What is Ecotourism?
Philippines - Tourism in the Philippines
Ecotourism is used to mean tourism based principally upon the natural and archeological resources such as birds and other wildlife, scenic areas, reefs, caves, fossil sites, archeological sites, wetlands, and areas of rare and extinct species. It is primarily resource-based, protection of these natural and archeological resources is essential for sustained ecotourism.
Governments are increasingly interested in ecotourism primarily because of its large economic benefits and its resource conservation and environmental protection aspects. It provides income and it promotes environmental awareness. Ecotourism can produce a major influx to (foreign and domestic) monies to an area, a whole region, or a state or country. It also helps protect the natural and cultural values of an area. Ecotourism helps educate individuals throughout the society concerning the values of natural and cultural areas, and builds constituencies for these areas. It helps develop local govermment and landowner pride in resources, and, It offers both in-country and out-of-country educational and scientific research opportunities.
Potential ecological problems posed by ecotourism are the direct damage done to sensitive areas like trampling, collecting of plants and animals, and the damage done due to construction of infrastructures, etc. Unintentional destruction may also occur by overzealous land owners attempting to capitalize upon visitors.
The non-ecological problems posed by ecotourism are the anticipated or the expected increase may not materialize for a country, region or site after funds are spent for ecotourism development, and ecotourists may be attracted initially to an area and come on time, but not return, resulting in a “one shot” in tourism and economic benefits for the area.
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