UNIT 1_ INTRODUCTION TO ECO TOURISM.pptx

eco tourism

1. INTRODUCTION TO ECO TOURISM

2. UNIT 1.1 DEFINING ECO TOURISM Ecotourism Official Definition According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), Ecotourism can be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”. (TIES, 2015). Traveling can be created as an international network of individuals, institutions, and the tourism industry where tourists and tourism professionals are educated on ecological issues.

3. At the same time, the Australian National Ecotourism defines Ecotourism as “ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.” Source: https:// ecotourism.org /what-is-ecotourism/

4. Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions .

5. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of ecotourism. Source: https:// www.gdrc.org / uem /eco-tour/ etour-define.html

6. Ecotourism is a form of sustainable travel that supports the local environment instead of putting more pressure on it and exploiting its resources. Source: https:// www.zmescience.com /other/feature-post/what-is-ecotourism/

7. COMPONENTS OF ECO TOURISM • The natural-based component • Sustainability component • Educational component

8. The natural-based component : It is to be understood that not all 'nature-based tourism' is ecotourism The various activities of ecotourism usually happen in a natural setting Eco Tourism is always dependent on nature (e.g. watching wildlife) Eco tourism is mostly enhanced by nature (e.g. walking, camping) Eco tourism cannot happen in a cyber city, it uses nature as a setting (e.g. zip wire rides, swimming) Ecotourism adds a conservationist, low-impact, community-oriented, etc. dimension to nature- based tourism

9. Sustainability component: Tourism should be developed and maintained in an area so that it is viable over an indefinite period. It should be made sustainable in order to make it available for the future generations. It does not degrade or alter the environment in such a way that it inhibits development or the well-being of other activities and processes. An essential aim of ecotourism is to conserve and preserve nature. The eco tourist are bound not to damage or tamper eco tourist destinations. Eco tourism prominently aims at preserving nature and the environment. As mostly nature lovers and environmentalist take up the eco tours automatically less damage is incurred to nature.

10. Educational component : The education provided in schools and other educational institutions in connection with the environment and ecology enables the preservation and conservation of nature. Ecotourism helps in community development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to local community which is more sustainable. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially biological diversity, and maintain sustainable use of resources, which an bring ecological experience to travelers , conserve the ecological environment and gain economic benefit.

11. GREEN TOURISM Green Tourism is a term that can be applied to any form of tourism that relates to natural environment and cultural heritage of an area or that undertakes good environmental management (or green) practice. • is Sustainable Tourism - tourism which takes into account the needs of the environment, local residents, businesses, and visitors now and in the future.

12. Need for GREEN TOURISM Compulsory compliance with environmental legislation and a commitment to continuous improvement in environmental performance Management and Marketing Demonstrating good environmental management, including staff awareness, specialist training, monitoring Record keeping of green feedback from guests Social Involvement and Communication of environmental actions to customers through variety of channels and range of actions

13. e.g. green policy, promotion of environmental efforts on the website, education, and community and social projects Energy - efficiency of lighting, heating and appliance, insulation and renewable energy use, hot water systems Water - efficiency - e.g. good maintenance, low-consumption appliances, flush offset, rainwater harvesting, as well as using eco-cleaners

14. BEING ECO FRIENDLY Purchasing - environmentally friendly goods and services. E.g. products made from recycled materials, use and promotion of local & organic food and drink, vegetarian foods and etc. Waste - minimization by encouraging, the 'eliminate, reduce, reuse, recycle' principle. e.g. glass, paper, card, plastic and metal recycling; supplier take-back agreements

15. Composting Transport - aims to minimize visitors car use by promoting local and national public transport service, cycle hire, local walking and cycling option, carbon management use of alternative fuels. Natural and Cultural Heritage - on site measures aimed at increasing biodiversity. e.g. wildlife gardening, growing native species, nesting boxes, as well as providing information for visitors on the wildlife on and around the site Innovation - any good and best practice actions to increase a business’s sustainability that are not covered else where