What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively

undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to
standard commercial mass tourism.

Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental

sustainability

The Definition
Ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and
education” (TIES, 2015). Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests.

Principles of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means
that those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the
following ecotourism 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.

What are the benefits of ecotourism?

Ecotourism helps protect natural habitats and pristine environments. The wealth of poorer
countries is often tied up in natural resources like forests, minerals and land that could be
used for agriculture. Exploiting these resources often means altering or destroying wildlife
habitats and beautiful natural landscapes

Advantages of Ecotourism
A vacation at an ecotourism site can give a warm, fuzzy feeling. Ecotourists learn about the
ecosystems, traditions and cultures of their destination without missing out on adventure,
excitement and relaxation. For local communities, it's a win-win
experience. Ecotourism provides support through employment and other means, but not at the
expense of the local environment. Search listings at reputable websites before booking
a vacation to avoid unscrupulous companies that don't offer
genuine ecotourism opportunities.
Ecotourism and the Environment
Ecotourism helps protect natural habitats and pristine environments. The wealth of poorer
countries is often tied up in natural resources like forests, minerals and land that could be
used for agriculture. Exploiting these resources often means altering or destroying wildlife
habitats and beautiful natural landscapes. Ecotourism allows countries and communities to
build their economies without harming the environment, which means that local wildlife can
thrive and visitors can enjoy untouched destinations. To check
that vacation accommodation is environmentally friendly, check the accommodation's
website for policies on waste management, recycling, renewable energy use
and energy efficiency.

Economic Benefits of Ecotourism

Local jobs are only one of the economic benefits of ecotourism. As well as providing an
income for staff who works at ecotourism sites, ecotourism allows them the opportunity to
receive training in skills that can transfer to other areas of employment and even nutrition
when they receive meals at work. Surplus income allows workers or their family members to
start up small businesses or to pass on the money to other community members by buying
local goods and paying for child care and other services. Ecotourism companies can also help
give back to the community by offering training in useful skills.

Ecotourism and Travelers

The advantages that ecotourism offer travelers are personal, but their effects are widespread.
Through visiting areas of stunning natural beauty, seeing animals in their native habitats and
meeting members of local communities, travelers can increase their awareness of the
importance of conserving resources and avoiding waste. They're encouraged to live more
sustainably at home, and they can also increase their understanding of and sensitivity toward
other cultures. Additionally, travelers learn how to help support other communities, not by
handing out free gifts like toys and stationery, but by buying local produce and goods. When
ecotourists return home, they spread the message to their families, friends and coworkers.

Characteristics of Ecotourism
Unfortunately, abuse of the ecotourism label does exist, but tourists can judge the validity of
a destination by looking at several factors. Good ecotourism conserves local cultural and
biological diversity, promotes the sustainable use of resources and supports local economies
through employment and the use of local services. Other factors to look for include
empowerment of the local community by shared participation in management, cultural and
environmental awareness and minimal impact of tourist activities on local natural resources.
To find genuine ecotourism opportunities, search the directories of reputable organizations
such as The International Ecotourism Society and Responsible Travel.

Positive & Negative Effects of Ecotourism

One of the greatest joys of traveling is experiencing the unique beauty of natural
environments all over the world. Unfortunately, when those fragile areas start to receive a lot
of traffic from tourists, it can negatively impact their ecosystems. Ecotourism developed to
create an environmentally responsible way to visit natural areas. On ecotours, visitors can
experience and learn about endangered environments while promoting their conservation.
However, this sector of travel has both pros and cons.

Positive Impacts
The main idea behind ecotourism is to educate tourists about conservation efforts and
research developments in fragile natural areas, while also offering travelers a chance to
experience those areas firsthand. Ideally, the efforts work for both the travelers and the
environments they visit. Ecotourists gain knowledge of ecosystems, biology and geology of
specific natural locations, which in turn informs their conservation efforts. Some of the
money that goes into ecotourism also goes to conservation efforts, such as repopulating
endangered species and reforestation.

Many of the world’s most beautiful natural sites also happen to exist in impoverished
countries, such as Ecuador, Nepal and Madagascar. Ecotourism efforts in these countries help
provide economic growth there – even more than typical tourism. Where regular tourism
efforts return about 20 percent of revenue to local communities, almost all the revenue
generated by ecotourism programs goes back into those communities.

