WHAT IS ECOTOURISM?

More fun when you are travelling! Since some years, ecotourism defines values of resources otherwise difficult to estimate.

Internationally, ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (The Ecotourism Society)

During the World Ecotourism Summit in 2002 in Canada, was signed the Québec Declaration of Ecotourism. The document recognizes "that ecotourism embraces the principles of sustainable tourism, concerning the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism."

Some more specific principles better clarify the distinction between the wider concept of sustainable tourism and ecotourism which:
"Contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, Includes local and indigenous communities in its planning, development and operation, and contributing to their well-being, Interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to visitors, Lends itself better to independent travellers, as well as to organized tours for small size groups."

Agreeing upon what ecotourism really is, this means that those who work with or participate in ecotourism activities should follow some basic principles:

  • Minimize impact on the destination's nature and culture.
  • Sustain the local economy.
  • Work in a sustainable way, both in the office and on location.
  • Actively contribute to the conservation of nature and culture.
  • Promote the joy of discovery, knowledge and respect
  • Ensure safety all the way through the activities, and be a trustworthy business partner.
  • Demonstrate the adherence to sustainability with a reliable certification.
Source www.ekoturism.org, Québec Declaration on Ecotourism.


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