Ecotourism: Pros and Cons - Essay Example

Ecotourism Ecotourism has arguably, become a need not only for the developing but the developed communities as well. Our natural habitats have been subjected to great changes on the planet’s soil and have had to accommodate the human need to build huge structures. Ecotourism, then, is a way for humans to go back to their roots; see the environment as it originally was and appreciate it for what it is. The need for responsible travel to the various natural sites of the world is important because many times, without even realizing, tourists tend to disrupt the natural balance of a the site being visited. (Quest, 1996) Ecotourism aims to appeal to the mindset of socially and culturally responsible individuals by allowing them to experience the wonders of carefully guarded locations that are awe inspiring. The impact of industrialization has led to a growing need to expedite ecotourism. In our present world “sustainability” is an important word. To allow for future generations to benefit from the same resources that have been in use for hundreds of years; it is incumbent upon individuals to strive towards a clearly sustainable path. (Stein, 2003) Another important factor is that tourism itself, heavily relies on the presence of excellent natural environments – tourists are most attracted to naturally beautiful locations. In order to promote tourism in developing communities, there is a need to take eco-tourism hand in hand. (Koeman, 1994) This will allow for the promotion of various cultures and socially different communities as well as allow for conservation of sustainable resources. The debate to develop ecotourism in underdeveloped communities has come under fire for certain reasons. One of the main criticisms is that whereas ecotourism was supposed to provide incentives and benefits to the local communities it has, instead, resulted in the exploitation of those very communities. (Kamauro, 1996) In Vietnam, ecotourism is being glorified without an understanding of what the concept entails. Local cultures are subjected to mass-marketed concepts that are handled by a few multinationals. Entrepreneurs have jumped on the bandwagon to extract benefits by stating their brand of commercial tourism as ecotourism. (Mohareb, 2009) The western society is seen as ‘indifferent’ to the presence of wilderness at best. (Wearing, 1999) Critics believe the renewed interest in eco-tourism as more proof of a capitalist oriented society that is mor einterested in earning cash rather than the development of natural sites. These criticisms are backed by case studies regarding the East African Maasai community. The displacement that the Maasai had to go through for the development of a amusement park is seen as evidence to the utter disregard shown towards foreign cultures by multinational corporates. (Callander, 1999) The Maasai lack the ability to voice their opinions regarding the changes taking place on their land. This is because the few powerful corporates have the ability to carry out their will without paying attention to the local community. (Varat, 2010) The Maasai land has been recalimed for conservationist purposes and their livelihood has been effectively cut off. The Maasai rely on shepharding their cattle for earning their livelihood, but their grazing land has been turned into “protected” territory with the building of the Ambosoli Masai Mara National Parks. This move has resulted in reduction of land ownership of the Maasai. Not ony this, but the Maasai feel they have not been readily compensated with regard to access to clean drinking water and other social benefits such as greater health service opportunities and education, among others. It is claimed that the developmental authorities have constructed tourist lodges that harm the ability of the Maasai to extract underground water. (Anand, 2008) Another case against the development of ecotourism in underdeveloped regions is that of Nepal, where seemingly harmless activities have contributed towards the degradation of the Annapurna Circuit. The distinctly marked trails have been so frequently used by ecotourists that the trail is in need of renovation. (Tuohino, 2008) The establishment of alternate routes and trails has attributed to growing soil erosion among other ecological disturbances. Ecotourists are as yet under the illusion that they are “helping” out the local culture and environment by being “socially responsible” and concerned about the development of a particular community. (Pantig, 2010) Even though ecotourists are more educated about the effects of tourism on local culture, the need to preserve local culture and the importance of sustainability; they are still unaware of the consequences of their harmless actions. It seems in certain cases, empathy is more important than sympathy. The publication of such case studies has courted the rise of harsh criticism from critics all over the globe with their various perspectives on what such ecotourist activities could mean. What most individuals question is the fact whether it is right to try to conserve natural land and beauty at the expense of the local people? (Frobisher, 2005) It is imperative to realize that these case studies hold their own importance when trying to discern the exact role of ecotourism. They should be treated as model studies and not the final say on the issue of the need to develop ecotourist activities. There are certain other case studies underway that propound the benefits of ecotourism. Critics would of course label them works issued by multinationals that stand to gain from the publication of such case studies. (Carson, 2002) However, in order to clearly judge the role of ecotourism and its proposed effects on the environment these studies need to be taken in to account as well. The main idea behind ecotourism is that ecotourists travel responsibly to the endangered sites of the world and generate revenue that can be used to invest in the development of the local communities. (Callander, 1999) As such this work should be taken up by the local governments, where in they can keep checks and balances on how the revenue that is generated is being used. However, that is hardly the case and many times this revenue is invested in quite other activities other than the development of local communities. (Roark, 1997) On an