This book clearly presents the complex and often contradictory subject of ecotourism. Early on, ecotourism was held in a highly favorable light as being the ideal alternative to mass tourism. It was purported to have minimal impact on the natural environment, cultural resources, and indigenous communities while simultaneously it provided economic benefit to local economies. Whereas ecotourism can and does achieve many of these benefits, which are not mutually exclusive, it is not without its faults because research has shown that even the low-impact approach of ecotourism can still inflict changes. These changes include physical impacts by visitors to natural resources such as erosion on trail surfaces, disturbance of fragile cultural resources, disruption and/or displacement of wildlife from their habitat, and social changes to local indigenous cultures. That said, ecotourism is not necessarily a bad thing. It does provide a means for local cultures to take advantage of interest in local resources by outside visitors; much of the revenue associated with ecotourism remains at the point of designation.
Ecotourism allows the visitor to experience many of the wonders of natural and cultural world in a way in which they – the visitor – become better educated about the unique cultures and natural environment which they have chose to visit. The visitor often develops a greater appreciation and understanding of the places that they have chosen to visit. Recognition of these special places often results in increased importance to protect and preserve these resources. Author Ismar Lima clearly illustrates how ecotourism is not without its secondary impacts or consequences, in spite of the many benefits that this small sector of what is the largest industry worldwide; tourism.
This book explains the many wonderful consequences for bringing people to remote and isolated locations and allowing them to experience the wonder of the natural and cultural world. However, the text also sheds light on the many and often complex issues associated with ecotourism. In particular, Lima discusses the confusion central to the term ecotourism, citing literature by highly respected and well-published scholars in the field of ecotourism research. In particular, author Lima incorporates research as part of his doctoral studies in New Zealand, a unique and special location for ecotourism activities partially based on the isolated setting and tremendous natural and cultural landscapes. He also presents issues related to collaborative ecotourism This book clearly presents the complex and often contradictory subject of ecotourism. Early on, ecotourism was held in a highly favorable light as being the ideal alternative to mass tourism. It was purported to have minimal impact on the natural environment, cultural resources, and indigenous communities while simultaneously it provided economic benefit to local economies. Whereas ecotourism can and does achieve many of these benefits, which are not mutually exclusive, it is not without its faults because research has shown that even the low-impact approach of ecotourism can still inflict changes. These changes include physical impacts by visitors to natural resources such as erosion on trail surfaces, disturbance of fragile cultural resources, disruption and/or displacement of wildlife from their habitat, and social changes to local indigenous cultures. That said, ecotourism is not necessarily a bad thing. It does provide a means for local cultures to take advantage of interest in local resources by outside visitors; much of the revenue associated with ecotourism remains at the point of designation.
Ecotourism allows the visitor to experience many of the wonders of natural and cultural world in a way in which they – the visitor – become better educated about the unique cultures and natural environment which they have chose to visit. The visitor often develops a greater appreciation and understanding of the places that they have chosen to visit. Recognition of these special places often results in increased importance to protect and preserve these resources. Author Ismar Lima clearly illustrates how ecotourism is not without its secondary impacts or consequences, in spite of the many benefits that this small sector of what is the largest industry worldwide; tourism.
This book explains the many wonderful consequences for bringing people to remote and isolated locations and allowing them to experience the wonder of the natural and cultural world. However, the text also sheds light on the many and often complex issues associated with ecotourism. In particular, Lima discusses the confusion central to the term ecotourism, citing literature by highly respected and well-published scholars in the field of ecotourism research. The author incorporates research as part of his doctoral studies in New Zealand, a unique and special location for ecotourism activities partially based on the isolated setting and tremendous natural and cultural landscapes. He also presents issues related to collaborative ecotourism.