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ECOTOURISM – WHO OWNS PARADISE?, Chapter 3 (Ecotourism Today).
1) THESIS: IYOW, post a single sentence that captures the thesis for EACH CHAPTER/ SECTION of our reading.
2) EVIDENCE: Post and number THREE specific observations from EACH CHAPTER/SECTION of our reading(s) that supports your thesis.
Use 2-3 sentences for each observation, and combine direct quotations from the text (AUTHOR's LAST NAME, 27), with IYOW analysis.
3) QUESTION: Include in your post a SINGLE SPECIFIC question you'd ask the class based on our readings.
Thesis: The modern world of ecotourism is polluted with greenwashing, misinformation, and straight up lies. Every year more and more tourism players are popping. However, how is the average person supposed to tell if they’re a legitimate organization?
ReplyDelete1: “What makes sense from an environmental and conservation point of view also saves money” (75). I think that this really speaks to the mentality behind a lot of paradigm shifts in our culture. Sustainable development will most likely only happen when it becomes too expensive NOT to adapt. As with everything, it all comes down to money.
2: “There us frequently a blurring of the boundaries between nature tourism and the more multidimensional concept of ecotourism” (76). I think that this really speaks to the current state of tourism around the world. Instagram is polluted with rich millennials who go “trekking” in their skinny jeans, “live out of” their vans, and document all of it on instagram. They aren’t participating in ecotourism though. They might be enjoying the perks of the natural world, but they aren’t giving back to local communities etc.
3: “…local people and parks are complex issues of the impact of ecotourism on local cultures” (101). A key component of ecotourism is seeking out new areas for visiting. Is ecotourism yet another symptom of globalization? The chapter describes ecotourism as the frontline of contact with indigenous people’s, which sounds distinctly similar to the paradigm behind globalization.
Discussion Question: Could ecotourism lead to contact with the last untouched parts of the world?
THESIS: It is increasingly difficult for travelers to tell if they are embarking on a travel experience that meets the criteria of ecotourism completely, as there are so many factors within travel destinations that could cause a destination to not comply with the principles of ecotourism.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Maho Bay in St. John seemed like the eco tourist's paradise, there were quite a few factors below the surface that made it a questionable ecotourism destination. “Even though Maho Bay tents have been around for two decades, the vast majority of Selengut’s Staff members are North Americans- mostly young and single- working for no wages as part of a work exchange program” (Honey 74). This is a tough example because there were aspects of Maho Bay that were much more sustainable than typical traditional tourism. For example, the lodging and bath products used were focused on low-impact and biodegradable materials. However, Maho Bay did not follow the principles of community benefits and education, and therefore is not technically ecotourism.
The impact that tourism can have on indigenous peoples is also something that may be difficult for a potential traveller to find out about beforehand. “Many of the world’s approximately 350 million indigenous people live in spectacularly beautiful parts of the globe, areas increasingly penetrated by ecotourism, frequently in the name of ecotourism” (Honey 98). Throughout history, the needs and wants of indigenous people have been repeatedly disregarded and/or forgotten. Ecotourism is not immune to this same ignorance, although it can be very challenging to gauge the impact a trip will have on indigenous communities.
The principles of ecotourism focused on community impact strive to ensure that money being spent on ecotourism, either by tourists or corporations/organisations setting up ecotourism opportunities goes back into the local economy. “ For mass tourism is developing countries-prepaid tours, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts- most money generated by tourism flows out of the host country, or never even enters it” (Honey 107). This one a factor that is more easily controlled by tourists. It is easy for a tourist to control what kind of lodging and activities are purchased, and more difficult for non-ecotourism organizations to sell their options to educated tourists.
QUESTION: How can tourists be most sure that the destination they are choosing to travel to is truly an ecotourism destination?
Thesis: Due to the effects of green washing it has become increasingly difficult for the travail to be able to determine what is actually ecotourism.
ReplyDelete1. It is becoming harder and harder to tell the difference between what is and is not ecotourism. “There is frequently a blurring of the boundaries between nature tourism and the more multidimensional concept of ecotourism” (76). This can actually be quite dangerous as it can result in doing harm when good was intended.
