Review on Role of Biodiversity

Conservation for Ecotourism and

Sustainable development
Table contents
Contents page no

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Tourism and eco-tourism ........................................................................................................................ 3
Tourism Definition .............................................................................................................................. 4
Benefits of biodiversity to tourism ..................................................................................................... 7
Impacts of tourism on biodiversity ..................................................................................................... 8
Implication of tourism versus ecotourism on sustainable use of biodiversity and conservation ...... 9
Sustainable development and tourism ................................................................................................... 9
2. Roles of Travel companies in promoting tours into off-the-beaten-path locations. ........................ 14
3. Revenue from Ecotourism to Local Level for conservation and sustainable Development ............. 18
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Introduction
Any form of industrial development brings impacts upon the physical environment in which it
takes place. In view of the fact that tourists have to visit the place of production in order to consume
the output, it is inevitable that tourism activity is associated with environmental impacts(Eriksson
& Lidström 2013). Ecotourism has become increasingly popular over the last decade, both with
conservation and development organisations looking for means of generating an income from
protected areas, and with tourists from the richer countries looking for new experiences. Most
significantly, ecotourism is seen as an opportunity for local people living in tourism destinations
to gain positive benefits from tourism development and the conservation of forests and protected
areas(Muhanna 2006)
The market for ecotourism, however, is finite, and very susceptible to outside factors. Political
instability, changes in fashions in the tourist sending countries, and weather and natural disasters
play a major role in the success or failure of a tourism development. For that reason, we see
ecotourism as just one aspect of overall forest management, to be integrated with other forest uses,
but one which can play an important role. In order for ecotourism to encourage patterns of
sustainability, which can benefit local communities, protect the environment, and be economically
viable, it must be comprehensive and account for the complexity of issues(Paper et al. 1996).

Tourism and eco-tourism

Tourism and eco-tourism have a lot in common, as well as some decided differences. Both travel
categories work toward the combined goal of fostering visitors, enjoyment, and earning money for
the destination. The primary difference between traditional travel and eco-tourism is the earth-
friendly focus of the latter. Ecotourism is generally centered on a natural area or attraction. Visitors
are encouraged to use natural resources wisely, and reduce the carbon footprint left on the area.
Growing the economy in rural and impoverished areas is a secondary goal of many eco-tourism
excursions and attractions(Koch 1994).

Typical ecotourism activities can include biking, hiking, camping, cultural activities, swimming
and surfing, snorkelling, rafting and geo-caching. Categories of eco-tourism include adventure
travel (such as white water rafting or jungle treks) and nature based eco-tourism (such as
wilderness camping trips or responsible use of the land while visiting)(Marzouki et al. 2012)

Tourism Definition
Tourism generally refers to travel from a home base to another destination for a stay of at least one
night. The World Tourism Organization further defines it this way: "Tourism is a social, cultural
and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside
their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes."
Tourism is a big industry based on many small businesses. If we want tourism to contribute
biodiversity conservation and sustainable development: -

 Tourism must be profitable enterprise

 It should provide substantial economic benefits to the people involved in different facets
of this activity

“Tourism in natural areas, can be a major source of degradation of local ecological, economic and
social systems. The intrusion of large numbers of foreigners with high-consumption and high-
waste habits into natural areas, or into towns with inadequate waste management infrastructure,
can produce changes to those natural areas at a rate that is far greater than imposed by local
residents. These tourism-related changes are particularly deleterious when local residents rely on
those natural areas for their sustenance. Resulting economic losses can encourage socially
deleterious economic activities such as prostitution, crime, and migrant and child labour”. Some
of the different kinds of impacts that tourism development and operational activities can have
include:

 Threats to ecosystems and biodiversity – e.g. loss of wildlife and rare species, habitat loss and
degradation,
 Disruption of coasts – e.g. shoreline erosion and pollution, impact to coral reefs and fish
spawning grounds,
 Deforestation – loss of forests for fuel wood and timber by the tourist industry also impact on
soil and water quality, bio-diversity integrity, reducing the collection of forest products by
local communities,
 Water overuse – as a result of tourism / recreational activities e.g. golf courses, swimming
pools, and tourist consumption in hotels,
 Urban problems - Congestion and overcrowding, increased vehicle traffic and resultant
environmental impacts, including air and noise pollution, and health impacts,
 Exacerbate climate change – from fossil fuel energy consumption for travel, hotel and
recreational requirements,
 Unsustainable and inequitable resource use - Energy and water over consumption, excessive
production of wastes, litter and garbage are all common impacts.

