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Ecotourism
Definition
Ecotourism is defined as apurposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural

history of the environment, taking care not to alter the of the

integrity ecosystem, while producing
economic opportunities that make the conservation resources
of natural beneficial to local people"
(McCormick, 1994).
Concept and Characteristics of ecotourism
According to Chesworth (1995), Ecotourism has six characteristics. These are:
a) ecotourism involves travel to
relatively undisturbed natural areas and/or archeological sites,
b) it focuses on learning and the quality of
experience,
c) it economically benefits the
local communities,
d) ecotourists seek to view rare species,
spectacular landscapes and/or the unusual and exotic,
e) ecotourists do not deplete resources but even sustain the environment or help undo to the
damage
environment, and

t) ecotourists appreciate and respect local culture, traditions, etc.

Twoattributes of ecotourism
In the development of the ecotourism for
project Sorsogon, Regis et al (2000) came up with twoo
attributes of ecotourism:
a) Species and ecosystem conservation, and
b) livelihood for local communities.
For a successful of the
implementation project, these two attributes must set a balance to be
sustainable. Too much of a) will conserve the resource but will not
provide sufficient economic
benefits to the local people who will
eventually deplete the resource to make a living. Likewise, too
much of b) will entice earning profit more than what the ecosystem can sustain, thereby causing
degradation of the ecosystem and the demise/disappearance of valuable species that are the
attractions for tourists.

Community-based Eeotourism
One important contribution in the ecotourism framework came from Community-based Ecotourism

of Kersten (1997) who defined Community-based Ecotourism as a kind of nature tourism wherein the

local community maintains full (or major) control over the management and the profits of the project.
Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the community-based ecotourism principles.
 of the marginalized sector
development and participation
strategy is community
The emphasis of this
national development. It also has the
or
rather than on regional
groups)
(including indigenous
following aims:
(usually already
within protected areas) with a
and natural areas
1. to help preserve ecosystems
high tourism potential; them about
among the local population
by educating
environmental consciousness
2. to cultivate of tourists;
resources and unrestricted number
the dangers of overexploiting
of local (environmentally safe) products,
e.g. selling
3. to promotenew economic incentives,
entrepreneurial skills;
plants thereby create
some
medicinal
crafts, and cultivated
flow into community
and that part of the profits
4. to ensure communal ownership and control,
than into personal enrichment; and
development programs rather
revival or preservation of "traditional
feeling of pride and community through
a
5. to foster a
practices and cultural techniques. for
ecotourism standards that must
be met when planning a
the a)
The following sections presents the
that could guide the LGUs when considering
the management guidelines
specific project; b)
that could direct how the implementation of
of the project; and c) the communications plan
specifics
the project should proceed.
ECOTOURISM STANDARDS
A. Protection of the Ecosystem
attraction is located
1. Maintenance of the ecosystem where the ecotourism
2. Protection and maintenance of wildlife especially endangered species
3. Wildlife live harmoniously with people
B. Maintenance of the physico-chemical conditions of the area
1. Maintenance of the quality of fresh water and marine resources
2. No wastes overflow and contamination of the environment (water, soil and air)
C. Conservation of local culture and history
. Culture of locality is maintained
2. Historical structures are maintained as part of cultural heritage
D. Infrastructures and signboards blend with the environment
E. Sustainability
1. Maintenance of Carrying Capacity of the environment;
2. Environmental education program is part of the ecotourism package;
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 3. Livelihood must benefit more the local community than outside entrepreneurs;
4. The local government supports the ecotourism project through ordinances and resolutions
and
5. The Management Board (community-based) and appropriate government agencies, e.g.
DENR, support the project through strict enforcement of environmental laws
Types of Eco-tourists
Lindberg (1991) provides a typology of nature/ecotourism types, though many other typologies are
possible:
Hard-core: scientific researchers or members of tours specifically designed for education,
environmental restoration, similar purposes.
or
Dedicated: people who take trips
local natural and cultural
specifically to see
protected areas and who want to understand
history.
Mainstream: people who visit the Amazon, the Rwandan
primarily to take an unusual trip. gorilla park, or other such destinations
Casual: people who partake of nature
vacation.
incidentally, such as
through a day trip during a broader
BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES OF ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism is the fastest growing sector in the international travel industry.
The main advantages of Ecotourism are:
1. itprovides excellent source of foreign
an
exchange that can be used by the governments of
developing countries to finance economic growth and development
2 Ecotourism and its associated activities is
beter form of land use than most agricultural
a
pursuits, especially in arid and semi-arid areas
3. It is a form of economic development that can, if managed correctly, spread revenue to the
poorest strata of marginal rural communities. In South Africa it can be a source of restitution for
disadvantaged rural communities
4. It is an 'industry without
chimneys' (that is can promote economic growth with-out
damaging the
environment) while assisting social and economic
developmen
5. Ecotourism is a
'peace industry' because it promotes
respect for other cultures and can only
safely occur in peaceful areas
6. It can also promote business partnerships between the private sector, conservation authorities
and residents located in, or
adjacent to, wild areas
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 SomeBasic Planning Principles for Ecotourism Development
For the successful establishment of Ecotourism destinations we have learned from
experience that
there are certain planning principles that must guide the development. Some of these are:
Apply strict conservation mcasures to the natural area used for Ecotourism to protect the flora,
fauna and ecosystems, and any existing archaeological or historic sites, and local culture
SEstablish carrying capacity standards so that there is no over development of tourist facilities, or
overuse of the environment - ensuring that the resource is not depreciated
SDevelop small-scale tourist facilities in environmentally suitable locations with locally based
designs, use of materials, energy saving devices and proper disposal of waste material. Large
scale developments are much more difficult to establish in an environmentally friendly fashion.
Develop a visitor centre with exhibits about the site and local conservation attractions should also
be developed.
SPrepare and distribute Ecotourism codes of conduct for Ecotourists and tour operators, and
closely monitor the application of these codes
Provide well trained tour guides who will give accurate information to Ecotourists to educate
them on matters of biological diversity, conservation management techniques and requirements.
observe good conservation behaviour during tours, and give them a great introduction to social
values
Integrate local communities into Ecotourism development by providing them jobs and income.
The Ten Commandments of Eco-Tourism
O respect the frailty of the earth
e leave only footprints, take only photographs
educate themselves
encourage local conservation efforts
respect the privacy and dignity of others
not buy products made from endangered plants or animals
always follow and keep to designated trails, do not disturb animals, plants or natural environment
Dlearn about and support conservation-oriented programmes and organisations
Whenever possible walk or use environmentally sound methods oftransportation
Patronise those (hotels, airlines, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, suppliers, etc.) who use energy
sparingly
Encourage organisations to subscribe and adhere to environmental guidelines
Principles of Sustainable Ecotourism

