Ecotourism
International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as travelling responsibly to natural areas that preserve, conserves the environment, and betters the life of the local community. In essence, ecotourism plays such a vital role in ensuring sustainability and that resources are utilized well for the posterity. Duffy (2013) states that ecotourism has become a major area of interest among private sectors, government institutions and international lending organizations because it is environmentally sustainable.
Ecotourism is hedged on some principles provided by the International Ecotourism Society. It aims at minimizing impact and reducing environmental degradation. This also ensures they build sustainable environmental and cultural respect and awareness. In the travelling, the visitors should feel positive and appreciated. The tourists as they visit, it is the aim of eco-tourism that they empower and give financial benefits to the community in that given locality. Matters of climate and environment are as well key components of ecotourism, done through raising awareness and sensitivity on various aspects.
According to Fennell (2014), says that ecotourism has many benefits especially relating to environment conservation. However, some problems emanate from the same. Ecotourism provides employment and investment opportunities for local communities. It further increases the country’s stake protecting their natural resources. However, this benefits will be sustainable if there will be policies to govern how eco-tourism is carried out. Especially in the developing countries, many governments lack sufficient resources required to take care of ecotourism sites. In many parts of the world, marine habitats and forests are being destroyed and some wildlife is becoming endangered and extinct according to a USAID recent evaluation.
Because of the great social and economic role that ecotourism plays, raising awareness on the extent of human development on natural resources should be regularly monitored in order to mitigate any negative consequences.