What is Ecotourism? According to The International Ecotourism

Society (TIES)"Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the

environment and improves the well-being of local people.“

http://www.ecotourism.org

Goals Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities,

and sustainable travel

Principles of Ecotourism• Minimize impact. • Build environmental and cultural awareness and

respect. • Provide positive experiences for both visitors and

hosts. • Provide direct financial benefits for conservation. • Provide financial benefits and empowerment for

local people. • Raise sensitivity to host countries' political,

environmental, and social climate.

Size of Global Tourism• Largest business sector in the world economy,

the Travel & Tourism industry is responsible for over 230 million jobs and over 10% of the gross domestic product worldwide.

• In 2006, Travel & Tourism (consumption, investment, government spending and exports) is expected to grow 4.6% and total US$6.5 trillion.

Importance of Ecotourism • Tool for economic development especially for

developing countries.

Ecotourism impacts Benefits • Incentive to develop

strong env policies • Local & national

economic sustainability• Value of env conservation

& protection• Promotes local env

education • Preservation of culture

Drawbacks• Increase strain on local

resources food, water ect.• Damage to natural env

from littering, trails ect.• Social tension between

tour operators & non operators

• Inequalities based on geographic location

Example of EcotourismI visited Belize in 2008 for educational

purposes, to experience the environment & culture and assess the ecotourism

model in Belize

Where is BELIZE?

LANDSCAPE• The climate is subtropical with a well- marked dry

season from February to May. • Numerous habitats Mountains, valleys, rainforest,

pine forest, savanna, marsh, and mangrove• Second-longest barrier reef• Diverse animals and plants • Tourists visit Belize, mostly to view wildlife, visit

archeological sites and snorkel and dive the reef