Ecotourism is a form of travel that is popular across the globe. But what is ecotourism? It is also referred to as ecological tourism. This is the kind of travel that involves the natural environment. It promotes tourism activities that are not harmful to the environment. Tourists flock to undisturbed habits to see protected natural areas in travel destinations. They not only observe wildlife, but they also help preserve nature. Unlike mass tourism, ecotravel is small in scale. It boasts a low-impact on locals and the environment at large. Ecological tourism focuses on forested, wilderness, and exotic areas. It encourages the observation and protection of wildlife and supports conservation efforts.
Ecotourism meaning:
Ecological tourism protects exotic areas and wildlife. It supports conservation and sustainable travel.
Understanding the Concept of Ecotourism
Ecotourism provides travel to unspoiled natural resources. It is a form of tourism that is being embraced across the globe. But, some are misusing it. While others tend to misunderstand what is ecotourism and why is it important. Many persons are familiar with and have engaged in mass or conventional tourism. But going on ecotours gives alternative tourism ideas to travelers. It is a way of making sure that tourism does not lead to negative impacts on the environment. It also works to reduce any adverse effects tourism may have on locals and communities. While at the same time maintaining and fueling the economy through ecotourism opportunities. From a tourist point of view, it affords them enjoyable vacation enjoyable activities.
Types of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is wide and involves different types of travel. Facilities and resources are the determining factors for ecotourism destinations. Ecotourism activities include mountain climbing, hiking, and visiting pristine waterfalls. It also indulges travels in many sea activities such a swimming and scuba diving.
Here are some ecotourism examples:
- Travel destinations that preserve plants.
- Tourists hotspots that promote jungle tourism and preserves forested areas.
- Ecosystems conserve animals and wildlife.
- Ecotravel attracts tourists to cultural heritage and customs.
- Ecotourism destinations showcase natural wonders, unspoiled natural resources, and geological formations.
- Engaging in marine ecosystems that conserves and preserves various sea life.
Note that eco-tourism preserves and conserves flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. Hence this is a further concept of ecotourism. As it considers the interactions between biotic components and their natural environments. Wikipedia highlights that “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”
An example of a popular ecotourism destination is Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the many developing countries that look to ecotravel as a tourism industry. It is rich in biodiversity and has an immense ecosystem. Its tourist attractions include many national parks and protected areas.
Characteristics of Ecotourism
For ecotravel to work, it must promote conservation. It must also have a low visitor impact on the environment. Ecotourism is different from mass tourism. With mass tourism, many vacationers flock in droves to the same destinations. This is typical and occurs yearly. Whereas ecotours receive a smaller influx of ecologically conscious tourists. Hence eco-tourism has characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of tourism.
It reduces tourism negative influences.
Conventionally, tourism has negative impacts on wildlife and the environment. It also in some ways hampers the economy and local communities. But tourism preserving the ecology helps in minimizing the negative impacts of tourism. It reduces impact and tourism footprints whether physical, social, or psychological.
Eco-travel promotes preservation.
Environmental tourism supports conservation efforts. Some of the money gathered from ecotourism goes into further conservation efforts. Private entities and governments funnel ecotravel revenue and donations into eco preservation resources.
It showcases cultural heritage.
Ecotourism promotes and respects local culture and raises cultural awareness. But, there have been cases of visitors influencing local culture. Locals tend to divert from their ways of life and norm, to match the visitor’s culture. Ecotourism does not advocate this, but rather respects and supports local culture.
It highlights undiscovered travel destinations.
Tourists visit undisturbed destinations. It encourages traveling to natural attractions and destinations. Natural tourist attractions around the world offer ecotours. Vacationers can gawk over natural wonders, safaris, wilderness, and nature. Many of these attractions are remote tour attractions. One will be happy to see in person some of the most beautiful places in the world. Such attractions in tourism preserves and sustains natural ecological habitats.
It builds environmental awareness.
Ecological tourism creates awareness about the environment. Stakeholders get to understand more about the benefits of caring for the environment. Tourists work in harmony with local communities. This helps to reduce disruptions to the environment. Alert tourists are aware of the impact humans have on the environment. This insight helps to foster a better appreciation for natural habitats. Such tourists are careful when engaging in environmental tourism. They do so in a way that will not disturb or disrupt the ecosystem.
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
The motive of preserving the ecosystem is to ensure that tourists enjoy the natural environment. But balance must be set for responsible traveling. As stakeholders work to not stress the natural environment and depress wildlife. Responsible tourists have a role when visiting different ecosystems. Yes, they want to enjoy the pristine exotic destinations. But they must also aid locals and communities to preserve the ecotravel locations. Thus, responsible tourism practices will not degrade the environment. Building environmental awareness helps to maintain ecotourism standards. It also offers a high quality of experience for future travelers.
Stakeholders, locals, communities, and tourists are conscious of the environment. Thus, before creating ecotravel locations they consider ecotourism advantages and disadvantages. Which helps in the conservation of the natural resources that support sustainable ecotourism. Investors take initiatives to engage in sound social and environmental business practices. This means that all the stakeholders support ecotourism to make it sustainable. They also take it upon themselves to increase awareness and promote ecotourism destinations.
In closing, ecotravel focuses on protecting fragile ecosystems. Such tourism funds conservational efforts and supports personal growth. It also adds to economical increase and ensures a sustainable environment. Guiding the principles of ecotourism are protect exotic areas and wildlife. While maintaining cultural heritage and supporting conservation, preservation, and sustainable travel.
