The Children Ecotourism Gambit
Children ecotourism sounds like a somewhat odd mix of words. Usually, when ecotourism is mentioned the images that come to mind will be that of progressive adults who are weaving their progressive causes with plain, old fashioned vacation time. Such a description is somewhat limiting, however.
The reason for this is that ecotourism is not merely a vacation or leisure activity, it is an activity that can provide for tremendous personal growth. Additionally, this personal growth is not exclusive to adults, but it can benefit children as well. In fact, introducing children to ecotourism may prove a valuable investment in their future. (This has been dubbed by some as The children ecotourism gambit) Unfortunately, there will be those who remain forever skeptical of anything with the words personal growth attached to it. This skepticism, however, would be harmful to the children ecotourism gambit.
Children ecotourism and personal growth
When the term personal growth is used, it often conjures up images of new age style pop psychology. This will, in some cases, draw a certain level of sneers from those who here the term. Part of the reason for this is that pop psychology movements have a tendency to be created from limited research and then what has been created is packaged for mass consumerism in the form of self help books, cds, etc.
While there is some benefit to such psychology, there will always be a negative cloud of a doubt of legitimacy thanks in part to the over commercialization of the product. This is really not the case in the ecotourism realm as ecotourism is based on a number of solid and sound principles that deal with a love for the environment and conservation. There is a value system at play here because a deep rooted understanding of ecotourism will create the impetus for developing personal growth through a dedication to a higher cause that is based in legitimate love as opposed to commercial gain.
As such, children ecotourism endeavors will help instill in young children value systems that provide a pathway to personal growth and maturity as their activities are based on a serious concern for maintaining a greater good in the natural world.
Children ecotourism activities are unique and fun and can be enjoyed by children of all ages. Additionally, there are a number of spiritual benefits children ecotourism ventures can provide. Because of this, it would be of great benefit to provide a child with an ecotourism activity as it will shape their lives forever.
Cons Of Ecotourism
In fact, this site is so comprehensive some of the information presented on the site can prove to be very, very eye opening.
It is also almost a custom to leave a tiny footprint when one visits such places. Also, in parks, lookout towers are sometimes built in trees. The public had simply not been educated towards understanding the severity of the situation. Because of the fact that from the awareness that it creates there comes a movement for conservation. The global ecotourism conference of 2007 at Oslo also had many presentations as well as manuscripts presented by various speakers at the conference that touched on various topics including ecotourism and local sustainable development and also ecotourism and nature conservation. This great ecotourism potential is also throwing up many more ecotourism destinations and there is stiff competition among many countries which means that countries with more than beaches, coral reefs and marine biodiversity will profit more than others.
It is also almost a custom to leave a tiny footprint when one visits such places.
Most often, such protected areas are used in promotion of nature tourism so that people can enjoy as well as experience in its true form. We can expect to read the Oslo Statement on Ecotourism that was an outcome of the global ecotourism conference of 2007 and which is yet to be published which is sure to provide many answers to the main questions and challenges facing ecotourism and also making a commitment to improve the practice of ecotourism. When the subject of teaching ecotourism comes up, people may give the person who brought up the subject a quizzical look.
Along with ecotourism, Kerala also has many festivals rich in color of local customs and the outstanding culinary delights that makes it a very special ecotourism destination indeed.
This is just one example of how ecotourism has been known to try and take over the beliefs of others that spend a lot of time in nature. The various choices and activities that one could take part in, in the realm of ecotourism are vast and all-encompassing. On the whole, however ecotourism is more beneficial to the area and also the locals and the negative effects of ecotourism are few and not so great as to threaten the ecology and the peoples in any great measure. |