Ecotourism, which is a type of travel that focuses on the discovery of a wildlife habitat in a manner
that maximizes local goals and reduces damage to the environment, has been mixed with other
types of tourism. Following are some distinct clarifications among other tourism terms have been
incorrectly applied to ecotourism(Anon 2008).

 Sustainable Tourism - does not deplete resources and allows for a smaller number of tourists
to experience nature so as not to disturb the animal's normal mating, feeding, or migratory
patterns. An example is a rafting trip on a free flowing river. The difference with ecotourism
is that there may be no focus on the preservation of the natural habitat or economic benefit to
the host destination.

 Adventure Tourism - spotlights physical outdoor activities. Examples include snorkelling,

diving, or surfing a coastal area. The difference with ecotourism is that while these companies
may want to preserve the environment where the activities are taking place, they may not
necessarily be operating in a sustainable manner or providing educational opportunities.

 Cultural Tourism - centres on the discovery of the heritage of the host destination. An
example would be a local artisan showing you how to weave a tapestry and learning from her
about the traditional dress. The difference with ecotourism is that there is no focus on nature
or wildlife.

 Responsible Tourism - attempts to minimize the environmental degradation of the host

destination. An example is a wilderness camping trip using Leave No Trace ethics. The
difference with ecotourism is that there may be no economic benefit to the host destination.
 Nature Tourism - focuses on enjoying wildlife in their natural habitat. The difference with
ecotourism is that these trips may not have an educational component to them, may not be
environmentally sustainable or responsible, and may not economically benefit the host
destination.

 Green Tourism - applies to any activity or facility that operates in an environmentally friendly
way. The difference with ecotourism is that these lodges may be centrally controlled by a large
corporation and therefore not necessarily benefit the host destination nor focus on conservation
education or the preservation of wildlife.

When one talk about ecotourism, they're talking about actions that have a meaningful impact on
the community or region to which they're travelling. Lowering the carbon footprint or reducing
the waste they generate while travelling by choosing reusable items like a refillable water bottle,
all contribute to lowering their overall impact. But true sustainable travel is about supporting
people and infrastructure long after they've departed: supporting a region socially, economically
and environmentally (SEE)(Anon 2008).

By seeking ecotourism travel experiences, one will also find unique opportunities to connect more
deeply with the people and places they visit, experiencing the culture, people, wildlife and diverse
experiences each destination has to offer in a more authentic way. Tourism's economic impact
includes industries that depend on travel, such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, trains, cruise lines,
attractions, national parks and even roadside businesses on interstate highways(Anon 2008).

People travel for different reasons. Many travel for leisure, such as a trip to the beach or to an
amusement park, while others travel to large cities to visit museums, attend plays and dine at
famous restaurants. It includes adventure tourism; business tourism, medical tourism, Visiting
friends and families, etc. Another segment of the tourism industry is eco-tourism, a segment where
travellers not only discover new experiences, but do so with utmost respect for the environment.
Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and
improves the well-being of local people." While "nature-based tourism" is simply describes travel
to natural places, ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism that benefits local communities and
destinations environmentally, culturally and economically. Ecotourism represents a set
of principles that have been successfully implemented in various global communities, and are
supported by extensive industry and academic research. Ecotourism, when properly executed
based on these principles, exemplifies the benefits of socially and environmentally sound tourism
development.
Like ecotourism, such terms as sustainable tourism and responsible tourism are rooted in the
concept of sustainable development, or development that "meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own need"(Steck 2004).
According to the International Ecotourism Society, eco-tourism is "responsible travel to natural
areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." One main tenet
involves minimizing impact, often called "responsible tourism." Eco-tourists leave a tourist area
much as they found it without impacting the environment. A kayak trip down a river likely would
have little impact on the environment, but a hunting expedition may not only result in animal death,
but could affect mating habits and offspring survival. But eco-tourism goes beyond responsible
tourism and encourages participants to not only respect the natural environment, but build
awareness and respect for people who live in the tourist area. Eco-tourists also make financial
contributions to the eco-tourism cause and raise awareness with governing bodies to increase
sensitivity to tourism's overall impact to the natural environment and the local people.