Negative Impacts
Tourism inevitably leads to development – even in ecotourism efforts. When natural areas
become popular in the travel industry, they usually become the site of hotels, excavations and
other tourist industry activities. These activities sometimes displace indigenous groups and
local people from their homelands, which not only damage the integrity of those local
communities, but prevent its members from benefiting from the economic benefits of a
growing tourism industry.

On top of ecotourism’s potential impacts on locals, the industry can also take a toll on
surrounding wildlife. It’s ironic, given that ecotourism aims to educate Ecotourists and
promote the conservation of natural habitats, but, for some species, the increased presence of
humans may by default negatively impact their natural behaviors. Increased foot traffic can
also affect soil quality and plant life in general, damaging the area’s overall ecosystem.
Finally, not all travel organizations that market themselves as ecotourist programs are
actually environmentally friendly. These organizations know ecotourism is growing in
popularity and may take advantage of that fact by parading as ecotouristic when in reality
they ignore eco-friendly practices. For that reason, it’s important that would-be Ecotourists
do their homework before giving an organization their business.
How to Be an Eco-Tourist
If you want to contribute to the ecotourism industry while having as little negative impact on
the environment and local communities as possible, you should take some precautions. The
most important is to only give your money to genuine ecotourism programs, which should
adhere to the following standards:

1. Commitment to protecting ecosystems’ biodiversity

2. Support for the basic rights of local communities while contributing to their
economies
3. Respect for local cultures and a commitment to educate tourists on those cultures

To help your search, look into member programs of the International Ecotourism Society
(TIES). TIES partners with ecotourism organizations to help promote travel options that
conserve the environment, protect cultural diversity and spur community development. You
can find TIES members on the organization's website, under the "Find Members" tab, which
allows you to search by region and organization category.

Also make sure to research your accommodation options to choose one that practices
environmentally friendly policies, and recycle whenever you can. Reuse towels, water bottles
and silverware as often as possible, and pack toiletries that won’t harm the environment.
Finally, read up on the rules and regulations of the natural environments you visit, and make
sure to adhere to those rules.

How to Distinguish Between Natural Tourism & Ecotourism

The distinction between ecotourism and natural tourism is a difficult one to ascertain, as ideas
about the two vary depending on the resource. There is no set of rules to define either because
they are evolving. Still, some important differences do exist in certain circumstances, and
these differences can lead travelers to have very disparate experiences in the field and on
tour. The best course of action to take before confirming any travel plans is to explore exactly
what a trip involves and compare it to your personal needs and beliefs.

STEP 1
Expect a trip that leans toward a more recreation-based experience for natural tourism. The
term "nature tourism" is generic for any travel with a natural area or feature as a destination
or focus -- this can range from a state park visit to a helicopter flight to view polar bears.
While nature is a primary focus, the aim and outcome are for the entertainment and recreation
of the participants.

STEP 2
Understand that with ecotourism, the destination itself is usually the prime attraction, while
natural tourism experiences frequently involve recreation and attractions within or around the
destination. For example, when a family travels to a national park to swim, camp or hike
for vacation, the environment is part of the experience, but not necessarily the primary focus.
An ecotourism trip may involve hiking to and camping at a similar destination but with the
purpose of learning about the area or making an improvement to it.
STEP 3
Prepare for more restrictive rules on an ecotourism trip. While natural tourists and ecotourists
may visit the same areas, their experiences and activities tend to differ markedly. Ecotourists
follow a mantra of minimal impact and preservation to create responsible travel. Eco
operators and travelers generally seek to cause as little harm or impact as possible, and
ecotourists promote environmental responsibility through efforts such as reuse and recycling,
minimizing waste, composting and reducing their carbon footprint. While access to remote
sites is an occasional benefit of this effort to protect and preserve, ecotours may limit visits to
remote sites specifically to control the amount of damage or wear to fragile ecosystems.

STEP 4
Look for projects that aim to involve guests in hands-on efforts to conserve or preserve if you
are interested in ecotours. Where ecotourists may receive education to raise awareness
regarding the environment and issues facing a specific human group, location or ecosystem,
natural tourism participants may learn more about a site in a manner fitting their personal
interests or enhancing their recreational enjoyment. For example, birdwatchers may learn
about specific local birds of interest to them personally on a natural tourism excursion;
ecotourists would learn about preserving the birds' habitat or what mechanisms are causing a
local species to be endangered.

STEP 5
Determine whether a tour involves local inhabitants and in what manner. The preservation
efforts of ecotours extend to maintaining local cultures as well as the
environment. Ecotourism typically employs people from the local population, offers fair pay
and promotes respect for their cultures.

