Ecotourism
Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural
areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local
people" (TIES, 1990). Nature, low impact, bio, and green tourism are often
interchanged with ecotourism, but do not usually meet the principles defined by
organizations dedicated to Ecotourism (Briney, 2012).
According to the International Ecotourism Society, “ecotourism
is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means
that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow
the following ecotourism principles”:
Minimize impact
Build environmental and cultural awareness and
respect.
Provide positive experiences for both visitors
and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits
for conservation.
Provide financial benefits and
empowerment for local people.
Raise sensitivity to host countries'
political, environmental, and social climate.
If ecotourism is heavily monitored, it can be a good thing
and help save bio-sensitive areas by providing income, alternative food
opportunities and education for indigenous people; however it can also
contribute to the destruction of vital biodiverse areas. Tourism is a rapid
destabilizer for healthy ecosystems (Nash, 2009). Poorly managed programs and increased
populations in sensitive areas are drivers for biodiversity loss and may be the
“last nail in the coffin” (Sandilayan, 2012).
Attitudes of tourists toward the animals, and environment
have a large impact. Animals are harassed, plastic and trash is left behind.
Cups left behind with sugary drinks attract bees, which become death traps for
the bees. Plastic bags can clog the aerial roots of sensitive mangrove trees,
resulting in poor air circulation and sometimes leading to the death of young plants. Bags in tree branches produce a uncharacteristic
sound during wind flow, annoying and driving away the foraging waterbirds. Boat
noise, sunbathing and various other human activities have sometimes subtle but devastating
effects on wildlife and ecosystems (Sandilayan, 2012).
Ecotourism is a rapidly growing industry. Careful assessment
and continuous monitoring are needed (Sandilayan, 2012). To learn more about ecotourism and how it can be effective;
check out the web links below (note not all web resources are peer reviewed).
References:
Briney, A., 2012. Online. http://geography.about.com/od/locateplacesworldwide/a/ecotourism.htm
Nash, S., 2009. Ecotourism and Other Invasions. BioScience
59(2):106-110. 2009
http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1525/bio.2009.59.2.3 (must
be logged into FAU network to access)
Sandilyan, S. 2012. Online. Available at: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/ecotourism-last-nail-in-the-coffin-of-biodiversity/article4130989.ece
(TEIS) The International Ecotourism Society http://www.ecotourism.org/
Image credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fernando_noronha.jpg
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