ECOTOURISM PRINCIPLES
According to Ceballos (1998), an evaluation of ecotourism, initially, requires its definition. Notwithstanding, there are many definitions and concepts of ecotourism, elaborated by different segments with different interest. No globally accepted definition exists, however. Pires (1998) understands that each sector involved with ecotourism (NGO's, local communities, academics, governmental organizations) tends to create their own idea of the activity, based on their specific interests and points of view. Consequently, many definitions have appeared. However, by finding common aspects among the definitions, it was possible to define and explain four main principles of ecotourism, which are outlined below:
1. Promote environmental conservation
Ecotourism is generally developed in intact or little disturbed natural areas. Thus, the development of the products should be planned and controlled, opting for a rational use of resources and for quality in its management. Ecotourism should minimize impacts to wildlife, soil, vegetation, water and air quality through the use of management procedures. It should also promote the use of alternative energy resources, adequate waste and gray water disposal, recycle, landscape architecture, alternative technologies (composting and low flush toilets, water collection, recycle materials, etc), and follow an environmental educational program. In addition, environmental protection involves small group size in order to obtain low visitor density thus maintaining an adequate carrying capacity. At the same time, the activity must maintain and emphasize the cultural traditions of residents.
2. Promote an interpretative educational experience
While visitors are enjoying nature, they should also be motivated and educated by participatory activities, which have the objective of stimulating their ecological conscience and transmitting knowledge about the regions visited. Wallace and Pierce (1996) stated that they also should experience authentic two-way interaction with local residents, as well as having experiences that help them consider sustainable development, conservation and wildlife protection issues in both the host and the home country.
3.Community Involvement
Fundamental to ecotourism, is the participation of local residents. Their involvement should generate material, social and personal benefits.
a.Material benefits - employment opportunities; the increase of community and individual' revenues; natural and cultural resources economical gains; agricultural, commercial and handicraft production.
b.Social benefits - improvements in education; medical assistance; communication and transportation facilities;
c.Personal benefits - self-esteem, responsibility and sense of belonging.
By observing negative impacts of tourism (loss of cultural identity; prostitution; social inequality, increased cost of living), it is possible to conclude that some of these impacts are a consequence of changes caused by the presence of visitors from different cultures and social levels. Involving the community at the beginning in tourism development can minimize impacts. Wallace and Pierce (1996) understand that for this involvement to exist, it is necessary to establish committees, partnerships, and others means of providing input to public and private interests.
From the moment local people perceive that the ecotourism is a source of revenue and depends on natural attractions, they will immediately start to value and preserve it. Ecotourism should be an additional source of revenue to local people. It should not substitute traditional economic practices such as fishing and agriculture. Local people can become more involved in ecotourism: by running their own business, be it lodging, handicrafts, supplying food or other products or by being employed by a lodge as guides or canoe drivers. They can also be consultants in architectural design.
4. A lucrative business
Ecotourism is also a commercial activity and as such it should be economically viable for both the local community and the operators. However, as discussed above, ecotourism requires low visitor density and small group size, therefore its profits are modest and over the long contrary to mass tourism.
ECOLODGES
An ecolodge must be located near a natural area. Many establishments call themselves "eco", but in practice, don't meet the philosophy or principles of ecotourism. In an attempt to distinguish between the lodges that practice ecotourism and those who don't, Russel, Bottrill and Meredith (1995) proposed the use of two terms: lodges and ecolodges. According to the authors, lodge is a generic term, which encompasses traditional hotels situated in areas of natural attractions (nature-based lodge) such as fishing and ski lodges and luxury retreats. On the other hand, ecolodge (nature-dependent tourist lodge) is a term used to identify lodges that based their activities on nature as well as following the philosophy and principles of ecotourism. However, there are no internationally accepted guidelines for ecolodges at present. Despite this, Hawkins, Epler Wood and Bittman (1994) agree that some characteristics of ecolodges are already well-known. For example, ecolodges are:
·Designed in harmony with the local natural and cultural environment, using the principles of sustainable architecture;
·Minimize the use of non-renewable energy resources and avoid the use of non-renewable materials for construction.
·Use recycled materials where possible;
·Work in harmony with communities offering jobs with a wide range of responsibilities and employment via contracts with other vendors;
·Provide benefits to local conservation and research initiatives both public and private;
·Offer excellent interpretative programs to educate the visitor about local environment and culture.
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