Transportation Issues Are Key In Limiting Impact

While some may think of ecotourism as a single entity, with very limited opportunities for travel to certain types of locations, the truth is that people have been experiencing various types of ecotourism. For example, rather than just being a way of experiencing wildlife without hunting, for example, ecotourism can also mean involvement in a particular type of agriculture.

Agro-tourism encourages travelers to experience local agriculture in person, and the variation on traditional holidays is gathering support. This is true whether you travel to Alaska, Australia or through the Murcia San Javier airport. Some of the most enthusiastic supporters of agro-tourism are the local people whose lives are most affected by tourism of the traditional type.

People in rural areas have come to understand that sustainable agriculture, combined with the correct tourism programs, can yield a profitable form of “green” tourism. The key, of course, is to design and promote a sustainable type of development in which man-made structures and transportation do not have huge negative effects on the region.

Ecotourism at its best makes room for the local population to participate in the development and operation of tourism entities, whether it be transportation, food, demonstrations or the continuation of a traditional practice that interests visitors. When joining in the activity, local residents must benefit from the revenues in a reasonable way, not allowing the bulk of money and other benefits to leave the native population behind.

Some ecotourism proponents are concentrating on a program generally known as “pro-poor” tourism, in which the populations of less-developed countries receive direct economic assistance as well as other types of help. Links are established between mass tourism companies and individuals who might suffer under more exploitive methods of travel and entertainment.

Each of these types of ecotourism is distinct, in a way, yet all of them have a similar vision. The basic principles are the same: minimizing negative impact on wildlife and the environment; building cultural awareness; encouraging respect for the local traditions and cultures; provide direct financial benefits when conservation practices are followed.

Local populations must also be given the choice and power to come up with their own programs, within the traditional social and political climate of the country or region. Ecotourism also has the larger goal of encouraging and enforcing human rights and labor rights on a global scale.

Of course, there will always be both positive and negative issues with ecotourism, as with any world-class endeavor. But if the people involved, on both sides, will take the task seriously those issues can be dealt with adequately. With the proper understanding and sensitivity to local needs, the positive results can outweigh the negative outcomes. This can only happen when everyone involved, and those who will choose ecotourism in the future, work together to make the vision become reality.

By any name, whether it is nature tourism, ecotourism or non-traditional tourism, this new movement has become an industry, which can provide benefits for all involved. Small businesses and site developers must work together to ensure that ecotourism destinations are sustainable and have little or no environmental impact. Making ecotourism a positive contributor to the global economy and a positive influence on environmental conditions will require much effort, both from tourists and from local populations.