Ecotourism

Tourism in simple words is travelling for pleasure or taking a break from your day to day life for relaxation or leisure, it can be domestic or international. Tourism is important for the development of a country and people can experience it and it helps to understand diverse cultures. There are people who love travelling and spending time with nature or who have the urge to experience the natural environment, this is called ecotourism. It is a form of tourism where people are engaged with nature and without harming it in any manner in fact, it encourages them to protect and conserve the environment. Some of the ecotourism destinations are Costa Rica, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Gavi.

(source: FutureLearn)

History of Ecotourism:

The term ecotourism was first used by Hector Ceballos-Lascurain and it was used to describe nature-based travel. Thereafter he became the president of the Mexican Association for the Conservation of Nature, an NGO. He founded ecotours, the first Mexican ecotourism agency.

The environmental movement was one of the major factors that led to the development of ecotourism. Growing concerns about the environment led to dissatisfaction with mass tourism and this gave popularity or increased the demand for nature-based travel. Also, the less developed countries found ecotourism as a means of earning foreign exchange and it also helps in managing the resources, that is, it helps in using the resources effectively without destructing it. In short, it helps in the development of the country and conserves the environment and gives pleasure to the people.

Principles of Ecotourism:

Ecotourism attracts people who love spending time with nature, it develops their knowledge, awareness and they get to meet the local communities. It involves or is a mix of the flora and fauna, local communities, wildlife and other travelers, they all come together to ensure the development not targeting short term profits but long term. The ecotourism industry has several guiding principles.

• By interacting with travelers and the local community, we get to know a lot about them and their culture. Some tour operators provide conservation education programs. All of this builds environmental and cultural awareness.

• Designing and implementing low impact ecotours by focusing on sustainability and by using limited resources.

• The revenue generated through ecotourism could be put to use in the conservation of nature and wildlife. If managed properly, it can be a revenue-generating alternative to urbanization, deforestation etc.

• Ecotourism should provide financial benefits for the local people through means like taxes on travel, accommodation fees etc.

• Ecotourism initiatives should support human rights.

How can you put these principles into action?

• It's always recommended to pack light.

• It is your responsibility to use the resources carefully, save water and energy.

• Make sure you enjoy every bit of it, embrace the culture.

• Put your trash in a bag and don't litter around and harm nature. Dispose of it when you find a trash can.

What does ecotourism promote?

Ecotourism promotes environmental stability, nature-based travel and personal growth. It helps you indulge more with nature, local people and their culture. It encourages travelers to protect and preserve the environment. It also develops the remote areas surrounding.

How can we promote ecotourism?

We can promote ecotourism by educating people on every aspect of it which makes them do it. A way in which you educate the public is by hiring travel influencers or bloggers who write about ecotourism. By providing new employment opportunities, it helps in economic growth also. Grab the interest of people by encouraging activities such as cycling, boating, observing wildlife, cultural activities etc.

How does ecotourism benefit the local community?

Ecotourism plays a major role in the development of the local communities, it is a sustainable source of livelihood to them. This not only meets their economic needs but also helps maintain and protect the environment.

Advantages of Ecotourism:

• It can protect the flora and fauna.

• It gives awareness about the environmental problems hence people could do something to save it.

• It is a means of income for the local people.

• Ecotourism initiatives strive to use resources efficiently and effectively.

• It supports human rights and democratic movements.

Disadvantages of Ecotourism:

• Still, people dump waste in nature which leads to the destruction of the environment.

• In some cases, the tribes had to leave their homes in order to accommodate the travelers. This is not fair to them.

• It sometimes spoils a region’s ecosystem. When too many people explore a particular region, it may disturb the organisms living there.

• Pollution and other activities may lead to wildlife disturbances.

Is Ecotourism a good career option?

If you admire, love and enjoy nature and often think of the ways of protecting and conserving it, this career is for you. This is one of the fastest-growing industries and if you are passionate about nature, you will strive to do better for the environment. If you are choosing this as your career you should be able to promote the cultural and economic significance of the location. Since it's a global industry, you will also acquire global exposure. It offers jobs relating to communication and marketing, sustainable marketing etc.

Ecotourism brings together all forms of nature-related activities and the travelers enjoy the beauty of nature and get to interact with diverse people and experience different activities and adventures. It promotes the well-being of nature.

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Author - Fiza Fathima

Content Writer at Escribo.