Understanding Definitions of Ecotourism

Discussion Topic: Understanding Definitions of Ecotourism

THERE IS NO CLEAR, UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED DEFINITION OF ECOTOURISM

From the start of this project, the lack of a precise, commonly agreed definition of 'ecotourism' was a common cause of misunderstanding, argument, and made many doubt that it was a genuine topic in itself (as something significantly different from, for example, adventure or nature tourism or, more importantly, sustainable tourism).

An examination of the literature show that this problem is not confined to the West Coast, and that there are literally hundreds of definitions of ecotourism. The fact is that people tend to customize their own definitions to suit their interests or situation.

11 COMMON FACTORS OR PRINCIPLES SHARED BY MOST DEFINITIONS OF ECOTOURISM

Most definitions of ecotourism, as identified by talking to tourism operators and others here on the West Coast, and from ecotourism literature, appear to be drawn from a pool of approximately 11 main factors (it is difficult to pin this down precisely, as some overlap and can therefore be compressed into one factor or split into several, hence common definitions cite between 6-18 main factors):

Ecotourism involves travel, and deals with travellers/tourists. It includes travel to experience nature and the environment (flora, fauna, ecosystems, geology, climate, etc.), heritage and local culture.
Ecotourism is responsible travel that requires effort on the part of the traveller. Ecotourism experiences should be as non-consumptive as possible.
Ecotourism is environmentally responsible 'low impact' tourism that strives to minimise ecological and cultural impacts of tourism (e.g. manages visitor behaviour, ensures visitors take out any waste they bring in with them, recycles, uses renewable energy, appropriate design of architecture and infrastructure, etc.). This includes operators applying the same values to their home life, and extending these values into the local community.
Ecotourism materially and directly assists in conservation of the environment, and local heritage and culture. It not only minimises impacts, it results in conservation gains.
Ecotourism builds awareness, understanding and appreciation of the environment, and local heritage and culture (for both visitors and local communities). Ecotourism educates tourists, and involves the interpretation of nature, heritage and culture. As such ecotourism requires well-trained guides with skills on natural and cultural history, environmental interpretation, ethical principles and efective communication. The same equivalents apply to non-guided interpretation. Ecotourism should not only be enjoyable and informative, it should change attitudes and build support for global environmental issues. Ecotourism is an extension of global green political activism.
Ecotourism is not intrusive and exploitive; it builds respect for local culture and communities and their relationships with local resources. Ecotourism experiences should involove authentic two-way interaction with local residents.
Ecotourism involves local communities and consults extensively with them.
Ecotourism businesses and asscociated infrastructure should be locally owned, and ecotourism resources should be exploited by the community, for the social, economic and polotical benefit of the community.
Ecotourism activities should be an addition to rather than the replacement for traditional economic practices of the host community. Ecotourism should be used to achieve sustainable development in areas where traditional uses of resources are not sustainable or environmentally harmful.
Ecotourism operations should be small scale, with smaller group sizes on trips.
Ecotourism enterprises should be profitable and sustainable.

TAI POUTINI POLYTECHNIC DEFINITION OF ECOTOURISM

TPP's definition of ecotourism contains 4 features that aim to distinguish it from other forms of tourism (e.g. nature-based tourism, outdoor/adventure tourism, sustainable tourism):

Interaction with the natural environment
A 'light footprint' (i.e. low environmental impact)
Contains an educational and interpretative dimension
Community ownership

QUEBEC DECLARATION DEFINITION OF ECOTOURISM

According to the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism, ecotourism "embraces the principles of sustainable tourism...and the following principles which distinguish it form the wonder concept of sustainable tourism:

Contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage
Includes local and indigenous communities in its planning, development and operation, contributing to their well-being,
Interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to visitor,
Lends itself better to independent travellers, as well as to organized tours for small size groups".

UNITED NATIONS COMMISION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In May 2000, as part of the side events on the 8th session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD 8), a group of Indigenous Peoples Organizations, NGO's and other members of Civil Society provided a proposal on guidelines for ecotourism. Although the final result could not be incorporated into the official papers due to procedural aspects, UNEP recognizes its value as a statement of genuine concern from primary stakeholders.

Ecotourism is sustainable tourism, which follows clear processes that:

Ensures prior informed participation of all stakeholders,
Ensures equal. effective and active participation of all stakeholders,
Acknowledges Indigenous Peoples communities' right to say "no" to tourism development - and to be fully informed, effective and active participants in the development of tourism activities within the communities, lands, and territories, and
Promotes processors for Indigenous Peoples and local communities to control and maintain their resources

DAVID FENNELL'S DEFINITION OF ECOTOURISM

The tightest single statement definition identified in the research for this report is probably David Fennell's 1999 definition:

Ecotourism is a sustainable form of natural resource-based tourism that focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, and which is ethically managed to be low-impact, non-consumptive, and locally oriented (control, benefits, and scale). It typically occurs in natural areas, and should contribute to the conservation or preservation of such areas.

But notably absent from this definition is emphasis on heritage and culture as the subjects of ecotourism, and not just 'nature'.

MISCELLANEOUS DEFINITIONS OF ECOTOURISM

A tourism market based on an area's natural resources that attempts to minimize the ecological impact of the tourism.
The practice of touring natural habitats in a manner meant to minimize ecological impact.
Nature-based tourism which involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable.
Tourism which takes account of environmental, cultural and social considerations. Using natural resources for tourism without being destructive or wasteful.
Tourism to exotic or threatened ecosystems to observe wildlife or to help preserve nature.