STEP 6
Ask yourself how much involvement you want to have, how much comfort you are willing to
forgo and how much time and effort you want to invest in a tour. Personal responsibility is a
large part of the ecotourism experience, and this may not be the right fit for everyone. A
natural tourism vacation can involve some ecotourism activities without locking you into a
rigid structure. This may be a good way to ease into ecotourism for the inexperienced. Try
active tourism for an organized combination of natural tourism and ecotourism -- guests can
enjoy the recreational aspects of a trip while having a low impact on the environment.

Aims and Objectives of Ecotourism

Tourism is bigger now than ever before. International tourist arrivals quadrupled between
1960 and 1990 and then doubled again between 1990 and 2010. The most remote places,
from the Amazon rainforest to ice-bound Antarctic, have become respectable leisure
destinations. No corner of the Earth remains untouched, and many countries rely on tourism
for their income. This unparalleled growth in leisure travel has prompted concerns about its
impact on fragile ecosystems and traditional communities and led to the appearance
of ecotourism.

Definition
As adventurous travelers strayed off the path of a standard sea-sun-and-sand vacation, they
rejected mass provision of package trips, searching instead for the pristine and the
authentic. Ecotourism has become one of the ways the green sensitivities of affluent
westerners manifest themselves.
According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism combines travel to natural
areas with principles of sustainability, conservation and direct benefits to local people.
Martha Honey, a co-founder and co-Director of the Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable
Development and the author of "Ecotourism and Sustainable Development," proposes an
expanded definition, focusing on: minimizing impact, building environmental awareness,
providing benefits to conservation and local people, respecting local culture and supporting
human rights.

Minimizing Impact
Ecotourism aims to reduce environmental impact that comes with mass tourism and its vast,
often resource-heavy, infrastructure. This impact reduction includes using locally available,
often traditional and, at other times, recycled materials and supporting designs of
infrastructure that are environmentally friendly and that fit within traditions and sensibilities
of local culture. Minimizing impact also means controlling numbers and acceptable behaviors
of tourists. These efforts can range from limiting traffic on national park trails to controlling
the numbers of game shot during community-run hunting expeditions. Another way to lessen
the impact of tourism is to use renewable energy and to carefully dispose of waste.
Culturally, ecotourism aims to respect the local communities and traditions, to alleviate the
exploitive aspects of leisure travel and to benefit, rather than damage, the communities.

Building Awareness
Ecotourism aims to teach as well as to entertain and relax. This objective applies to
environmental as well as cultural matters. Visitors who participate in ecotourism projects
should receive information on the ecology and conservation issues pertinent to the local area.
Guides and other staff should be able to effectively communicate with the tourists, helping
them to interpret the natural environment and pointing out the sensitive areas and fragile
ecosystems. The cultural exchange important to ecotourism through which visitors learn
about local customs and social mores should, ideally, involve sensitivity and balance. In
many situations, traditions function as exotic backdrop for tourists, with locals compelled
toward primitive and folksy affectation for the benefit of tourists seeking authenticity.

Financial Benefits
Ecotourism must provide direct financial benefits for conservation projects and
environmental protection, either directly through charges for tours, admission fees and
donations or indirectly through taxes on travel or accommodation. The financial benefits
of ecotourism should extend not only to the conservation of natural heritage, but to the local
population. They must benefit from tourism and travel, either by being employed in or,
ideally, running the tourist infrastructure or by benefiting from local developments such as
transport links, sanitation, water and health provision.

Human Rights and Democracy

According to Honey's criteria, ecotourism should also strive to support human rights,
economic empowerment and democratic movements in host communities. In addition to
increasing awareness about political issues of the host country, one way of empowering
people is to support local, particularly small scale, businesses and providers and their
struggles to achieve control of land and assets. This political aim of ecotourism is the most
contentious and often the hardest to define clearly. For example, boycotting certain
destinations may prove to be a double-edged sword, and it's important to ascertain whether
long-term gains achieved by political pressure will be offset by short-term economic losses.
Factors in Ecotourism
Everyday travelers have the power to contribute to the planet's sustainability by applying the
simple principles of ecotourism. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as
"responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the well-
being of local people." It only takes understanding and applying a few key practices to ensure
your next vacation contributes to a better world, rather than robbing it of precious resources.

Planning
Being an ecotourist requires awareness and personal dedication to the preservation of a
destination. Ecotourism begins at home with planning and preparation, and it's important to
select vacation sites promoting cultural and natural preservation, and to choose a tour
operator committed to ecotourism. Engage in the local culture by learning of each site's
history and customs, and learn a few words of the native language. Pack only what's
necessary, and practice "reduce, reuse, recycle" throughout the adventure.

