ECOTOURISM

Concept and definition of Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism activities have been expanding rapidly over the past two decade’s worldwide and further
growth in expected in the future. Recognizing its global importance, the United Nations (UN) designated the year
2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism (IYE). The United Nations has effectively recognized the economic
and social importance that this activity is acquiring globally. The UN general assembly has moreover sought to
draw the potential of this dynamic segment of the tourism industry to generate impacts, both positive and
negative on the social and cultural structures of the communities.

West and Breeching (1991) Much has been written about ecotourism, but there is little consensus about
its meaning, due to the many forms in which ecotourism activities are offered by a large and wide variety of
operators and practiced by an even larger array of tourists. Nature tourism is based directly on the use of natural
resources in a relatively underdeveloped state, including scenery, topography, water features, vegetation and
wildlife.

The elements of nature tourism and ecotourism defined by the Australian’s Nature and Ecotourism
accreditation Programme (NEAP) are as follows:

The definition of ecotourism adopted by the ecotourism association of Australia is: “Ecotourism is ecologically
sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and
cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.”

The encyclopedia of ecotourism has some definitions of ecotourism as follows:

“Traveling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objective of
studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plans and animals, as well as any existing
cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in this area” ( Cembalos-Lascurain 1987).
The Ecotourism Society (TES) (1991) gives the following definitions about ecotourism:

“Responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and improves the well being of the
local people”
The former two definitions recognize that ’natural environment’ includes cultural components and that
ecologically sustainable involves the long term conservation of resource. (National ecotourism strategy of
Australia, 1994).

Thus, when Ross and Wall (1999) outline five fundamental function of ecotourism; namely:

i) Protection of natural areas

ii) Education
iii) Generation of money
iv) Quality tourism and
v) Local participation
They have indentified five very vital factors of ecotourism definition. The fact that ecotourism is not
subsumed entirely under this category is become certain past and present cultural attractions may constitute a
secondary component of ecotourism. On the other hand, ecotourism has an idealistic agenda; it can be defined as
progressive, educational travel, which conserves the environment and gives benefits to the local communities
(Drum 1991). According the Encyclopedia of Ecotourism, an analysis of definitions such as these indicates that
three dimensions can represent the main essence of he concept. On the basis of this interpretation ecotourism is:

i) Nature based
ii) Environmentally educational and
iii) Sustainable managed

WHY ECOTOURISM IS CONSERVATION TOOL

Ecotourism makes a model to conserve nature and natural resources. The resources bring
economic supports and strengths. The supports provide encouragement to accelerate conservation of
resources and also the environment. In this environment resources grow and sustain.
Environmental tourism is grounded in the concept that the sustainable use of natural resources,
as fostered by the World Conservation Strategy and the sustainable development strategy of World
commission on Environment and Development. Ecotourism evolved in the last three decades from the
intervention of environment and tourism interests. Ecotourism should be based upon a relatively
undisturbed natural environment, be non-degrading and non-damaging, be subject to adequate
management and continue directly to the continued protection and management of the protected area
used. Ecotourism places many demands on a wilderness area, foremost being the ability to
accommodate tourists while still providing the experiences. The advantage for the wilderness area is
that “because (ecotourism) is primarily resource based, protection of these natural and archaeological
resources is essential for sustained ecotourism” (Kusler 1990).
Many conservation organizations and governments see ecotourism as the means to both preserve and
develop remote areas.
Some refer to ecotourism as nature-based tourism. Even if details vary, most definitions of
ecotourism mean special form of tourism that meets three criteria like: 1. It provides for conservation
measures 2. It includes meaningful community participation; and 3. It is profitable and can sustain itself
Ecotourism, or nature tourism, is just one component of the tourism industry. Nevertheless,
ecotourism should support the concepts and principles that contribute to integrating social, economic
and environmental goals. Therefore, ecotourism should have the following:

 To attract tourists to natural environments which are unique and accessible;

 To be used to improve nature conservation through education;
 To lead to changing of attitudes in local people ad government;
 To provide employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to local people;
 To generate revenue
On sustainable and long term basis on the macro-level, ecotourism can generate economic returns
that supersede the potential revenue to the national treasury that is lost by foregoing timber
harvesting or other exploitative uses on a short term basis. In Costa Rica, an organization of
American States (1987) study reported that even 10 years ago, a single national park, Corcovado,
generated over US $ 1 million a year in foreign earnings. Prior to the recent social and political strife
in central Africa, over 6000 people visited Rawanda’s Park National Volcanoes each year, generating
over a million dollars in much needed foreign country through park entry and gorilla watching fees. It
has also resulted in the government a Rawanda stopping the sexploitation of gorilla habitat from the
 park to donate native farmers, while the presence of tourists apparently drove off poaches who
were making serious inroads in the gorilla population.

