Module 3: Eco-Tourism PDF

WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] MODU...

WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] MODULE 3: ECO-TOURISM WHAT IS ECO-TOURISM? Ecotourism is a form of tourism that focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, with the aim of minimizing ecological impact and promoting conservation. It involves visiting natural habitats and engaging in activities that contribute to the well-being of local communities while raising awareness about environmental and cultural preservation. PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISM HERE ARE FEW OF THE CURRENT PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISM Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts: Ecotourism aims to minimize any negative impacts on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. This includes reducing pollution, waste generation, disturbance to wildlife, and respecting the traditions and customs of local communities. Build environmental and cultural awareness, and respect: Ecotourism promotes the understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and local cultures. It encourages travelers to engage in activities that enhance their knowledge, respect local customs, and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts: Ecotourism seeks to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for travelers while ensuring that the well-being of local communities is maintained. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with local people, supporting local businesses, and fostering mutually beneficial relationships. ELEMENTS OF ECOTOURISM 1. Nature and Conservation: Ecotourism focuses on visiting natural areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and pristine environments. It promotes the conservation and protection of biodiversity, ecosystems, and endangered species. 2. Sustainability: Ecotourism strives to minimize its environmental impact by adopting sustainable practices. This includes reducing waste, conserving resources, using renewable energy, and supporting local conservation efforts. 3. Education and Interpretation: Ecotourism aims to raise awareness and educate travelers about the importance of conservation and sustainability. It provides opportunities for learning through guided tours, informational exhibits, and interpretive programs that highlight the ecological, cultural, and historical significance of the destination. 4. Community Involvement and Empowerment: Ecotourism seeks to engage and empower local communities. It involves their active participation in decision-making, benefit-sharing, and the development of sustainable tourism initiatives. Community-based ecotourism helps generate income, create employment, and strengthen local economies. 5. Ethical and Responsible Travel: Ecotourism follows ethical guidelines, respecting the rights and traditions of local communities and Indigenous peoples. It promotes responsible behaviors, such as respecting wildlife, supporting local businesses, and buying local products.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] 6. Small-scale and Low-impact Tourism: Ecotourism favors small-scale tourism operations that have minimal impact on the environment. This allows for a more intimate and immersive experience for visitors while reducing the negative effects on fragile ecosystems and communities. CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION OF ECOTOURISM Tourism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been defined in numerous ways. However, at its core, tourism refers to the movement of people for leisure, business, or other purposes from their place of origin to a destination beyond their immediate surroundings. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism comprises the activities of people traveling to and staying in places outside their habitual environment for no more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes. COMPONENTS OF ECOTOURISM Natural Environment Conservation: Ecotourism places a strong emphasis on protecting and conserving the natural environment. It involves visiting and Natural Environment Conservation: Ecotourism places a strong emphasis on protecting and conserving the natural environment. It involves visiting and appreciating natural areas such as national parks, protected areas, and fragile ecosystems while minimizing any negative impacts on biodiversity, habitats, and wildlife. appreciating natural areas such as national parks, protected areas, and fragile ecosystems while minimizing any negative impacts on biodiversity, habitats, and wildlife. Community Involvement and Benefits: Ecotourism strives to involve and empower local communities. It fosters the active participation of local people in the planning, development, and management of tourism activities. Furthermore, it ensures that tourism directly benefits local communities through economic opportunities, job creation, capacity building, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Environmental Education and Interpretation: Ecotourism provides opportunities for environmental education and interpretation. It aims to raise awareness and knowledge about the natural environment, conservation issues, and sustainable practices. This can be achieved through guided tours, educational programs, informative signage, and interactive exhibits. Sustainable Practices: Ecotourism incorporates sustainable practices throughout all aspects of tourism operations. This includes reducing waste generation, conserving resources (e.g., water, energy), minimizing pollution, adopting environmentally friendly transportation options, and promoting the use of local and organic products. Responsible Visitor Behavior: Ecotourism encourages visitors to adopt responsible and respectful behaviors. This includes adhering to codes of conduct, such as respecting wildlife, leaving no trace, supporting local communities, and engaging in cultural exchange. Conservation Research and Monitoring: Ecotourism supports scientific research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives. By partnering with local organizations and researchers, ecotourism can contribute valuable data and knowledge to conservation efforts while helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the environment and its challenges. Quality Visitor Experiences: Ecotourism seeks to provide visitors with high-quality experiences that are immersive, educational, and meaningful. This includes offering opportunities for nature-based activities, cultural exchanges, and interactions with local communities that respect their traditions in and customs.