Benefits of biodiversity to tourism

From a tourism industry perspective, biodiversity is a tourist attraction, not a market segment. Its
economic significance to the tourism industry is large, but difficult to quantify precisely. Whilst
tourism is commonly thought of as a service industry, in reality tourism products are bundles of
goods and services, with the goods at least as important as the services. Tourism has been described
as “renting out other people’s environments”; because it is the environment that provides tourism
attractions such as scenery, health, unusual plants and wildlife, and interesting cultures (Goodwin,
1996).

Biodiversity is a significant factor in a wide range of tourism product purchasing decisions.

Obvious examples include visits to zoos and wildlife reserves; wildlife watching, bird watching,
whale watching and dive tours; and consumptive tourism such as hunting and fishing tours. These,
however, are by no means the only examples. Biodiversity is also a critical product component for
tourists who travel to look at scenic landscapes, most of which owe their particular character to
vegetation and fauna as well as underlying terrain. And in a much broader context, undisturbed
ecosystems and their plant and animal communities are critical in maintaining the clean air, clean
water and healthy environments which are a key tourism attraction in many destinations(Buckley
2004).

Whilst biodiversity is not a tourism sector in itself, therefore, it is a primary attraction or critical
underpinning for a relatively distinct and quantifiable market sector, namely nature, eco and
adventure tourism. It is also a significant, but perhaps not critical component of other tourism
sectors. As a conservative first approximation, therefore, the economic significance of biodiversity
to the tourism industry can be estimated from the size of the sector (Philips, 1985).

Impacts of tourism on biodiversity

The impacts of tourism on biodiversity may be considered at various different scales (Buckley R.
, 47-56):

 impacts associated with long- distance travel by air, sea, rail and road; these include diffuse
impacts on biodiversity from air and water pollution and the construction and operations of
airports, port facilities, roads and rail corridors;
 impacts from urban tourism accommodation and associated facilities; these include diffuse
impacts on biodiversity associated with power and water supply, materials consumption, and
waste, wastewater and sewage discharge;
 localised impacts on biodiversity from development of resorts, facilities and infrastructure at
green fields sites in various locations and land tenures;
 localised on-ground impacts, both direct and indirect, of general nature, eco and adventure
tours and associated activities;
 impacts of recreational activities with a deliberate consumptive component, such as hunting,
fishing, shell collecting, plant collecting, and purchase of souvenirs or artifacts made from
plant or animal parts; and
 indirect role of tourism, in some countries, in contributing to or encouraging trade in
endangered plant and animal species, both legal and illegal, and including plant seeds, animal
parts, artifacts, medicinal preparations etc.
Implication of tourism versus ecotourism on sustainable use of
biodiversity and conservation
Tourists are attracted by natural landscapes which harbour significant biodiversity. Tourists in
coastal areas enjoy swimming in clean waters among the fish and coral reefs, and watching whales
and seabirds. Others go on safaris to watch wildlife. All these activities require intact and healthy
ecosystems. National parks rely on functioning ecosystems to provide visitors recreation,
education, culture and fun(Melita & Mendlinger 2013).