How ecotourism is mechanized as tool for conservation

Ecotourism could be used as tool for conservation of forest and as well as conservation of nature.
It is told that ecotourism is able to increase revenue in more sound and pleasant way than any other
source of revenue generation. The mechanization of using ecotourism as the tool is the strategic
adoption of ecotourism investment in the communities.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has identified six major reasons for ecotourism
investment in local communities they are as under
First, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism is the largest industry
in the world. “The travel and tourism industry employs 127 million workers (one in fifteen workers
worldwide). Ecotourism is the largest growing sector of the tourism industry, with (1994 surveys
showing) 40-60 percent of all international tourists (528.4 million) are nature tourists.
Second, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council increasing human population and
their demand on natural resources make it almost impossible for developing countries to leave large
areas undeveloped. It is this necessity for development of natural areas to produce economic benefits
that make ecotourism so attractive. ‘(Environmentalists and …..Officials in Madagascar) are counting on
the burgeoning worldwide interest in ‘ecotourism’ to help save what’s left of the country’s natural
resources….” (Hale, 1989).
Third, the world’s biodiversity is being lost at estimated 140 species per day. It is imperative that
biosphere reserves are established in many tropical countries. The ‘hot spots’ of biodiversity…. In order
to protect what is left. Ecotourism is an attractive use of these reserves, as it aims to protect natural
resources, not destroy them. Ecotourism also brings in foreign exchange that helps to support the
maintenance of these reserves.
Fourth, in many countries these reserves are created from lands belonging to the government.
The government has the right to sell that land to foreign producers, to belonging companies, or to create
a reserve with it. Local people living in these areas may have no right to ownership of the land. However,
in order to sustain a reserve and its ecotourism, government, developers and scientists must invest in
these communities and recognize the rights of local people, who have for so long protected these
natural resources.
Fifth, local communities must be involved from the very beginning in planning a reserve and be
able to give their opinions and be heard. Ecotourism can bring many changes to a society and these
communities must have a say in what they are willing to accept. Some of these changes can be very
culturally detrimental. Without the whole-hearted support of these local communities, ecotourism and
the reserve can fail.
Sixth, with money from ecotourism, jobs for local people become available (including ownership
and management jobs) and health an education of local people can be improved. With education of
women and decreased mortality rates for infants, women have less numbers of babies, … these health
and education improvements can go a long way in alleviating poverty, population growth and land
distribution problems, which are the main causes of natural resource degradation and biodiversity loss
(Murdoch, 1980).
Ecotourism Guidelines for Responsible Travelers
The conscious attitude, actions, participation and interactions on the part of the individual traveler directly affect
the outcome for all involved. As a thoughtful and responsible traveler there are several things you can do before,
during and after your journey to ensure the experience is in line with the values of "ecotourism" and minimize
your impact on the host country. It is far easier to simply go on vacation as an uninformed tourist but making the
choice to be an informed traveler can have far reaching impacts on the world around us. The more you put into
your trip the more you'll get out of it. The following is a code of conduct for responsible travelers.

1) Prepare for your trip: Educate yourself about your destination. Be on the lookout for news and
current events about the area. Learn about local history, customs and culture as well as vital
ecosystems. Learn at least the basics of the local language. A simple hello, please or thank you goes a
long way. Approach travel with the desire to learn rather than just observe.

2) Respect local traditions and etiquette: Wear clothing that is accepted by the local culture. Be aware
of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first. Observe local customs. Be perceptive of
your own cultural values and how they affect your judgment of others. Remember that you are the
visitor. There are many different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. which are not
wrong or inferior, just different. Act as an example for other travelers who are less informed than you.

3) Avoid ostentatious display of wealth: What may not seem a display of wealth to you may be
considered extravagant by another culture. For example, a camera hanging around your neck or
something as simple as a wristwatch or wedding band. Tuck these items away when visiting rural
communities. Leave jewelry and other unnecessary valuables at home. They only create barriers and
inhibit genuine interactions. Don't hand out sweets and loose change, this only serves to corrupt and
create a begging mentality where none existed before.

4) Be flexible in your expectations: Approach your adventure with an open mind and you won't be
disappointed. Sometimes plans change and an opportunity for more in-depth learning or a unique
cultural experience presents itself. Adapt yourself to the situation rather than trying to adapt the
situation to you.

5) Conserve resources: Often times the resources in an area visited by tourists are under a great deal of
pressure already. Be aware of the resources that are being used because of your visit. This includes
your personal consumption of items like water and wood for building fires or specialty foods that had to
be transported from afar. Don't allow your guide to hunt endangered or threatened species or harvest
rare plants for your consumption. A large luxury hotel in the middle of nowhere takes far more
resources to build and maintain than does a small family run inn.

6) Practice environmental minimum impact: Follow the International Leave No Trace Rules. Pack out
everything that you bring in including toilet paper (if there is no toilet) or plastic water bottles (use
purification tablets or a filter). Go to the bathroom at least 200 feet (70 paces) from any water source.
Remove litter that others left behind. Do not remove any objects, plants or animal products from
nature. Be aware of local endangered or threatened species so as not to purchase souvenirs made from
their skin, feathers etc. Not only is this impactful on the environment but it is illegal.

7) Choosing a tour operator or guide: Thoroughly research your tour operator or guide by asking them
pointed questions about specifically what they do that is "eco" and how they involve the local
communities and economies. The "greening of tourism" has led companies to promote themselves as
"eco" simply to sell trips. The larger the company with more luxurious accommodations, the less likely it
is to be true ecotourism. Be persistent in your inquiries of an international or local tour operator.

8) Support local economies: How will your visit directly benefit the local economy or entire
community? This is an integral part of true ecotourism. Use local transportation, guides, inns,
restaurants and markets. This helps create a buffer zone for the environment surrounding protected
natural areas by giving locals an economic alternative to potentially destructive practices. Community
based ecotourism spreads the wealth and workload.

9) Bridging cultural gaps: Take the opportunity to be a cultural ambassador. Much of the world's image
of western tourists is based on the unrealities of television and magazines. Look for situations for
cultural exchange whereby learning about each other's lives is mutual. Getting to know the person
sitting next to you on a local bus or the person cooking your food takes some effort but is often a
rewarding experience.

10) Continued ecotourism: Ecotourism doesn't need to end with your flight home. Follow through on
your commitment to conservation in your everyday life. Share your experiences with others to foster a
greater understanding of our world. You will have seen and learned much from your journey. While it is
still fresh in your heart and mind take action using the various agencies, grassroots organizations
and resources available to you.