Why Is Ecotourism Important?

Ecotourism connects unlikely partners.

According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), ecotourism is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Ecotourism focuses less on luxury and more on experiencing nature and culture in a responsible way. Ecotourism is an important tool for raising awareness about environmental conservation and fostering connections between cultures that would otherwise never interact. Ecotourism also provides communities with viable income sources without devastating the natural resources of the communities.

History

African hunting safaris of the 1950s were the first form of ecotourism.

The roots of ecotourism began in the 1950s with the legalization of hunting in Africa and the need for hunting preserves and safaris to cater to hunting tourists. Ecotourism gained popularity in the 1980s and was regulated in the 1990s, as the environmental movement took hold. The term "ecotourism" was officially defined in 1991. In 1995, 30 delegates from countries spanning the globe convened to define international standards for eco-lodges (National Geographic). The ecotourism industry is stronger than ever in the 21st century as consumer preference for sustainable choices continues to grow.

Drawbacks of Traditional Tourism

Heavy, unmanaged tourism can have detrimental effects on the environment.

According to the Institute of Ecotourism, the more tourists a destination receives, the more stress its environment incurs. Tourists who visit coral reefs or rain forests may collect "souvenirs" to the point of damage. The construction of tourist resorts may result in siltation of waterways or deforestation and loss of biodiversity. The problem worsens when the funds generated by a tourist destination are not reinvested back into the destination, causing natural resources to dwindle and local inhabitants of the destination to suffer. An influx of tourism strains local communities by increasing competition for land and other natural resources and by introducing new cultural influences.

Environmental Stewardship

Fiji encourages conservation with established no-take zones.

Tourism can have a detrimental impact on the environment. However, properly managed ecotourism destinations are designed to have the least environmental impact possible while fostering an appreciation of the natural world. In Fiji, no-take zones have been established in popular coral reefs. Instead of taking living souvenirs off the reef, tourists receive brightly colored tags representing their visit to the reef and their dedication to conserving the coral reefs.

Ecotourism fosters conservation among developers as well since their customers demand high standards when it comes to the treatment of the environment. Ecotourism resorts are built using eco-friendly construction techniques and designed to use the land in a sustainable way.

Economic Growth

Park entrance fees in Bolivia generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

According to the Nature Conservancy, properly managed ecotourism activities generate funds that can be reinvested into wildlife and cultural conservation. For example, in South America, at Bolivia's Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, the implementation of a park entrance fee generated more than half a million dollars in its first year. The extra funding was used to address tourism-related wildlife degradation at the reserve. Admission fees to coral reefs in Fiji are used to offset school fees and bus stop projects and to provide wildlife conservation training for local communities.

Culture

The sale of cultural items is one way ecotourism can benefit local communities.

While poorly managed tourism can destroy the way of life of local communities, responsible tourism depends on the involvement of local communities for environmental stewardship and for maintaining the cultural practices that attract visitors. The Coral Reef Alliance works in the Fiji Islands to discourage destructive fishing practices among locals by developing locally based tourism businesses that help to preserve local culture by providing an alternative source of income for communities.

References

• The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL); Our Projects in Fiji
• The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
• Institute of Ecotourism (IET); A Case Study in Sustainable Tourism
• National Geographic; "The Best Green Adventures on Earth"
• The Nature Conservancy; Ecotourism