Pros and Cons of eco-tourism

Dolphins in Zansibar


Eco tourism is defined as tourism that sends people to relatively untouched parts of the world and that is sensitive to the impact to nature caused by humans. Eco tourism is an attempt to allow tourism that does not damage nature or traditional culture. It is an idea that has massive appeal as those with money can now visit places in good conscience. They can see wonderful things and feel at the same time that their money is helping the local environment and indigenous people.

Since the 1980s the eco tourism sector has grown and grown. It is the fastest growing sector in tourism – growing at an annual rate of between 10% – 15%. Tourism is one of the few sectors of the world economy that continues to grow despite the ups and downs in the world economy. It has become so important that the IMF now includes stipulations about tourism as part of its preconditions for lending money to developing countries.

The Pros of Eco-tourism

If done rightly eco tourism has several advantages. It is more concerned with the environment and does encourage developers to build with more consideration for the natural environment. This means that more natural habitat is preserved and that the resources for building come from sustainable sources. This is the theory anyway.

Another advantage is that eco tourism provides an income for local inhabitants in an area. The argument is that if the local people can generate revenue from showing tourists around a jungle, lake, savannah etc. then it is much better than killing elephants for their ivory or capturing gorillas to sell on the black market. Moreover, showing people a rainforest rather than logging the forest is a good compromise if the forest is preserved.

People in the developed world through eco tourism get to experience places of great natural significance as well as interact with local and indigenous people. It is hoped that this contact will benefit both parties, fostering better understanding of the issues on the ground, and overcoming prejudice.

The Cons of Eco-tourism

It is felt by some environmentalists that there should be some parts of the world that are ‘off bounds’ for any tourists as any human activity will damage the eco system and disrupt the routine of the animals.

Although scuba divers try to be careful, any tourist scuba business is going to have a negative impact on fragile coral marine environments. Although, people walking carefully through the forest might not do much harm, building their eco lodges does.

A good example of this is the safari business in Africa. Tour jeeps going across the savannah scare off the animals that the lions rely on catching. The result is that lions can no longer hunt in parts of Kenya and Tanzania during the morning when the tour jeeps are out. They have to wait until the hottest part of the day to hunt. This is draining for them and affecting lion numbers.

The Masai people in Kenya have been moved out of their traditional lands because of the demarcation of National Parks for eco tourism. They are settled on land next to the reserves. Much of the best land next to the reserves has gone to non-local people and eco tourist operators. When animals come on to this communal land any damage caused by the animals is not compensated by the government. The result is that the Masai who once co-existed with the animals of the savannah now come to regard them as pests.

Another issue for the Masai and other indigenous people is that they have become ‘tourist attractions’ that are expected to pose for the cameras and perform dances etc. for money. Not only is this extremely patronizing, but it is discouraging the Masai and other indigenous people from pursuing their traditional life styles. Unwittingly the tourists are destroying the culture that they are paying to preserve.

Eco-tourism seeks to go to the remotest places. These places are often not well policed. There is nothing stopping people taking money from tourists as well as pursuing environmentally unfriendly activities. In the case of Brazil, illegal logging will not stop because of eco-tourism because the logging companies make too much money.


It seems that the cons often outweigh the pros of eco tourism. It might be better to take pictures of animals rather than shoot animals, but given the choice the animals would sooner not have people around. Policing of eco tourism is another matter. Do eco tourist outfits deliver what they promise? It seems whether eco tourism should be allowed should be judged case-by-case, and that the consultation must include the local people, and not the IMF.

East Africa tourism

More than three years after the murder of eight foreign tourists, kidnapped while on tour of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda, the country is finally, albeit slowly and rather tenuously, experiencing a rebound in international travelers. Whereas only recently, adventure tourism referred to the possibility of abduction and death for foreign tourists, the term once again suggests the possibilities offered by a country whose national parks and protected areas remain among the world’s most significant, culturally and ecologically. East Africa has endured decades of ethnic violence, institutional mismanagement and international neglect, poverty and disease. Yet, improved political stability and openness, and aggressive tourism campaigns have fueled a boom in tourism within the region. As a result, tourism and more specifically, culture- and nature-based ecotourism, is now one of the most important sectors in the regional economy, and governments throughout East Africa are busy (re)positioning themselves as international destinations.1 As the Uganda example shows, ecotourism development can play an important role in sustaining local people, places and identities during a period of dynamic change from a country in conflict to tourist destination. But as we shall see, this strategy is not without its own risks.

What is Ecotourism?

