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Tourism & Environment □ ■
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ITH
Students' Information Board on Sustainable
Development
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ECOTOURISM
According to The Nature Conservancy "Ecotourism is defined as "Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples." - more ...
Specifically, ecotourism possesses the following characteristics: - Conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior - Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity - Support for local conservation efforts - Sustainable benefits to local communities - Local participation in decision-making - Educational components for both the traveler and local communities
More definitions of Ecotourism:
ETC-European Travel Commission
Criticisms of Ecotourism - published by Alberni Environmental Coalition, Canada
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