INTRODUCTION:
Ecotourism, sometimes known as “eco” tourism or “eco” for short, is a form of tourism that is predominately motivated by a focused curiosity about the natural heritage of a particular location or which is not made by Mankind. The concept was first brought to light in the study on ecologically and sustainable acquiring knowledge in the 1970s and 1980s, and ever since then, it has attracted a significant amount of attention in addition to receiving criticism. Focus because it conveys an appealing alternative to the heavy tourism structure, which has been so groundbreaking to the human and ecological circumstances of destinations across the globe; condemnation because numerous individuals believe that it has not yet lived up to its position as a more responsible or ethical approach of tourism. Its linkages with other forms of tourism that are more focused on consumption, such as fishing and hunting, are gradually being assimilated by the much larger sector of mass tourism[1], the failure of local inhabitants to regulate the magnitude and scope of growth and progress in their geographic areas, the profit incentive, and newly programmed such as accreditation that has become politicized and institutionalized are some of the factors that limit its ability to influence positive development in the community[2].
ECOTOURISM:
Ecotourism is changing and evolving increasingly widespread as a result of unlimited increases in focus on the natural ecosystem and improvements in environmental awareness. As a result, the demand for tourism is growing year after year. When it pertains to the rise of ecotourism, this increase, on the other hand, leads to several challenges with consideration for the environment, society, and the economy. For a fact, there is indeed an absence of understanding about the actions associated with tourism, which has increased in an increase in the number of tourists, which has resulted in a bunch of negative consequences on the natural environment, legacy, and economics of the host location. These consequences include disrespect for the local traditions and the ecological responsibilities, as well as an increase in the construction of roads and a rise in the economic implications to fulfil the needs of visitors. In addition, these effects include an increase in the construction of roads. For ecotourism to make forward toward a more sustainable future, these discrepancies and obstacles are significant concerns that need to be tackled[3]. Tourism has taken a significant hit, particularly in light of the ongoing epidemic, but progress has not been made on climate change and other environmental concerns[4]. Ecotourism, also known as green tourism or sustainable tourism, involves traveling to natural regions that are rich in ecological and biological richness, or that are of ecological importance to environmentally conscientious people. The term “eco-tourism” can be interpreted in several different ways. Someone else takes into account tourism to environmentally protected or fascinating geographic areas to be illustrations of ecotourism, whereas some people label ecotourism as responsible tourism, which seeks to reduce the number of damages inflicted to the environment and consequently to human activity[5]. Ecotourism is very popular in India, particularly in protected areas such as national parks and sanctuaries[6]. Ecotourism contributes to the preservation of environmentally vulnerable areas. Sensitive environmental regions should be protected to preserve their unique environmental attributes. The environment is preserved to sustain the ecological equilibrium of the planet. Near forest areas, development should be prevented. As a result, it contributes to the city’s biodiversity by conserving the ecosystem. Ecotourism works to reduce the earth’s environmental effects. Forest, water, power, fuel, coal, and other resources should all be conserved. The tour must involve environmental awareness measures to help people understand the importance of saving the environment. Ecotourism benefits the local economic growth by creating employment opportunities. Tourism has a positive impact on the economy of the nation. Tourism provides direct employment opportunities in travel guides, agriculture, food culture, and the hotel industry. It helps to raise living standards for the residents of the area. Ecotourism helps people analyze different cultures. It facilitates the understanding of the different religions and people’s lives. Tourists flock to Spain for the LA Tomatina festival. The entire objective of tossing tomatoes at one another is to entice one another. Ecotourism tends to raise understanding of the importance of environmental preservation. Forest protection must be accomplished on a massive scale to preserve nature. Everybody should take the initiative to boost the number of trees that are planted. Flora and fauna should be protected. People can get a deeper look at the features of the natural world through ecotourism. Mountains, rivers, gardens, and other natural wonders were created by the universe. The greeneries, gardens, and notable canyons delight visitors. Tourists become more connected to nature as a result of their time spent in such natural splendour; they begin to safeguard perishable items. As a consequence, it facilitates the development of a bond with nature. Ecotourism promotes awareness about the need to protect the world’s endangered species[7]. A visitor and our generation should be educated about endangered animals via an awareness program that is done throughout the trip. Ecosystems should be conserved since this would not only help to maintain but also increase the number of endangered species[8].
