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.
Ecotourism Destinations
If such places can be preserved and their rich natural heritage is protected from ravage and destruction, ecotourism in general will have served mankind well.
If one perpetuates teaching ecotourism to where the awareness level of the subject arises, then the teacher will be doing the world a great service. Although each different types of ecotourism is separate from the others in its own way, they all do have the same basic principles and goals, including: to minimize impact, to build environmental and cultural awareness and respect, to provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts, to provide direct financial benefits for conservation, to provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people, to raise sensitivity to host countries political and social climate, and to support international human rights and labor agreements. Ecotourism in general is a trend that is taking shape in our modern day concept of tourism that involves preserving our environment which means incorporating certain social as well as ecological concerns. They were to introduce the unique culture and also nature to friends of Arsal and also provide to ARDA a means to generate income. For the most part, people will argue that ecotourism is not becoming a problem.
As an ecotourism example, Costa Rica too has ranked high as that country had a scale of compliance that ensures that it is not just a vacation center in the middle of a cloud forest, but was actually run on lines that were conducive to conserving the environment with means such as solar power.
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. Animals such as seagulls try to eat the left over plastic, and end up choking to death. Keep one thing in mind, teaching is not preaching.
You can also look in your local newspaper to see if there are any applicable events.
A very common example of how environmental damage is caused by bad ecotourism is camping. There, people can walk the trails and see natural wonders such as geysers. This ecotourism grant is available for individuals and also small groups, and the general duration of the project should be about a year, and applications from the developing world countries are greatly encouraged. Though a lot of money that is earned from ecotourism is finding its way into paying for more schools, cultural improvement, temple maintenance and such like, there is the negative effects of ecotourism in that much money is also being spent on importing goods that usually are not beneficial to the local economy. |