Transportation
Green transportation is a significant factor in an eco-friendly trip. Consider available
transportation options with the goal of minimizing your carbon footprint. Use air transport
only when necessary, opting for direct flights when possible. Use public transportation such
as rail and buses. Walk or bike to explore your destination; it's good for your health and the
environment. Transportation impact also can be reduced by vacationing close to home and by
taking fewer long vacations.

Protect the Culture

Eco-travelers contribute to local economies by ensuring their patronage benefits political,
environmental and social fabrics. Choosing green lodging certified by a credible authority,
and supporting enterprises paying workers a fair wage helps meet this criteria. By respecting
local culture and customs, and buying local products, food and services, travelers strengthen a
region's sustainability. In turn, engaging with local resources and people provides travelers
with a rich and memorable experience.

Respect Nature
Avoiding ecological degradation is a vital component of ecotourism. When visiting natural
areas the eco-traveler remains on designated trails, or within designated visitor areas to
minimize environmental damage. Ecotourists leave nothing behind and take nothing out of
natural areas. Respecting the native wildlife and vegetation, and refusing to purchase items
made from endangered species, such as tortoise shell or ivory, supports natural resource
sustainability. Once back home, the environmentally-sensitive traveler has the power to
further ecotourism concepts by sharing their positive experiences with family and friends.
Problems with Ecotourism

Ecotourism -- low-impact travel to natural areas -- might seem like an attractive option to visitors
interested in pristine environments and local culture. Its benefits include an increased appreciation for
nature and a stronger commitment to conservation. The drawbacks might be less apparent, but
unfortunately, ecotourism also can harm the very people and environments it attempts to help.

Definition
Organizations such as the International Ecotourism Society and the International Union for
Conservation of Nature have established standards for ecotourism. To meet their definition, trips must
involve visiting natural environments, doing nothing to change or adversely affect these areas, and
providing cultural and economic advantages to local communities. There’s no way to enforce these
requirements, though, and businesses can advertise trips as ecotourism even when they aren’t
environmentally responsible. Critics call this “green washing.”

Environmental Impact
Although one of ecotourism’s main purposes is to conserve the environment, it can have a detrimental
effect instead. As a destination’s popularity grows, resources sometimes become overtaxed, and
natural attractions suffer from overuse. Human visitors can disrupt wildlife, resulting in changes to
their feeding and mating habits. In addition, many ecotourist destinations are in remote areas,
requiring extensive air and vehicle travel that creates carbon footprints.

Local Economy
An important aspect of ecotourism is benefit to the local community. Often, though, international
corporations and developers from outside the area flock to popular destinations. Their hotels and
stores take money away from the local economy. In addition, the original residents have to pay the
same inflated prices for food and water as tourists do, putting a greater financial burden on them.
Finally, corrupt governments frequently take a large cut of the profits from ecotourism, leaving little
or none for local communities that are directly affected by the influx of visitors.

Culture
Cultural exploitation and deterioration also can result from ecotourism. As towns grow to
accommodate an influx of visitors, original residents often lose pasture and crop land. Instead of
remaining in their traditional occupations, they’re frequently forced to take low-paying service jobs in
hotels, restaurants and shops. Their cultural practices can become fodder for tourists’ entertainment,
eroding the traditional importance and meaning.
Tourism Vs. Eco-tourism
According to the World Tourism Organization, a United Nation’s agency that serves as a global
forum for tourism policy, worldwide international tourism grew by 5.5 percent in 2010. International
tourism is expected to surpass 1.6 billion arrivals by 2020, which does not include domestic tourism.
In the U.S., Americans took almost 2 billion trips within the country in 2010. This growing industry is
driven by various segments, and eco-tourism represents one of them.

Tourism Definition
Tourism generally refers to travel from a home base to another destination for a stay of at least one
night. The World Tourism Organization further defines it this way: “Tourism is a social, cultural and
economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their
usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes.” Tourism’s economic impact
includes industries that depend on travel, such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, trains, cruise lines,
attractions, national parks and even roadside businesses on interstate highways.

