Ecotourism an overview

ECOTOURISM

by NICOLE, JULIE, JUSTIN & TOMMY

AN ARGUMENT IN FAVOR










Ecotourism is about
uniting conservation,
communities, and
sustainable travel. This
means that those who
implement and participate
in ecotourism activities
should follow the following
ecotourism principles


Principles of
• Minimize impact.
Ecotourism

• Build environmental and cultural awareness and

respect.

• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and
hosts.

• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for
local people.

• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political,
environmental, and social climate.


hat
Ecotourism?
Conservation
Union
• Worldis
(IUCN):

• "Environmentally responsible

travel to natural areas, in
order to enjoy and
appreciate nature (and
accompanying cultural
features, both past and
present) that promote
conservation, have a low
visitor impact and provide for

beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of
local peoples."


Ecotourism can provide to
help to the Environment:
• Can generate revenues for
the protection of national
parks and other natural
areas

• Can enhance the level of
education and activism
among travelers and
natives of the country.


Ecotourism
Destinations
• Brazil
• Costa Rica
• Kenya
• US Virgin Islands


Quick Rebuttal Points
From CNN.com- how to make sure where
Do some research:
you go is ecotourism!
The biggest tour operators all have rules about labor

conditions, but it's hard to know what they do to
ensure they are respected. Generally there is still loads
to be done, which means that people wanting to go on
holiday, and the types of holidays they choose, can
have a really big impact.
Ask questions:
Ask your operator what they do with local
communities. Find out how the locals are involved and
the more questions you can ask the better. They might
be questions that they don't know the answer to but
will have to think about, and they are even better.
Things like, "Will my shower water be coming from
local wells?" Basic questions that might be


Responsible Travel Myths

• Myth: I have to sacrifice quality and luxury of accommodations.

Reality: Many lodges, hotels, and B&Bs have very high standards for quality and
luxury. They bring nature and culture within your reach, while still assuring your
level of comfort.

• Myth: It's expensive!

Reality: Responsible tours and accommodations come in a range of prices,
depending on the level of comfort and convenience you desire.

• Myth: It's too difficult to be a responsible traveler.

Reality: The internet makes it easy to plan and book responsible travel.  When you
arrive at your destination, there are simple steps you can take to make your trip
environmentally and socially responsible (see "What You Can Do While Traveling"
above).

• Myth: It means traveling to tropical jungles.

Reality: Responsible travel often brings to mind images of exotic tropical locations,
but the reality is that destinations, accommodations, and tour packages exist on
every continent.

• Myth: It's for backpackers.

Reality: People of all interests, ages, incomes, and backgrounds can travel
responsibly, and there are plenty of family-friendly options


Flying Responsibly
• Your flight can be the most polluting aspect of your travel. It
is estimated that air traffic accounts for 10% of greenhouse
gases worldwide.

• Opt for more environmentally friendly transport such as

trains, buses, and passenger boats. Plan your trip so that
you minimize air travel, and choose, whenever possible, to
stay longer in a destination instead of making many short
trips.

• You can help offset unavoidable footprint by contributing to

credible carbon offsetting programs that support
conservation, renewable energy, and other energy saving
projects. Learn more about carbon offsetting programs and
climate-friendly travel: Traveling with Climate in Mind


References
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tropicalresorts.com/caribbean/usvirginislands.htm

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ernational_Ecotourism_Society.htm


Ecotourism is
Sustainable and Lowimpact alternative
Julie Richardson


UNEP, UNWTO, and The Rainforest Alliance partnered in 2008 to
develop the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC)
These criteria centered around what is considered the four major
aspects of ecotourism:
effective sustainability planning

maximizing social and economic benefits to the local community
reduction of negative impacts to cultural heritage
reduction of negative impacts on the environment.
The GSTC are the minimum requirements for a tourism business to be
considered eco or sustainable tourism


Ecotourism promotes
sustainability
Ecotourism strives to minimize the adverse affects of hotels, trails,
and other infrastructure
They use either recycled materials or plentyfully available local
building materials, renewable sources of energy, recycling and safe
disposal of waste and garbage, and environmentally and culturally
sensitive architectural design. 
Minimization of impact also requires that the numbers and mode of
behavior of tourists be regulated to ensure limited damage to the
ecosystem.


Ecotourism vs. Mass
Tourism


Atlantis Resort
Bahamas
Water consumption per guest=300
gallons/day
Destroyed natural vegetation and used solely
new building materials

2,000 trees were planted in 34 different
gardens (all non-native species)


Maho Bay
St. John US Virgin Islands
Water:
Consumption per
guest=25 gallons/day
Rain water catchments
collect 345,000 gallons of
rainwater/year
Heat water only when
necessary with Solar
energy


Other Green Practices
They use 100% biodegradable laundry
detergent and dish soap
Cut old sheets and towels to use as cleaning
rags
Use spring action faucets and showers
Trash to Treasure Art Center