Geography with Sandeep Sir

Ecotourism
Ecotourism is broadly defined as low impact travel to endangered and often
undisturbed locations. It is different from traditional tourism because it allows the traveler to
become educated about the areas — both in terms of the physical landscape and cultural
characteristics, and often provides funds for conservation and benefits the economic
development of places that are frequently impoverished.

Ecotourism and other forms of sustainable travel have their origins with the
environmental movement of the 1970s. Ecotourism itself did not become prevalent as a travel
concept until the late 1980s. During that time, increasing environmental awareness and a desire
to travel to natural locations as opposed to built up tourist locations made ecotourism desirable.
Since then, several different organizations specializing in ecotourism have developed and many
different people have become experts on it.

The term ‘eco-tourism’ was coined by Hector Ceballos-Lascurain in 1983, and

was initially used to describe nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an
emphasis on education. The concept has, however, developed to a scientifically-based approach
to the planning, management and development of sustainable tourism products and activities.
Eco-tourism is nothing but nature-based tourism.

It means helping to sustain and encourage the preservation of wildlife and habitats
by making as little negative environmental impact as possible. It is mainly concerned with the
direct enjoyment of some undisturbed phenomenon of nature. But for it to be ecologically
responsible, it must suit the specific location and should not result in environmental degradation.
It is a responsible form of tourism development which is also the key to sustainable ecological
development.

The fields related with eco-tourism are historical, biological and cultural
conservation, preservation and sustainable development, etc. Eco-tourism focuses on local
cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on
our vulnerable planet. Professionals are developing programs and policies to minimise the
adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment and enhance the cultural
integrity of local people.

Eco-tourism is the fastest growing market in the tourism industry. Eco-tourism

projects should be economically viable in order to attract financing and be sustainable. It can
help in generation of foreign exchange for the country. But eco-tourism, if not managed well, can
lead to destruction of the resources on which it relies. Unaware and careless tourism damages the
environment.

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The Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as “Purposeful travel to natural areas to

understand the culture and the natural history of the environment; taking care not to alter the
integrity of the ecosystem; producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of
the natural resources beneficial to the local people.”

The World Conservation Union’s (IUCN) Commission on National Parks and Protected Areas
(CNPPA) defines ecotourism as “Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively
undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appropriate nature (and any accompanying
cultural features both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact and
provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local population.”

One of the best definitions of ecotourism is that provided by the Australian National Ecotourism
Strategy which states: “Ecotourism is nature based tourism that involves education and
interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable.”

The above definitions indicate that ecotourism is a complex phenomenon,

involving integration of many factors including tourists, resident peoples, suppliers, and
managers and multiple functions. In ecotourism, natural areas and local population are united in
a symbolic relationship through the introduction of tourism. The definitions of ecotourism focus
on three significant aspects viz. nature, tourism and local communities. It differs in a meaningful
way from mass tourism that aims at consuming nature leaving it depleted on more than one front.
Conservation, sustainability and biological diversity are the three interrelated aspects of
ecotourism.

Principles of Ecotourism

Due to the growing popularity of environmentally-related and adventure travel,

various types of trips are now being classified as ecotourism. Most of these are not truly
ecotourism, however, because they do not emphasize conservation, education, low impact travel,
and social and cultural participation in the locations being visited.

Therefore, to be considered ecotourism, a trip must meet the following principles set forth by the
International Ecotourism Society:

Minimize the impact of visiting the location (i.e.- the use of roads)
Build respect and awareness for the environment and cultural practices
Ensure that the tourism provides positive experiences for both the visitors and the hosts
Provide direct financial aid for conservation
Provide financial aid, empowerment and other benefits for local peoples
Raise the traveler's awareness of the host country's political, environmental and social
climate

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As a developmental tool, ecotourism can advance the three basic goals of the Convention on
Biological Diversity:

1. Conserve biological (and cultural) diversity, by strengthening protected area management

systems (Public or Private) and increasing the value of sound ecosystem.
2. Promote the sustainable use of biodiversity, by generating income, jobs and business
opportunities in ecotourism and related business networks.
3. Share the benefits of ecotourism developments equitably with local communities and
indigenous people, by obtaining their informed consent and full participation in planning
and management of ecotourism businesses.

The strong orientation of the ecotourism field towards principles, guidelines and
certification based on sustainability standard gives it an unusual position in the tourism field.
Ecotourism is viewed, as a means of protecting natural areas through the generation of revenues,
environmental education and involvement of the local people in such ways; both conservation
and development will be prompted in a sustainable manner.

