A good definition of ecotourism that I found was "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Those people that participate in ecotourism should follow some general guidlines to ensure that this goal is preserved. Those guidelines include minimizing impact, building awareness and being respectful while providing financial benefits for conservation. The biggest difference between regular tourism and ecotourism seems to be that ecotourism is sustainable and regular tourism struggles to be so.
Ecotourism focuses on local cultures, local wilderness , and learning new ways to live and interact on Earth. Ecotourism usually involves adventures to places where the environment and culture are the main attractions. Successful, sustainable ecotourism includes trips that reduce adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment while also continueing to enhance the cultural ways of local people.
Ecotourism can be broken down into many different sectors. These sectors include and are not limited to, Holiday ecotourism, Academic ecotourism, Adventure ecotourism, and Educational ecotourism. During my stay in CR, I will be practicing Academic, Adventure, and Educational ecotourism.
CR has has an enormous amount of biodiversity which makes it a great country for further developement of ecotourism. Although CR is the most deforested country in Latin America, it also has the most protected land in Latin America. With tourism being one of the largest industries in the world, ecotourism has become an opportunity for developing countries like CR. One of the most important positive impacts that ecotourism has had on CR is that it has brought jobs and infrastructure to places that many believed may never have had the opportunity otherwise.
It is my belief, that because ecotourism is growing so quickly around the world, that soon it will be the job countries like CR to differentiate itself from other countries that offer ecotourism. Just like in any other industry, I feel it will be important for ecotourism in countries to product differentiate itself in order to continue to be sustainable and successful.
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Hi Paul,
A good post on ecotourism. It's indicative of your thought development and insights on the impact almost everything has on our environment.
The recent pictures you've added to your posts are very nice. It appears you're developing some close friendships which is always good. Costa Rica looks beautiful too.
I noticed the Cohiba cigars in one of your pictures. Did you try one? I've always liked a slight whiff of a cigar.
Mom and I have been watching the news about tropical storm Alma and the heavy rains on the western coast of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It's too bad your plans are being changed slightly due to the weather, but we're glad you're safe. You'll love the rafting when you finally get to go. Do you know if it will be white water rafting or something more calm? In any case, have fun and try to stay in the boat!
BHS lost in the Regional semi-finals yesterday to Lakota East. Butler lead 3 - 1 with two outs and one on base in the 7th inning when ZD gave up a two run homer to tie the game. Finally, BHS lost in the 10th inning by a score of 4 - 3.
In the NHL Pittsburgh won 3 - 2 to make the series close at 2 games to 1 in favor of Detroit. Sidney Crosby scored 2 goals. The next game is tomorrow night in Pittsburgh. Go Pens!
In the NBA, LA beat San Antonio to win the series and advance to the finals against the winner of the Detroit/Boston series. Boston is up 3 games to 2 and the series resumes tonight. I foresee an old rivaly renewed when Boston wins and plays LA for the championship.
Well, it's my lunch hour and I have more work to wrap up before the weekend. Continue to enjoy your trip. Keep the posts coming because we read them with great interest.
Love,
Dad
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