Sustainable Ecotourism

Dr Ravindra Singh
Asst. Professor
Dept of Tourism Management, CVS, D.U.
 Sustainable Ecotourism
• Sustainable ecotourism, is a form of responsible and environmentally
friendly tourism that focuses on experiencing and conserving natural and
cultural environments. It aims to strike a balance between tourism,
conservation, and local community development
 Fundamental principles of sustainable
ecotourism
The fundamental principles of sustainable ecotourism include:
• Environmental Conservation
• Community Engagement
• Education and Interpretation
• Sustainable Practices
• Limiting Visitors Number
 Cont’d
• Supporting Local Economies
• Collaboration and Partnerships
• Long-Term Planning:
 Sustainable ecotourism and entrepreneurial
opportunities
• Eco-lodges and Accommodations
• Tour Operations
• Local Crafts and Artisan Products
• Local Crafts and Artisan Products
• Culinary Experiences
 Cont’d
• Nature Interpretation and Education
• Transportation Services.
• Environmental Conservation Initiatives
• Community Homestays
• Photography and Videography
• Online Booking Platforms
• Educational Workshops and Training.
• Certification and Consulting Services
 Sustainable Ecotourism Practices- Around the
World
Costa Rica:
• Costa Rica is often cited as a global leader in sustainable ecotourism. The
country has a well-established system of national parks and protected
areas.
• Sustainable practices include wildlife conservation programs, certified
eco-lodges, and community-based tourism initiatives.
• Costa Rica's "Payment for Environmental Services" (PES) program
incentivizes landowners to preserve forests and biodiversity.
 Cont’d
Iceland:
• Iceland emphasizes responsible tourism through the "Leave No Trace"
principles, encouraging visitors to minimize their impact on the
environment.
• Geothermal energy is widely used to power accommodations and
activities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Regulations and fees have been put in place to manage the number of
visitors at popular natural sites.
 Cont’d
Kenya:
• Kenya has a strong focus on wildlife conservation in its ecotourism efforts. It's
famous for wildlife safaris and protected areas like Maasai Mara and Amboseli
National Park.
• Many lodges and camps in Kenya are committed to sustainable practices, such as
waste reduction and community engagement.
• Community-owned conservancies, like Ol Pejeta Conservancy, generate income for
local communities while protecting wildlife.
 Cont’d
Australia:
• Australia's ecotourism initiatives often revolve around its unique
ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests.
• Efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef include regulations on
boating and diving, reef-friendly sunscreen promotion, and marine
research funding.
• Indigenous cultural tours and accommodations are popular, allowing
travelers to learn about and support Aboriginal communities.
 Cont’d
Bhutan
• Bhutan's concept of Gross National Happiness includes a strong
emphasis on environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
• Tourism in Bhutan is regulated through a "High-Value, Low-Impact"
policy, which includes daily fees to fund sustainable development.
• Many tour operators in Bhutan incorporate eco-friendly practices, and
there is a focus on Bhutanese culture and traditions in tourism.
 Cont’d
Namibia
• Namibia's conservation efforts include community-based natural
resource management and wildlife conservancies.
• The country is known for its unique desert landscapes, and sustainable
lodges in these areas use solar power and employ local communities.
• Desert-adapted wildlife tours, like tracking desert-adapted elephants,
support conservation and local livelihoods.
 Cont’d
Ecuador:
• Ecuador promotes responsible tourism in the Galápagos Islands
through strict visitor regulations, fees, and educational programs.
• Sustainable lodges in the Amazon rainforest offer opportunities for
wildlife viewing and cultural immersion while supporting conservation
efforts.
• Community-based tourism initiatives in the Andes involve indigenous
communities in tourism activities.