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] ACTIVITIES OF ECOTOURISM IN A NATURAL SETTING Hiking and Trekking: Hiking and trekking through natural landscapes enable visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the beauty of the environment while promoting physical activity and a closer connection with nature. Trails are often well-maintained to minimize environmental impact and provide educational signage to enhance the experience. Wildlife Viewing and Safaris: Ecotourism often offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and safaris that prioritize observing animals in their natural habitats, respecting their behavior and environment. These activities typically involve knowledgeable guides who provide informative insights into the local flora and fauna. Birdwatching: Birdwatching is a popular ecotourism activity that focuses on observing and appreciating various bird species in their natural habitats. It often involves guided tours led by bird experts who provide identification tips and ecological knowledge. Kayaking and Canoeing: These activities allow visitors to explore water-based ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands while minimizing disturbance to the natural habitats and wildlife. They offer a unique perspective and the opportunity to observe aquatic plants, animals, and birds up close. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: In coastal and marine environments, snorkeling and scuba diving activities enable visitors to explore vibrant coral reefs, observe marine life, and learn about the importance of conservation and sustainable practices in protecting these fragile ecosystems. Nature Photography: Ecotourism provides an excellent opportunity for nature photography enthusiasts to capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and plants in their natural settings. Responsible photography practices, such as maintaining a safe distance and avoiding disturbance to wildlife, are encouraged. Educational Programs: Many ecotourism initiatives include educational programs and workshops that aim to raise awareness about local ecosystems, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices. These programs often include lectures, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences that promote environmental education and an understanding of the importance of protecting natural resources. SUSTAINABLE COMPONENT A SUSTAINABLE COMPONENT IN ECOTOURISM REFERS TO THE PRACTICES AND PRINCIPLES THAT ENSURE THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES, CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY, AND SUPPORT FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES. LOCAL ISSUES ECOTOURISM HAS BEEN A POPULAR WAY TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES. HOWEVER, THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES RELATED TO ECOTOURISM THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED TO ENSURE THAT IT IS SUSTAINABLE AND BENEFICIAL FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] EDUCATIONAL COMPONENTS EDUCATION PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE FIELD OF ECOTOURISM, PROVIDING VISITORS WITH VALUABLE INFORMATION AND RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS. ECOTOURISM MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS ECONOMIC IMPACTS- ECOTOURISM CAN HAVE SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON BOTH LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE. IT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOB CREATION, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW BUSINESSES AND SERVICES. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS- IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ECOTOURISM CAN VARY DEPENDING ON FACTORS SUCH AS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT, VISITOR BEHAVIOR, AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES. PROPER PLANNING, REGULATION, AND EDUCATION CAN HELP MITIGATE THESE IMPACTS AND ENSURE THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF ECOTOURISM. -ECOTOURISM CAN HAVE BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SOCIAL IMPACTS, AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO CAREFULLY MANAGE AND BALANCE THEM TO ENSURE MAXIMUM BENEFITS TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE. EVOLUTION OF ECOTOURISM The concept of ecotourism emerged in the early 1980s as a form of travel that aimed to allow people to explore different and exotic environments while minimizing harm to the environment. It became an official term in 1982 when it was recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary. The history of ecotourism can be traced back even further, as early as 1901, when a group of individuals embarked on a trip to preserve forests, although it did not have a specific name or distinct identity from traditional tourism at that time. Over the years, ecotourism has evolved and grown in popularity. It focuses on promoting sustainable practices, minimizing the negative impact on the environment, and benefiting local communities. Ecotourism has expanded to cover various aspects, including wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and community development. Governments, organizations, and individuals have recognized the importance of ecotourism in promoting conservation and sustainable development. Efforts have been made to establish guidelines, certifications, and initiatives to ensure that ecotourism practices align with its core principles. Overall, the evolution of ecotourism reflects society's growing awareness of the need to protect the environment and its desire to experience and appreciate natural wonders while minimizing negative impacts. INTERNATIONAL ECOTOURISM SOCIETY The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1990 to promote responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities. Its mission is to provide guidance and  WCC AERONAUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT North Manila Campus I [email protected] support to those involved in the development and management of ecotourism. The organization has been at the forefront of promoting ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, and educational resources for its members. TEN COMMANDMENTS OF ECOTOURISM 1. Respect the frailty of the earth. Realize that unless we all help preserve it, unique and beautiful destinations may not be here for future generations to enjoy. 2. Leave only footprints. Take only photographs. No graffiti! No litter! 3. Learn about and respect local cultures and ways of life. Be non-intrusive and ask before photographing people. 4. Take care when participating in adventure activities; make sure that operations are conducted responsibly. 5. Support ecotourism. Buy locally made handicrafts and products to support the local economy. 6. Respect the natural environment. Do not remove anything from natural habitats except for memories and photographs. 7. Minimize the use of non-renewable resources and the generation of waste. 8. Learn as much as possible about the destination and its ecotourism attractions before arrival. 9. Support conservation efforts. Donate money and time to support conservation programs and research. 10. Use an ecotourism operator who follows these principles and ask questions to ensure they do.