Ecotourism is a tourism model that is responsible with the environment and local society, in addition the relationship with nature is established from respect and an ethical perspective. One of the characteristics of ecotourism is that its activity does not imply an destruction of the environment and the tourist attraction.
More and more frequently are heard of ecotourism, or Ecological Tourismsince it is one of the sectors that has grown the most in recent years within the tourism sector. In spite of this, this does not mean that everyone knows how to correctly define that since, in many occasions, the idea of ecological tourism is confused with a tourism that, in one way or another, keeps some kind of relationship with natural environments, but without specifying more in the type of relationship that the tourist develops with that place that visits.
This makes many times a erroneous idea or, at least, incomplete than what ecotourism and of all its environmental and social implications are. If you want to know more about this way of traveling that is characterized by being respectful of the environments in which it is practiced, it continues to read this article of Ecology Verde, in which we tell you everything about the What is the ecotourism and its characteristics.
What is ecotourism
According to the Definition of ecotourism given by the International Ecotourism Society (Ties)can be defined as “a responsible trip to natural areas that retain the environment and improve the well -being of the local population.” In this way, talking about ecotourism is talking about a Tourism responsible with the environment and local society that lives in that environment. That is, unlike what can be thought of initially, ecotourism is not any form of tourism that is related to nature, but, in addition to being related to it, this relationship must always be established from respect and from an ethical perspective.
In this way, if we take as an example a trip to the mountain, we can be talking about Ecological Tourism Since it is a natural environment. But, which will really define that our trip is an example of ecotourism or not, it will be the relationship we establish with the mountain, and not just the chosen place.
In this way, if we do a Route on foot and our trip does not have a negative impact on the mountain (We do not deposit garbage in the environment, we do not damage the flora and fauna of the environment, we do not collaborate with businesses that exploit the local heritage unsustainably or the local population, etc.), it can be considered that it is an example of ecological tourism.
While, if on the contrary, that same trip is made of unsustainable wayfor example, using facilities such as ski stations (whose impact is terribly harmful on the mountain environment), despite being a type of tourism related to a natural environment and that can generate wealth for the local population, we cannot really be talking about ecotourism, since the relationship between the tourist and the environment implies the degradation of the same for the realization of its tourist activity.
The seven principles of genuine ecotourism
The International Ecotourism Society He has defined the most authentic ecotourism as the one that meets some principles. These are the seven principles of ecological tourism:
- Minimize negative impacts, both for the environment and for the community.
- Build respect and awareness, both environmental and cultural.
- Develop positive experiences, which are for tourists and for the local population.
- Produce financial benefits that are direct for the conservation of the place.
- Guarantee obtaining financial resources and favoring participation in community decisions.
- Promote sensitivity to the weather, both political and environmental and social, of the places that are visited.
- Support both universal human rights and the laws and labor regulations of the place.
These seven principles constitute a starting point to understand the depth of what ecological tourism implies and what its objectives are, both in the short and long term.
What does current tourism imply in consumer society
Today, within the consumer society in which we live, there is a wide variety of ways to “do tourism” and, as with many of the daily activities of this type of societies, its impact on the environment is disastrous. This type of “Consumer tourism”It implies the degradation of natural environments and the exploitation of local human resources in order to obtain the maximum benefit without taking into account the impact it generates.
This way of understanding tourism constitutes a very serious error, both from an ethical and even economic perspective. From the ethical perspective, the environment degradation and the abuses to the local population. From an economic perspective, this type of tourism entails Destruction of heritage that allows tourism activity to exist and that supports it, so it will end up assuming its own destruction as a sector that generates wealth.
In this way, consumer tourism is presented as the Tourist version of the “Use and Tiro” model Preponderant in much of the activities of today’s society, which constitutes the most negative example of any way of relating to the environment.
On the contrary, ecotourism is a tourism model in which the realization of its own activity It does not imply the destruction of the environment and the tourist attraction which allows the realization of it. What also involves consequences, both ethical and economic. From an ethical perspective, it is a tourism model that allows a Responsible relationship with nature and local communities. And from an economic perspective, it guarantees that the tourist activity in question constitutes a enduring activity over time, which implies that it can generate wealth indefinitely and without expiration date and guarantees a sustainable economic future for local communities.
Examples of how to do ecotourism
Some of the Examples of ecotourism More representative can be found in the management of some natural parks and marine reserves that have adapted their business model, prioritizing the conservation of the environment Faced with the benefits of consumer tourism. This is carried out through concrete policies, some of the most common are the following:
Limit the number of visitors and access with private vehicles
It is a fundamental measure for reduce the impact of mass tourism. Tickets must be acquired in advance, which allows to better manage tourist flows, which never exceed the number of visitors that those responsible for the area cannot control. Likewise, access by road is limited, causing the tourist to access the protected environment in special transport for this purpose and avoiding the entry of private transport.
Activities without destructive impact
Naturally, the single presence of tourists entails an impact on the environment. However, those activities whose impact is not destructive or irreparable. For example, the visit to a natural park for the day is allowed, but the night camp is prohibited.
Creation of a sustainable infrastructure
The best way to manage a tourist environment sustainably implies an infrastructure that sustainably manages tourists. In this sense, Simple gestures how to have bins in the parking areas facilitates the work.
Employment creation and dynamization of the local economy
The creation of local employment is favored, since it requires the presence of workers continuously. For example, forest guards, veterinarians, visitor service personnel, local crafts, etc.
Awareness
In the same way that a tangible infrastructure is created so that the tourist can visit the environment in a responsible manner, he is also aware Informing the importance of the environment in which it is, as well as the importance of its collaboration so that it can continue to be conserved in the same conditions.
Now that you know what ecotourism and its characteristics are, do not miss this article on how to do sustainable tourism.
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