Principles of Ecotourism

Minimize the negative impacts on nature and culture that

can damage a destination.
Educate the traveleron the importance of conservation
.Stress the importance of
works
responsible business, whrich
cooperatively with local authorities and people to
meet local needs and deliver
conservation benefits.
Direct revenues to the conservation and managementof
natural and protected areas.
Emphasize the need for regional tourism zoning and for
visitor management plans
designed for either regions or
natural areas that
slated to become eco-destinations.
are
Emphasize use of environmental and social base-tine
studies, as well as long-term
assess and minimize
monitoring programs, to
impacts.
Strive to maximize
economic benefitfor the host country,
Local business and communities,
particularly peoples
living in and adjacent to natural and
protected areas.
Seek to ensure that tourism
development does not
exceed the social and
environmental limits of acceptable
change determined by researchers in cooperation with
as

local residents.
.Rely on infrastructure that has been
developed in
harmony with the environment, minimizing use of fossil
fuels, conserving local plants and wildlife, and
with the natural and cultural environment.
blending
 Scope for Eco tourism in Kerala
Kerala an unexplored hub for cco-tourism is paradise for nature's lovers. Its coastal location,

greenery, evergreen forest, mountains, hills, valleys stream, rivers, backwaters, beaches, lagoons,
cultural heritage and rich bio-diversity provide a wide base for the development of eco-tourism.
There is a need to have appropriate planning for these destinations to provide infrastructural
facilities for eco-tourism development. Furthermore new potential sites for eco-tourism
development are to be identified and planning are to be made accordingly for their development
to promote and attract travelers from India and abroad.
(1) Then mala: It has immense scope and potential for eco tourism i.e. greenery, green patches,

provides shelter to birds, mammals, and reptile and amphibian species. The greenery is not only

relaxing but also for refreshing. They also roam around in the green patches. It is first plan eco0
tourism destination in India, where eco-tourism resorts provide the best services to the travelers,

to go close to the nature, fresh air laden with flowers while sipping in warm cups of coffee, have

of birds and take a walk around the resort to feel the

breakfast listening to the mellifluous tunes

best of both worlds.

district) is an ideal eco-tourismn
(2) Bhoothathankettu: Bhoothathankettu (Ernakulum
the nature lovers with forest to trek in, birds to
destination providing the perfect holiday for
shoot, lake to fish, etc. Splendid place attracts a large
watch, a river for boating, rapids to a

rich forest cover and

number of travelers due to tall mountains, a calm lake, the river periyar,
moderate climate. A nature loving tourist enjoy due fresh water lake, trek through deep evergreen

forest and other adventure activities.

