Professor Walker
Anthropology
December 13, 2014
Ecotourism and its Effect on the World Ecotourism is becoming a big reason why economies in certain countries rise. There is an abundance of beautiful and natural scenery that westerners are willing to go out to see. Both Robert Fletcher (Author of Romancing the Wild) and Martha Honey (Author of Ecotourism and Sustainable Development) give a definition about what ecotourism is and the impact it has on the places where it occurs. They also talk about which classes and groups are involved in these activities for leisure. Honey and Fletcher have different idea how ecotourism will be of different help towards the host of the country where this form of tourism is going on. So what is exactly ecotourism? Fletcher and Honey both have different definitions of what ecotourism is. Fletcher’s definition of ecotourism is: “just interaction with some type of natural resource, as opposed to seeking out the products of human creation, which has been the main form of tourism until now, in terms of mainstream tourism”. This entails leaving home and going to natures beautiful scenery. People are willing to do this to explore new places and find their inners self. It gives them inspirations for their endeavors. Fletcher compares these finding and activities as if people were exploring new worlds like they once did in the 15th/16th century. The benefit of ecotourism with Fletcher’s definition is the economic value that is brings to country providing this ecotourism to the tourist. Tourist that plan to be involved in the activities involved with ecotourism will pay what is necessary so they can “escape from mainstream society”. Some people want to escape the normal lives they live and experience risk or excitement when they are out and about in these natural settings. Fletcher explains more of the groups and people that partake in these risks or excitements involved with ecotourism. Honey’s definition of ecotourism is; “tourism that strives to respect & benefit protected areas and the people living around these lands”. It is a way to conduct scientific research and awareness towards these environments. Ecotourism is a way to fund conservation and scientific research, protect fragile and pristine ecosystems, benefit rural communities, promote development in poor countries, enhance ecological and cultural sensitivity, instill environmental awareness and a social conscience in the travel industry, and satisfy/educate the discriminating tourist” (Honey 4). Honey says the ecotourism should benefit the environment and the people that host in the country. It isn’t all about that money that is being brought in but the research and awareness of wildlife, the land, and the locals. Ecotourism creates wildlife organizations, national parks, and better understanding of the natural world. According to Honey there are 7 characteristics of Ecotourism: 1-Involves travel to natural destinations, 2-Minimizes impact, 3-builds environment awareness, 4-Provides direct benefits & empowerment for local people, 5- Provides direct benefits for conservation, 6-Respects local culture, and 7-supports human rights & democratic movements. There are certain groups and classes that are involved with ecotourism as a form of leisure. The definition of leisure is time free from the demands of work or duty; when one can rest, enjoy hobbies, etc. Members of the white middle class are more likely to be involved with activities in ecotourism for leisure. Their earnings from how hard they work go towards the expenses for ecotourism. The lower class has lower wages then those of the middle class which unable them to go as frequently. “Members of the upper middle class generally consider themselves relatively free from responsibility to others. Expected to make their own way in the world, they are generally not expected to care for other family members either. As a result, they are free to risk their lives in leisure pursuits” (Fletcher 65). These white middle class Americans and Europeans, rather than sit and relax during their leisure time, are willing to risk and endure hardships to enjoy themselves. Another factor of being involved with ecotourism is having the right body for it. Being lean and somewhat muscular is a characteristic of the white middle class. They exercise and if you are fat it shows laziness and is “coded as a sign of lower class”(Burns Ardolino 2009:272). Even though the middle class works hard to pursue these trips of ecotourism, as their leisure time they want to dedicated time as if they were working to enjoy themselves. Ecotourism has impacts on the people and places where westerners travel to experience non-human nature. Outside providers begin to establish their own operations to make money by building housing, providing transportation, and establishing jobs for the locals. “Tourism should contribute rather than exploit…it should be active rather than passive, emphasizing cultural exchange rather than mere sightseeing”(Honey 2008:15). Ecotourism is marketed more towards tourist who environmentally and socially conscious about being part of “mass tourism”. The more tourist that come into the country where this ecotourism is occurring, the more jobs are created, which also entails a better living for the locals since they are bring in more money into the household. These jobs tend to be a permanent for locals because there will always be a growing market for ecotourism. The problem with this the cultural degradation that local were used to farming and livestock grazing to bring in income. Ecotourism is all about minimizing the impact the tourist leave on the eco system. When starting these industries in foreign lands local materials and renewable energy should be used. Trying not to disrupt the natural environment around the area is what will keep people coming for the natural beauty. Ecotourism plays a big part in assisting environmental awareness and helping keep the ecosystem the way it was without the tourist. Tourist when going on these ecotourism activities should be educated about the environment, local cultures, and the country itself. The financial benefits help keep the ecosystem that way it always was. The money produced by park fees, tour companies, lodges, and voluntary work helps maintain/manage the area. Some countries produce more revenue with ecotourism then some items that they might export or products that country produces. In order to have all these facilities and companies up and running, locals must be educated as well so they can also preserve the land that they live in. There are negative aspects of ecotourism as well. Pollution plays a big factor into this negative effect of ecotourism. The increase of humans and transportation (trucks, cars, boats, trains, etc.) can cause harm to eco system. This is why educating everyone about the environment around them is key to having a stable and clean environment. Keeping national parks untouched as well will continue to make people realize that life outside of the city is beautiful and should be unchanged. Both Honey and Fletcher have great points of defining what ecotourism, what groups/classes are involved in it, and the impact it has on the people and places where ecotourism is occurring. Ecotourism is becoming a big industry today because it shows people there is a place to relax or explore outside of the city life. Ecotourism not only shows tourist the beauty that nature shows us but how to take care of it. With all the organizations, volunteering, and programs that look after these ecosystems: there is no reason why these places would end up run down or destroyed. It is up to the locals that live in these areas and the foreigners that come to explore and see new things to help keep these natural beauties save and living. It is important for ecotourism from modernizing these areas that have been untouched by man in the means of living and or destroying for activities. The world is slowly being modernized and in a few more years ecotourism might not be available.