PROS OF ECOTOURISM:
It functions as a barrier to poaching since a regular stream of visitors thwarts poachers’ covert operations and eliminates the possibility of coordination between forest authorities and poachers. As a consequence of this effort, the public is active in and conscious of India’s distinctive flora and animals. It is a place where people may learn about preservation and be encouraged to do so. Promotes long-term growth in areas next to reserves, which boosts economic growth. Increases the quantity of money generated by tourism, and protection of local culture. As a consequence of the initiative, locals will have additional work opportunities. Encourages residents to take part in safeguarding and conserving the environment in which they live[9].
CONS OF ECOTOURISM:
Eco-tourism promotes just minimal flora and wildlife protection, which is adequate to boost tourism. It has more damage than good. “Tourists arrive in cars and drive through the landscapes, polluting the environment and disturbing the wildlife. The frequent stream of visitors disturbs the creatures. Visitors frequently leave trash, such as plastic bottles, around, causing ecological damage. To accommodate the increased desire for eco-tourism, land bordering monuments and sanctuaries have been cleared for hotels, resorts, and other enterprises via logging, migrations, and other methods. Bad management of eco-tourism sites causes far more harm than any gain that eco-tourism may well have brought. The local population loses their jobs as a consequence of eco-tourism, but they are compensated by cheap jobs in resorts and other enterprises that grow up in response.”. Locals have no realistic long-term career options with room for advancement[10].
CONCLUSION:
I think the expansion of ecotourism must be stopped due to the negative impacts which are posed by mankind like disturbance to flora and fauna, more human used objects like plastic apart from this tourist come from different places make fun of traditions and customs of native place. Well taking these all into account I believe that there are more negatives when compared to positive aspects.
Author(s) Name: D Rahul (Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University)
References:
[1] Jennifer E. Smith and Nathalie Pettorelli, ‘Desert Conservation And Management: Biodiversity Loss’ (Science Direct, 2009 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080449104005642 accessed 27 May 2022
[2] Jennifer E. Smith and Nathalie Pettorelli, ‘Desert Conservation And Management: Biodiversity Loss’ (Science Direct, 2009 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080449104005642 accessed 27 May 2022
[3] Lishan Xu and others, ‘Ecotourism And Sustainable Development: A Scientometric Review Of Global Research Trends’ (Springer Link, 2022) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-022-02190-0 accessed 27 May 2022.
[4] Lishan Xu and others, ‘Ecotourism And Sustainable Development: A Scientometric Review Of Global Research Trends’ (Springer Link, 2022) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-022-02190-0 accessed 27 May 2022.
[5] ‘Article On Ecotourism’ (brainly.in, 2022) https://brainly.com/question/13838840 accessed 27 May 2022.
[6] ‘Article On Ecotourism’ (brainly.in, 2022) https://brainly.com/question/13838840 accessed 27 May 2022.
[7] Sandeep Patil and Manoj Patil, ‘Importance Of Ecotourism, Benefits Of Ecotourism’ (Articles-junction.blogspot.com, 2017) http://articles-junction.blogspot.com/2017/04/importance-of-ecotourism-benefits-of.html accessed 28 May 2022
[8] Sandeep Patil and Manoj Patil, ‘Importance Of Ecotourism, Benefits Of Ecotourism’ (Articles-junction.blogspot.com, 2017) http://articles-junction.blogspot.com/2017/04/importance-of-ecotourism-benefits-of.html accessed 28 May 2022.
[9] ‘Article On Ecotourism’ (brainly.in, 2022) https://brainly.com/question/13838840 accessed 27 May 2022.
[10] ‘Article On Ecotourism’ (brainly.in, 2022) https://brainly.com/question/13838840 accessed 27 May 2022.
