Ecotourism

Question 1

Definition of ecotourism?

Answer 1

Ecotourism can be defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and imporves the well-being of local people(international ecotourism society)

Question 2

List down 3 of the principles of ecotourism

Answer 2

1. Careful, low impact visitor behavior
2. Sensitivity towards , and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity
3. Support for local conservation efforts(financial)
4. Sustainable benefits to local communities (financial and empowerment)
5. Local participation in decision making
6. Educational components for both the traveler and local communities
7. Supporting international human rights and labour agreements
8. Raising sensitivity to political, environment and social climate issues

Question 3

Aims and objectives of an ecotourism

Answer 3

a) To minimize the damage to a destination area
b) To educate the visitors and maintain the delicate ecosystem that exists
c) To sustain the natural environment
d) To encourage tourists to understand the impact that they may have on both the landscape and on the local community

Question 4

How can ecotourism lead to positive socio-cultural changes ?

Answer 4

1) More locals may demand access to natural resources
2) Improvement and increase of public services eg. Public facities such as buses , parks etc. with increasing human population
3) Educate both tourists and locals – both become more aware of issues and feedback can be used to improve management of the area
4) Fees/charges paid by tourists help go into projects to protect the landscape and and culture of the lands and its people

Question 5

How can ecotourism lead to negative socio-cultural changes?

Answer 5

1) Over-harvesting of natural resources to meet the needs of tourists can put more pressure on local communities eg. Effects can range from locals moving out of the area affected or trying to cope with increasing demand for local produce.
2) New stresses on the islands to accommodate visitors and their needs eg. Food, accommodation, transportation etc.

Question 6

How to minimize socio-cultural impacts of eco-tourism

Answer 6

1) Make sure tourists activities are in line with ecotourism principles and sustainability concept. Eg. Sustainable benefits to local communities. In the short term, management will need to be more committed and can be more costly but in the long run, it will reduce the impacts.
2) Reduction of carrying capacity (a limit to the number of people that destinations can sustainably manage) eg. fewer people are allowed in at any one time.
3) Timing and zoning activities – in order not to upset local people through unnecessary noise pollution and sight pollution whilst doing tourist activities.
4) Pricing mechanism – charge visitors to stay overnight in specific place, charge extra for tours and entrance fees to see carvings, sculptures, temples and ruins.
5) Education of tourists would help give information regarding local communities, lifestyles and habits.
6) Allow locals to sell their traditional handicrafts in order to provide additional income as well as preserve traditions.
7) Promotion through literature, information booklets and articles in order to lead to greater understanding between the host population and tourists.
8) Preservation of local sites of special interest eg. eco-building such as heritage sites.
9) Discussion with national parks and government
10) Management of energy systems, supplies and disposal systems.

Question 7

What are the methods used to minimize negative environmental impacts

Answer 7

1) Conservation techniques such as zoning environmentally sensitive areas to keep damage to a minimum and putting in pricing mechanisms to reduce usage and lessen damage.
2) Wise policies, clear regulations and effective management is important in minimizing environmental impacts. Eg. Building restrictions on areas that are particularly environmentally sensitive – Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and national parks.
3) Education of tourists and locals through briefings, informational leaflets or boards – tourists can become aware of their impact and therefore, practice precautions when visiting.
4) Well managed nature travel should try not to exceed the carrying capacity of a site by regulating tourist visits and timing.
5) Classify the area as a protected site as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Question 8

What are the positive and negative need for a ‘responsible tourism global accreditation scheme’?

Answer 8

Positive

1. Provides a standard for holiday providers and tourists to adhere to.
2. Gives public understanding of the product and expectation.
3. A good way to encourage responsible behavior.
4. Provide education and advice to customers and providers.
5. Screening of holidays enables only authentic or genuine eco-holidays to be accredited.
6. Genuine protection for the environment.
7. Work with local people.

Negative

1. May just be a publicity stunt.
2. Not taken seriously by industry and operators alike.

Question 9

What are the importance of an ecotourism organization to have both public and private support.

Answer 9

1. Support from both sectors are vital for funds eg. grants from public sector and donations from private sector companies.
2. The organization will be able to promote their cause more easily.
3. Support will give credit to their campaigns and the organisations can gain prestige.
4. Can give the organisation’s cause or campaign an international perspective.
5. Can help to develop projects that are seen to be impossible.
6. Help to draw up policies that may benefit the organization.