A Need For Planning And Proper Programming Should Help In Reaping Positive Impacts of eco and mass tourism
The impacts of eco and mass tourism can be seen in widely differing ways with mass tourism not doing what ecotourism does which is to bring renewed internal consciousness as well as instills pride in the native culture of the destination and maintaining the historic sites as well. Ecotourism brings with it many local arts and crafts being developed and revived while mass tourism may see the renovation of sites of historic importance as also the many monuments that are mass tourist attractions.
Lopsided Distribution Of Wealth
The positive impacts of eco and mass tourism can often be negated by the adverse effects of tourism on the locations and also sometimes on the peoples, especially in the case of mass tourism. Though ecotourism does pay heed to preserving the natural resources, there are often instances when it does negatively impact the host country. A good example of the impacts of eco and mass tourism is that though there is increased inflow of foreign capital, the distribution of this wealth may not be even and fair, with much of it, in the case of mass tourism especially, going into the pockets of foreign investors that have ownership of hotels, communication systems and also transportation means.
One of the impacts of eco and mass tourism is that the wealth created it causes an increase in wage divides among the local population, and also between workers in the tourism industry itself who have access to foreign currency as opposed to those who work outside of tourism industry.
In fact, among the impacts of eco and mass tourism you can find that there is an increase in racial and gender divide with the locals being relegated to the lesser jobs while the cream jobs often may go to the foreigners or their representatives. Also, cited as other impacts of eco and mass tourism is the fact that such destinations may often lack for proper infrastructure which means that local governments are not able to properly control influx of people and goods.
The bottom line is that the impacts of eco and mass tourism can be positive and beneficial to the local peoples and host country if they are properly managed and there are in place well-thought out plans as well as programmes. Otherwise, the impacts of eco and mass tourism can lead to devastation of natural habitats and a great culture shock that can put the lives and survival of the local people in danger.
About Eco Tourism
The popularity of ecotourism increased when in 2002 the United Nations declared it as being the Year of Ecotourism.
Such a study of ecotourism has as its principal purpose the goal of being able to define how ecotourism can use governmental agencies to come up with a common definition of ecotourism and also identify possible ecotourism policies. However, there is a need to put an end to illegal activities that continues to exist even in spite of international interventions. Sustainability is another aspect to ecotourism and very often it has been seen that there are some places where there are people hell bent on exploiting these sensitive areas, which require giving jobs and putting money into the local economy to prevent such from happening.
It is important that ecotourism benefits the local population and as ecotourism potential is leading to expansion of tourism to far-off corners of the world, this inflow of foreign money as well as goods will lead to changes in the culture of the peoples, which must be controlled if the benefits of ecotourism potential is to be sustained in the short and long term.
Thus, the conference held in Oslo came up with a statement that stated that there was a need for responsible travel so that the environment is conserved and the welfare of local people kept uppermost in mind. Moreover, a perfect ecotourism example is to visit such destinations as well as photograph and learn about orangutans that are found in other ecotourism destinations such as in Borneo. In fact, if one really searches for it, there are many ecotourism projects worldwide that are shining examples of good growth and sustainable ecotourism as well. In addition, ecotourism in general teaches tourists about the characteristics, habitat as also the dangers that are affecting our natural resources including the wildlife. It may require a critical study of management practices and also problems as well as challenges that the ecotourism industry faces. Not only is there fantastic wildlife and bird sanctuaries to experience in Kerala, but this ecotourism destination also provides ample scope for rock climbing adventures, traveling down bird watching trails and also trying mountain biking while living in the tree houses and also getting to experience the thrill of the forest life complete with its wildlife.
Among the many ecotourism grants one can apply for is the Rufford Small Grants for Nature Conservation that aims to provide funds for small sized conservation programmes as well as for pilot projects.
So, various groups have decided to educate people about the environment by creating ecotourism events. It is ecotourism campaigns such as this that raises hope for being able to conserve nature in different parts of the world, while also sustaining local communities as well. This global ecotourism conference was to have produced as one of its outcomes, the Oslo Statement on Ecotourism that was to list the main questions as well as challenges that are sure to be faced in the times to come, and also to make a commitment to strive continuously in improving ecotourism. Although ecotourism is a fairly new concept for many, it has actually been around and alive since the 1980s. A part of the world that is most closely associated with nature tourism and ecotourism is the continent of Africa where such concepts are best exemplified with the amount of tourism taking place in game parks and reserves where one can take in the exciting wildlife and birds and also marvel at the wonders of nature that can be found in different parts of the continent. |
