People want to visit nature and the natural world. How can this be done without causing adverse ecological and social impacts? The need for ‘responsible travel’ has given rise to ecotourism.

My guest post today features Virginiah Nyambura who has broadly highlighted ecotourism.

Eco means environmentally friendly and sensitive. Ecotourism is the travel that involves visiting natural places that conserve the environment by supporting flora and fauna parallel to sustaining the wellbeing of the local people.

Ecotourism involves creating awareness among people about the existence of naturally endowed beautiful sceneries. It gives people a chance to access and enjoy pristine savannahs, deserts, jungles, mountains and beaches. Of more significance, people are able to learn in their adventures.

International Ecotourism Society emphasises that ecotourism incorporates travel to natural areas with principles of sustainability, conservation and direct benefit to the local people. It’s distinguished from traditional travel by its emphasis on conservation, education, traveller responsibility and active community participation. Contrary to mass tourism which characterised packaged deals to familiar destinations, limited interactions with local community population and high level of security and contrived experience with local life and culture this was resulting in adverse ecological and socio-cultural effects.

Stakeholders of ecotourism activities should uphold major principles that cannot be overlooked. This is by;

• Ensuring there are reduced physical, social, behavioural and psychological impacts.
• Focusing on developing environmental and cultural awareness.
• Providing a positive experience for visitors and hosts.
• Guaranteeing financial benefits for conservation are provided directly and generated for both local people and private industry.
• Offering a memorable experience to visitors so as to raise the image of the country.
• Considering low-impact designed, constructed and operated facilities.
• Recognising the rights and spiritual beliefs of local individuals should be recognised and also work in partnership with the indigenous people.

The primary goal of ecotourism is to counteract the negative effects of human development that affects the environment. Visiting beautiful places parallel to protecting the environment is the whole idea behind ecotourism. Local communities would pay more attention and seek to conserve the natural resources upon seeing the value they bring to them through tourist income generated.

Tourists who participate in ecotourism project are informed on matters regarding ecology and conservation issues pertinent to the local area they visit. Tourist guides and other staffs involved in ecotourism are well able to communicate effectively with the visitors, helping them interpret the natural environment while highlighting the fragile and sensitive ecosystem. Ecotourism is able to spearhead the chase for improved ecological ecosystems.

Ecotourism is not only about the exploration of exotic landscapes, caring for natural resources end developing the region’s economy. It also comes with deep social-cultural effects. Visitors travelling to different places learn about the cultures and traditions of local communities.

Through interaction with individuals from within the communities, people are able to exchange knowledge about their distinct cultures. This has also managed to help communities preserve their ways of life in order to maintain authenticity for tourists. Therefore a sense of ethnic conservation is developed and the county’s heritage as a whole is embraced.

The initiation of ecotourism has a ripple effect as observed in the risen economic growth among the local communities and the nation at large. This is through the creation of employment opportunities in ecotourism such as tour guides, administrators, chefs, security guard and vendors among others. The living standards of people have improved and the rate of unemployment diminished. The involvement of local communities in matters regarding planning, making decisions and management has led and encouraged empowerment among their individuals.

Infrastructure in the regions involved in ecotourism has no doubt improved. The government comes in handy and constructs roads that lead to the region. This also opens up the community to other forms of business since transportation of goods and services becomes easier. The government recognises the economic boost brought about by ecotourism and intends to sustain it through the issuance of funds to maintain the parks and keep poacher and illegal loggers off protected areas.

Foreign exchange investments have been yielded from ecotourism. Tourist coming into the country from other countries bring with them their currency that enables the country to trade with other foreign countries.

Ecotourism provides a serene environment where people can relax and free themselves from normal day to day hustles of life. Nature provides therapy for depression and offers the perfect remedy to achieve personal development.

However, without appropriate planning and management, the integrity of both the ecosystem and the local culture could be affected by increased tourism. Significant environmental degradation could be steered by the increase of visitors to ecologically sensitive areas. Transportation, food and drinks consumed, if not properly moderated and planned for would accelerate environmental degradation through increased waste generation. The original culture of indigenous people could be eluded by influx foreign visitors and their wealth. Peaceful and quiet life of wildlife could be disturbed as people do not understand the inconvenience caused to the birds and animals due to their illogical demands, wishes and behaviour.

Human – wildlife conflict experienced outside protected areas is a shortcoming for ecotourism. Local communities may not see the need to protect wild animals that cause injury and kill people, livestock and also destroy crops. This will lead to a lack of participation of local communities who are the main stakeholders of ecotourism.

Overreliance on ecotourism would be a risky business due to climate change, shifting currency exchange rates and political as well as social conditions such as war. Economic diversification should be encouraged in every country.

Significant growth of ecotourism brings significant benefits and increased opportunities. Improvement in environmental conditions globally has been greatly attributed ecotourism. To some notable level, the world has been able to avert global warming and other environmental hazards through knowledge and experience imparted on people through nature involving tours.

Increased level of education among travellers and locals makes them more enthusiastic and effective agents of conservation.

Ecotourism is a developing segment in the tourism industry globally. This has proven its relevance for continued existence through its positive contribution environmentally, socially, culturally and economically.

Written by Virginiah Nyambura.

Virginiah is a third-year student at Kenyatta University studying library and information science. She is interested in matters to do with information with no specific bounds or field. She can be reached on Facebook and Instagram.