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Geo 302 - 11.03.02 Tourism development trends Ecotourism Case from Costa Rica: Tortuguero, ”the ecotourism

prototype”

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… almost 400 million arrivals in 1999

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World Tourism Organization

http://www.world-tourism.org/

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Tourism in Developing Countries

The many kinds of tourism: “Sun & Sand” etc. (mass tourism) Nature Tourism Adventure Tourism of many kinds Cultural Tourism Green Tourism Responsible Tourism Sustainable Tourism Ecotourism (“ecology / ecological tourism”) = priority sector in very many developing countries

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Tourism in Developing Countries

Tourisme & development, economic & local, systematic typologies:

Individual, Mass tourism “Informal”, “Formal” or Unorganised, Organised Pioneer, ”Backpackers” = ”anti-tourists”….? “Sandal tourist” / “Bubble tourist” = ??? Typical turist destination development: TALC

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TALC - Tourist Area Life Cycle Model

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What is ecotourism?”...While the details vary, most definitions of

ecotourism boil down to a special form of

tourism that meets three criteria:1) it provides for

conservation measures 2) it includes meaningful

community participation and

3) it is profitable and can sustain itself. …. ”

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What is ecotourism? Strictly defined "ecotourism" is relatively

low-impact group travel packages or tours to destinations in nature;

"adventure travel" may be individuals or groups engaged in a consumer activity associated with the outdoors: not necessarily environmentally sensitive or ecologically sound.

One might speak of "true ecotourism" or "false ecotourism" ("greenwashing").

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What is ecotourism? ”Sustainable tourism”: the most all-encompassing term for the cultural,

environmental... and fiscal, responsibility of the tourism industry as a whole.

Sustainable tourism would therefore include true ecotourism and responsible adventure travel.

”Responsible tourism”: Originally used by social activists often without a nature component entirely… .

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World Tourism Organization

"Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host

regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for

the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all

resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled

while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems." (WTO)

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What is ecotourism? ”Greenwashing" in tourism: falsification of objective

requirements for environmental conservation, ecological sustainability, and/or socio-cultural responsibility.

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EcotourismEcotourismProfessionals working within the field of ecotourism

generally agree that it is characterized by:1. Travel to a natural area.2. Travel that supports the conservation of

biodiversity.3. Travel that brings benefits to local host

communities.4. Travel that leads to greater understanding of the

natural or cultural environment visited.

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EcotourismEcotourism Including these four components in a travel

package significantly restricts the number of products that can genuinely be labelled ecotourism.

Many confuse the term with nature tourism or adventure travel, but they are not the same.

Rather, ecotourism is one niche market within the larger, and rapidly expanding, nature tourism market.

By our estimates, nature-based tourism now comprises 20 per cent of the world travel market,

and ecotourism 7 per cent.

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What is ecotourism? Different perspectives: Ecotourism as ideology / ethics: tourists suppliers Ecotourism as (government) development strategy: resource mangement sustainable development Ecotourism as marketing strategy: opportunistic ”greenwashing”…?

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International Year of Ecotourism http://www.world-tourism.org/sustain

able/IYE-Main-Menu.htm

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http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/

UNEP Publication Ecotourism: Principles,

Practices and Policies for Sustainability

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WTO-UNEP CONCEPT PAPER - INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ECOTOURISM 2002:

While there is not a universal definition for ecotourism, its general characteristics can be summarised as follows:

1. All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas

2. It contains educational and interpretation features

3. It is generally, but not exclusively organised for small groups by specialised and small, locally owned businesses. …..

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WTO-UNEP CONCEPT PAPER - INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ECOTOURISM 2002:

3. …. Foreign operators of varying sizes also organise, operate and/or market ecotourism tours, generally for small groups.

4. It minimises negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment

5. It supports the protection of natural areas by • generating economic benefits for host communities,

organisations and authorities managing natural areas with conservation purposes,

• providing alternative employment and income opportunities for local communities,

• increasing awareness towards the conservation of natural and cultural assets, both among locals and tourists.

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WTO-UNEP CONCEPT PAPER - INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ECOTOURISM 2002:

Over the years, it has also become clear that some concerns still need to be wholly addressed in ecotourism, such as:

• land tenure and control of the ecotourism development process by host communities,

• efficiency and fairness of the current concept of protected areas for protection of biological and cultural diversity

• the need for additional precautions and monitoring when operating in especially sensitive areas

• indigenous and traditional rights in areas suitable for ecotourism development,

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Tortuguero Conservation AreaTortuguero Conservation Area

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Tortuguero

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OUTSIDE WORLD(US, World Market, Debt Crisis, “Brundtland”)

TORTUGUERO:

Tourists - Researchers - Environmentalists

Government

External

Owners

Migration

-

Commuting

NAT. RESOURCES LOCAL COMM.

“Commons”

“Caribb.”or “Tico”?

Private

SubsistenceComm. Co-op.

Import

Local Market

Export

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