Eco Tourism

Ecotourism involves travel to destinations, accommodations, and resorts that are respectful of the impact of the visitors on the local environment. Also known as ecological tourism, these types of trips often involve learning about the local flora and fauna, and the methods used by the local people to preserve their their environment for future generations.

Ecotourism often involves learning about the relationship between the efforts to preserve the local natural environment and the indigenous culture and economy. These activities often include promoting recycling, conservation of water and energy, alternative energy sources, replanting forests, and their benefits for the local population.

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According to the definition and principles of ecotourism established by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in 1990, ecotourism is "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990). Those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

• minimize impact
• build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
• provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
• provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate

Ideally, ecotourism should satisfy several criteria, such as:

• conservation of biological diversity and cultural diversity through ecosystem protection
• promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local populations
• sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous people by having their informed consent and participation in the management of ecotourism enterprises
• tourism to unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment being a primary concern.
• minimization of tourism's own environmental impact
• affordability and lack of waste in the form of luxury
• local culture, flora and fauna being the main attractions