Ecotourism Flashcards
(30 cards)
Characteristics of Ecotourism
1 All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas.
2 It contains educational and interpretation areas.
3 It is generally, but not exclusively, organised by specialised tour operators for small groups. Service provider partners at the destinations tend to be small, locally owned businesses.
4 It minimises negative impacts on the natural and socio-cultural environment.
5 It supports the maintenance of natural areas.
Social Benefits Ecotourism
Cultural Preservation
visitors able to learn and engage w/ local people, traditions and cultures - allows preservation and celebration of trad culture which otherwise would be lost
Local Arts and Crafts
Travellers love to collect exotic examples of local art and craft work from around the world - preservation important to tribal/cultural identity of local people
Religion
some places religion has become an attraction as religious buildings and events have become important reasons to visit
Economic Benefits Ecotourism
Employment
incr no. job opp created
travellers usually rich and willing to pay for luxury services
many jobs for local people in resorts - guides, building and servicing accom, making merch and providing food, drink and entertainment
Hard Currency
rich tourists bring hard currency which can be converted at higher exchange rates in some economies
Reduction of Poverty
jobs & money to people in rural env - might not expect chance of good income - workers paid steady wages and can often benefit from extra health and social benefits
Environmental Benefits Ecotourism
Preservation
nature and WL protected, offering sustainable opp of employment for locals
Ancient and Historical Sites
castles and places such as Taj Mahal protected through mechanisms such as UNESCO World Heritage Site designation - ecotourism help protect these sites - allowing access and generating income w/ careful management plans
Marine and Coastal areas
some marine animals and areas e.g. Great Barrier Reef in Aus have allowed fragile envs to be protected
Biodiversity and Endangered Species
protection put in place to maintain stable numbers of anmals, protect them from hunters and to ensure they are around for future generations
Education
demands edu for both host communities and the traveller. All dev expected to incl edu prgrms as part of any tourist activity
Social Negatives of Ecotourism
Displacement of Local Communities
change land-use rights - lose access to trad homelands as more land needed to expand resorts
villages might have to be moved to facilitate ‘best view’ for the luxury traveller
restrict local farming practices - safari lodges and hotels use wells to take up GW - might not be any left for locals - relocate to find consistent water supplies
Threats to Indigenous Cultures
ritual materials and heirlooms sold and lost forever
Tradition
dignity and respect for local pop might be compromised - change and adapt culture to entertain visitor
Language
Many Visitors expect host to speak their language - often English considered lang of tourism
Religion
conflict as tourists come into ontact w/ worshippers - sometimes trad religious sites and burial grounds are disturbed and built upon for tourism - some religious practices can also go against religious law - sunbathing in Muslim countries
Economic Negatives Ecotourism
Leakage
money generated from tourism transferred back to another country
due to bookings being taken by MNCs or through purchase of goods from other countries
tourists encouraged to support local businesses - ensure fair amount of travel costs are payable to local supliers and local guides and support workers are employed in a way that educates, nurtures and facilitates investment in the local worker
Environmental Negatives Ecotourism
Greenwashing
market idea that a place or org is more env friendly or sensitive than what it really is
Damage to Fragile Env
transport, food and drink consumed or source of water for washing all serious implications for nature
Water Resources
scarce commodity in many locations. resorts struggle to get access to steady water supplies - wells and boreholes used - take away from local people - swimming pools excessive
Energy Resources
use and demand a lot of energy for charging mobile devices and tech
Resort find way to generate electricity - not always a renewable source
Waste
solid and liquid - often not recycle or treat liquid waste despite attempts
Animals
Sale of some locally made products can involve killing of protected animal species - elephant tusks, sea turtles
What year was designated as the International Year of Ecotourism?
2002
The designation aimed to promote sustainable tourism practices globally.
Where was the World Ecotourism Summit held?
Quebec City, Canada
The summit took place from 19–22 May.
What organizations led the first global ecotourism summit?
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
This was the first time a global summit on ecotourism was organized.
What was the nature of the final declaration from the World Ecotourism Summit?
A set of recommendations for the development of ecotourism activities
It was not a negotiated document.
Name one principle that ecotourism embraces.
Sustainable tourism
This includes considerations of economic, social, and environmental impacts.
What does ecotourism contribute to in the tourism industry?
Make the overall tourism industry more sustainable
This includes increasing economic and social benefits for host communities.
What are participative planning mechanisms needed for in ecotourism?
To achieve equitable social, economic and environmental benefits
They allow local and indigenous communities to define and regulate the use of their areas.
When was the Global Ecotourism Conference held?
2007
It took place in Oslo, Norway from 14–16 May.
What was the main objective of the Global Ecotourism Conference 2007?
Assess achievements and challenges in ecotourism since 2002
It aimed to strengthen the contribution of ecotourism to conservation and sustainable development.
How many delegates attended the Global Ecotourism Conference 2007?
450 delegates
They represented over 70 countries.
What is one challenge that ecotourism faces according to the conference?
Interest in visiting natural areas is growing, causing pressures
This necessitates best practice management.
What is the Green Globe certification scheme designed to assess?
The sustainability performance of travel businesses
It helps businesses monitor improvements.
How many core criteria does the Green Globe Standard include?
44 core criteria
These are assessed using 380 compliance indicators.
List the four categories of the core criteria in the Green Globe Standard.
- Sustainable management
- Social/Economic
- Cultural heritage
- Environmental
Each category addresses different aspects of sustainability.
What is required for a business to be recognized as a Green Globe Certified Member?
Achieve more than 50% of the criteria in the Green Globe Standard annually
Certification is confirmed each year.
What does a Green Globe Gold Member signify?
Certified for five consecutive years
Continuous improvement must be reviewed for this certification.