located kozhikoda has been included in the list
(3) Peruvannamoozhy : It is scenic village near

best sites for development of

of eco-tourism in 2008. There are variety of places which provide
and birds watching
eco-tourism i.e. dam a beautiful picnic spot, thick forest for trekking
wild animal rehabilitation centre,
ecological hotspots is home to over 680 species of rare plants,
in
bird sanctuary crocodile farm, snake park, spice garden, trekking , boating, bathing facility
river and bamboo rafting.
eco-tourism destination in
Kerala i.e. Periyar Tiger
(4) Thekkady: t is a potentially hot
and
scenic charm, rich bio-diversity
Reserve. It is an example of nature is bounty, with great
which is reserve for
about 777 sq.km.
satisfaction. It covers an area
veritable visitor
provides are organized related to
flora and fauna Various
programmes
rare, endemic and endangered
visits etc. at this place.
discussion and individuals
presentation, field
c c o t o u r i s m 1.e. lectures,

A. o 1
P e l l t Aa

akutw, Eaikular,'Vaone4ela
hodng Mnwen
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 of the Western Ghats
(5) Nelliampathy: It is an ideal eco-tourism destination at the top

consisting of cool hills. valleys, and tea, coffee and orange plantations. It has immense trekking
and eco-tourism potential. There is a community hall which provides a good camping ground for

trekkers and wild life lovers.

6) Konni: Achencoil River is the perfect eco-tourism destination due to rich forests on Western

Ghats, streams and scenic beauty of the landscape. Konni Reserve Forest (1897) rich bio-
diversity is among the oldest reserve forest in India. "Konni Eco Tourism Project" involves
locations in the forest tracts and Konni Elephant Camp developed by Kerala Forest Department
and Kerala Tourism Department. It also provides facilities for eco-tourism activities which
include clephant viewing. clephant feeding, elephant riding, watching elephant bath etc. The
forested tract in this eco-tourism destination provides the right climate and environment for the
development and diverse flora and fauna include a variety of medicinal plants and herbs.
(7) Kumbalangi: It is a tiny
beautiful Island village has been transformed into model
fishing
village and eco-tourism hotspots. This is the first model tourism village developed by Kerala
Government under Rural Development Schemes. It is an ideal eco-tourism destination due to vast
natural resources, Chinese fishing nets and simple and prosperous life of
villagers, cultural
heritage, fisherman folk and its own natural beauty.
(8) Kuruva: This uninhabited Island covers about 950 acre evergreen forest which is an ideal
picnic spot and potential eco-tourism destinations due to rare species of birds , orchids. herbs,
fresh water lakes, hill station , streams, etc.

(9) Thatekkad : Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary about 25

covers
sq.km, which is covered with forests
provide an ideal eco-tourism destination. Rare birds and natural beauty of the region are
paradise )

for nature's lovers. This sanctuary was

designed by Dr. Salim Ali and
Bombay Natural History
Society has identified 253 species.
(10) Poovar It has lot
of potential for eco-tourism development i.e. golden sand and
a

backwaters beach, blue lagoons, natural beauty, water

taxis, recreational facilities, swimming,
boating, backwater trips, water sports, cruises, fishing, resorts, massages, ete. The most
attractions for this places eco-friendly floating cottages have been
prepared by taking into
consideration of various aspects i.e. ventilation medicinal wood which are mostly for Ayurveda
treatment under the supervision of qualified experts.

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6. Kodaikanal The whole beauty of this small place is assembled in its beauty of untouched
serene and virgin lakes and caves. which are full of offering diverse range of
eco-adventure
This place is situated in Tamilnadu.
7. Sikkim With the joy of trekking in the second highest peak of the world. Kanchenjunga.
exploring the Rhododendron trek and beautiful land of orchid. Sikkim is
unmatched
anvwhere else in the world.
Shimla Fine opportunity to enjoy excursion
like Oak and Rhododendron forest exploration.
Sking and ice-skaling and Himalayan sightseeing make this small hill station one of the most
favourite vacationing spots tor domestic as well as international tourists Mach aduh
9. Uttaranchal Constituting the two naturally rich regions: Tumaon and Garhwal. this Northern
state is tull of spots otfering tourists many ot the salubrious.
pleasant and adventurous
activities like trekking. birding and river rating.
10.Corbett National Park Corbett National Park is the tirst of its kind in India. This beautiful
sanctuary at the tothills of the Himalayas is a tlourishing place for the tlora and tauna. The
Cortet Niational Park is only 145km anar trom Lucknow and Sikm trom
This Ramnagar.
201 sq. mile Park is plenty ot doer and wildbas. With 110 103 ecies ot t r e `0 species
t mammais and SS0 svics ot dids, the park is the ultimate coourism
destination tor all
tihe anial lovers aCrOSs the orld.
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