Tourism Types
People travel for different reasons. Many travel for leisure, such as a trip to the beach or to an
amusement park, while others travel to large cities to visit museums, attend plays and dine at famous
restaurants. Adventure tourism refers to those who seek physical activities, like river-rafting, bungee-
jumping, wilderness hiking or rock-climbing. Business tourism includes travel to conventions and
meetings, and incentive trips where companies give free trips to top performers. One fast-growing
segment is medical tourism, where people travel to other destinations for medical treatment, often to
countries like India. Another segment of the tourism industry is eco-tourism, a segment where
travelers not only discover new experiences, but do so with utmost respect for the environment.

Eco-tourism Summary
According to the International Ecotourism Society, eco-tourism is “responsible travel to natural areas
that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” One main tenet involves
minimizing impact, often called “responsible tourism.” Eco-tourists leave a tourist area much as they
found it without impacting the environment. A kayak trip down a river likely would have little impact
on the environment, but a hunting expedition may not only result in animal death, but could affect
mating habits and offspring survival. But eco-tourism goes beyond responsible tourism and
encourages participants to not only respect the natural environment, but build awareness and respect
for people who live in the tourist area. Eco-tourists also make financial contributions to the eco-
tourism cause and raise awareness with governing bodies to increase sensitivity to tourism’s overall
impact to the natural environment and the local people.

Model Eco-tourists
Eco-tourism tends to be a “buzz word” in today's tourism circles. Publicity about global warming,
pollution, urban sprawl and loss of both indigenous human and animal habitat make consumers more
environmentally aware, and many tourists are anxious to practice eco-tourism. But some tourism
suppliers advertise eco-tourism, when in fact it is not, but only an outdoor adventure vacation.
Suppliers that adhere to the International Ecotourism Society's Code of Conduct and practice all tenets
of eco-tourism represent true eco-tourist organizations.
Examples of Ecotourism
TRAVEL TIPS
Dawn R. Levesque, Leaf Group Updated April 16, 2018
 Examples of Ecotourism (Photo: )
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2. What Are the Types and Advantages of Ecotourism?

3. International Volunteer Vacations

4. Ecotourism in the Rainforest

The term “ecotourism” in the travel industry can carry problems. When you're considering planning
an eco-vacation, consult with resources like the International Ecotourism Society for confirmation that
the organization or agency you're looking into actually fosters awareness for the environment and
cultural practices in the local community. You must distinguish sustainable practices from
“greenwashing,” a marketing scheme involving creation of a false image of environmental concern
and responsibility. Popular international destinations for ecotourism include Kenya, Palau and Costa
Rica. States that foster ecotourism include California, Louisiana and Alaska.
Cultural Ecotourism
Encounter cultural diversity while remaining a conscientious and responsible traveler. Eco-tours may
seek to protect sacred sites, explore spiritual customs or help preserve cultural traditions. Discover
communities across the globe, such as Guatemala, Bolivia, Venezuela and Belize. Your selected
environmentally-friendly tour operator should help sustain employment with local guides and ensure
that the experience is positive for the traveler and the local community.
As a cultural traveler, aid a community by purchasing local artisan handicrafts and patronizing locally
owned restaurants. The Eco-Escuela in Guatemala, according to Conservation International, instructs
student tourists about the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, customs of the Maya Itza people, cultural
traditions and local ecology. In a small group setting, students learn about the ancient indigenous
culture and tribal life of the Mentawai people of the rainforests in Indonesia.
Endangered Wildlife Ecotourism
Responsible travelers with a keen awareness of endangered wildlife often turn to a cause when
searching for eco-vacations. Collaborate with a conservation agency or organization that actively
brings local community and conservation needs together. In South Africa, organizations work with the
wildlife reserves to map wildlife, such as the black rhino, cheetahs and leopards. Participants may
help conduct animal behavioral research and may learn about animal tracking identification or
practical bush survival skills.
Eco-tours may narrowly concentrate on one facet, such as rehabilitating primates for future release in
Borneo or may have a broader scope incorporating endangered wildlife viewing in different habitats,
such as rainforests, cloud forests and national parks. National Geographic describes the Osa Peninsula
as "the most biologically intense place on earth." Travelers to the region may choose locally-guided
treks, tailor-made conservation tours and interior explorations off the beaten track.
Adventure Ecotourism
Uphold the ethos of ecotourism while stepping up the adventure during your travels. When traveling
to destination activities, make an effort to have low to no impact on the environment, so that future
adventurists may have and take pleasure in the same experience. Zip-line canopy tours in Panama, the
Philippines, Thailand or Costa Rica, for example, provide opportunities for responsible travelers to
observe the fauna and flora of the rainforest without leaving behind carbon footprints. Eco-friendly
zip-line courses have platforms staged at various areas of the forest’s canopy, allowing a participant to
traverse from one treetop to another.

