Ecotourism an overview

ECOTOURISM by NICOLE, JULIE, JUSTIN & TOMMY AN ARGUMENT IN FAVOR Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles Ecotourism vs Mass Tourism Atlantis Resort Bahamas Water consumption per guest=300 gallons/day Destroyed natural vegetation and used solely new building materials 2,000 trees were planted in 34 different gardens (all non-native species) Maho Bay St John US Virgin Islands Water: Consumption per guest=25 gallons/day Rain water catchments collect 345,000 gallons of rainwater/year Heat water only when necessary with Solar energy Other Green Practices They use 100% biodegradable laundry detergent and dish soap Cut old sheets and towels to use as cleaning rags Use spring action faucets and showers Trash to Treasure Art Center Building Materials Use recycled materials creatively so most of materials used come from trash Built cabins and other buildings on raised platforms to minimize environmental damage Connected by raised walkways to prevent vegetation being trampled Ecotourism Certification GSTC allows tourists to differentiate between real ecotourism and tourist businesses that simply put “eco” in their name to attract customers More than 170 US cities have adopted the criteria Economic Benefits • Ecotourism… • Creates incentives to protect environment rather than exploit it • Generates revenue from park entrance fees, concessions and revenues • Can be used to further support and manage the natural environment Societal Benefits • Employment opportunities • Transition from poaching, logging and mining • Sustainable development and infrastructure for tourist locations • The prospering of local economies from tourist spending The Case of Costa Rica • Sistema Nacional De Areas De Conservacion (SINAC) • Part of MINAE • ~25% of land set aside and converted into protected parks and reserves • 20% of population works directly in ecotourism • 60% receive indirect economic benefits References • http://www.untamedpath.com/Ecotourism/defi ning.html • http://www1.american.edu/ted/costa-ricatourism.htm • http://lap.sagepub.com/content/36/3/93.full.pd f • http://www.incae.edu/ES/clacds/publicaciones/ pdf/cen653.pdf Ecotourism and Environmental Education •Promotes: -Ecological awareness -Conservation of natural resources •Combination of recreation and education •Individual Involvement -Personal and Non-personal Ecotourism and Environmental Education •Enhances attitudes and actions toward environment •Locals turn into guides/educators •Personal growth Brochure Sources •http://www.besteducationnetwork.org/ttviii/pdf /Arsenijevic%20Bohanec.pdf •http://www.american.edu/sis/gep/upload/Educa tion-Ecotourism_SRP_Ben_Sander-2.pdf •http://www.onlinegraduateprograms.com/blog/ 2009/02/education-and-ecotourism/ Rebuttal [...]... enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socioeconomic involvement of local peoples." Ecotourism can provide to help to the Environment: • Can generate revenues for the protection of national parks and other natural areas • Can enhance the level of education and activism... http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/articles/the-worldsbest -ecotourism- destinations-52527.aspx • http://www.eco- tropicalresorts.com/caribbean/usvirginislands.htm • http://www .ecotourism. org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.52 84981/k.CBDE/ecoDestinations_Caribbean The_Int ernational _Ecotourism_ Society.htm Ecotourism is Sustainable and Lowimpact alternative Julie Richardson UNEP, UNWTO, and The Rainforest Alliance partnered in 2008 to develop... differentiate between real ecotourism and tourist businesses that simply put “eco” in their name to attract customers More than 170 US cities have adopted the criteria Economic Benefits • Ecotourism • Creates incentives to protect environment rather than exploit it • Generates revenue from park entrance fees, concessions and revenues • Can be used to further support and manage the natural environment...Principles of • Minimize impact Ecotourism • Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect • Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts • Provide direct financial benefits for conservation • Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people • Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate hat Ecotourism? Conservation Union • Worldis... Myth: I have to sacrifice quality and luxury of accommodations Reality: Many lodges, hotels, and B&Bs have very high standards for quality and luxury They bring nature and culture within your reach, while still assuring your level of comfort • Myth: It's expensive! Reality: Responsible tours and accommodations come in a range of prices, depending on the level of comfort and convenience you desire • Myth:... Non-personal Ecotourism and Environmental Education •Enhances attitudes and actions toward environment •Locals turn into guides/educators •Personal growth Brochure Sources •http://www.besteducationnetwork.org/ttviii/pdf /Arsenijevic%20Bohanec.pdf •http://www.american.edu/sis/gep/upload/Educa tion -Ecotourism_ SRP_Ben_Sander-2.pdf •http://www.onlinegraduateprograms.com/blog/ 2009/02/education-and -ecotourism/ Rebuttal... incomes, and backgrounds can travel responsibly, and there are plenty of family-friendly options Flying Responsibly • Your flight can be the most polluting aspect of your travel It is estimated that air traffic accounts for 10% of greenhouse gases worldwide • Opt for more environmentally friendly transport such as trains, buses, and passenger boats Plan your trip so that you minimize air travel, and choose,... opportunities • Transition from poaching, logging and mining • Sustainable development and infrastructure for tourist locations • The prospering of local economies from tourist spending The Case of Costa Rica • Sistema Nacional De Areas De Conservacion (SINAC) • Part of MINAE • ~25% of land set aside and converted into protected parks and reserves • 20% of population works directly in ecotourism • 60%... http://www.untamedpath.com /Ecotourism/ defi ning.html • http://www1.american.edu/ted/costa-ricatourism.htm • http://lap.sagepub.com/content/36/3/93.full.pd f • http://www.incae.edu/ES/clacds/publicaciones/ pdf/cen653.pdf Ecotourism and Environmental Education •Promotes: -Ecological awareness -Conservation of natural resources •Combination of recreation and education •Individual Involvement -Personal and Non-personal Ecotourism. .. plan and book responsible travel.  When you arrive at your destination, there are simple steps you can take to make your trip environmentally and socially responsible (see "What You Can Do While Traveling" above) • Myth: It means traveling to tropical jungles Reality: Responsible travel often brings to mind images of exotic tropical locations, but the reality is that destinations, accommodations, and