Also connect with us for sale and purchase of websites. In looser words -- Ecotourism is a term used to describe the act of 'tourism' itself alongside the promotion of environmental friendliness and conservation of wildlife (i.e nature). Curiosity and the urge for authentic local experience drive towards commercial exploitation. As we have seen before, there are many advantages and disadvantages of ecotourism. More number of eco-tourists may fetch more dollars but there is a flipside to it. As it does not involve the exploitation of several natural resources for unsustainable gains at a rapid pace, significant negative impact on the environment seems to be unlikely. Unfortunately. As ecotourism is essentially a commercial industry (with the primary objective of profit maximization), there is evidence of certain companies simply "green-washing" -- which is the process of simply making the holiday appear eco-friendly when it is in fact not. It comes with intense socio-cultural effects. The local communities may not be willing to allow various tourism activities in the specified ecotourism spot. Guide to top 10 ecotourism destinations in Europe, Americas and Asia for a new experience. In these locations, you do not always need high-end luxury. Although the above list of positives and negatives of ecotourism was a rather 'tongue in cheek' attempt, it has hopefully given you a more 'balanced' and 'informed' view on the impacts of ecotourism. And. DrPrem.com (Home) | It is difficult to conclude whether the advantages of ecotourism outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa. In a study of wildlife behavior in ecotourism spots, researchers found that elks preferred taking shelter in the areas of high-human activity where they felt safe. Although ecotourism is aimed at minimizing resource depletion but too much of it can backfire. Opportunistic. Green travel modes are highly demanded but all ecotourism destinations could not implement it fully. Many species become endangered. Moreover, although countries such as South Africa are benefiting economically and commercially from eco-tourism (or more appropriately here: eco-terrorism), it is also accompanied with rather negative impacts on its people -- forced exits and displacements from their homes as well as evidence of "gross violations of fundamental rights"[4421]. Driven by poverty, locals illegally keep animals to satisfy the tourists. Even more concerning is this docility can be transferred to successive generations. The eco-tourism industry is seeing a boom as the concept is getting much popular with each passing day. Sound pollution, development of new structures and other tourism activities often aggravate the destruction. 1267 Words 6 Pages. Advantages of ecotourism. Moreover, although countries such as South Africa are benefiting economically and commercially from eco-tourism (or more appropriately here: eco … There is however a call for regulation -- such as a Green Star system, which signals to consumers how committed the company is to environmental friendliness. Rather, the nature and wildlife can be preserved, which offers a sustainable choice of earning to the local people from travel and tourism. For example, a 'wildlife theme park' is allowed to term itself as being 'Eco'. A healthy cross-cultural interaction developed with people from different background which can be beneficial for the locals. Introduction. The tourists are destroying the authenticity of the region. Compared to the expenses in conventional leisure and pleasure tourism, ecotourism can be more affordable. If you have any additional benefits of ecotourism please share them below in the comments box. Fast-speeding tourist jeeps scare away the animals that the African predators look for their prey. Hence, leading a holiday through false pretences. Guide to brief history of ecotourism, its principles and essential components and ways to attract tourists, Knowing the do’s and don’ts of eco tourism. Conservation safaris have been protecting the threatened species in the Wildebeest Migration Safari by keeping them out of the poachers. They put up music and dance performances to entertain tourists and unknowingly give in to exploitation. It is a great way to boost the local businesses. Resorts and varied types of accommodation set ups are cropping up disturbing the natural landscape. Intermingling with different people through ecotourism may cause a shift in the mindset of the local community. It is natural for eco-tourists to get excited at the sight of cute and exotic wildlife. Polar bears are meant to conserve energy through the winter months, however as a result of ecotourism, this causes them to be constantly aware -- causing them to burn much of the needed energy -- 43 metres is the suggested distance not to disturb them, however is this good enough for the demands of consumers who want close up photos?[4420]). Wild animals seem to lose their independence and become more dependent on human beings. In some circumstances, especially when ecotourism is severely mismanaged, local people do not always benefit economically or socially as a result of ecotourism. As tourism is, and probably always will be, a huge industry within modern day living, ecological tourism can at the very least -- despite its negatives if mismanaged -- be considered a step in the right direction towards resolving and mitigating the potential outcomes of global climate change. For the poor countries, tourism is the second most important source of foreign exchange, after oil (TIES, 2005). A significant portion of the revenue from ecotourism goes to various conservation projects like reforestation, water management, natural breeding of flora and fauna and other rural developmental activities. The locals, especially the tribal community, turn out to be the “tourist attractions” along with the flora and fauna. 1. They really do not try to become proper eco-tourists. "10,000 km consumes 100 litres of fuel per person" [4421] nor the true extent impacts of their stay -- from the food they are eating to the water they are drinking. Books | Benefits to Local Small Business and People. This, as opposed to the exploitation of their surrounding environment for its natural resources --that can only be used to make a quick singular unsustainable gain with rather negative environmental impacts. As eco-tourists, they develop respect for nature and take responsible measures to preserve it. Through ecotourism, locals get the opportunity to showcase their products which normally include edibles and handicrafts and improve their earnings for sustenance. Special protective and conservationist measures prevent endangered species from the brink of extinction. Too many tourist footfalls are upsetting the natural wilderness. nor the true extent impacts of their stay -- from the food they are eating to the water they are drinking. You carry your backpack, tents and use green transport which automatically reduces your travel cost. It also helps in developing the habit of judicious usage of natural resources soil, water and air. Encroachment of the surroundings sets in which gradually leads to the loss of valuable species those are totally dependent on the natural habitat. With the industry of tourism, comes an increase in the demand for local jobs and hence correspondingly an increase in employment for locals -- that are often provided through merchandise retailers, restaurants, tour guides, hotels etc. Exploiting natural resources for business purposes is rampant across the globe. They have to wait till the later hours of the day when it is hottest to get their prey. Most of the people in the Millennium enjoy traveling throughout the country as well as the globe. Advantages and Disadvantages of Ecotourism Eco-tourism or ‘Ecological Tourism’ is a rising form of international tourism. It brings in money. Each and every type of tourism interrupts the quiet and peaceful wildlife. (Such an example can be observed in the video above with the view of poachers - short term gain and caretakers - long term gain -- experienced in Namibia), 2. When assuming an influx of tourism, many often overlook the type of employment that local people get into, where they are usually low paid service jobs that are based on temporary contracts. You travel more generating harmful emissions which not only impacts the environment but also the surroundings of ecotourism spots. What are the aims and objectives of eco tourism? It is intended for promoting awareness about environment among people and facilitating preservation of wildlife. CRM | One such example is Africa, the home to countless exotic flora and fauna. The growing trend of ecotourism may create water and energy crisis affecting the marginalized community most. Some … Despite lots of promotion of eco-tourism, people do not care much about the inconvenience caused to the birds and animals due to their illogical demands, wishes and behavior. Even tourists who claim to be environmentally sophisticated and aware, usually fail to realise the damage them simply travelling to their destination through means of non-renewable energy e.g. Advantages and disadvantages of tourism.