individual basis, companies have taken up the job of ensuring the benefit of local communities as well as conserving natural resources. In Chalalan Ecolodge, Bolivia, ecotourism activities were started in 2001 in order to provide the locals an alternative to harvesting coffee among other things. (Middleton, 2009) Biodiversity was used to connect to the concept of ecotourism which resulted in the conservation of the Madidi forests. The forests receive around one thousand tourists every year. This has led to a spurt of excitement amongst the forest dwellers who feel eager to disclose their natural habitat to the tourists. The original thought behind this plan of conservation was to discourage young people from settling away from the forest. After the rehabilitation of the Madidi forests, there has been a marked reduction in the migration of young settlers. (Sydney, 2007) This of course means a success for the companies and elders that worked together on this ecotourism plan. According to Conservation International, thefirm behind the success of this ecotourism activity; this has proved to be one of the most successful endeavours. This move has been highly appreciated by the locals as well as the global community. For the locals, it means a greater source of livelihood and population control – the younger generation is now choosing to stay in the newly conserved forest instead of migrating to far away lands in search of employment. Keeping this case study in mind it is imporant to raise certain questions. The difference between this scenario and the one discussed earlier is that unlike the Maasai, the locals of the Madidi National Forest were taken into consideration when chalking out a plan to rehabilitate the region. (Kaplin, 2001) If this aspect is further looked into it becomes apparent that ecotourism activities can only function properly in areas where there is harmony between the locals and the authority responsible to work on the conservation of that particular area or region. Without good will and harmony only discord will flourish because the natives form an important part of any action plan. Successful communities function without discord and this is what should be the main focus if any economic or social activity especially associated with ecotourism. (Carter, 1991) Since ecotourism as a concept is still facing hostility from certain regions and critics who believe it to be another step towards the establishment of capitalist economies worldwide, care needs to be taken when approaching issues that deal with the launching of ecotourism activities. Another idea is that of making any economic activity a win-win situation for the parties involved. It is quite obvious that whatever authority is in charge of working to conserve a particular region would keep its own benefits in mind. This is not always the best way to go about an ecotourism activity, however. Ecotourism activities need to be realized for what they are: opportunities to flourish native employment and provide benefits to the authorities involved, mostly in terms of revenue. (Newman, 1998) A case against many authorities involved in ecotourism activities is that the revenue generated from the ecotourists is used to fund industries and the corporate sector housing in the parent country (that is to say the country from where the authority/multinational originates from) rather than to invest back into providing employement opportunities and social benefits to the natives. According to a study, only five percent of the revenue generated is invested back into the local economy, whereas the rest is used for investing otherwise. (Mollihan, 2008) The attitude towards certain issues and ideas needs to be reworked. Ecotourism is essentially a way for various communities and socities to bridge their differences and work together for the benefit of the international community. However, the native traditions and cultures can not be considered secondary in light of the demands of the international community. (Weiler, 1992) Care has to be taken to work in such a manner that no one is offended. Newly introduced ecotourism activities are certainly a great way for locals to mingle and interact with citizens of the globe. Localized solutions through global interaction should be the motto of the ecotourism activities currently in the process of being started. (Bridge, 2008) This would allow for higher level of understanding and a greater affinity with each other. The major outcome of ecotourism activities is a cohesion of market forces to implement something unselfish in the real world. Developing communities require aid and help from the developed world in order to flourish and become better. Instead of giving aid to these communities with the establishment of ecotourism activities quite a number of targets can be obtained. (Wall, 1995) Firstly, this would allow for developing communities to earn their own livelihood in a better manner. With renewable resources intact, harvesting, farming and other nature bound activities would be easier to carry through. Secondly, the environment would be safeguarded through joint efforts of the local and the international community. Safeguarding our natural resources can only go so far if we make plans to implement a way to keep this safeguarding plan ongoing. Growth of local industries and population would prove formidable challenges to sustaining the environment. (Guard, 2003) Hence such plans need to be chalked up that address the issue of changes with regard to human factors and how to combat such changes without jeopardising the work already done with regard to sustaining that particular region or area. Such actions can work to provide reassurance to not only locals but also ecotourists, especially when taking up the issue of doubtful companies and operators that get into the business to earn only revenue for themselves without paying any heed to the plight of the natives. It is needless to say that many challenges stand in the way of sustainable tourism or ecotourism. These challenges need to be approached head on as they will not simply go away. The most important factor is the alteration of pre-existing mindsets regarding the tourist industry. (Thomas, 2006) Tourist industry has originally accomodated the needs of a few; the tourists per se. 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