Understanding Ecotourism: Responsible Travel for Environmental Conservation
Ecotourism promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and benefits local communities. It focuses on maintaining ecosystems, protecting wildlife, preserving local culture and history, and blending infrastructure with the environment. Standards include protection of ecosystems, maintenance of physico-chemical conditions, conservation of local culture, and sustainability. The livelihood of local communities must benefit more than outside entrepreneurs, with the support of the local government and strict enforcement of environmental laws. Ecotourism aims to minimize environmental impact while providing direct benefits and costs.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Ecotourism Responsible environment and sustains the well being of local people. travel to natural areas which conserves the Generally Ecotourism refers to two criteria: environmentally responsible and socially and culturally sound.
Characteristics of mass tourism Characteristics of ecotourism Large groups of visitors Small groups of visitors Urban Rural Touristic general marketing activities Eco-marketing activities. Average prices for purposes of market penetration High price with purpose of filtering the market Impact on natural environment Little impact on the natural environment Advanced control options Limited possibilities of control Management based on macroeconomic principles Management based on local economic principles Anonymous relationship between visitors and local community Personalized relationships between visitors and local community General development goals Local development objectives Behavior-oriented leisure activities/entertainment, opponents to education and training actions Loyalty in the process of training and education for appropriate conduct for the natural environment Intensive development of tourism facilities Reduced development of tourism facilities ( Distinct characteristics between mass tourism and ecotourism)
Standards of ecotourism 1. Protection of the Ecosystem a. Maintenance of the ecosystem where the ecotourism attraction is located. b. Protection and maintenance of wildlife especially endangered species . c. Wildlife live harmoniously with people. 2. Maintenance of the physico-chemical conditions of the area . a. Maintenance of the quality of fresh water and marine resources . b. No wastes overflow and contamination of the environment (water, soil and air).
3. Conservation of local culture and history . a. Culture of locality is maintained. b. Historical structures are maintained as part of cultural heritage. 4. Infrastructures and signboards blend with the environment. 5. Sustainability . a. Maintenance of Carrying Capacity of the environment. b. Environmental education program is part of the ecotourism package.
c. Livelihood must benefit more the local community than outside entrepreneurs. d. The local government supports the ecotourism project through ordinances and resolutions; and e. The Management Board (community-based) and appropriate government agencies, support the project through strict enforcement of environmental laws . f. Experience and product management should follow principles and practices associated with ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.
Environmental impacts Direct benefits Direct costs 1. Provides incentive to protect environment, both formally (protected areas) and informally Danger that environmental carrying capacities will be unintentionally exceeded, due to: 2. Provides incentive for restoration and conversion of modified habitats 1. Rapid growth rates 2. Difficulties in identifying, measuring and monitoring impacts over a long period 3. Eco tourists actively assisting in habitat enhancement (donations, policing, maintenance, etc.) 3. Idea that all tourism induces stress Indirect benefits Indirect costs 1. Exposure to ecotourism fosters broader commitment to environmental well-being 1.Fragile areas may be exposed to less benign forms of tourism (pioneer function) 2. Space protected because of ecotourism provide various environmental benefits 2. May foster tendencies to put financial value on nature, depending upon attractiveness
Economic impacts Direct benefits Direct costs 1. Revenues obtained directly from Eco tourists 1.Start up expenses (acquisition of land, establishment of protected areas, superstructure, infrastructure) 2. Creation of direct employment opportunities 3. Strong potential for linkages with other sectors of the local economy 2. ongoing expenses (maintenance of infrastructure, promotion, wages) 4. Stimulation of peripheral rural economies Indirect benefits Indirect costs 1. Indirect revenues from Eco tourists (high multiplier effect) 1. Revenue uncertainties to in situ nature if consumption 2. Tendency of Eco tourists to patronize cultural and heritage attractions as add-ons 2. Revenue leakages due to imports, expatriate or non-local participation, etc. 3. Economic benefits from sustainable use of protected areas and inherent existence 3. Opportunity costs 4. Damage to crops by wildlife
Sociocultural impacts Direct benefits Direct costs 1. Ecotourism accessible to a broad spectrum of the population 1. Intrusions upon local and possibly isolated cultures 2. Aesthetic/spiritual element of experiences 2. imposition of elite alien value system 3. Foster environmental awareness among Eco tourists and local population 3. Displacement of local cultures by parks 4. Erosion of local control (foreign experts, in- migration of job seekers). Indirect benefits Indirect costs 1. Potential resentment and antagonism of locals Option and existence benefits 2. Tourist opposition to aspects of local culture (e.g. hunting).