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and can be a sustainable alternative to economic
activities that would be damaging to biodiversity. It can be a sustainable alternative to more
damaging industries. The money that tourists spend can serve nature, society and culture in the
form of protected areas and other attractions. Sustainable tourism can also make communities
proud of maintaining and sharing their traditions, knowledge, and art, which contribute to the
sustainable use of local biodiversity. Tourism can have a variety of negative impacts on
biodiversity, particularly when there is no adequate management. Irresponsible and unsustainable
tourism can damage nature through habitat destruction, overexploitation of local resources, waste
and pollution, invasive alien species, infrastructure development, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Tourists expect a clean environment and they will not return to polluted or degraded destinations,
which will cause economic losses. Travellers, the tourism industry, governments and investors all
have an interest in the conservation and sustainable use of resources. Biodiversity keeps tourism
going, not to mention that it meets our most basic needs by supplying food, drinking water and
medicines. Sustainable tourism is in everybody’s interest(Nasi & Belair 2010).

Sustainable development and tourism

According to Hall (2008) sustainable development and tourism present change which refers to the
movement from one state or condition to another. Whether such a transition is positive or negative
depends on the original criteria by which change is measured. Sustainable tourism requires the
informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure
wide participation and consensus building(Jacobson & Robles 1992). Achieving it requires
monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever
necessary.
Tourism/Ecotourism is in a special position in the contribution it can make to sustainable
development and the challenges it presents: -

 Firstly, this is because of the dynamism and growth of the sector, and the major
contribution that it makes to the economies of many countries and local destinations.
 Secondly, it is because tourism is an activity which involves a special relationship between
consumers (visitors), the industry, the environment and local communities. This special
relationship arises because, unlike most other sectors, the consumer of tourism (the tourist)
travels to the producer and the product.

This leads to three important and unique aspects of the relationship between
tourism/ecotourism and sustainable development:

 Interaction: The nature of tourism/ecotourism, as a service industry that is based on

delivering an experience of new places, means that it involves a considerable amount of
interaction, both direct and indirect, between visitors, host communities and their local
environments.
 Awareness: Tourism/ecotourism makes people (visitors and hosts) become far more
conscious of environmental issues and differences between nations and cultures. This can
affect attitudes and concerns for sustainability issues not only while travelling but
throughout people’s lives.
 Dependency: Much of tourism/ecotourism is based on visitors seeking to experience intact
and clean environments, attractive natural areas, authentic historic and cultural traditions,
and welcoming hosts with whom they have a good relationship. The industry depends on
these attributes being in place.

According to (Cambangay 2006) Sustainable tourism as having four pillars:- economic, ecological,
cultural and community sustainability.
1. Economic sustainability - that is profitable in both the immediate and long term
• Form partnerships throughout the entire supply chain from micro-sized local businesses to
multinational organisations
• Use internationally approved and reviewed guidelines for training and certification
• Promote among clients an ethical and environmentally conscious behaviour
• Diversify the products by developing a wide range of tourist activities
 • Contribute some of the income generated to assist in training, ethical marketing and product
development
• Provide financial incentives for businesses to adopt sustainability principles
2. Ecological sustainability - development that is compatible with the maintenance of essential
ecological processes, biological diversity and biological resources
• Codes of practice should be established for tourism at all levels
• Guidelines for tourism operations, impact assessment and monitoring of cumulative impacts
should be established
• Formulate national, regional and local tourism policies and development strategies that are
consistent with overall objectives of sustainable development
• Institute baseline environmental impact assessment studies
• Ensure that the design, planning, development and operation of facilities incorporate
sustainability principles
• Ensure tourism in protected areas, such as national parks, is incorporated into and subject to
sound management plans
• Monitor and conduct research on the actual impacts of tourism
• Identify acceptable behaviour among tourists
• Promote responsible tourism behaviour
3. Cultural sustainability - increase people's control over their lives and is compatible with the
culture and values of those affected and strengthen the community identity
• Tourism should be initiated with the help of broad based community input
• Education and training programs to improve and manage heritage and natural resources should
be established
• Conserve cultural diversity
• Respect land and property rights of traditional inhabitants
• Guarantee the protection of nature, local and the indigenous cultures and especially traditional
knowledge
• Work actively with indigenous leaders and minority groups to insure that indigenous cultures
and communities are depicted accurately and with respect.
• Strengthen, nurture and encourage the community's ability to maintain and use traditional
skills.
• Educate tourists about desirable and acceptable behaviour
 • Educate the tourism industry about desirable and acceptable behaviour
4. Local sustainability - that is designed to benefit local communities and generate/retain
income in those communities
• The community should maintain control over tourism development
• Tourism should provide quality employment to community residents
• Encourage businesses to minimize negative effects on local communities and contribute
positively to them
• Ensure an equitable distribution of financial benefits throughout the entire supply chain
• Provide financial incentives for local businesses to enter tourism
• Improve local human resource capacity
Sustainable development through ecotourism is a concerning issue in the world today. Many
countries have ensured their regional development by this concept. Dimensions of ecotourism
development refer to the environmental, economic, and social aspects of tourism development,
and a suitable balance between these dimensions must be established to maintain its long-term
sustainability(Koch 1994)
Tourism can be sustainable if development meets the needs of tourists and local residents while
protecting future opportunities. Ecotourism offers benefits for local residents, conservation,
development and educational experiences. Ecotourism is a sustainable form of natural resource-
based tourism. It focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora,
fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artefacts from the locality(Reading et al. 2010)

