What Is Ecotourism? Types, Examples, Advantages and Disadvantages

Ecotourism is a type of tourism that values sustainability and the natural world. It entails responsible visiting of natural regions that preserve the environment, promote the welfare of the local populace, and provide opportunities for interpretation and education. The worldwide ecotourism industry is projected to expand by an average of 15.2% each year between 2022 and 2030. By 2030, it’s expected to reach a total value of $665.20 billion.

Ecotourism aims to conserve the environment and boost the economy of local society. Ecotourism allows tourists to interact with nature and motivates them to lead environment-friendly lives. Ecotourism also tries to reduce the impact of tourism on nature. Examples of Ecotourism are snorkeling, wildlife sanctuaries, hiking, and trekking. The environmentalist Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin coined the term ecotourism in 1983.

Definition of Ecotourism

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines the ecosystem as responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education. There are 4 C’s of ecotourism: Conservation, Community, Commerce and Culture.

Principles of Ecotourism

The main principles of Ecotourism are

• Working together with indigenous people and getting to know about their customs and traditions.
• It aims to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on natural areas.
• Ecotourism also wants to create respect for local culture and awareness about the environment.
• The local community should be benefitted economically.

Difference between Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

There are many differences between Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

Ecotourism	Sustainable Tourism
Ecotourism focuses on travelling to areas which are rich in Flora and Fauna.	Sustainable Tourism focuses on making travelling sustainable and less harmful to the environment.
The primary goal of ecotourism is the conservation of wildlife and natural habitat .	The primary goal is to balance social, economic and environmental aspects.
Ecotourism emphasizes nature-centric experiences.	Sustainable Tourism emphasize on holistic approach considering economic sustainability, community welfare and environmental impact.
Ecotourism emphasize on educating tourists about conservation practices.	Sustainable tourism creates awareness about sustainable practices.

Examples of Ecotourism

There are many examples of Ecotourism

• Hiking and trekking: There are many hiking and trekking circuits in India. Examples are Beas Kund Trek (Himachal Pradesh), Doon Valley Trek (Uttarakhand), Chandratal Lake Trek (Himachal Pradesh).
• National parks: There are ecotourism plans in many national parks such as Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal and Gahirmatha National Park in Orissa.
• Wildlife sanctuaries: There are many wildlife sanctuaries but one wildlife sanctuary in Kerela erstwhile Parambikulum Wildlife Sanctuary which is now part of Parambikulum Tiger Reserve provided the tribal population of that area livelihood.
• Snorkelling : Eco- snorkelling is one of the favourite ecotourism activities of travellers. There are many snorkelling routes in the Mariana Trench and Australia.
• Diving: Diving includes routes like Mexico to Tanzania, the Hawaiian Islands. It helps to understand nature through activity.
• Biosphere reserves :Nilgiri biosphere reserve and ecotourism go hand in hand. Panchmukhi Biosphere Reserve is another example.
• Camping: Camping is another ecotourism activity. Various examples are Tirthan Valley Camping.

Types of Ecotourism

There are 4 Types of Ecotourism:

Mutually Beneficial Community Development Trips

Features about Mutually Beneficial Community Development Trips are:

• It is based on community development.
• Travelers often go to a developing nation and participate in activities which will help local communities.
• Traveller benefits from an authentic experience of local culture and traditions.

Eco Lodging and Low Impact Accommodation

Features about Eco Lodging and Low Impact Accommodation are:

• The Eco Lodge is developed sustainably.
• It can be in the form of huts, houses and tents.
• Eco lodging doesn’t interfere with the local community and wildlife.

Eco Trekking and Activity-Based Ecotourism

Features about Eco Trekking and Activity-Based Ecotourism are:

• Eco-trekking is considered educational travel.
• Hiking and climbing are included in this.
• It also causes minimal disruption to the environment.

Agritourism and a Focus on Rural Communities

Features about Agritourism and a Focus on Rural Communities are:

• Agricultural activities are included in this.
• Travellers will visit rural areas and participate in rural activities.
• It will contribute to local economy.

