Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed
natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to
standard commercial mass tourism. It means
responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment and improving
the well-being of the local people.[1] Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation,
to directly benefit the economic development and political
empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures
and for human rights. Since the 1980s,
ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so
that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by
human intervention.[2]:33 Several university programs use this description as the working
definition of ecotourism.[3]
Generally,
ecotourism deals with interaction with biotic components of the natural
environments.[4] Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal
growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel
to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary
attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists an insight into the
impact of human beings on the environment and to foster a greater appreciation
of our natural habitats.
Responsible
ecotourism programs include those that minimize the negative aspects of
conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of
local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural
factors, an[1] integral part of
ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of
economic opportunities for local communities.[5] For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to advocates of
environmental and social responsibility.
The
term 'ecotourism', like 'sustainable tourism', is considered by many to be an
oxymoron.[6][unreliable source?] Like most forms of tourism, ecotourism generally depends on air
transportation, which contributes to global climate change. Additionally,
"the overall effect of sustainable tourism is negative, where, like
ecotourism, philanthropic aspirations mask hard-nosed immediate
self-interest."[7] An ecotourist is different from a tourist in the sense that, he
or she is mindful of his environment, in most cases contributing to the
sustainability of such surroundings.
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