Ecotourism entails a combination of conservation and tourism (the economics related with it) to
benefit local communities, especially focusing on sustainability. Natural and cultural landscape
values form a basis for ecotourism. These values are geographical position, microclimatic
conditions, existence of water, natural beauties, existence of natural vegetation, existence of
wildlife, surface features, geomorphologic structure, local food, festivals and pageants, traditional
agricultural structure, local handicrafts, regional dress culture, historical events and people,
heritage appeals, architectural variety, traditional music and folk dance, artistic activities and so
on(Brandon 1996).
Ecotourism is largely perceived to safeguard natural areas and thereby to contribute to the
conservation of biodiversity. It focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, its
landscape, flora, fauna and their habitats, as well as cultural artefacts from the locality. In
ecotourism planning the first issue that emerges is the environment and its conservation (CBD
Secretariat 2013)
Ecotourism destinations are always environmentally sensitive because ecotourism activities
directly involve various environmental phenomena including bird watching, trekking,
mountaineering, horse riding and elephant riding within the forest wilderness trail, staying in
natural caves, studying about flora and fauna, simple bush walking, fishing, animal behaviour
study, ecological studies. Ecotourism always incorporates various activities in nature (hiking,
mountain climbing, observing the living beings in their natural habitat, etc.), but it may include
cultural activities, too. Ecotourism is an important educational component, it is a chance to learn
respect for nature, for the local culture, and for some it is a chance to self-reflection being inspired
by the beauty of the surroundings(Estate 2002).
Ecotourism is often perceived as a tool for promoting sustainable development in developing
countries. Ecotourism helps in community development by providing the alternate source of
livelihood to local community which is more sustainable. Many view ecotourism as a viable way
to protect the natural environment and create social and economic benefits for local communities.
Ecotourism encompasses a spectrum of nature-based activities that foster visitor appreciation and
understanding of natural and cultural heritage and are managed to be ecologically, economically
and socially sustainable. Therefore, ecotourism is accepted as an alternative type of sustainable
development. Ecotourism has attracted increasing attention in recent years, not only as an
alternative to mass tourism, but also as a means to promote a country’s economic development
and environmental conservation. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially biological diversity,
and maintain sustainable use of resources, which can bring ecological experience to travellers,
conserve the ecological environment and gain(Drive 2001).
Ecotourism is increasingly being lauded as a sustainable development option for rural
communities, one that is able to spur economic development (Vogt, 1997) and instil environmental
protection at the same time. If the environment has not at least achieved a net benefit toward its
sustainability and ecological integrity, then the activity is not ecotourism.
Basic purposes of ecotourism are to preserve and utilize natural and cultural resources in a
sustainable way and to enable economic development of local people. However, achieving the
aims in ecotourism depends on whether they are environmentally and ecologically sustainable and
economically applicable. In order to achieve these, a participative tourism planning is
required(Anon 2010)