While difficult to measure, ecotourism is believed to be the fastest growing

tourism segment. Ecotourism has recently come to be regarded as the panacea that enables us to
aggressively seek tourism dollars with no obvious damage to ecosystems, since wild resources
are not being harvested and there is no apparent associated development. As a concept,
ecotourism has gained momentum recently in India, but as a way of life Indians have practiced
ecotourism since times immemorial to nature and rich cultural heritage.

The main Objectives of Ecotourism are:

 Provision of socio - economic benefits.

 Provision of environmental services.
 Conservation of the natural areas.
 Provision of high quality experience.
 Promotion of environment advocacy.

Fundamental functions of Ecotourism include:

 Protection of natural area

 Generation of money
 Education
 Quality Tourism
 Local Participation

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Success of Ecotourism:

Unfortunately, ecotourism will not be successful without effective management

and the framework, which has been presented, will be of little consequence in the absence of
adequate institutional arrangements and administrative commitments.

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The development of positive relationship between people, resources and tourism

is very unlikely to occur without implementation of effective policies, management strategies,
and involvement of a wide range of organizations, including NGO’s and other development
agencies. To get success in ecotourism we should follow a process.

The various steps of this process may include the following:

a. To assess its impact.

b. To plan for tourism development on the basis of sustainability.
c. To involve the local community.
d. To assist and encourage the participation of the NGO’s.
e. To facilitate the functioning of the ecotourism development.
f. To examine the developmental process.

Benefits of Ecotourism

Ecotourism has its advantages and these can be as an impact to the tourist, the
local community or even the host country. Ecotourism is educational to the tourist. By traveling
to new places the tourist learns about local plants and animals that he’d otherwise not have
encountered. The traveler also gets to get a deeper understanding of the local culture this ensures
that one learns to appreciate and respect other people’s beliefs. Ecotourism brings the tourist
closer to nature, open up the tourist’s mind to new ideas along with new perspectives on life and
other people. It takes them to places less traveled and gives them a wonderful new experience
without harming the environment.

Ecotourism benefits the local community as it enables the provision of

employment and infrastructural development. The locals surrounding the national parks or
whatever conservation project can benefit from them as the government or foreign investors
require services which can be provided by the locals. This in turn also ensures that fewer people
migrate to the cities. The local population gains new skills which guarantee that they are not
totally dependent on the limited natural resources. Some of the areas may be remote and tourism
ensures that infrastructure facilities like water supply and schools are provided in order to keep
the locals happy and ensure good services.

Ecotourism offers new opportunities for small-scale investments and also

increases national responsibility in the protection of biological resources. It therefore acts as a
means of socio-economic and environmental uplifting especially in developing countries for
which the ecotourism acts as a major source of foreign exchange. Visiting the protected areas
such as national parks and reserves contribute towards maintenance of the parks or reserves. This
is possible by the collection of entrance fees and other charges which go towards paying for
improvements and salaries for the staff taking care of the facilities. Sufficient amounts of
revenue are therefore re-invested in protecting natural habitats.

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Disadvantages of ecotourism

Ecotourism may lead to an increase in population around an area; there may also
be excessive building of resorts in areas where park popularity is very high. While this ensures
high revenues, it also increases pressure on land, reducing opportunities for local people to make
a living off the land. This is because things like energy sources can be depleted so as to
accommodate the hordes of tourists visiting an area.

When putting up facilities such as resorts and camp sites, people may be displaced
in an example being the Maasai community of Kenya. Habitats may also be destroyed to clear
the way for this tourist facilities. Local people’s land may also be expropriated at inequitable
prices because of deals made between governments and multinational companies.
Overcrowding in tourist venues may endanger protected areas. An example of this
is instances where excessive viewing of wildlife can disturb animals’ feeding along with their
breeding. Unusual species of plants can also be trampled on or picked by tourists and since
vehicles and planes do pollute, the micro climate may change leading to death of various plants
and in some instances animals.

One of the major reasons why local communities do not support ecotourism in
developing countries is the human-wildlife conflict. 70% of wildlife live outside protected areas
and feed on people’s livestock and land. This can be the case due to marking off of incomplete
ecosystems for protected areas. As a result, wild animals have been responsible for deaths of
people and destruction of property. On the other hand, due to this conflict death of some animals
has been as a result of people being fed up and killing them.

Demand for rare birds, animals, animal parts or for souvenirs can promote
trafficking of endangered species. This is because sometimes locals do not benefit very much
from the reserves leading them to poaching a good example is the elephant tusk trafficking from
Kenya to china which initially involves killing the animals illegally (poaching). This can also be
as a result of unemployment in the local communities in cases where the staff is brought in from
overseas.