Conservation Offering market-linked long-term solutions, ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our beautiful planet.	Communities By increasing local capacity building and employment opportunities, ecotourism is an effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development.	Interpretation With an emphasis on enriching personal experiences and environmental awareness through interpretation, ecotourism promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture.

The Definition

Ecotourism is now defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education" (TIES, 2015).  Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests.

Principles of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
• Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climates.
• Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
• Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.

Click Here to read the full articles announcing the revisions.

Win Win Approaches: Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation

Untamed path

Whether called nature tourism or ecotourism, recreational and educational travel based on natural attractions is a promising means of advancing social, economic, and environmental objectives in developing countries. It offers countries new opportunities for small-enterprise investment and employment and increases the national stake in protecting their biological resources. However, making ecotourism a positive economic and environmental tool requires policies that foster responsible nature tourism development, broad-based and active local participation in its benefits, and conservation of developing countries' biological heritage.

The Problem

Forest and marine habitats are being destroyed and some of the wildlife they contain is being driven to extinction under the pressures of hunting, logging, agriculture, and fishing. Where areas have been officially reserved for nature conservation, many developing country governments lack sufficient funds to manage and protect them. These areas are being destroyed because they are not fully valued for their role as nature's genetic reservoirs of the world's biological resources.

The Win Win Solution

A recent USAID evaluation has identified ecotourism as an enterprise with potential positive contributions to the conservation of endangered biological resources. (See Synthesis Report Stemming the Loss of Biological Diversity: An Assessment of USAID Support for Protected-Area Management, July 1995). Contributions of ecotourism include raising local awareness about the value of biological resources, increasing local participation in the benefits of biodiversity conservation (through new sources of jobs and incomes), and generating revenues toward conservation of biologically rich areas.

Wildlife and its habitats in developing countries are becoming increasingly popular attractions for international tourism. Many of the richest areas, biologically, are in the developing world. Growing numbers of ecotourists are flocking to the mountains of Nepal and Madagascar, the tropical forests of Costa Rica and Thailand, and the beaches of Belize and Sri Lanka. Nature tourists bring with them money to spend, money that creates jobs and incomes for households and communities in and around national parks and other protected areas. Ecotourism enterprises, tour agencies and guide services, lodges and private reserves as well as such satellite activities as crafts industries and transportation and food services, also generate revenues and foreign exchange. Governments can use this income in operating and protecting natural habitats.

By recognizing the importance of protecting biological diversity, ecotourism is raising appreciation for biological resources and leading to better conservation practices by developing country populations. It must of course be properly regulated and managed to protect against adverse environmental and cultural effects that can come with overbuilding of tourist facilities and influx of populations around fragile ecosystems. Assuming such oversight, nature tourism can benefit both the environment and economic development.

Visionary companies and destinations are driving sustainable tourism transformation of global travel industry

More than 150 entries were received, representing 56 countries across six continents. Winners and finalists in five categories were selected by 18 international judges led by Costas Christ, editor at large for National Geographic Traveler magazine and chairman of the World Legacy Awards. An on-site inspection to document sustainable tourism practices in action was part of the judging process.

Costas Christ said: "Tourism is based on selling cultural and natural heritage experiences, whether that is a trip to see Angkor Wat or a wildlife safari in Africa. With more than a billion international tourists last year, and the number growing, we must make sure that tourism is an opportunity and not a threat to the people and places travelers want to visit. The World Legacy Awards are about helping to lead the way forward."

Gary Knell, National Geographic Society president and chief executive officer, said: "National Geographic believes that when carefully planned and managed, tourism can be a powerful force for protecting the planet's fragile ecosystems and improving local livelihoods. The World Legacy Awards are about showcasing the visionaries in travel today who are committed to protecting our shared global heritage for future generations."

Dr. Martin Buck, director of Travel & Logistics at ITB Berlin, said: "As the world's leading travel trade show, we have committed ourselves to supporting human rights, social equality and environmental and climate protection for many years now. With the World Legacy Awards, we are supporting a program that honors travel industry leadership in socially and ecologically responsible tourism. This year's winners have impressively demonstrated how to achieve long-term success through sustainable tourism best practices." 

The 2015 National Geographic World Legacy Awards winners and finalists are:

Earth Changers — Recognizing cutting-edge leadership in environmentally friendly business practices and green technology, from renewable energy and water conservation to zero-waste systems and carbon-emission reduction.

Eco-Tourism in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is one of a few African countries which have helped to drive ecotourism to become the fastest growing sector on the continent. Ecotourism is a growing industry which Zimbabwe is set to cash in on by targeting tourists who spend more and stay longer, which adds to the local economy and creates work. Ecotourism in Zimbabwe is booming and becoming internationally recognised for providing jobs, it's estimated that the industry now employs around 200,000.

