Ecotourism
Fernando de Noronha in Brazil
Tapantà National Park in Costa Rica
Elephant safari after the Indian Rhinoceros in Chitwan Nation-
al Park, Nepal (photographed by Leonardo C. Fleck)
Ecotourism is travel to fragile, pristine, and usually pro-
tected areas that strives to be low impact and (often)
small scale. It helps educate the traveler; provides funds
Gnus and zebras in the Masai Mara park reserve in Kenya.
for conservation; directly benefits the economic devel-
opment and political empowerment of local communit-
ies; and fosters respect for different cultures and for hu-
man rights.[1] As defined by the co-founder of the Center
for Responsible Travel, Martha Honey, Ph.D., in her book
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, Second Edition: Who
Owns Paradise?. Most serious studies of ecotourism in-
cluding several University programs now use this as the
working definition.[2]
Ecotourism (also known as ecological tourism) is a
form of tourism, that appeals to ecologically and socially
conscious individuals. Generally speaking, ecotourism
focuses on volunteering, personal growth and learning
new ways to live on the planet. It typically involves
travel to destinations where flora, fauna and cultural
heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is a
conceptual experience, enriching those who delve into
researching and understanding the environment around
them. It gives us insight into our impacts, as human be-
ings and also a greater appreciation of our own natural
habitats.
Responsible ecotourism includes programs that min-
imize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on
the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of
local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating envir-
onmental and cultural factors, an integral part of eco-
tourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency,
water conservation and creation of economic opportun-
ities for the local communities.[3]
Criteria
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves traveling
to tranquil and unpolluted natural areas. According