2. Roles of Travel companies in promoting tours into off-the-beaten-path locations.

Awareness of biodiversity has recently led to a boom in ecotourism. Travel companies promote
tours into off-the-beaten-path locations, such as forests and jungles, where tourists can go on river
cruises, hike, and observe and enjoy nature without disturbing the ecosystem. Money from
ecotourism goes back into the region and helps to preserve the diversity of plants and
animals(Company & Kingdom 2001).
According to (Hirotsune & Sangbouaboulom 2010) what role travel companies can and do for
those involved in the ecotourism industry play in helping the environment by:-
 Firstly, the very act of operating an ecotourism business in the right way makes a difference.
Done right, ecotourism provides local economies with a form of income that is sustainable in
the long term. Through the equitable employment of guides, drivers, porters, cooks, lodges,
hotels, and other local operators, we provide an alternative to slash and burn agriculture, clear-
cut logging and other environmentally harmful economic activities. Flora and fauna brings
tourists and the tourist dollar in turn provides jobs and opportunities for local people.
 Recognition that trees are more valuable standing than felled provides an incentive to local
people to protect their natural environment. Further, local people benefit from the opportunity
to earn a livelihood in an industry that, if managed properly, is indefinitely sustainable.

 Second, as travel companies one can make a commitment to promote and contribute to those
organizations dedicated to addressing environmental and social issues, whether at the local,
state, or global level. There are many organizations that are truly making a difference
addressing such issues as child poverty, conservation, or deforestation. By helping to conserve
biological diversity, protect threatened rainforest, or working to improve the quality of life of
the people whose communities we visit, they help ensure the permanence of the people and
places that are the focus of our tours. Therefore, as travel companies it is important that we
recognize the degree to which we benefit from the work they do.
 Third, travel companies can educate the local people and operators with whom they work about
environmental issues and why they should be concerned about them. Responsible business
practice benefits not only the environment, but also the long-term viability of those who
embrace it. They can teach our local partners about low-impact tourism, what it means, and
why it is important. And they can show them how to establish relevant environmental and
social standards of their own that are both realistic and effective in achieving desirable results.
 Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, they can make a difference through the environmental
and social education of passengers. This is an area that is sometimes overlooked as a tool of
change. One of the critical components of success in bringing about environmental change is
increasing public awareness.
By educating the public, they will ultimately instruct the legislators who act upon the beliefs of
their constituents. Without public awareness, there is no political will to effect change.
This last area is one in which we, as tour operators, have the potential to make a real and significant
impact. Some passengers choose ecotourism holidays over more mainstream vacations in order to
experience another culture or visit a unique wilderness area. Some choose this sort of travel
because they recognize the importance of low-impact tourism, while others, looking initially only
for an exotic holiday, learn about it over the course of their tour(Price 2013). Many however, are
not aware of the broader environmental and social issues that affect so many developing
countries(Price 2013).
Environmental education for consumers will take many forms. It means that in addition to
educating passengers about how to travel in a responsible, low impact way, travel companies
encourage and provide opportunities for discussion of a visited country’s environmental and social
issues. It means including more extensive, thought-provoking information on current issues with
materials sent to passengers in advance of trips. And it means educating trip leaders about the
broader issues so that they can act as a resource for further information. This is not a process that
can happen overnight, but it is a goal that is certainly achievable.
The members of the Travel companies/Tour Operators’ Initiative also believe that tour operators
can contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in protected areas in many different
ways(Price 2013), such as:
 Including protected areas in their itineraries and giving customers information about the natural
and cultural features of visited sites and their roles in the conservation of local ecosystems;
 Limiting the size of their groups, or dividing large groups into smaller ones when visiting
protected areas;
 Informing protected area managers of visits ahead of time and discussing ways to reduce visitor
impacts;
 Integrating sustainability principles into the selection criteria and service agreements of their
suppliers, and choosing locally owned and operated suppliers;
 Making financial contributions to conservation and development projects;
 Providing customers with opportunities to proactively support protected areas; and
 Providing customers with guidelines on how to avoid negative impacts while visiting sensitive
areas, for example by maintaining appropriate distances from wildlife, staying on trails to avoid
trampling plants or causing erosion, and keeping water and energy use down to avoid related
impacts on the environment.
Tour companies play a central role in the tourism industry. As intermediates between tourists and
tourism businesses, they can influence the choices of consumers, practices of suppliers and the
development within destinations. Through their unique position travel companies can make an