Safe travel

However, Zimbabwe is well-known for its political and economic instability and this has led to a decline in general tourism, but it's generally very safe for tourists and locals are warm and welcoming. It's vital that ecotourism in Zimbabwe continues to grow as many communities rely on income from ecotourism in Zimbabwe - without this income, many indigenous people will suffer further crippling poverty.

CAMPFIRE

The Community Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) allows local communities to take control of the wildlife in their area. This brings in much needed revenue from tourists who partake in wildlife watching around national parks and helps to preserve the natural environment. Projects have also been undertaken to build lodges on communal lands for ecotourism in Zimbabwe to become thoroughly viable.

Ecotourism activities in Zimbabwe

Due to the natural beauty and outstanding array of wildlife, there is plenty for those who want to experience ecotourism in Zimbabwe to do. Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls - visitors can stay in the nearby Victoria Falls Safari Lodge where they will be charmed by the on-site watering hole which attracts a variety of game such as Elephants, Buffalo, Impala and Kudu.

Responsible travel

It's best to use a tour operator which has connections with locals should you want to ensure ecotourism in Zimbabwe is authentic. Look for companies that use local guides and are committed to protecting the environment and wildlife. Zimbabwe is a wonderful country to enjoy a safari holiday, where holidaymakers can enjoy big cats and their prey in their natural habitat. When choosing an operator, make sure they use local lodges and that the money you spend will be going directly into the local economy.

Dombombira- great place for outings, kids parties, functions, nature trails

Faith Ministry - sunday school outing

children love the various and birds wandering about

lovely setting for the ceremony-natural rock platform with waterfall

 sheep rescued to be cared for

Domborira is a fully licenced, including for liquor and can organise, coordinate, decorate and cater functions of any size from small children’s parties, to full-on weddings and functions. They have all the necessary chairs, tables, and crockery, cutlery and kitchen facilities and can also do all the flowers.

They have wonderful open air roofed structure for big events and if the weather is inclement, the canvas sides are simply and quickly attached. For weddings there is a perfectly placed nearly natural flat rock ‘platform’ and waterfall for the ceremony.

The children’s playground area Is excellent and blends beautifully into the natural surroundings and there is also Mini Golf and a giant outdoor version of the age old Snakes and Ladders game. The nature trails are well marked and if you want a guide you can have one and he will teach you about some of the uses of indigenous trees and fruit.

They are currently labeling some of the trees. Dombombira has staff on hand for parties, functions or just to keep an eye on the kids in the playground for safety’s sake. You can take your own picnic or braai facilities and if you don’t feel like packing for either, Dombombira offer inexpensive braai packs and picnic food.

There is even a little museum which is popular when school groups come to visit. This is very educational nature reserve and there are both wild and domestic animals to see and enjoy- always popular with children.

Veterinarians for Animal Welfare have brought some rescued animals to be cared for here, such as donkeys and sheep and there are also rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, tortoises, cats and in the wild, dassies, squirrels, monkeys, a wide range of birds and of course, lizards and snakes, including python!

Tourists attraction sites

coral reef

Many coral reefs have already been destroyed because of global warming and things aren’t looking too good for the surviving ones. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by ocean water just like it is absorbed in fizzy drinks, making it more acidic and rendering corals unable to calcify their skeletons.

Marine specialists say corals and the species that inhabit them could be extinct by 2050 if a practical solution to global warming isn’t found really soon.

Glacier National Park

Glacier national park

Glacier National Park in Montana, USA is in danger of losing all its glaciers by 2030 scientist predict. Some of the park’s glaciers have melted to less than half their original size while other, smaller ones have melted completely.

Just so you can better understand how serious the problem is, you should know that in 1850 there were 150 glaciers in Glacier National Park, only 35 exist today.

 

Alaska

Global warming is leaving its mark on the frozen lands of Alaska and tourists from all around the world are gathering there to watch it at work. Glaciers are crumbling into the water, the tundra is melting and the wildlife is trying to adjust to all the changes. Alaska is a preview of what’s going to happen soon if we don’t start taking things more seriously.

Polar bears are now an endangered species because they simply can’t cope with the climate changes, they’re simply not built to withstand such an increase in temperature. Food is harder to come-by and the melting ice caps cause them to drown.

- See more at: http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/5-tourist-attractions-affected-by-global-warming/#sthash.qVq8i1tv.dpuf