Hot Topics in Ecotourism

TRAVEL TIPS
Edward Winkle, Leaf Group Updated March 21, 2018
 Hot Topics in Ecotourism (Photo: )
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2. Problems with Ecotourism

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Whether you’re looking for green trips to Amazon rain forests or sightings of the rare green
salamander in western North Carolina, before you book your eco-tour you should explore the tour
provider as much as the destination itself. Green travel, green vacations and greenwashing are terms
associated with ecotourism, excursions where people travel to experience environmentally sensitive
areas with little impact on flora and fauna. However, the movement, which combines the interests of
conservationists and developers, is not without controversy. Ecotourism topics range from new ideas
to finger-pointing at offenders, while long-standing subjects remain caught up in debate.
Ecotourism Opportunism
As the industry continues to expand, ecotourism developers view their partnerships as both beneficial
and essential to the environments and economies of remote regions. They also understand their
programs must generate money for sustaining goals, administration costs and advertising. However,
when unscrupulous operators seek fast money by promoting their trips as “ecotourism,” they can end
up damaging the environments that the visitors wish to protect and preserve. Travelers can check on
eco-company reputations through keyword searches, and the legitimacy of operators on The
International Ecotourism Society website (ecotourism.org).
Responsibility to Locals
While many tour operators are foreign operated, there is little accountability regarding benefits to
local and indigenous groups. Sometimes, revenues are returned to investors instead of reinvested in
the community. In Surinam, a successful ecotourism company focused its excursion around a marine
turtle reserve, but because there was no monetary return to the locals, little incentive remained for the
reserve’s maintenance. Operations that ignore responsibility to the community or environment in
which they operate are viewed as harmful and not sustainable.
Sifting the Choices
Ecotourism is a growing element of the larger tourism industry, largely because of its curiosity factor.
When integrated with conventional tourism, it tends to lose focus. From eco-friendly yurt experiences
to exotic, nature-oriented resorts, trekkers have a variety of choices for a green holiday that is most
appealing and aligns ethically with their beliefs. For example, when a big hotel takes over smaller
operations, vacation planning might include finding out if the hotel currently adheres strictly or
loosely to prior environmental standards. Conversely, personal principles also apply. When
bargaining is part of the shopping culture, haggling to get the lowest possible prices may set a bad
example, especially if operators want to encourage the poor in a remote village to break free of their
poverty.
Regulation and Certification
Suggestions that ecotourism organizations need to be more closely regulated and certified stem from
misrepresentation issues. For example, if a destination restaurant claims that its produce is locally
sourced when it actually was obtained from a supermarket, the restaurant is greenwashing. To protect
against such misrepresentation, proposals abound for encouraging practitioners to go through an
accreditation process. The International Ecotourism Society offers a certificate in Sustainable Tourist
Management in collaboration with George Washington University. About 10 online courses provide a
means of professional development for ecotourism operators.

What is Community Based Ecotourism?

According to the Nature Conservancy and the World Conservation Union (IUCN) ecotourism is
defined as , “environmentally responsible 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 beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local
peoples.” As opposed to other forms of travel, ecotourism can be distinguished by its emphasis on
conservation, traveler responsibility, education and active community participation.
More specifically community based ecotourism should follow the following principles:

 Maintain local ownership and control

 Result in minimal 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

The principles of ecotourism have arisen following a realization that without appropriate planning
and management systems, tourism to ecologically sensitive areas can threaten both the integrity of
local ecosystems and local cultures. However, with adequate foresight, it has also been recognized
that tourism can establish viable economic opportunities for local communities and encourage
environmental conservation.
Evidence has demonstrated that the most effective way to maximize such environmental and fiscal
benefits is through projects which emphasize local community ownership and control. Such
projects generate funds which can be invested in community social projects, such as the purchase
of medical supplies or the construction of a school-house, and/or provide increased economic
incentives for local efforts at conservation. Furthermore, it provides a mechanism through which
communities can empower themselves against more invasive and extractive activities such as oil,
logging, cattle, bananas, commercial fishing, or conventional mass tourism.
For more information:
What is sustainable tourism?
What is the history of sustainable ecotourism?

