Principles of ecotourism

Ecotourism is catering for tourists wishing to experience the natural environment without damaging it or disturbing its habitats. It is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial mass tourism . It means responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Generally, ecotourism deals with interaction with biotic components of the natural environments.Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora ,  fauna  and cultural heritage  are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists an insight into the impact of human beings on the environment and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats .     

Principles of ecotourism 

Due to the growing popularity of environmentally related travel and adventure , different types of travel are now being classified as ecotourism . However   , most of them are not really ecotourism because they do not emphasize conservation , education , low impact travel and social and cultural participation in the places visited . Therefore , to be considered ecotourism , a trip must meet the following principles set by the International Ecotourism Association : 

▪︎ Minimize the impact of the site visit ( eg – use of roads , physical , social , behavioral and psychological) . 

▪︎ Build respect and awareness of the environment and cultural practices .                                                      ▪︎ Ensure that tourism brings positive experiences for both visitors and host.                                                ▪︎ Provide direct financial assistance for conservation .   

▪︎ Provide financial assistance , empowerment and other benefits to local people.                                          ▪︎ Raise traveler awareness of the political , environmental and climate ; social status of the host country .                                                                            ▪︎Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in patnership with them to create empowerment .            

Application of the principles of ecotourism

☆ Ecotourism is now defined as “ responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment , sustoins the well – being of the local people , and involves interpretation and education “ . Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests .

1.        Example 

● Offering market – linked long – term solutions , ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio - cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our beautiful planet .

                 Principles

▪︎ Build respect and awareness of the environment for both visitors and host .

▪︎ Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in patnership with them to create empowerment .

2.              Example 

● with on enphasis an enriching personal experiences and environmental aworeness through interpretation , ecotourism promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature , local , society and culture .

               Principle             

▪︎ Ensure that tourism brings positive experiences for both visitors and host .

 3.              Example 

● By increasing local capacity building and emplayment oppartumities , ecotourism is an effective vehicle for empawering local communities around the word to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development .

              Principles 

▪︎ Provide direct financial assistance for conservation .

▪︎ Provide financial assistance , empowerment and other benefits to local people .

Work by : Anelda Kushova , Driada Lusha and                        Arlind Xhebrahimi .