PASSAGE 1715)Ecotourism is a form of tourism which places a heavy emphasis on appreciation and protection of the natural environment, with ecotourists traveling to regions of ecological interest around the world. This form of tourism is also sometimes called ecological tourism, nature travel, or responsible tourism. Like other forms of tourism, ecotourism touches on some very complex environmental, social, and ethical issues, and a number of professional organizations have banded together to create a firm definition for ecotourism so that standards can be established for ecotourism programs.In order to qualify as ecotourism, several criteria must be met. The most important criterion is, in the eyes of many people, minimal environmental impact, as people do not want to damage the natural environment while they are trying to appreciate it. Ecotourism also typically includes an educational aspect, with visitors learning about the environments they visit, and there is a heavy emphasis on conservation. In some cases, people may even participate in a service program on an ecotourist trip, doing something to actively benefit the environment while enjoying it.Critics of ecotourism feel that tourism to sensitive areas should not be encouraged at all, even when companies fulfill their claims of environmental responsibility. Some critics also concerned about the displacement of native peoples, and the ecotourism industry has responded to these concerns by placing more emphasis on native cultures and traditional ways of life. For critics, ecotourism seems like a way to enjoy a tourist trip without acknowledging the environmental consequences of tourism, and this is a major bone of contention between some environmental activists and the ecotourism industry.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Jun 2014 23:37:23 +0000
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