important contribution to the protection of the environment and culture, and in promoting social
and human rights standards in the destinations they visit(Mois 2014).
Travel companies actively and largely involved in the promotion of ecotourism. They are working
in their individual levels and also with the government to some extent. Promotion in any field
needs back up of finance, which has been a major problem to the country. There is no doubt that
the government also receives funds from foreign countries for the advancement of ecotourism.
But, the money is not being mobilized accordingly as expected. In spite of this, travel companies
have performed major roles in promotion of ecotourism in their own efforts as well as coordination
with various environmental organizations(Jane et al. 2012).
Providing Education
The most important aspect in travelling today is educating oneself about the destiny. In this regard,
the traveller look upon a reliable and authorized source called Travel companies. Most of the
Travel companies nowadays are very trustworthy as they have decent amount of knowledge and
experience in the related field. They have been educating the travellers from every corner of the
globe regarding the tourism scenario of the country. Some Travel companies are making each
visitor aware of the ecotourism promotion steps taken, which is also mentioned in their official
webpage. In addition, local people are also provided workshops, group discussions and
environmental awareness classes from time to time. Uplifting the local community
Each community has their own individual culture and identities. The economy of some
communities depends heavily on the tourist visiting the place. They earn decent amount of money
by selling goods with their art of handwork such as handicrafts, baskets, carpets and services
including lodging and fooding, sightseeing.
Travel companies are the ones who arrange the tour and travel packages for instance trekking,
sightseeing, village home stay programs, traditional dance and music programs in such areas for
the traveller. This has triple impact in the tourism, one for the tourist refreshment and satisfaction
and second for the benefit of the local people and lastly for the promotion of tradition and culture,
all of which resulting in the promotion of ecotourism.
Cleaning programs
Taking into special consideration of the issue, K.C (2002) argued that travel companies in
cooperation with governmental and NGOs, organizes several river cleaning campaigns.
When organizing trekking tours and hiking, village visits, rafting and others, large amount of
garbage such as plastic bottles, cans, food are scattered in an around the areas. Travel companies
have also kept an eye in this matter. In the present context they have assured that they leave each
used places neat and clean. They also advise the local inhabitants as well as the travelling team to
segregate the degradable and non-degradable waste and dump it only in a proper place.
As travel companies are the ones who come into direct contact with the tourist and have a better
understanding of the needs and wants of the visitors coming to the country, they are able to
assist in preparing strategies, plans and policies(Paper et al. 1996).
Create awareness and partnership
Ecotourism organized at the local community level can rarely be successful without assistance or
cooperation from tourism operators/ travel companies. Links to the market, language skills and
poor communications are three major aspects which limit communities’ ability to “go it alone” in
ecotourism. Ecotourism operators can make ideal partners to provide the missing links for
communities in exchange for (sometimes exclusive) access to community resources. Travel
companies have been educating its visitors, staffs and the local people by their official websites
where most of the important things were highlighted regarding ecotourism promotion.
3. Revenue from Ecotourism to Local Level for conservation and sustainable
Development
Tourism can be an excellent alternative to or complementary to other economic activities to
communities’ livelihood if benefits are shared among the communities and people living in each
community. Controlling leak-age will allow for more revenue to remain in the com-munities. The
more transparent are tourism’s benefits to the communities, the greater the respect for tourism and
the realization of its impact on peoples’ lives(Shah et al. 2016).
For ecotourism to promote conservation, local people must clearly benefit and understand that the
benefits they receive are linked to the continued existence of the protected area. There must be a
close working relationship between the protected area administration and the surrounding
communities(Ofosu-Amaah 2007).
Unfortunately, the limited benefits provided by many tourism projects frequently are not
recognized by local residents as connected to the protected area(Anon 1986).
Ecotourism helps in community development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to
local community which is more sustainable. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially biological
diversity, and maintain sustainable use of resources, which can bring ecological experience to
travellers, conserve the ecological environment and gain economic benefit. However, achieving
the aims in ecotourism depends on whether they are environmentally and ecologically sustainable
and economically applicable. Ecotourism helps in involving local community for the conservation
of the ecology and biodiversity of the area that biodiversity in return provides the economic
incentives to the local community(Manu & Kuuder 2012).
Ecotourism contributes to conservation of biodiversity; sustains the well-being of local people;
involves responsible action on the part of tourist and the tourism industry; promotes small and
medium tourism enterprises; requires lowest possible consumption of natural resources; stresses
local participation, ownership, and business opportunities, particularly for rural people; and above
all includes the learning experiences(Melita & Mendlinger 2013).

