Ecotourism 1.0 Introduction 1.1 What is the definition of ecotourism?

Ecotourism is the responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. The purpose of ecotourism is to educate travelers, provide funds for ecological conservation, and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. Ecotourism is held as important by those who participate in it so that future generations may experience aspects of the environment relatively untouched by human intervention. With this said we can fallow some simple principles of ecotourism. 1.2 What type of activity is promoted in ecotourism? Ecotourism promotes responsible travel. This can be done if we fallow at least these 6 simple principles. First they must minimize impact. The less they mess with nature the less impact will their presence leave behind. They should also build environmental and cultural awareness and respect. In some cultures it is extremely disrespectful to do certain things. If we show that we are aware of their culture and respect their ways, were are showing that we are good people. Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation. If we do all we are visiting a certain place it should only be right to conserve the location in any way possible even if its financially. Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people. And lastly, we should raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate. 2.0 Discussion 2.1 What are the positive and negative consequences of ecotourism? Like everything out there, ecotourism has its ups and downs. People can either help a beautiful place with money to keep it nice and clean or can damage it with trash. It is nearly impossible to visit and learn from an area without leaving footprints, but some tour operators do a better job than others. For some countries like Rwanda, tourism has been influential in helping to protect their mountains gorillas. Also it has kept their habitat in Volcanoes National Park protected. But sometime ecotourism doesnt help at all. Naturebased travel can both sustain ecosystems and degrade them. Much nature-based tourism falls short of the social responsibility ideals of ecotourism. 2.2 Should ecotourism be encourages in Middle America why or why not? Based on todays news I would have to suggest that its not a good idea to promote ecotourism in Middle America. Although there are beautiful landmarks that should be explored and helped, the drug business has become larger in areas like Mexico and Colombia. It has also become dangerous for those who travel and visit deserted areas. My family and I are from Mexico and have had to postpone our travel because of resent activities happening in deserted locations. But on the other hand Middle America has beautiful sites like the Mayan temples in Mexico and the World Heritage Sites in Colombia.

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Its a shame that these lovely places cannot be seen because of the fear drug dealers are placing on people. How about North Africa/ SW Asia Why or Why not? In North Africa on the other hand it a beautiful country that needs all the help tourism brings them. Africa is known for its safari destination. Every year more and more people are traveling to the continent to experience diverse cultures and colorful festivals. Travelers seek to go on a traditional hunt with the tribe. But it could be possible that travelers can threaten their traditional lifestyle. As a visitor, one must carefully choose the best cultural experience where you know for a fact, that profits will end up in the hands of the people you are visiting, and not just the tour operator. That way you are making sure that you are helping their culture. All in all its a good idea to visit North Africa and Southwest Asia because no only will the visitor benefit but so will the country. The visitor will enjoy culture, food, music, festivals, and more. What are the environmental impacts of ecotourism? As we know, ecotourism means responsible travel but sadly not every can practice responsible travel and leave no environmental impacts. The impacts of ecotourism tend to be concentrated in areas of highest conservation value. Therefore the need to manage and minimize these from happening is very important. Certain activities like hiking, camping, offroad vehicles, recreational boats, and impacts specific to certain ecosystems (like Mountain Environments) can unintentionally harm an ecosystem and the environment. What specific region(s) would benefit from ecotourism and why? There are many different benefits that can come from Ecotourism. If ecotourism is used correctly and as a tool by local communities rather than large outside of interests, it can be produce positive outcomes. For example, one problem ecosystems face today is the destruction of habitats. Forest and marine habitats are being destroyed causing some wildlife being driven to extinction. People are hunting, logging, and fishing, this prevents wildlife to hunt and will eventually starve to death. A solution to this problem is ecotourism enterprises tour agencies guide services. They can crafts industries, transportation, and food services. The governments can use this income for operating and protecting natural habitats. What specific region(s) would be harmed by ecotourism and why? Although tourism brings a lot of money to areas that might not have much income, it can also harm the location. Solution to preserving the natural assets of these areas is constantly thought about. In most cases, tourism does benefit the local economy and better the locals livelihoods with income from tourism. But sadly there are some tourists that are careless and show little concern about the changes in the local area. Things like natural beauty and waste disposal issues are issues that are changed when visiting certain places.

3.0 Summary 3.1 Summary of what was learned about Ecotourism. At first I had no idea what ecotourism was. But as I was doing research I found that it is more than just responsible travel. The six principles that I found in the International

Ecotourism Society website helped explain ecotourism in dept. Those six really explained the importance of maintaining a good ecosystem. Also I learned that ecotourism is great financial support for many countries that dont get a lot of income. For Example, Sri Lanka has many tourist attractions and makes their money that way. They have outstanding religious and cultural sites, memorable scenery, wildlife, art, cuisine, music, people, tea and spectacular festivals. These countrys qualities is a great way to make money and also a helps the country use that money to main historical landmarks. I believe that all ecotourism is good. One must be careful and maintain the place clean and just how they found it. I really think is sad that some people are careless and liter in places that trash does not belong. This not only does it harm the animals but the habitat as well. 3.2 Which region(s) promote ecotourism the most and why? Around the world there are 3rd world countries. Third world countries are economically underdeveloped countries. They are particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. Places like these have high poverty rates and birthrates. They also have beautiful historical landmarks that are sometimes visited by tourist. For some of those countries tourists are the only form of income and they depend on them to visit. Ecotourism should be encouraged to help out these countries. 4.0 Results 4.1 Would you choose to participate in ecotourism? Why or why not? As I get more and more information about ecotourism, I find that I would love to do it in the near future. I have always found history very interesting and think its a good idea. Not only is someone enjoying a different culture but they get the chance to help them in many ways. To me that would be a one in a lifetime opportunity. Not only should we practice ecotourism in different countries but locally as well. We live in Colorado and probably go to the mountains to visit. We should make sure we are not disturbing any wildlife or harming their habitat. 4.2 Which region(s) would you like to go to and what would you like to accomplish with your ecotourism experience? I had the chance to experience ecotourism I would like to visit North Africa. Throughout the years, I have always studied about the Nile River and the pyramids. It would be an honor to get to visit those historical places. Not only will be a vacation but I would get to help these people and learn first-hand about their culture. It is so hard just to one place in Africa so in my travel I would choose to see the 10 wonders of Africa. Those are the pyramids of Egypt, the Serengeti Migration, Ngorongoro Crater, Victoria Falls, Karnak Temple, Nile River, Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel Temple, and the Sahara Desert. I would hope to be able to help keep the Nile River clean and conserve wildlife. Simply by visiting I would hope to help them financially and not disturb anything at all. 5.0 Literature Cited

http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4835303/k.BEB9/What_is_Ecotourism_ _The_International_Ecotourism_Society.htm http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_11/issue_03/travel_02.html http://goafrica.about.com/od/ecotourisminafrica/Ecotourism_in_Africa.htm http://goafrica.about.com/b/2007/10/05/cultural-tourism-harming-or-helping-tribes-inafrica.htm http://sri-lanka.saarctourism.org/sri-lanka-tourism.html http://foris.fao.org/static/pdf/foph/ecotour.pdf http://www.untamedpath.com/Ecotourism/benefits.html http://iluvthailand.wordpress.com/2008/06/10/ecotourism-is-it-harmful-or-helpful/