ECOTOURISM PHILOSOPHIES AND PRACTICES: A ROUTE TO SUSTAINABILITY? https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=wworgepo7ve
The Context Entered the lexicon in the1980s Rising environmentalism Reaction to mass tourism Symbolic of a re-thinking of the societynatural environment relationship Indicative of an increasing interest in nature
DIMENSIONS OF ECOTOURISM Activity: tourism which is based upon experiencing natural and cultural resources; Business: tour operators providing ecotourism tours; Philosophy: a respect for land, nature, people and cultures; Strategy: an approach for conservation, economic development and cultural revival; Marketing: to attract tourists with interests in nature; Handle: convenient aegis for a number of tourism related concepts e.g. responsible tourism; sustainable tourism Symbol: of the debate about the relationship between tourism and the environment; Principles and Goals: to ensure the conservation of nature through environmentally planned and managed tourism, i.e. sustainable tourism
Key issues of ecotourism What is its philosophy, principles, practices and goals? Is it a type of tourism product? Why should it not lead to nature being spoiled from tourism development the destination life-cycle?
Unpacking the term Emphasis is placed upon the role of nature [eco = ecological] Also has an economic dimension [eco = economic]
Definition of Ecotourism Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of people The Ecotourism Society (1991) now the International Ecotourism Society
Unpacking the definition Responsible travel= consumer ethics and environmentally responsible behaviour (ERB) Nature conservation and well-being=sd Natural areas= Social and cultural construction https://www.responsibletravel.com/copy/responsibletourism Travel Foundation http://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/?id=50&gclid=eai aiqobchmincyz6ltm1givceabch37rakdeaayasaaegkmr vd_bwe
ECOTOURISM WITH AN ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM DIMENSION Low impact nature tourism which contributes to the maintenance of species and habitats either directly through a contribution to conservation and/or indirectly by providing revenue to the local community sufficient for local people to value, and therefore protect, their wildlife heritage area as a source of income. Goodwin, H. (1996:288) In pursuit of ecotourism, Biodiversity and Conservation, 5, pp 277-291
Types of ecotourism Hard ecotourism is characterised by: small groups of dedicated environmentalist FITs (free and independent travellers) who seek mentally and physically challenging experiences within nonserviced wilderness settings. Soft ecotourism, in contrast, involves larger numbers of visitors congregating in sites that provide extensive services and facilities, but only a superficial encounter with nature Fennell and Weaver, (2005:378)
Ecotourism s Core Criteria a focus on nature based attractions with associated cultural influences; the provision of environmental education and learning opportunities as an integral part of the visitor experience; and management to ensure ecological, sociocultural and economic sustainability (Blamey, 2001; Fennell and Weaver, 2005; Weaver and Lawton, 2007)
Typical goals of ecotourism projects Sustainable (defined as meeting present needs without compromising the ability to meet future needs) Give the visitor a unique & outstanding experience with education Maintain the quality of the environment Provide economic benefits for local communities Participatory planning approaches Empowerment
Challenges Eco-opportunistic western exploitation (Cater, 2006) Trail blazers (Wheeller, 1993,1997) Political economy and hegemony Carbon-based tourism mobility
References Blamey, R.K. (2001) in Weaver, D.B, (ed.) The Encyclopaedia of Ecotourism, CABI, Wallingford, ch1, pp 5-22 Cater, E. (2006) Ecotourism as a Western Construct, Journal of Ecotourism. Fennell, D. and Weaver, D. (2005) The Ecotourism Concept and Tourism- Conservation Symbiosis, Journal of Sustainable Tourism 13, 4, pp 373-390 Goodwin, H. (1996) In Pursuit of Ecotourism, Biodiversity and Conservation, 5, pp 277 91. Weaver, D. and Lawton, L.J. (2007) Twenty years on: The state of contemporary ecotourism research, Tourism Management, 28, 1168-1179 Wheeller, B. (1993) Sustaining the ego?, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1(2): 23 9. Wheeller, B (1997) in Stabler, M.J. (ed) Tourism and sustainability: Principles to practice, pp 39-50, Cab, Wallingford
Seminar exercise- Mabira Rain Forest (Smith, L. (2007) Eco-tourists save forest jewels from bulldozers, The Times, London, p29, October 29 ) What are the types of claims for land-use of the Mabira Rain Forest? How did the financial benefits of the two suggested development options compare? What was the commercial value of tourism and carbon capture? What does carbon capture mean? How can we put a value on this? What is the significance of ecotourism to the Ugandan economy? What is the link between environmental health and the Ugandan economy? What is the basis of the attraction at Mabira Rain Forest?
Seminar 2 Maldives Exercise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c ZSbe_HJts summary of ecotourism