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In the 1980s, the term "ecotourism" began to be used, but it was…
In the 1980s, the term "ecotourism" began to be used, but it was in 1990 when the first definition appeared, established by the International Ecotourism Society:
“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local populations.”
Ecotourism in the 90s and beyond
After returning home in 1988, Epler Wood produced The Environmental Tourist for PBS. He began submitting to conservation NGOs a documentary on ecotourism that would be "the first global investigation into how tourism could contribute to the conservation of natural resources and local well-being." When that project lost its funding, she took advantage of her contacts and founded the International Ecotourism Society. The organization's goal was to contribute to the development of ecotourism as a viable tool for conservation, protection of biocultural diversity, and sustainable community development.
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Ecotourism is essentially about bringing nature and wildlife conservationists, local communities and the responsible travel industry together to ensure development focused on long-term sustainability and not short-term profit. The aim is to develop tourist accommodation, activities and attractions that benefit everyone involved: local flora and fauna, local people, tourism industry stakeholders and travelers alike.
The ideal goal of ecotourism is to improve the world through responsible travel; while its effects will probably fall short of its ideals, travelers can offer real benefits to local communities and the environment.
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1: Create environmental and cultural awareness:
Education is a key aspect of ecotourism initiatives, both for locals and visitors. Most of these efforts focus on raising awareness, making people aware of environmental issues and encouraging them to be aware of their impact on the places they visit.
2: Design and operate low-impact eco tours
Remember the old environmental adage: "Take only pictures, leave only footprints"? Today's ecotourism industry is striving to go one step further. The focus is on sustainability, minimizing the negative carbon footprint that travel often leaves on the environment. But these days the overall goal is to create a positive impact, rather than merely a neutral one.
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4: Provide financial benefits to the local population
Critics have also pointed out that some ecotourism initiatives have created more problems for local people than they solve. Poorly managed programs can lead to conflicts over land and resources, unfair distribution of profits, and cultural exploitation.
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ADVANTAGES
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Educates visitors about local political, social, and environmental issues.
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DISADVANTAGES
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“Greenwashing” arises, where the environment is used as a bait to attract tourists.
Large energy-intensive hotel establishments in a splendid jungle environment with no understanding of sustainable development or correct provisions for waste and sewage disposal.
Resort establishments displacing local people and illegally keeping endangered animals in cages to attract visitors.
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