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Introduction
In the process of managing local community and the surrounding local environment, Ecotourism can be a means of change. Ecotourism forges new relationships between the local environment and the people. Ecotourism is the top growing tourism industry sector worldwide as more travelers demand Ecotourism vacations. It brings along with itself both change and stability. Tourists are always looking for a change from their everyday routine and want to engage in special experiences, available in special places. Entrepreneurs look for avenues for gaining a livelihood and encourage revenue generating means. Local residents get a chance to improve life opportunities. Ecotourism is also a means for generating jobs, diversifying economies, exciting incomes, and improving standards of living. Conservationists get to participate in safeguarding endangered species and ecosystems (Wall, 1996).
EcoTourism: A winning opportunity for environment and community
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) puts ecotourism as a means to explore natural areas and bring to the forefront the local natural environment. It involves the local community and with directed and focused efforts also conserves the natural environment. Ecotourism is now considered an important activity in natural areas around the world. It provides opens the visitors to wonderful experiences of nature and new cultures, asserts the biodiversity conservation and also highlights the local culture. Ecotourism by definition is travel to learn and experience. Ecotourism is more of the educational and recreational experience for most travelers. It is mostly advised and accepted by major universities across the world. It is supported by professors, faculties and research centers for sustainable tourism that is the combination of scientific and tourism skills. Ecotourism also creates income for the local communities (Drumm, & Moore, 2005).
Aspects of EcoTourism
Conservation
Ecotourism enables to maintain the natural environment and setup nature parks and reserves thereby protecting the natural species in the local environment. The funds generated by ecotourism can be utilized for further upkeep and maintenance of the natural environment.
Protection
Ecotourism enables protection of endangered species and the surrounding wildlife of the local community. It also boosts the sustenance of animal populations. As part of Ecotourism, the construction of tourist lodges is in such a way that local flora and fauna is not harmed. Conservationist and environmentalist also are involved and get a chance for research and protection of local natural environment.Cultural Advantages
Ecotourism respects local cultures, and that is also a highlight for the tourist. It becomes a chance for the local community to showcase their talents and features and culture to the global community.Local Stakeholders and Ecotourism
Most people compete for fewer natural resources, outside of protected areas, the natural resources have disappeared. The protected areas are significant pieces of land important for plant reserves and animal diversity, proving clean air, water, and other ecological benefits. The protected areas are attractive to miners, farmers, and loggers. Ecotourism thus provides a high potential for all such people and enhancing the potential of conservation and economic benefits for the local community. Ecotourism comes as an amazing opportunity for benefit of the local community and improves the status of the surrounding environment (Drumm & Moore, 2005).
Planning & Investment
An aspect of tourism planning is the need of integration of tourism in the development of the surrounding natural environment along with the local community. The most prominent benefits of Ecotourism planning is the development of the local community that includes generation of jobs, additional income sources, new markets, community services, facilities and enhanced infrastructure. Along with the development there would also be an increase in cultural and environmental awareness, protection and conservation of surrounding environment and improved land-use. The first step to Ecotourism development in the local area is the identification of key locations, experiences, activities and relevant projects. The development of Ecotourism in a local environment should be in such a way that Eco-travellers must feel that they are contributing to local people and the area. Eco-travellers are mostly adventure seekers and enjoy new experiences. Ecotourism is about offering new and adventurous experiences to the tourist. The pristine ecosystem and its preservation with abundant wildlife and natural environment is a key element of Ecotourism (Dowling & Fennell, 2003).
This plan not only develops the tourism opportunities for the local community but also enhances and protects the surrounding natural environment, ecosystem, and natural life. It may involve setting up of Biodiversity parks and sanctuaries. A part of Ecotourism is also cultural tourism that involves an opportunity for the local community to showcase their culture and also provide opportunities for local guides. Ecotourism spreads and uplifts the economic conditions of the local community. The Ecotourism is at a global scale now and encourages the expenditure of billions of dollars worldwide. Eco-travelers are mostly interested in environmental issues and take the opportunity to learn about local efforts of protecting natural surroundings, thereby contributing to the efforts.
The planning is conducted in a phased manner; there are in all five phases till the completion of the plan. The five phases are:
- Consultation and Fact Finding Phase that layout the foundation for the plan development.
- Involvement of local Community and participation.
- Development of policies and strategy
- Identification of investment and expenditure avenues and cost estimate planning.
- Plan preparation and implementation phase.
Expenditure MatrixTable 1: Expenditure matrix for various activities and phases.
Proposal Highlights and Benefits
As discussed above the proposal to develop Ecotourism for the local community and surrounding natural are is of high value and benefit for all. This plan will sustain the local environment, augment the growth of natural resources and also sustain the community development. The plan not only generates employment opportunities and sources of revenue but also enables to bring the local community on the global forefront. Ecotourism is worldwide growing phenomenon and has a high acceptance among most travelers. The local community can benefit in terms of cultural diversity, natural environment development, educational opportunities and enhanced activities with respect to travel and tourism. The development of the plan will be in a phased manner, thereby educating the local population and creating a sustainable plan for growth. The Ecosystem would include biodiversity parks and development natural reserves thereby protecting the habitat of natural flora and fauna. The natural environment is protected and developed. The expenditure and spend are explained in the planning section that gives a high-level view of where the money will be spent. The proposal benefits the city council, members of the local community and the surrounding environment.
References
Wall, G. (1996). Ecotourism: Change, impacts and opportunities.
The ecotourism equation: Measuring the impact.(pp. 206D216). Bulletin Series, 99.
Drumm, A., & Moore, A. (2005). Ecotourism Development-A Manual for Conservation Planners
and Managers. Volume I-An Introduction to Ecotourism Planning.
Dowling, R. K., & Fennell, D. A. (2003). The context of ecotourism policy and planning. Ecotourism policy and planning, 1-20.
