Ecotourism in the Rainforest

Ecotourism supports the preservation of rainforest wildlife.

As environmental consciousness has risen over the years, visitors to rainforests have become more aware of their impact on the wilderness. Ecotourism promotes experiencing nature in a low-impact manner and preserving the plant and animal species of Earth's remaining wild places.

Benefits

The humid jungle climate of Latin America provides ideal destinations for rainforest ecotourism, and the industry itself creates opportunities for the indigenous peoples of the area. Natives of Belize, Costa Rica and Ecuador benefit from traditional tourism ventures by acting as wilderness guides and providing visitors an accessible way to experience nature.

Activities

Sustainable tourism promotes the idea that enjoyment and preservation of nature aren't mutually exclusive. Hiking and bicycling provide opportunities to explore the rainforest without the ecological impact of motor vehicles. Photography and bird-watching allow tourists in places like the Malaysian wilderness to see primates, jungle cats, tropical avian species and other animals in their natural habitats.

Considerations

In "The Encyclopedia of Ecotourism" Bruce David Weaver discusses ways in which promoting tourism has been detrimental to natural habitats. The creation of trails through the rainforest may draw visitors, but the negative effects on the soil through impaction or erosion can do permanent damage to the habitat and wildlife.

References

• "Indigenous Ecotourism"; Heather Zeppel; 2006
• "West Malaysia and Singapore"; Wendy Moore; 2001
• "The Encyclopedia of Ecotourism"; David Bruce Weaver; 2001

Resources

• Leave No Trace: Principles