Ecotourism as in all other forms of tourism may lead to degradation of local

culture. This is because locals through interaction with foreigners may adapt some of their
behavior and practices leading to a disintegration of their own.

Outstanding Issues in Ecotourism

Inadequacy of information is one of the issues plaguing ecotourism. An increased

amount of quality information is needed about actual and potential economic contributions from
nature tourism ventures and practices.

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The risks associated with ecotourism are also issues that plague it, these risks
include poor management which may lead to unregulated nature tourism which may in turn
corrode local culture and damage the environment.

The perception of locals is also a problem facing ecotourism. The locals in

developing countries are sometimes afraid that their parks and protected areas become a
playground for tourists instead of benefiting them through farming.

Activities involved in ecotourism are therefore those activities that while making
use of natural resources ensure a minimal impact on the ecological balance of an area. Examples
of such activities are visiting national parks and reserves, bird watching, hiking through
conservations among others.

In conclusion, the role of ecotourism is to promote and preserve natural

environment and both large scale and small scale attractions play an important role in the
economy of the surrounding area. It involves the preservation of natural areas, environmental
education, and cultural tolerance all geared towards economic growth. It should therefore be
encouraged as it is designed to benefit the tourist, the host population and the environment.

Now, experience life in the wild, but responsibly – Article from Times Of India

The Centre has brought out a policy for eco-tourism in forest and areas, seeking to
develop tourism in wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and other conservation reserves and
encourage “homestead-based” hospitality enterprises in protected areas to create jobs for forest
dwellers and other local people.

The eco-tourism policy formalises the ‘homestead’ concept which allows tourists
to stay in jungle houses, maintained by forest dwellers, and get the experience of living in the
wild while adhering to permissible activities. Even areas outside designated protected areas such
as forests, mangroves, sacred groves, mud flats, wetlands and rivers have also been brought
within the ambit of the central policy for developing eco-tourism.

The policy, comprising dos and don’ts for tourists, conservators and other
stakeholders, will serve as guiding principles for states and Union Territories (UTs) to identify
locations and routes for visits, permissible time for visits and means of travel, keeping local
circumstances in mind.

“States may develop benchmarks or standardised criteria, based on site specificity, for adoption
of best practices in eco-tourism,” said the policy, formulated by the environment ministry.

Under the policy, each state/UT will have to establish an ‘Eco-Tourism

Development Board’ to advise their respective governments on the modalities of eco-tourism and
to oversee the implementation of the policy. Noting that “community participation” is the core of
the policy, environment minister said the policy will help in improving “livelihood of people

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living in and around protected areas”. He pointed out that the members of local communities can
be employed as nature and tourist guides or as “nature science interpreters” and even be served
as “patrol partners” to protect nature.

The policy clearly specifies provisions of earmarking “inviolate space” which will
be a “no-go zone” for tourists in those areas. It also says no permanent structures (camps,
camping complex with lodging or boarding structures, helipads and tourist bungalows) will be
established in violation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. On eco-tourism zone, the policy says
that the demarcation of areas for tourist visits, whether within core or buffer or both, will depend
upon the management requirements and will be decided based on the target species, their
behavioural and habitat characteristics.

“To maintain ecological integrity, protection of breeding areas and other sensitive sites are
necessary, therefore, those should be excluded from eco-tourism activities,” says the policy.

Forest and wildlife experts welcomed the move on eco-tourism and asked for
proper implementation of the policy. “Eco-tourism is the need of the time and a policy on the
same to guide the sector was awaited since long. It’s good that government has laid focus on
local employment generation in new policy. This will boost local economies and help halt
migration of poor people out of villages,” said Ajay Kumar Saxena of the Network for
Certification and Conservation of Forests.

Tito Joseph of the Wildlife Protection Society of India believes that if local people get
jobs, many of them will stop taking up poaching as a profession and as a result wildlife crimes
will come down. “If ecotourism activities are properly managed, it will help managers to
administer the parks well,” said Joseph.

He cited example of eco-tourism in Periyar Tiger Reserve of and said, “It’s immensely
beneficial to local people, especially tribal people living around tiger reserves.” The government
had earlier in 2011 brought out guidelines for eco-tourism in and around protected areas. That
was, however, served more as guidelines for conservators. The new policy, on the other hand, is
broad based as it covers more natural areas. Noting that much damage had been done by private
players under the garb of eco-friendly tourism as there was no policy, Saxena said, “Now, picture
should change for better. Government should also ensure that strategy for management of plastic
and other non-biodegradable waste is well in place in policy as natural areas are already full of
such waste.”

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