Ecotourism an overview

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.. • Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.. • World Conservation Union economic inv

by NICOLE, JULIE, JUSTIN & TOMMY

AN ARGUMENT IN FAVOR

Ecotourism is about

uniting conservation,

communities, and

sustainable travel This

means that those who

implement and participate

in ecotourism activities

should follow the following ecotourism principles

Principles of Ecotourism

• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation

• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for

local people

• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political,

environmental, and social climate

What is Ecotourism? • World Conservation Union

economic involvement of local peoples."

Ecotourism can provide to help to the Environment:

• Can generate revenues for

the protection of national parks and other natural

areas

• Can enhance the level of

education and activism among travelers and

natives of the country

Ecotourism Destinations

• Brazil

• US Virgin Islands

Do some research:

The biggest tour operators all have rules about labor

conditions, but it's hard to know what they do to

ensure they are respected Generally there is still loads

to be done, which means that people wanting to go on holiday, and the types of holidays they choose, can

have a really big impact

Ask questions:

Ask your operator what they do with local communities Find out how the locals are involved and the more questions you can ask the better They might

be questions that they don't know the answer to but will have to think about, and they are even better

Things like, "Will my shower water be coming from

local wells?" Basic questions that might be uncomfortable and the tour operators should really

down to the last cent is not the most positive way of

encouraging people to come out of poverty."

have pre-paid

Quick Rebuttal PointsFrom CNN.com- how to make sure where

you go is ecotourism!

Responsible Travel Myths

• Myth: I have to sacrifice quality and luxury of accommodations.

Reality: Many lodges, hotels, and B&Bs have very high standards for quality and luxury They bring nature and culture within your reach, while still assuring your level of comfort.

• Myth: It's expensive!

Reality: Responsible tours and accommodations come in a range of prices,

depending on the level of comfort and convenience you desire.

• Myth: It's too difficult to be a responsible traveler.

Reality: The internet makes it easy to plan and book responsible travel.  When you arrive at your destination, there are simple steps you can take to make your trip environmentally and socially responsible (see "What You Can Do While Traveling" above).

• Myth: It means traveling to tropical jungles.

Reality: Responsible travel often brings to mind images of exotic tropical locations, but the reality is that destinations, accommodations, and tour packages exist on every continent.

• Myth: It's for backpackers.

Reality: People of all interests, ages, incomes, and backgrounds can travel

responsibly, and there are plenty of family-friendly options

Flying Responsibly

• Your flight can be the most polluting aspect of your travel It

is estimated that air traffic accounts for 10% of greenhouse gases worldwide

• Opt for more environmentally friendly transport such as

trains, buses, and passenger boats Plan your trip so that

you minimize air travel, and choose, whenever possible, to stay longer in a destination instead of making many short trips.

• You can help offset unavoidable footprint by contributing to

credible carbon offsetting programs that support

conservation, renewable energy, and other energy saving

projects Learn more about carbon offsetting programs and climate-friendly travel: Traveling with Climate in Mind

Ecotourism is Sustainable and Low-

impact alternative

Julie Richardson

UNEP, UNWTO, and The Rainforest Alliance partnered in 2008 to

develop the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC)

These criteria centered around what is considered the four major

aspects of ecotourism:

effective sustainability planning

maximizing social and economic benefits to the local community reduction of negative impacts to cultural heritage

reduction of negative impacts on the environment.

The GSTC are the minimum requirements for a tourism business to be considered eco or sustainable tourism

Ecotourism promotes

sustainability

Ecotourism strives to minimize the adverse affects of hotels, trails, and other infrastructure

They use either recycled materials or plentyfully available local

building materials, renewable sources of energy, recycling and safe disposal of waste and garbage, and environmentally and culturally sensitive architectural design. 

Minimization of impact also requires that the numbers and mode of behavior of tourists be regulated to ensure limited damage to the

ecosystem.

Ecotourism vs Mass

Tourism

2,000 trees were planted in 34 different

gardens (all non-native species)

Maho Bay

St John US Virgin Islands

Water:

Consumption per guest=25 gallons/day

Rain water catchments collect 345,000 gallons of rainwater/year

Heat water only when necessary with Solar energy

Other Green Practices

They use 100% biodegradable laundry

detergent and dish soap

Cut old sheets and towels to use as cleaning rags

Use spring action faucets and showers

Trash to Treasure Art Center

Building Materials

Use recycled materials creatively so most of materials used come from trash

Built cabins and other buildings on raised

platforms to minimize environmental damageConnected by raised walkways to prevent

vegetation being trampled

Ecotourism Certification

GSTC allows tourists to differentiate between real ecotourism and tourist businesses that simply put “eco” in their name to attract

customers

More than 170 US cities have adopted the

criteria

Economic Benefits

• Ecotourism…

environment rather than exploit it

entrance fees, concessions and revenues

• Can be used to further support

and manage the natural environment

Societal Benefits• Employment opportunities

logging and mining

• Sustainable development

and infrastructure for tourist locations

• The prospering of local

economies from tourist spending

The Case of Costa

Conservacion (SINAC)

• Part of MINAE

• ~ 25% of land set aside and

converted into protected parks and reserves

• 20% of population works directly

in ecotourism

• 60% receive indirect economic

benefits

Ecotourism and Environmental

Education

•Promotes:

-Ecological awareness -Conservation of natural resources

•Combination of recreation and education

•Individual Involvement

-Personal and Non-personal

Ecotourism and Environmental

Brochure

•http://www.besteducationnetwork.org/ttviii/pdf/Arsenijevic%20Bohanec.pdf

•http://www.american.edu/sis/gep/upload/Education-Ecotourism_SRP_Ben_Sander-2.pdf

•http://www.onlinegraduateprograms.com/blog/2009/02/education-and-ecotourism/

Rebuttal