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 Ecotourism Minimize impact.
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 is Ecotourism? World Conservation Union (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 http://www.nature.org/greenliving/what-is-ecotouris m.xml http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/trave
l/eco-travel/index.html http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/articles/the-worldsbest-ecotourism-destinations-52527.aspx http://www.eco-tropicalresorts.com/caribbean/ usvirginislands.htm http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/ b.5284981/k.CBDE/
ecoDestinations_Caribbean__The_International_Ecot ourism_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 Building Materials Use recycled materials creatively so most of materials used come from trash Built cabins and other buildings on raised platforms to minimize environmental damage Connected by raised walkways to prevent vegetation being trampled
Ecotourism Certification GSTC allows tourists to differentiate between real ecotourism and tourist businesses that simply put eco in their name to attract customers More than 170 US cities have adopted the criteria Economic Benefits
Ecotourism Creates incentives to protect environment rather than exploit it Generates revenue from park entrance fees, concessions and revenues
Can be used to further support and manage the natural environment Societal Benefits Employment opportunities Transition from poaching, logging and mining
Sustainable development and infrastructure for tourist locations The prospering of local economies from tourist spending The Case of Costa
Rica Sistema Nacional De Areas De Conservacion (SINAC) Part of MINAE
~25% of land set aside and converted into protected parks and reserves 20% of population works directly in ecotourism
60% receive indirect economic benefits References http://www.untamedpath.com/Ecotourism/ defining.html http://www1.american.edu/ted/costa-ricatourism.htm
http://lap.sagepub.com/content/ 36/3/93.full.pdf http://www.incae.edu/ES/clacds/publicaciones/ pdf/cen653.pdf Ecotourism and Environmental Education
Promotes: -Ecological awareness -Conservation of natural resources Combination of recreation and education Individual Involvement -Personal and Non-personal Ecotourism and
Environmental Education Enhances attitudes and actions toward environment Locals turn into guides/educators Personal growth Brochure Sources
http://www.besteducationnetwork.org/ttviii/ pdf/Arsenijevic%20Bohanec.pdf http://www.american.edu/sis/gep/upload/ Education-Ecotourism_SRP_Ben_Sander-2.pdf http://www.onlinegraduateprograms.com/blog/ 2009/02/education-and-ecotourism/. Rebuttal
