Ecotourism - 1

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (mass) tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveller, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights.

POSITIVES OF ECOTOURISM
Since the 1980s ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavour by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Generally, ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. It is intended to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats. It:
• Provides direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
• Respects local culture.
It supports human rights and democratic movement 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 peoples 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.
• Local people benefit from this form of tourism economically, often more...