Ecotourism and Nature Conservation

Ecotourism and nature conservation feed off each other. Basically, good ecotourism provides funds for sound nature conservation, which in turn encourages more ecotourism.

But first, what is ecotourism? It's one of those words which mean different things to different people, and, is somewhat misused by companies and individuals claiming eco credentials.

Basically, is means being a responsible tourist in terms of your 'footprint' in any given holiday destination. And the footprint analogy is good, because if you travel somewhere and smash through the place with your big boots on, then you are not a responsible tourist. But, take care where you place your feet, and delicately walk through the strange environment in which you are a brief visitor, then you might well be able to claim the title of ecotourist.

A good ecotourist is concerned about the conservation of the environment they are visiting and its people and communities. They are also concerned about how they get there, as sustainable travel is all the rage.

So, the good ecotourist has to careful about their impact upon their holiday destination. They also have to demonstrate respect for the culture, politics and habits of their 'hosts.' Good ecotourists try and give something back to the community, in the shape of knowledge and experience; almost acting as an ambassador for their own country. They also endeavour to provide an economic benefit for their hosts - letting them share in their prosperity. It's the trickle down theory of capitalism.

And, most importantly, the good ecotourist provides funds for nature conservation. Obviously, these funds are not usually hand-outs to street based charity workers, but as a key part of the local economy. A percentage of fees from say museum visits, sites of historical interest, or diving fees, can all contribute to funds used for nature conservation. So, the good ecotourist plans ahead, ensuring that their holiday activities can actually help with nature conservation.

And what is nature conservation? In basic terms, it's the protection, management and improvement of the local environment.

First, a sobering fact; the World Wildlife Fund estimate that humans have, since the 1970s, destroyed almost a third of the natural world. Secondly, a more optimistic thought, a tourist can do something to help right this situation.

Lets take a quick example. The lion population has been decimated in Africa, with now only around 20,000 of the creatures roaming the plains, compared to 200,000 some 30 years ago. Shooting them for sport has played a major part in their downfall, but nowadays it's more the encroachment of human communities that is reducing their natural habitat. And as very few of these communities benefit directly from tourists interested in seeing lions in their day to day lives, then no economic benefit is provided. But should tourists start to want to see lions; want to pay for the priviledge of observing these splendid creatures, then there might be hope for them yet. So, a good ecotourist, rather than just lying by the poolside, will go on that lion trip and pay his money.

Ecotourism and nature conservation; make sure you play your part.

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