What are the Benefits of Ecotourism?
The benefits of ecotourism are many and varied; I have put together some articles and videos below which I hope you will find illuminating and give you a good insight into how you can enjoy contributing to the sustainability of mother earth and all the pleasures and delights she has to offer.
The benefits of ecotourism is hugely important in our modern day, it’s a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (mass) tourism.Its purpose may be to educate the traveller, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights.Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavour by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention.Several university programs use this description as the working definition of ecotourism.
Generally, ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability.
Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.
Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.
Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.
Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities.
For these reasons, the benefits of ecotourism often appeals to advocates of environmental and social responsibility.
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves visiting natural areas—in the remote wilderness or rural environments.
According to the definition and principles of ecotourism established by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in 1990, ecotourism is “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990).
Martha Honey, expands on the TIES definition by describing the seven characteristics of ecotourism, which are:
- Involves travel to natural destinations
- Minimizes impact
- Builds environmental awareness
- Provides direct financial benefits for conservation
- Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people
- Respects local culture
- Supports human rights and democratic movements
More at… larutaverde
The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust works to protect the legendary ecosystems and astounding biodiversity of East Africa through conservation that directly benefits local Maasai communities.
MWCT funds and operates programs that promote sustainable economic benefits from conserving this ecosystem.
Lease payments for conservancy zones, carbon credits, payments for watershed protection, sustainable eco-tourism, wildlife monitoring and security, conservation and tourism employment…these are just some of the ways MWCT is creating a cutting edge model of successful community-based conservation.
More at … www.Maasaitrust.org
This video is an introductory Pierce College course project on the subject.
The video concludes with the most significant benefits of eco-tourism. Eco-tourism creates a self-sustaining cycle of awareness on the part of the traveler as well as local people. Environmental conservation brings with it tourist revenue. Dependent on this source of revenue, local economies are motivated to protect that resource. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Deputy Chief Forrest Officer Rangku N. Sangma talks about eco-tourism as a preferred alternative form of livelihood for the local communities in the Garo Hills region.
With a little luck and determination, we can all make our planet a safer and happier place for all the future generations still to come.
I hope you can see the benefits of ecotourism and if you you have any comments please leave them below, many thanks for taking the time to view this page.