Advantages of Ecotourism

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s first acknowledge the numerous advantages of ecotourism. Ecotourism holds several benefits, including:

• Environmental Awareness: In Konkan, Maharashtra. Various organisations such as the Mangrove Foundation under the Maharashtra Forest Department support initiatives to create awareness
• Conservation of natural resources: Last year, Debrigarh ecotourism was in the news because of its success in conservation and livelihood boost. Thus, helping in the conservation of natural resources
• Strengthening of local communities: The Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to partner up with private sector investors to develop 1000 villages having potential for ecotourism which will further help in strengthening local communities.
• Boost to the economy: Ecotourism helps to boost the economy of local societies and provides employment. In 2023, an ecotourism initiative in the Medak district of Hyderabad helped to boost the income of rural communities
• Understanding local culture: It helps to encourage understanding between different cultures as tourists spend time with the local community.
• Knowledge about the environment: It helps to gain knowledge about nature. The experts believe that states like Goa have the potential of becoming a model state for ecotourism
• Aesthetic values and ecological balance: Ecotourism is important for its aesthetic values and ecological balance.

Disadvantages of Ecotourism

Before we start looking closely at ecotourism, it’s crucial to acknowledge some of the disadvantages associated with ecotourism. Even though ecotourism tries to encourage responsible travel and protect nature, it has its own problems. Here are a few of them:

• Pollution: Sometimes ecotourism causes pollution and damage to natural habitats because some stakeholders are only worried about making money and not about nature
• Increased pressure on resources: There is increased pressure on local resources. The G20 has also discussed ecotourism in 2023.
• Hunting of rare species: Hunting down rare species to make it a tourist attraction.
• Noise Pollution: It also creates noise pollution
• Seasonal Jobs: Jobs can be seasonal for example, the ecotourism season for tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries begins in Uttar Pradesh in November and ends in June.

How is Ecotourism different from Regular tourism?

Ecotourism is different from regular tourism in many ways

• Regular tourism involves fun, and relaxation whereas ecotourism means getting in touch with rural areas and the environment.
• Regular tourism is tourist-centric whereas ecotourism believes in the development of the well-being of a particular area which is rich in Flora and fauna.

Importance of Ecotourism

Ecotourism is important in many ways

• Local communities get an economic boost.
• It motivates people to lead environmentally sustainable lives so that the people learn to avoid unnecessary usage of resources.
• It gives tourists a chance to interact with nature.
• It tries to reduce the impact of tourism on nature.
• It employs the local people.

How popular is Ecotourism?

Every year there is an increase of 10% in ecotourists. Ecotourism has seen a boom in popularity because people are looking for serene places to get a break from their hectic lives. People aware of the need for natural resources want to conserve them and contribute to keeping them safe.

Examples of Ecotourism in India

There are many examples of ecotourism in India.

• Bandipur National Park in Karnataka is famous for ecotourism. It also has second highest tigr population in India. Many resorts and lodges are there to enjoy the stay in National Park.
• Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal has many activities such as Sundarbans tour by boats, boat safari and bird watching
• Tribal Excursion in Chhattisgarh includes getting to know about culture of different tribes such as Gond, Botra, Halva and Maria

Impact of Ecotourism on Society

Ecotourism has both positive and negative impacts

• Ecotourism is spreading its positive impacts by encouraging people to lead a sustainable life, interact with nature and develop these places sustainably
• Ecotourism has its negative impacts as well. Environmentalists want to use the model to develop rural places and conserve nature whereas the tourism industry considers this as a model to attract tourists

Conclusion

Ecotourism uses both ecology and tourism together. It has gained popularity in the past few years. Ecotourism as a model of conserving nature and business is successful but there is a need to strike a balance between both. This unbalanced approach is making the rural area congested which is degrading the natural beauty. If not taken a balanced approach, the ecotourist spots will become similar to regular tourist spots.

FAQs on Ecotourism – Its Examples, Pros and Cons

What is the definition of Ecotourism?

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecosystem as responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.

How is Ecotourism different from Regular Tourism?

Ecotourism is different from regular tourism. Ecotourism aims to conserve the environment, imparting knowledge about local culture and sustainable development of the concerned area.

What is Ecotourism UPSC geography optional?

Ecotourism is a blend of ecology and tourism. It is travelling to a destination which is rich in Flora and Fauna. It aims to learn and appreciate nature.

What are the 4 C’s of Ecotourism?

The 4 C’s of ecotourism are Conservation, Community, Commerce and Culture. Ecosystems focus on conserving nature, giving a boost to the local community by providing commerce opportunities and also helping people to understand different cultures.

Who is the father of Ecotourism?

The environmentalist Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin coined the term ecotourism in 1983.