Ecotourism in Practice: Real World Challenges
By Abigail Rome (Ecuador, 91-92)

      In theory, ecotourism has incredible potential for protecting natural environments and for supporting local development in many rural areas throughout the world.  Though the definition of ecotourism may be murky, the basic concepts are similar to those of sustainable development. Described as nature-based tourism that generates income for natural areas protection and local communities and educates visitors and residents about the environment and conservation values, ecotourism is highly touted within environment and development circles.
     In practice, however, ecotourism faces a number of challenges which need to be overcome before we can declare it successful in fulfilling its objectives.  As a conservationist active in promoting and supporting people and organizations genuinely committed to the principles of ecotourism, I am convinced that ecotourism can achieve its conservation and development objectives.  That said,  however, I would like to identify and discuss some of the real challenges facing ecotourism managers, destinations, tourists and operators.
     It is timely to examine ecotourism now since it is a field reaching its adolescence, testing and being tested by the greater world in order to determine which direction it will move.  Thus this is a crucial point for ecotourism practitioners to examine what is really happening on the ground and to strive to overcome obstacles.
     One of the most highly publicized dangers of ecotourism is overexploitation and damage of natural environments and local cultures.  This occurs at some of the most popular, internationally-known destinations.
     The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are a well-known example. Exotic species, many brought in by tourism, threaten native ones, and visitors hurt wildlife by trampling sensitive habitats. Furthermore, the popularity of tourism on the islands has caused an influx of immigrants and fisherman who are overwhelming natural resources in both marine and terrestrial environments.
     In Nepal, the collection of firewood for increasing numbers of trekkers has decimated the energy supply traditionally used by local inhabitants.  And, the loss of cultural integrity of many indigenous and mixed race peoples due to the lure of tourism and insensitive exposure to foreign visitors can be seen in many areas of the world including the Amazon, Indonesia and the Caribbean.
     The recognition of these problems has lead many ecotourism managers to modify their practices to reduce negative impacts, but the need for continued and comprehensive program monitoring and readjustment remains crucial.  At the other extreme from overrun tourist destinations are a growing number of new, small and conscientious ecotourism operations.  With concern growing for the global environment and the future of rural and marginalized peoples, conservation and development organizations, donors, local communities and many members of the private sector are taking the principles of ecotourism seriously and have excellent programs to show for it.
     However, many of these are not receiving enough tourists to be economically viable nor to carry out their conservation, education and development objectives.  By their nature, these operations are often small, remote and underfunded, and sometimes in little known (and unpronounceable) places.
They do not have the financial resources or the national and international contacts and networks needed to attract tourists.  Therefore, their good intentions are not being realized.
Solutions
     Suggested solutions point to improved marketing of these operations, based on market research, yet to be conducted.  The establishment of partnerships between nongovernmental organizations, communities, donors and the private sector can facilitate the necessary promotion and sales.
     Another challenge which small and under-financed ecotourism developers face is that of providing a quality experience for visitors while ensuring that their operations are truly ecologically and socially sensitive.  Especially in remote areas where the climates may be extreme (dry, humid, hot or cold) and/or infrastructure is lacking, design and construction of lodges, trails and associated visitor services which conform with the natural environment and are energy efficient is expensive.
     For example, solar energy or mini-hydropower plants to supply electricity require relatively sophisticated technology. At the same time, in order to retain tourism-generated income in the community, sustained training of local people is required.  Specialized visiting instructors, who must be paid for their services, are often necessary.  Other costly investments, critical to the success of ecotourism operations, include efficient transportation, tricky in extremely remote sites, and, as mentioned, promotion and publicity.
Financing
     Obviously, increased financing is essential to cover ecotourism start-up costs, and donor organizations, both  public and private, must recognize and help meet the need. In many countries (Costa Rica being one exception), government support of tourism, in general, and ecotourism, in particular, is minimal or nonexistent.  It is critical for various reasons. Among the most basic needs are projection of a positive image of the country and assurance that it is a safe and healthy place to visit.  Tourists are
unlikely to travel to places with high crime rates,  war, or highly contagious diseases.  Government commitment is also necessary to provide infrastructure for tourists (as well as residents), including adequate roads, transportation services, communications, water and sewage, etc.  In addition, laws and regulations benefiting conservation and tourism are necessary and often lacking. For instance, in Ecuador, mining and oil drilling are promoted in national parks and ecological reserves.  In Brazil and Indonesia, nature reserves prohibit tourists.  Finally, governments must develop national and local
planning strategies and provide economic incentives for sustainable tourism.
American Public
    The American public and the tourism industry are also confronted with obstacles which influence the future of ecotourism.  First and foremost is the fact that most Americans don't understand what ecotourism is, nor why it is an attractive alternative to traditional and mass tourism. They lack an ethic for responsible tourism, often out of ignorance of the people and country they are traveling in, rather than malevolence.  More media attention is needed to demonstrate how Americans' travel choices affect environments and human communities, and to help people identify destinations and tourism programs which are applying the principles of ecotourism.
    It is easy for travelers to become confused and even cynical about "eco" or "green" tourism because the terminology has been widely misused, without regard for and implementation of the responsible practices which true ecotourism demands.  Educational campaigns directed at a variety of audiences are necessary.  Tour operators and travel agents, who are responsible for directing a large majority of Americans to their travel destinations, experience the same difficulties in understanding the complexities of tourism impacts and in identifying sustainable options.  In fact, without visiting and investigating the various ecotourism products in operation around the world, it is difficult for anyone to know how ecologically, socially, culturally and economically sustainable they are.
Certification
    The development of international, national and local standards for ecotourism has been slow, (See John Shores article next page.) to say the least, and independent certification programs are rare.  While Australia has made significant progress in developing criteria and an evaluation system for ecotourism operations, other attempts at certification are problematic.  For example, the Green Globe logo, granted by the World Travel and Tourism Council as part of Agenda 21's Sustainable Tourism Initiative, does not include an evaluation of companies touting its symbol; rather it is a pledge, purchased for $200, that the holder is working towards environmentally sound practices.
    However, the time has come to utilize the available experience and expertise to develop credible tourism certification programs and ensure the honesty and sustainability of the industry. There is no question that ecotourism is growing and developing rapidly, and like any maturation process, one
learns from the challenges one faces.  As the field approaches adulthood, ecotourism practitioners are now poised to take advantage of the range of experiences and lessons learned, to assure that future practices do indeed achieve the objectives of sustainable development for all involved.

(Abigail Rome is living near Washington, DC and working as
an independent consultant and writer in conservation and
ecotourism.  She can be reached at Abirome@aol.com.)