We're hearing about ecotourism or ecological tourism more and more frequently since it is one of the fastest growing sectors of the entire travel industry in recent years. However, this does not mean that everyone knows how to define what, because in many cases the concept of ecotourism is confused with tourism that is somehow related to its environment, but does not specify the type of relationship that the tourist develops. with the places you visit.
In this article we are going to tell you what ecotourism is, how it works and what its importance is.
What is ecotourism
According to the International Ecotourism Association (TIES), ecotourism can be defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that protects the environment and improves the well-being of local residents." Thus, talking about ecotourism is talking about responsible tourism and the environment and local societies who live in that environment. In other words, contrary to what was originally thought, ecotourism is not just any form of tourism related to nature, but in addition to nature, the relationship must always be based on respect and from an ethical perspective.
In this way, if we take a trip to the mountains as an example, we can say ecotourism because it is a natural environment. But what really defines whether our trip is an example of ecotourism will be the relationship we develop with the mountain, not just the chosen place.
That way, if we make a route, our itinerary does not have a negative impact on the mountain (we do not throw garbage in the environment, we do not harm the flora and fauna of the environment, and we do not interact with the unsustainable use of natural heritage, local businesses or residents, etc.), can be seen as an example of ecotourism.
Whereas, on the contrary, if the same trip is carried out in an unsustainable way, for example using facilities such as ski resorts (whose impact is extremely detrimental to the mountain environment), although it is a kind of natural environment and can create wealth for the local population, we cannot really talk about ecotourism, because the relationship that exists between tourists and the environment means a degradation in the performance of their tourist activities.
Principles of ecotourism
The International Ecotourism Association defines the most authentic ecotourism as ecotourism that conforms to certain principles. These are the seven principles of ecotourism:
- Minimize negative impacts on the environment and communities.
- Generate respect and awareness, including environment and culture.
- Develop positive experiences for tourists and local residents.
- Generate economic benefits that are used directly to protect the site.
- guaranteed access to financial resources and fostered participation in community decision-making.
- Increase sensitivity to the political, environmental and social climate of the sites visited.
- Support universal human rights and local labor laws and regulations.
These seven principles are the starting point for understanding the depth of ecotourism and its short- and long-term goals.
Implications in society
Nowadays, in the consumer society in which we live, there are many ways of “doing tourism”, and like many daily activities in such a society, its impact on the environment is catastrophic. This type of "consumer tourism" involves the degradation of the natural environment and the development of local human resources for their maximum benefitregardless of its impact.
This way of understanding tourism, both ethically and economically, is a very serious mistake. From an ethical point of view, the degradation of the environment and the mistreatment of the local population are not justified.
From an economic point of view, this type of tourism requires the destruction of the legacy that allows tourism to exist and be maintained, thus ultimately assuming that its destruction is a wealth-generating sector.
In this way, consumer tourism is presented as the travel version of the "use and throw away" model that dominates most activities in today's society, which is the most negative example of everything related to the environment.
On the contrary, ecotourism is a model of tourism in which carrying out one's own activities does not imply damage to the environment and tourist attractions that allow carrying out the activities. This also has moral and economic consequences. From an ethical point of view, It is a tourism model that allows a responsible relationship with nature and local communities.
From an economic point of view, it guarantees that the tourist activity in question constitutes a lasting activity over time, which means that it will be able to generate wealth indefinitely and without an expiration date, as well as guarantee a sustainable economic future for the community. local.
Examples of ecotourism
Some of the most iconic examples of ecotourism can be found in the management of some natural parks and marine reserves that have adapted their business models to prioritize conservation over the benefits of consumer tourism. This is done through specific policies, some of the most common are the following:
Limit the number of visitors and private vehicles
This is an essential measure to reduce the impact of mass tourism. Tickets must be purchased in advance, allowing for a better management of visitor traffic, never exceeding the number of visitors outside the control of the district director. Likewise, access by road is restricted, forcing tourists to access the protected environment in special transport for this purpose and avoid private transport.
Activities without disruptive effects
Naturally, the presence of tourists has an impact on the environment. However, priority will be given to those activities whose impact is not disruptive or irreparable. For example, daytime visits to natural parks are allowed, but camping at night is prohibited.
Create sustainable infrastructure
The best way to sustainably manage the tourist environment is to sustainably manage the infrastructure for tourists. In this way, Simple gestures like placing a litter box in a parking lot help it work.
Create jobs and revitalize local economies
The creation of local jobs is favored because it requires the constant presence of workers. Such as rangers, veterinarians, tourism service personnel, local artisans, etc.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what ecotourism is and what its characteristics are.