Ingles

What is Ecotourism?

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ConservationOffering market-linked long-term solutions, ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity andhelps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our beautiful planet. | CommunitiesBy increasing local capacity building and employment opportunities, ecotourism is an effective vehicle forempowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development. | Interpretation With an emphasis on enriching personal experiences and environmentalawareness through interpretation, ecotourism promotes greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture. |
 
The Definition
Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel tonatural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)

Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves visiting natural areas—in the remote wildernessor rural environments. According to the definition and principles of ecotourism established by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) in 1990, ecotourism is "Responsible travel to natural areasthat conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990). Martha Honey, expands on the TIES definition by describing the seven characteristics of ecotourism, which are:* Involves travel to natural destinations
* Minimizes impact
* Builds environmental awareness
* Provides direct financial benefits for conservation
* Provides financial benefitsand empowerment for local people
* Respects local culture
* Supports human rights and democratic movements
 such as:
* conservation of biological diversity and culturaldiversity through ecosystem protection
* promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local populations
* sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous...