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49 3.1Definition and Features of Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism is a compound word coined from two words-ecosystem and tourism. The term eco-tourism was coined by Hector Ceballos-Lascurain in 1983, and was initially used to describe na-ture-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. He defined eco-tourism as “environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features-both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for bene-ficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations” Ceballos-Lascurian 1996). Eco-tourism is viewed as temporary short-term movement of people to destination outside the places where they normally live and work and involves those activities during their stay in those desti-nations (countryside). Such movements of people could be international in nature and they are usually leisure based. It could also be motivated by physical relaxation, cultural, interpersonal recreation, holiday, health study, business, religion and sports. Also, eco-tourism is viewed as a type of tourism that involves travelling to relatively undisrupted natural area with the aim admir-ing, studyadmir-ing, studying and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals as well as any cultural features found there. Eco-tourism involves appreciating the beauty of nature and their values through game watching or viewing, cruising on rivers/lakes, nature walk, sightseeing and scientific research. Ecotourism has the following advantages; it minimizes environmental im-pacts using benchmarks, improves contribution to local sustainable development and sustains the well-being of local people. It conserves natural and cultural heritage, supports efforts to conserve the environment, contributes to bio-diversity and requires lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resources. The concept has, however, developed to a scientifically based approach to the planning, management and development of sustainable tourism products and activities. It is an enlightening, participatory travel experience to environments, both natural and cultural, that
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ensures the sustainable use, at an appropriate level, of environmental resources. While producing viable economic opportunities for the tourism industry and host communities, eco-tourism makes the use of these resources through conservation beneficial to all tourism role players. It is not a marketing ploy, nor is it scenic or nature- based travel. It is an approach that creates a variety of quality tourism products that is; environmentally and ecologically sustainable, economically via-ble, and socially and psychologically acceptable. The result of which
reflects integrated and holistic approach to product development, capacity building in host communities, a sense and uniqueness of place and commitment to the greening of the tourism industry. As a development tool, ecotourism advances the three basic goals of the Convention of Biological Diversity.
i) Conserve biological (and cultural) diversity, by strengthening protected area management systems (public or private) and increasing the value of sound ecosystems.
ii) Promote the sustainable use of bio-diversity, by generating income, jobs and business op-portunities in ecotourism and related business networks, and
iii) Share the benefits of ecotourism developments equitably with local communities and in-digenous people, by obtaining their informed consent and full participation in plan-ning and management of ecotourism business.
Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as a travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Respon-sible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Historical, bio-logical and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc, are some of the fields closely related to eco-tourism. In most cases, eco-tourism normally involves visits to
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natural and parks and game reserves to see animals and plants in their natural habitats. Usual-ly, these animals are strictly restricted from being killed and trees are not allowed to be de-stroyed in order not to disturb the ecosystem. In most cases, eco-tourism normally involves visits to natural parks and game reserves to see animals and plants in their natural habitats.
Usually, these animals are strictly restricted from being killed and trees are not allowed to be destroyed in order not to disturb the ecosystem. Essentially, ecotourism is non destructive and thus supports the conservation of nature (flora and fauna) thereby reinforcing the concept of sustainable natural resources management and it is widely believe to be the perfect eco-nomic activity to promote both sustainability and development. Ecotourism is one of the main issues of natural resources management, the principle of which is how tourist can truly gain knowledge from their visit to natural and cultural area without causing a negative impact on the environment.