Ecotourism is a type of tourism that involves responsible travel in areas of ecological interest.
The term is often used in relation to tourism in natural environments, such as rainforests, where active measures are taken to protect and conserve the environment.
Ecotourism promotes the observation and appreciation of nature and traditional cultures in natural spaces and encourages visitors to leave a small carbon footprint.
The International Ecotourism Association defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, supports the well-being of local people, and involves interpreting and educating sex”.
According to an article published on the Conservation International Botanic Gardens website, “ecotourism can be described as a subset of nature-based tourism (occurs in the natural environment but has no recognition) specific knowledge of the sustainability of education and ecology, cultural and social ecotourism) lies within a subset of the broader tourism industry.
Ecotourism focuses on conserving natural resources and is expected to generate financial benefits for conservation and local people. Local communities are often involved in ecotourism development and control the level and type of tourism they want in their area.
Principles of ecotourism
According to a UN publication titled “Ecotourism: Principles, Practices & Polciices FOR Sustainability”, the principles of ecotourism include:
- Minimize negative impacts on nature and culture that can harm the destination
- Educate visitors about the importance of conservation.
- Emphasizes the importance of responsible business.
- Direct revenue for the conservation and management of natural areas
- Maximize economic benefits for host countries, businesses and local communities, especially those who live near protected and natural areas.
- Ensure that tourism development does not exceed the social and environmental limits of acceptable change identified by researchers
- Relying on infrastructure developed in harmony with the environment, preserving local flora and fauna.
Ecotourism accounts for a significant portion of gross domestic product in countries such as Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Kenya, Madagascar, Nepal and Ecuador (the Galapagos Islands).