Historical Perspective of Sustainable/Ecotourism

For years, the World Tourism Organization advised developing nations that the most effective
touristic developmental strategy was to encourage “first class” mass tourism through the
construction of major upscale hotels and resorts. The argument in favor of this philosophy was two
fold. First, wealthy tourists have more money to spend, and consequently, a destination would
require fewer visitors to accumulate financial resources (Chambers 2000: 37). It was generally
assumed that the potential negative environmental and social consequences could be minimized by
limiting the number of tourists and relegating them to semi-enclosed facilities. Since the vast
majority of the host population would have little or no contact with the tourist industry, this
strategy assumes such facilities will promote a “trickling down” of resources thereby benefiting the
entire population. It also assumes that the development of modern infrastructure required to support
such tourist activities (such as airports, roads, hotels, etc,) will benefit the overall economy (de
Kadt 1979).
Following the 1973 rise in oil prices and subsequent international debt crisis, the World Bank
adopted a similar strategy of tourism development as a potential means of encouraging foreign
investment and earning foreign exchange (Honey 1999: 14-15). It was argued that tourism provides
a particularly favorable developmental strategy since, unlike other forms of development, it is a
“smokeless” industry and requires relatively low levels of initial and sustained capital investment
(Honey 2002; de Kadt 1979). In the 1970s the World Bank pursued the aforementioned
developmental strategy loaning approximately 450 million dollars for twenty-four “tourist-plant”
projects (Honey 1999: 15). However, as competition for bank funding grew, the bank faced
increasing criticism for investing in luxury resorts instead of poverty reduction programs. Coupled
with a number of environmentally and fiscally disastrous projects in Morocco, South Korea and
Egypt, the World Bank was pressured to close its Tourism Projects Department in 1979 (Honey
1999: 15).
At approximately the same time, and perhaps partially as a response to the failures of the World
Bank, a widespread reevaluation of the previous developmental approach to tourism took place.
According to this reevaluation it was (and is) argued that “first class” tourism projects often lead to
high levels of leakage where the limited retention of financial resources is predominately controlled
by national or local elites. Although particularly difficult to access, it is now commonly believed
that leakage within such tourist facilities is particularly high since mass tourism projects are
heavily dependent upon foreign capital and generally require the provision of goods and services
which are locally unavailable. Therefore, “although tourism is perceived as a foreign exchange
earner, much of that foreign exchange is repatriated or is spent on imports to provide tourists with
the food, drink and standards of accommodation they require” (Duffy 2002: 50). Today the Word
Bank estimates that 55 percent of tourism dollars “leak out” of developing countries, while some
studies estimate this leakage as high as 80 to 90 percent (Honey 1999: 88). In many instances the
only observable benefit to the community is found in low-paying unskilled or semi-skilled
positions in the service sector (i.e. drivers, maids, waiters, etc). Furthermore, such facilities are
more likely to discourage if not prohibit the possibility of small scale entrepreneurial activities as
well as opportunities within the informal sector. Mass tourism projects have also not proven
themselves “smokeless.” Increased sewage and vehicle emissions, erosion, depletion of water
supplies, increased energy use, litter, depletion of wildlife/vegetation as well as visual pollution are
only a few of the negative environmental consequences associated with this form of travel (Gösling
and Hall 2006; Archer and Cooper 1999).
 In response to the aforementioned economic and environmental difficulties, the rhetoric and (at
times) practice of various institutions promoting tourism development has shifted to include
sustainable measures, environmental protection as well as the need to include local communities in
the planning and implementation processes (localized development). At the same time a
“stakeholder approach,” whereby people will protect what they receive value from, obtained
widespread institutional support. It was argued “that the road out of poverty must begin at, not
simply trickle down to, the local community level” (Honey 1999: 12). By the mid 1980s even the
World Bank altered its rhetoric to include the above measures and once again began promoting
tourism as part of its debt repayment strategy.
In a similar rhetorical and practical shift, environmental organizations began to reconsider
“preservationist” approaches to conservation in which local communities were separated (often
forcibly) from their land to establish national parks. In many such instances communities received
little or no benefit from either the parks or tourism and having been excluded from lands of
religious/economic value, poaching, degradation of resources and hostility was often fostered
(Olindo 1991; Carrier and Macleod 2005). Many environmentalists began to support the
application of a stakeholder approach to conservation, and tourism was viewed as a potential
mechanism to ensure “the stake.” It is here that we first witness the emergence of ecotourism as a
distinct category; i.e., the combination of economic and environmental practices fused with a
stakeholder approach in order to promote conservation and development through small-scale
locally-owned tourism projects.

