Ecotourism

Atty. Fritzielyn Q. Palmiery

Assistant Professor, DSFFG

Ref: FOR 1 Manual

“…tourism that consists in traveling to
relatively undisturbed or
uncontaminated natural areas with the
specific objective of studying, admiring
and enjoying the scenery and its wild
plants and animals, as well as any
existing cultural manifestations (both
past and present) found in these
areas.”

Ceballos-Lascurain, 1980)

What is ecotourism?
 Core criteria of ecotourism
1. Ecotourism is a form of tourism.
2. Ecotourism attractions are based primarily on
the natural environment or some constituent
element, as well as affiliated cultural attributes.
3. Ecotourism is learning-focused through
effective interpretation.

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Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types
• Nature based tourism
• Wildlife tourism
• Cultural tourism
• Adventure tourism

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 Types of ecotourism activity
Weaver (2008) enumerated the following ecotourism-related activities:
Ø aboriginal tourism
Ø birdwatching
Ø celestial ecotourism (comets
Ø northern lights, skygazing, stargazing)
Ø flower gazing
Ø leaf-peeping
Ø nature observation
Ø nature photography
Ø outdoor recreation
Ø outdoor research
Ø whale watching
Ø wolf calling
Ø horseback riding
Ø , scuba/snorkeling, trekking, hiking,
Ø arboretums, botanical gardens, wildlife parks and nature retreats.
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 Ecotourist
• Those tourists who seek nature-based learning experiences and behaving as much as possible in an
environmentally and socio-culturally sustainable manner
• Hard ecotourist - deep commitment to environmental issues. They prefer physically active and
challenging experiences that involve close personal contact with nature and do not require on-site
services or facilities
• Soft ecotourist. - display significant anthropocentric tendencies. They prefer activities which are physically
less taxing and supported by accommodation, eating and toilet facilities, parking lots and other
services.

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 Ecological impacts of ecotourism
Direct ecological benefits

1. Incentive to protect natural environments

2. Incentive to rehabilitate modified environments
3. Provide funds to manage and expand protected areas
4. Ecotourists assist with habitat maintenance and enhancement
5. Ecotourists serve as environmental watchdogs

Indirect ecological benefits

1.
Exposure to ecotourism fosters environmentalism
2. Areas protected for ecotourism provide environmental benefits

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 Ecological impacts of ecotourism
Direct ecological costs

1. Impact of building and generation of wastes

2. Impact of tourist activities (wildlife observation, hiking, introduction of
exotic species)

Indirect ecological costs

1. Effects of induced building

2. Exposure to less benign forms of tourism
3. Transit effects
4. Problems associated with the economic valuation of nature

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 Economic and socio-cultural impacts of
ecotourism
Direct economic and socio-cultural benefits

1. Generates revenue and employment

2. Provides economic opportunities for peripheral regions

Indirect economic and socio-cultural benefits

1. High multiplier effect and indirect revenue and employment

2. Stimulation of mass tourism
3. Supports cultural and heritage tourism

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 Economic and socio-cultural impacts of
ecotourism
Direct economic and socio-cultural costs

1. Start-up expenses (acquisition of land, establishment of protected areas,

superstructure, infrastructure)
2. On-going expenses (maintenance of infrastructure, promotion, wages)

Indirect economic and socio-cultural costs

1. Revenue uncertainties
2. Revenue leakage due to imports and non-local participation
3. Opportunity costs
4. Damage to crops by wildlife

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• Thank you!

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