In order for ecotourism to encourage patterns of sustainability, which can benefit local
communities, protect the environment, and be economically viable, it must be comprehensive and
account for the complexity of issues.
Ecotourism is often perceived as a tool for promoting sustainable development in developing
countries. Ecotourism helps in community development by providing the alternate source of
livelihood to local community which is more sustainable. Many view ecotourism as a viable way
to protect the natural environment and create social and economic benefits for local communities.
Ecotourism encompasses a spectrum of nature-based activities that foster visitor appreciation and
understanding of natural and cultural heritage and are managed to be ecologically, economically
and socially sustainable. Therefore, ecotourism is accepted as an alternative type of sustainable
development. Ecotourism has attracted increasing attention in recent years, not only as an
alternative to mass tourism, but also as a means to promote a country’s economic development
and environmental conservation. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially biological diversity,
and maintain sustainable use of resources, which can bring ecological experience to travellers,
conserve the ecological environment and gain (Cambangay 2006).
Ecotourism is increasingly being lauded as a sustainable development option for rural
communities, one that is able to spur economic development and instil environmental protection
at the same time. If the environment has not at least achieved a net benefit toward its sustainability
and ecological integrity, then the activity is not ecotourism. Many groups have proposed sets of
guidelines or principles for sustainable tourism and ecotourism.
According to(Axactun et al. 2006); in many ways, sustainable tourism exemplifies the relationship
between ecotourism and sustainable development.
According to Rome (1999); Ecotourism is one strategy for supporting conservation and providing
income for communities in and around protected areas. It can contribute to economic development
and conservation of protected areas by:
 Generating revenues that can be used to sustainably manage protected areas,
 Providing local employment and
 Inculcating a sense of community ownership. However, without careful planning and
management that balance ecological, social, and economic objectives, it may lead to
environmental damage.
According to (Eriksson & Lidström 2013) point out four basic principles of sustainable
development and sustainable ecotourism tourism development:-
 Holistic and strategic planning
 Conservation of essential ecological system
  Conservation of both human (cultural) and natural heritage
 Long term development and productivity for the future generation.
Ecotourism is a sustainable version of tourism in natural areas, including at the same time
elements of rural and cultural tourism. Besides subscribing to the principles of sustainable tourism,
ecotourism has specific principles: it contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural
heritage, it includes local communities in planning, development and operation activities, and it
contributes to their welfare, it involves complete and interesting explanations for visitors,
regarding the natural and cultural resources, it is intended mainly to individual visitors and also to
small organized groups(Bash 2015).

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