Introduction
Tourism is the world’s largest industry. It accounts for more than 10% of total employment, 11% of
global GDP, and total tourist trips are predicted to increase to 1.6 billion by 2020. As such, it has a
major and increasing impact on both people and nature. Effects can be negative as well as positive.
Inappropriate tourism development and practice can degrade habitats and landscapes, deplete natural
resources, and generate waste and pollution. In contrast, responsible tourism can help to generate
awareness of and support for conservation and local culture, and create economic opportunities for
countries and communities. WWF is taking action to reduce negative impacts, and to encourage
responsible tourism that enhances not only the quality of life, but also natural and cultural resources in
destinations.

The purpose of these guidelines

These guidelines identify some general principles, and highlight some practical considerations for
community-based ecotourism. They seek to provide a reference point for field project staff, and to
encourage a consistent approach. However, prevailing conditions and levels of knowledge about
ecotourism vary considerably between countries and projects, and this will dictate how the guidelines
are interpreted and used at a local level. The guidelines are not intended to be a detailed ‘how to’
manual, but rather stand as a collection of issues and topics to be considered and addressed. In some
countries, such as Brazil, WWF has been involved in the development of specific policies and good
practice manuals for ecotourism which relate to local circumstances and go into more detail. Although
the guidelines are primarily intended for use within WWF, they may also be of value to partner
organisations and other agencies, and demonstrate to a wider audience, WWF’s interest and approach
in this field. They are based on experience obtained from WWF projects, and from published
literature and case studies. A list of helpful reference sources is also included. Throughout the text,
information on individual WWF ecotourism projects is provided in boxes. Though these are only
referenced where their content is relevant to a specific point, the information contained in them
complements the guidelines as a whole. In total, twelve guidelines are presented. These have been
grouped into four sections that relate to different stages of community-based ecotourism initiatives.
These are:
A. Considering whether ecotourism is an appropriate option;
B. Planning ecotourism with communities and other stakeholders;
C. Developing viable community-based ecotourism projects;
D. Strengthening benefits to the community and the environment.
 Although this is a broadly sequential ordering, all the issues raised by the guidelines should be
considered together to obtain a comprehensive picture.
What is community-based ecotourism?
Ecotourism is a frequently debated term. Sometimes it is used simply to identify a form of tourism
where the motivation of visitors, and the sales pitch to them, centres on the observation of nature.
Increasingly, this general sector of the market is called ‘nature tourism’. True ‘ecotourism’, however,
requires a proactive approach that seeks to mitigate the negative and enhance the positive impacts of
nature tourism. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as responsible travel to
natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people. This
definition not only implies that there should be a recognition of, and positive support for, the
conservation of natural resources, both by suppliers and consumers, but also that there is a necessary
social dimension to ecotourism. The term ‘community-based ecotourism’ takes this social dimension
a stage further. This is a form of ecotourism where the local community has substantial control over,
and involvement in, its development and management, and a major proportion of the benefits remain
within the community. How the community is defined will depend on the social and institutional
structures in the area concerned, but the definition implies some kind of collective responsibility and
approval by representative bodies. In many places, particularly those inhabited by indigenous peoples,
there are collective rights over lands and resources. Community-based ecotourism should therefore
foster sustainable use and collective responsibility. However, it must also embrace individual
initiatives within the community. (These issues are covered further under Guideline 4.) Some further
general characteristics of ecotourism have been identified by UNEP and the World Tourism
Organisation as: • involving appreciation not only of nature, but also of indigenous cultures prevailing
in natural areas, as part of the visitor experience; • containing education and interpretation as part of
the tourist offer; • generally, but not exclusively, organised for small groups by small, specialised and
locally owned businesses (while recognising that foreign operators also market and operate
ecotourism); • minimising negative impacts on the natural and socio-cultural environment; •
supporting the protection of natural areas by generating economic benefits for the managers of natural
areas; • providing alternative income and employment for local communities; and • increasing local
and visitor awareness of conservation. While definitions can be useful, what is more important is the
appropriateness and quality of action, not what it is called. The processes involved in ecotourism
include all aspects of planning, developing, marketing and managing resources and facilities for this
form of tourism. Visitor provision includes access to natural areas and cultural heritage, guiding and
interpretative services, accommodation, catering, sales of produce and handicrafts, and transport.
Appropriate recreational and special interest activities, such as trail walking, photography and
participatory conservation programmes, may also be part of ecotourism. In some locations, hunting
and fishing may be included as appropriate activities, provided that they are carefully researched and
controlled within a management plan that supports conservation. This kind of sustainable use relies on
local knowledge, provides significant local income, and encourages communities to place a high value
on wildlife, resulting in net conservation benefits.

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