Ecotourism

Small-scale tourism. It is tourism which doesnt harm the environment and benefits the locals, e.g. through employment.

Ecotourism involves: Conservation - protecting and managing the environment.
                                  Stewardship - taking responsibility for conserving the environment.

Only involves small visitor numbers whivh helps to keep the environmental impacts of tourism low.

• Reduces logging and deforestation as locals are persauded to conserve the rainforests since ecotourism will provide a stable income.
• Reduces poaching and hunting since the locals will be compelled to protect the wildlife to encourage tourists to visit and see the wide range of species.
• Ecotourism aims to reduce fossil fuel use by running the ecolodge using renewable energy sources and local food (reduce air miles). This reduces global warming.

• Employs local tourists directly, i.e. staff in hotel.
• Benefits locals indirectly, i.e. hotel requires local produce providing and income for farmers.

• Locals have a stable income.
• Ecotourism schemes fund local projects, e.g. schools and water tanks, helping with development

• Small guest house, small number of guests at once.
• Tourist activities are ecofriendly and aim to teach them about local culture and the importance of conserving the rainforest.
• Employs local people as tour guides and hotel staff, as well as indirectly through the need of local food.

Yes, ecotourism is sustainable since it protects the rainforests conserving them for future generations. It provides locals with an income which has knock-on effects for the countries economy and development. And it increases the quality of life for the locals.