How Not to Save the Environment: Environmental Damage Caused by Bad Ecotourism
The environment is precious to all forms of life, because without the environment, nothing would survive. Over the years more and more damage has been done to the environment by humanity. For example, gas emissions from cars and trucks have damaged the ozone layers. So, various groups have decided to educate people about the environment by creating ecotourism events. However, are these groups aware of the environmental damage that is caused by bad ecotourism?
How Environmental Damage is Caused by Bad Ecotourism
Perhaps the idea of ecotourism was formed with good intentions, but the fact is that there is much environmental damage that is caused by bad ecotourism. Sometimes, getting up-close with nature is something that really does not benefit the situation.
A very common example of how environmental damage is caused by bad ecotourism is camping. National parks often allow people to camp in tents in certain areas, but some of these people do not respect their surroundings. A family might have gone camping and littered, having not found a wastebasket anywhere nearby. This litter might be ingested by an animal and cause harm, not to mention damaging the delicate ecosystem of the forest.
Something else that many people like to do while they are camping is carve their names into trees. These people think that the tree does not feel any of it, but in fact the tree can. Unless the tree is visibly dead, it is very much alive, and this action scars the tree. This is not to mention people, while camping, cutting branches for firewood.
Another example of environmental damage caused by bad ecotourism is what happens at many beaches. While private beaches that charge a fee require people to be clean and considerate of their surroundings, public beaches have no private funding, so people often end up littering. An unfortunate example of this is when people bring drinks that come in plastic rings. Animals such as seagulls try to eat the left over plastic, and end up choking to death. Thus, if you decide to go to a public beach, do not litter!
Something that is also considered an example of environmental damage caused by bad ecotourism is when tourists decide they want to bring home a natural souvenir. Perhaps it is a plant, or some other example of flora and fauna. Regardless, this is a bad idea, because the plant is only accustomed to a specific climate. Also, the plant might be a source of food for animals. If tourists started taking things like this, it would cause a chainlike effect in the environment. So, the next time you decide to participate in an ecotourism effect, be sure that you respect the environment!
Eco Tourism Jamaica
Well, if a teacher is successful in presenting the true facts of the subject of ecotourism, then the quizzical looks will quickly disappear as people begin to realize the absolute seriousness of the issue.
There have been a number of notable achievements that have resulted from this ecotourism campaign including of course assessing and developing ecotourism sites in places such as Mtein, building teams of experts in ecotourism and also being able to secure adequate sources of finance in the form of income as well as support. The force of economic prosperity is such that other concerns such as poverty alleviation, conservation as well as cultural heritage may have to take a back seat. There is also protection being given to underwater habitats and thus it is illegal to remove corals.
If tourists started taking things like this, it would cause a chainlike effect in the environment.
Even smaller are towns that have local governments, and those governments may or may not fund ecotourism. If a person opts to research ecotourism and learn more about the subject as well as explore the various activities that ecotourism offers, then the person will be able to select a specific ecotourism vacation that is most agreeable to individual needs. However, not every ecotourism country is a democratic or capitalist country and there are different political ideologies prevailing which mean that some of these countries may be politically neutral or they may be conforming to government interests.
Ecotourism in general means visiting significant as well as sensitive environments and one may choose places such as those that offer opportunity for bird watching as well as rainforest areas as possible ecotourism destinations.
There is an entire story to tell about the evolution of ecotourism, and the tale is quite interesting in regard to what ecotourism actually means, and how far its come thus far. You are sure to find interesting information with the proper research. Maathai that is a pioneering works in environmental as also animal conservation. |
