Ecotourism Concepts and Characteristics

Accommodation that involves high density, large scale, and is often owned by non-local corporations. It generally dominates the local economy and has minimal regulation.

Accommodation that involves low density, small scale, and is often owned by locals. It complements existing economic activity and has extensive regulation.

Tourism that focuses on experiencing the local culture, traditions, and heritage of a destination.

A type of tourism that focuses on environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, minimizing negative impacts and supporting local communities.

The overlap between ecotourism and cultural tourism. Ecotourists can be exposed to the local culture during their trip, while cultural tourists might enjoy nature-based experiences as part of their journey.

Tourism that takes into account the social, economic, and environmental impact of travel and strives to preserve the destination for future generations.

Sustainable tourism focused on building strong local communities, maintaining their culture, and ensuring their well-being.

Tourism that focuses on minimizing negative impacts on the environment and preserving natural resources.

Wildlife Tourism involves observing animals in their natural environments, like their own habitats. This specific type of tourism is a subset of nature tourism, and it attracts many people.

Wildlife tourism includes observing a variety of animals, both wild and non-domesticated. This can involve seeing animals roaming freely in their natural surroundings or in controlled environments.

Wildlife tourism can take place in a variety of environments, including land, water, and air. You might be observing kangaroos, koalas, whales, dolphins, seals, fish, or birds.

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that emphasizes responsible travel to natural areas, focusing on conservation, education, and minimizing environmental impact.

Ecotourism can be defined in various ways, ranging from broad general descriptions to specific and detailed outlines.

Ecotourism is based on two main principles: it must be nature-based and it must be sustainable.

While nature is the core focus of Ecotourism, it can also include cultural elements. This acknowledges that natural environments are often influenced by human presence or history.

Ecotourism often emphasizes charismatic megafauna, megaflora, and megaliths. These are species, plants, or geological features that attract a lot of interest.

A protected area in the Philippines encompassing the highest mountain in the country, known for its diverse range of plant and animal life.

A protected area in the Philippines, home to diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, and volcanic features.

A protected area in the Philippines known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its diverse bird species.

A protected area in the Philippines, featuring a mountain range with unique geological features and significant biodiversity.

A category of protected areas that focus on conserving natural ecosystems and their biodiversity.

A designation signifying the importance of a protected area's natural beauty, unique geological features, or biodiversity.

A criteria considered for World Heritage Site designation, recognizing a site's outstanding natural beauty and unique geological formations.

A criteria considered for World Heritage Site designation, recognizing a site's importance for biodiversity and the protection of endangered species.

The system of protected areas in a country, which includes national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other conservation areas.

The distribution and size of protected areas vary significantly across a country, often influenced by geography and human settlements.

Protected areas may be small and fragmented, limiting their effectiveness in protecting the ecosystems they're intended to represent.

External factors, such as human activities and invasive species, can negatively impact protected areas, even if they are formally protected.

The process of improving the management and effectiveness of protected areas to better achieve conservation goals.

Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on protected areas, with potential benefits for local communities but also risks to the environment.

The government agencies in a country responsible for managing protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves.

The planning and implementation of strategies to protect a particular area from environmental degradation.

Refer to the physical characteristics of a site that make it suitable for ecotourism activities. This includes factors like terrain, accessibility, and the presence of unique natural features.

Tangible assets used in the tourism industry, including buildings, equipment, and infrastructure.

A type of protected area in China characterized by strict regulations, high conservation value, and limited human activity. These areas are often set aside for scientific research and biodiversity protection.

Protected areas in China that allow for a wider range of human activities, including sustainable resource use, eco-tourism, and local community development.

The rapid expansion of protected areas in China can lead to challenges in effectively managing and regulating them. This may result in weaker environmental protection and inappropriate activities within these areas.

The lack of adequate resources and attention to detail in the management and planning of protected areas in China can have negative consequences for their effectiveness in protecting the environment.

A specific example illustrating the challenges of implementing ecotourism in Chinese protected areas. Wolong Nature Reserve, known for its giant panda population, has faced challenges in balancing tourism development with conservation efforts.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) is a government organization under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) responsible for promoting research and development in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources.

The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act (Republic Act 7586) is the primary law in the Philippines protecting wildlife species and their habitats, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.

General protective measures are designed to safeguard various aspects of the environment, including endangered species, natural landscapes, and historical monuments, to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and ensure a balance between development and conservation.

Impact control measures aim to mitigate the negative effects of tourism on the environment and local communities, promoting sustainable practices and preserving the destination for future generations.

One of the impact control measures to reduce the negative impact of tourism is to create general protective measures to protect the environment. This includes establishing natural parks, conservation areas, and preserving historical sites and buildings.

Another impact control measure is to focus on spreading awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism practices among tourists and local communities to minimize negative impacts and promote responsible travel.

Donating to environmental organizations and initiatives that support conservation efforts, habitat protection, and sustainable tourism practices helps finance projects to mitigate the negative impact of tourism.

Environmental organizations play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism practices, educating the public about environmental concerns related to tourism, and advocating for policies that protect natural resources.