Ecotourism Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What is the defiinition of ecotourism?
A portmanteau of “ecological” and “toursm,” ecotourism involves travel to a place of environmental interest for the purpose of observing and learning about various aspects of nature – including local flora and fauna and often, indigeous people and their culture. However, ecotourism means more than just engaging in this kind of nature-based tourism; it also means doing so with an active respect for the natural environment and the people of a region.
Most ecotourists and ecotourism leaders are devoted protecting ecosystems, maintaining the dignity of the local people, limiting expoitation of resources (including people), and minimizing the negative impact of tourism logistics on the environment. At Conservation International’s ecotourism website, the concept is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people.” (See www.ecotour.org)
FAQ 2: Who does ecotourism appeal to?
Most ecotourists consider themselves socially conscious travelers who explore the world not only for excitement and adventure but also for education, cultural awareness, and even advocacy. Ecotourism generally appeals to self-aware people who think critically about their interaction with the environment (incuding other people) and carefully consider the “footprint” they leave wherever they go. On average. ecotourism appeals to people with higher levels of education and politically progressive people, but ecotourists come from all backgrounds.
FAQ 3: Which countries offer ecotourism?
Technically, all countries (and even non-countries like Antarctica) offer ecotourism. Wherever there is an environment that can be explored in a socially responsible way, ecotourism can exist. That said, there are certain countries that have developed reputations for ecotourism. In Central America and the Caribbean, places like Costa Rica, Belize, and Guatemala are known for ecotourism. In Latin America, popular destinations include Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. Many African and Asian countries have also begun to develop ecotourism as a part of their tourist industry – Kenya, Ghana, and Thailand are examples.
FAQ 4: Are there any international regulations governing ecotourism?
There is much controversy in the ecotourism community about companies (often travel agencies, resorts, transportation providers, and tour companies) that claim to provide ecotourism services. Currently, there is no regulation of the industry and thus no accreditation body or standards in place. Of course, each country, state, city, etc. may develop its own laws for the tourism industry in general and guidelines for environmental impact. This will remain on the list of ecotourism frequently asked questions until international bodies make headway on the issue.
FAQ 5: What does ecotourism mean for indigenous people?
Ecotourism is aimed at striking a balance with local peoples whose way of life may be affected by tourism and tourist infrastructures. One one hand, there is a need to involve indigenous people to ensure that their rights are respected, that they share in economic rewards (if they so desire), and they ultimately consent to having travelers visit their region. On the other hand, there is a need to preserve existing cultures, ensuring that tourism does not disrupt local life, exploit the people or tokenize their culture.
FAQ 6: What does ecoutourism mean for tourist accommodations, including restaurants and hotels?
Many (though not all) tourist resorts are owned by large companies that do not concern themselves with the environmental impact of their industry or its effect on local economies. Accordingly, ecotourism means finding places to sleep and eat that are not wasteful and that also contribute hand-in-hand with local commerce. It often means more spartan travel, eschewing luxury in favour of conservation of resources.
FAQ 7: What about flying to these often far-away places? Isn’t that harmful to the environment?
This is one of the most troubling questions raised by critics of ecotourism, and it leads many ecotourists themselves to much reflection. One take on this issue of air travel is this: While flying does expend resources in a seemingly wasteful way, it typically has a smaller impact on the region being visited than other activities tourists would engage in once they arrive somewhere. In other words, though flying is not ideal in the first place, ecotourism at least ensures that the most direct of interactions with local people and the local environment is conservation-oriented. Ultimately, air travel may be the price we have to pay in order to expose people to new cultures and environments. The hope is that ecotourism is not just a vacation but also a transformative learning experience.
FAQ 8: Are there any ecotourism websites?
Here are just a few of the many websites providing information on ecotourism:
– www.ecotour.org (Conservation International homepage)
– www.ecotourism.org (International Ecotourism Society homepage)
– www.rainforest-alliance.org/ (Rainforest Alliance has a sustainability focus.)
– www.planetvivo.org (Planet Vivo is an education-oriented site consistent with ecotourism.
