| Ecotourism
What is Ecotourism?
According to the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism,
ecotourism "embraces the principles of sustainable tourism...
and the following principles which distinguish it from the wider
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 travelers,
as well as to organized tours for small size groups".
Ecotourism is of special interest to UNEP for
its relationship with conservation, sustainability, and biological
diversity. As a development tool, ecotourism can advance the three
basic goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity which are:
- The conservation of biological and cultural
diversity, by strengthening protected area management and increasing
the value of ecosystems;
- The promotion of the sustainable use of biodiversity,
by generating income, jobs and business opportunities in ecotourism
and related business networks, and
- Sharing the benefits of ecotourism developments
equitably with local communities and indigenous people, by obtaining
their informed consent and full participation in planning and
management of ecotourism businesses.
In the field, well-planned and managed ecotourism has proven to
be one of the most effective tools for long-term conservation
of biodiversity when the right circumstances (such as market feasibility,
management capacity at local level, and clear and monitored links
between ecotourism development and conservation) are present.
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, NGOs 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 concerns 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'
rights 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 processes for Indigenous Peoples
and local communities to control and maintain their resources.
For more information, see:
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