Sources:

https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/challenges-solutions-future-trends-ecotourism.php

Challenges Facing Ecotourism

1. Threats to Indigenous Cultures
An increase in the number of tourists can hamper the freedom of cultural
expression within the natives, making some of them feel threatened.

Also, most of the natives are largely seen as prop tour guides, making them
feel objectified, in addition to encouraging stereotypes. Also, a continuous
interaction between the locals and the tourists may cause a gradual shift in
culture.

2. Degradation of the Ecosystem May Still Occur

Ecotourism’s main aim is to preserve the environment, but unfortunately, it is
often a challenge in itself. Ecotourism takes tourists to new places, and in
some cases ecosystems that are relatively untouched by humans.

The interaction between the new environment and the tourists could disrupt it.
For instance, the humans could scare off prey, disrupting a predator’s hunting
patterns.

It could also result in a higher demand for resources such as food and water,
stressing the environment to accommodate more people. Increased foot traffic
according to USAToday has also been associated with the possibility of
damage to plant life and soil quality.

3. Travel Could Disrupt the Environment

To visit exotic places, people have to travel, either by air, cars, or boats. Such
mediums generate huge amounts of pollution, affecting the local environment,
particularly in the form of noise pollution, air pollution, and land pollution.
4. Possible Relocation of Locals as Ecotourism Inevitably
Leads to Development
Ecotourism in a large scale means hotels will be built, especially when the
visitation areas become a big part of the travel industry. When this happens,
there will be expansions and sometimes, excavations might occur.

In such cases, the locals might be forced to move from their native lands. For
instance, about 70% of all national parks and game reserves in East Africa,
are on land that once belonged to the Maasai people.

The indigenous peoples were never compensated and the employment

opportunities that have arisen as a result, favor elites instead of the native
people.

5. Growing Number of Ecotourism Organizations Working

For Profit
Ecotourism is growing each year, meaning there are more firms and
organizations each year joining the ecotourism bandwagon in the name of
promoting sustainable tourism.

Nonetheless, some of these organizations are only prioritizing on making

profits over preserving the ecosystems they tour. Some have become
negligent to the adherence of the eco-friendly policies, enticing more tourists
to spend money on the organization’s services rather than on the tourist
attraction sites.

Possible Solutions To Ecotourism

1. For Eco-travellers, Research More Before Engaging
Ecotourism Agencies or Organizations
Before engaging an organization’s services, it is imperative to research if it
adheres to preserving and improving the local culture, community, commerce
and the conservation of the ecosystems.

At the end of it all, the goal of ecotourism is for the environment and the local
community to benefit from both individual travelers and organizational
operations.

If background checks reveal that an institution has prioritized profits over the
protection and the long-term sustainability of the environment, they should be
completely avoided.

2. Reduce Impacts on the Environment When Ecotourism

Adventures
Travelers should consider taking non-stop flights to use less fuel and have
fewer effects on the environment. Where possible, it is advisable to walk, trek
or hike while on foot, or use public transport instead of renting cars.

Also, renting non-motorized boats and vehicles as much as possible is

recommended. Great options can include riding on horses, camels or even
elephants, thereby witnessing the wildlife, and at the same time reducing
carbon footprints.

3. Eco-tourists and Travellers all Together Should Choose

Organizations and Programs That Educate and Primarily
Aim to Enhance the Environment
Before engaging any organization dedicated to ecotourism, it is advisable to
learn more or do some background check about them. Also, before engaging
in an ecotourism program, one needs to educate him or herself.

Ask critical questions such as, do such programs promote native customs and
history? Are they educative? Is their focus on promoting environmental
conservation?
In other words, it is advisable to choose programs that work with the native
people and further educate you and them. Also, after choosing the program,
be courteous of how you display your culture to the natives.

4. Be Part of the Solution

When touring new ecosystems, it is possible to disrupt their lives. As much as
possible, avoid disrupting such life. Do not scare animals as it might interfere
with their daily lives or interrupt the intentions of another on the same animal.

In regard to the local people, do not disrupt their lives. Let them continue
interacting with the ecosystem as they were doing before you got there.
Remember, another person and even future generations will also want to visit
the place after you. Let them find it better than you did.