the marine parks in Malaysia. The Redang ...
Ecotourism and sustainable development: a scientometric review of
Introduction. Ecotourism, which has appeared in academic literature since the late 1980s, is a special form of nature-based tourism that maintains the well-being of the local community while protecting the environment and provides tourists with a satisfying nature experience and enjoyment (Ceballos-Lascuráin, 1996; Higgins, 1996; Orams, 1995).With years of research and development, ecotourism ...
Ecotourism and sustainable development: a scientometric review of
Ecotourism, which has appeared in academic literature since the late 1980s, is a special form of nature-based tourism that maintains the well-being of the local community while protecting the environment and provides tourists with a satisfying nature experience and enjoyment (Ceballos-Lascuráin, 1996; Higgins, 1996; Orams, 1995).With years of research and development, ecotourism has risen to ...
Eco-tourism, climate change, and environmental policies ...
Developing ecotourism services is a suitable solution to help developing countries improve the status of sustainable development indicators and protect their environment. The primary purpose of ...
Journal of Ecotourism
The Journal of Ecotourism (JOE) is the world's only international journal on the topic of ecotourism and is considered to be the leading source for knowledge in this area. However, JOE also considers papers that investigate nature-based tourism, research on parks and protected areas, and the moral issues tied to the use of animals in tourism. The journal welcomes conceptual, theoretical, and ...
Essay on Eco-Tourism: Definition, Objective, Function and Other Details
The definitions of ecotourism focus on three significant aspects viz. nature, tourism and local communities. It differs in a meaningful way from mass tourism that aims at consuming nature leaving it depleted on more than one front. Conservation, sustainability and biological diversity are the three interrelated aspects of ecotourism.
Benefits of Ecotourism Essay Example
Benefits of Ecotourism Essay Example 🎓 Get access to high-quality and unique 50 000 college essay examples and more than 100 000 flashcards and test answers from around the world! ... There are many different benefits that can be derived from Ecotourism if it is used as a tool by local communities rather than large outside interests. However ...
Disability Benefits system to be overhauled as consultation launched on
Consultation to be published today on proposals to move away from fixed cash benefit system towards tailored support; Comes as over 2.6 million people of working age now receiving PIP with monthly ...
Ecology of fear alters behavior of grizzly bears exposed to bear
However, if humans provide females with young a shield from infanticidal males, ecotourism may provide benefits to the population through greater cub survival. These findings have several management implications. The closure of ecotourism in 2020 provided an unprecedented opportunity to assess bear activity in the absence of humans.
Benefits of the Death Penalty
Essay Example: In the intricate tapestry of discourse surrounding the death penalty, proponents wield a diverse arsenal of arguments in defense of its continued existence within the justice system. ... Economically speaking, some proponents argue that the death penalty can yield long-term fiscal benefits, notwithstanding the initial costs ...
American Nurses Association Presents Nurses Week 2024
The American Nurses Association (ANA), the professional organization representing and investing in the interests of all nurses, is proud to lead the annual Nurses Week (May 6-12) celebration. This year's Nurses Week theme is "Nurses Make the Difference" to encourage nurses, health care professionals, employers, community leaders and the public to recognize and promote the vast ...
Using the Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework to Achieve ...
White Paper | 30 April 2024 Using the Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework to Achieve Trustworthy AI. Abstract: This white paper explores the benefits of using ISACA's Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework (DTEF) for enterprises adopting artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies and services. It provides an understanding of how the DTEF supports the evaluation of emerging technology risk ...

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What Is Ecotourism? Definition, Examples, and Pros and Cons

Ecotourism Definition and Principles

Conservation

Communities

Interpretation

Ecotourism Can Provide Sustainable Income for Local Communities

It Protects Natural Ecosystems

Ecotourism May Also Hurt Those Same Natural Ecosystems

Ecotourism Offers the Opportunity to Experience Nature

EXAMPLES OF ECOTOURISM

Galapagos Islands

New Zealand

How to Be a Responsible Ecotourist

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How ecotourism benefits the environment and local communities

Raquel www.solanomundo.com.br

What is ecotourism?

The benefits of ecotourism

How ecotourism benefits local communities

How ecotourism benefits the environment

The main principles of ecotourism

1. Respect the local culture

2. Support local businesses

3. Do not take souvenirs from protected areas

4. Use sustainable transportation

Why should you choose ecotourism?

Disadvantages of ecotourism

Ecotourism volunteering with Worldpackers

Volunteering with ecotourism in Costa Rica

Volunteering with ecotourism in Kenya

Volunteering with ecotourism in Norway

Volunteering with Ecotourism in the Amazon rainforest

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Ecotourism examples around the world: the 10 best places to visit and adventure

Eco tourism destinations around the world

Overtourism: What is it? How can we avoid it?

How do Worldpackers trips work?

What is Ecotourism and Why is it Important?

What is Ecotourism?

Why is Ecotourism Important?

Examples of Ecotourism

The Benefits of Ecotourism

Educates People

Makes the World a More Beautiful Place

Supports Local Communities and Conservation Efforts

Improves the Quality of Travel

Are There Any Drawbacks?

If it’s about the Environment, Shouldn’t We Just Stay at Home?

What is the Difference between Ecotourism and Sustainable Travel?

How to be an Ecotourist

Choose a Destination which is Known for its Ecotourism

Make Sure the Ecotourism Project or Organisation is Legitimate

Avoid Exploitative Voluntourism

Make Use of Local Guides

Leave Only Footprints

Stay in Ecolodges that Support the Environment and the Community

Top Ecotourism Destinations

Costa Rica

The Galapagos Islands

Bhutan

Borneo