What does Ecotourism mean

Environmentally accountable travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for helpfully active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.

Most tourism in natural areas today is not ecotourism and is not, therefore, sustainable. Ecotourism is illustrious by its emphasis on conservation, education, traveler responsibility and active community participation. Specifically, ecotourism possesses the subsequent characteristics:

• Conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior
• Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity
• Support for local conservation efforts
• Sustainable benefits to local communities
• Local participation in decision-making
• Educational components for both the traveler and local communities

Increased tourism to sensitive natural areas without appropriate planning and management can threaten the integrity of ecosystems and local cultures. The increase of visitors to ecologically sensitive areas can lead to significant environmental degradation. Likewise, local communities and indigenous cultures can be harmed in numerous ways by an influx of foreign visitors and wealth. Additionally, fluctuations in climate, currency exchange rates, and political and social conditions can make over-dependence upon tourism a risky business.

However, this same growth creates significant opportunities for both upkeep and local communities. Ecotourism can provide much-needed revenues for the protection of national parks and other natural areas -- revenues to facilitate might not be available from other sources.

Additionally, ecotourism can provide a viable economic development substitute for local communities with few other income-generating options. Moreover, ecotourism can increase the level of education and activism among travelers, making them more eager and effective agents of conservation.