Ecotourism - Social Studies

What is ecotourism?

Ecotourism is officially defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education. Its foremost purpose is uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. (TIES, 2015). Additionally, ecotourism provides numerous advantages to our circumstances as it enhances cultural and environmental awareness, promotes employment and financial opportunities for local people, encourages conservation, and focuses on unadulterated, pristine natural environments. Ecotourism provides both positive and beneficial outcomes for the world, unlike tourism. Tourism, as a whole, has negatively altered the natural beauty of certain places. They have troubled natural resources through over-consumption, frequently in regions where resources are previously limited. 

Why is it a growing trend?

As our generation proceeds to modernize our world, we forget that our natural resources are depleting simultaneously as we expand our world to modern technologies. While this issue continues, ecotourism is now being practised all over the planet, gaining popularity. Furthermore, it continues to grow in trend since it has provided several benefits to the locals and economy. 

How can tourism help our ocean?

One of the benefits ecotourism offers was environmental awareness this; has increased the ecological concerns of locals and has improved biodiversity and marine conservation.