2. The main difference between ecotourism and the green washed version is the intent behind it. With regular ecotourism the goal is to improve the environment, the community and ourselves. The popularized version of it on the other had is more with the goal of people getting enjoyment out of the environment.
3. When done incorrectly the popularized version ecotourism can do real harm. As it has the goal of enjoy nature and that in itself is not bad it will likely be to locations of ecological interest. This means it will take people where they could do the most harm.
Q. Could even the lesser versions of ecotourism result in a positive outcome?
Thesis: Today, ecotourism is an industry clouded by the efforts of turnstile tourist operations and other players to capitalize on the possible profits to be made rather than the positive impacts that can be made when it’s done right. Preparing for your journey by learning as much as you can about the destination you are travelling to including the advantages and disadvantages ecotourism has brought to the area is essential in upholding the principles of genuine ecotourism.
ReplyDeleteEvidence #1: One aspect of your travel you can very easily control and be sure benefits the local community/environment of your location is the organizations and businesses you choose to support during and before your trip. Try to plan things with an agency or operation in the area you’re travelling to, but if that isn’t possible, seek out those who comply with the principles of true ecotourism. “Ideally, eco-operators should link commercial tourism with local conservation programs; provide money and other tangible support for development of parks and management of natural resources; support indigenous businesses by buying local goods and services; arrange and promote meaningful contact between travelers and local people; promote ecological research programs; develop sustainable tourist facilities that minimize environmental damage; and help to repair the damage done by others” (Honey 79).
Evidence #2: “According to G.A.P Adventures, ‘By using small scale lodging, local transportation, supporting locally owned businesses, and incorporating community-based ecotourism projects into our tours, we demonstrate our commitment to tour operations that are environmentally, socially, and culturally responsible’” (Honey 82). When searching for an organization to support, do not shy away from one just because they may be larger or more widely known than what you picture an “ecotourist organization” to look like. G.A.P Adventures has grown tremendously over the past two decades, however their dedication to upholding the ideas of what it means to be a true ecotourist means has not faded with their success.
Evidence #3: “While there is clearly much to celebrate, the path toward a more planet-friendly tourism, toward genuine ecotourism, is lined with pitfalls. Ecotourism is not a panacea; at present, it is a set of interconnected principles whose full implementation presents multilayered problems and challenges” (Honey 97). Acknowledging the disadvantages ecotourism may bring to an area and working to improve those downfalls is the key to encouraging genuine ecotourism to flourish and thrive in the future.
QUESTION: Do you feel that in an effort to become “all inclusive eco-operators” (meeting all the criteria Honey proposes in the first text I quoted), organizations can do more harm than good? How can you be sure you’re not getting wrapped up in the buzz around being an ecotourist?
ECO boom, posse!
ReplyDeleteAll posts below this line = C/LATE.
Dr. Rob
10x10: https://1drv.ms/p/s!ArCT3bUgkjD7gmQInq11iys-8ukd
ReplyDeleteThesis: With ecotourism becoming a booming industry, more and more of the tourism industry wants to take part, however, this is leading to a dilution of what the founding principles of ecotourism really is.
ReplyDelete1. The chapter starts off with the story of Maho Bay. Maho Bay is one of the top ecotourism destinations in the world. They pride themselves on their eco lodges and sustainably sourced materials. The resort was built very sustainably and with the environment in mind, however, that is not the only pillar of ecotourism. Maho Bay makes over three million dollars each year and very little of that money is going to the local people. The money is not going to better the local economy and the community that lives there. The money is also not being spent on environmental conservation and protection. This resort also does not educate tourists on the local community or the environment. Without these principals this famous ecotourism destination is not actually ecotourism. The founder of Maho Bay, Selengut, describes his business in this quote, “A lot of what we do [here] is show business”. This quote shows how business end of tourism is seeing an opportunity to make money through ecotourism but they don't actually want to implement the principles of ecotourism. This can lead to the eventual greenwashing of ecotourism.
2. Preserving land in these beautiful and sought after parts of the world is a huge part of ecotourism. One of the principles is to conserve and protect the environment. Many countries set aside land to protect and conserve. In order to get this land reserved often times people have to be kicked off this land and out of their homes. This is a growing problem with indigenous communities. Indigenous people oftentimes live on these beautiful and untouched areas. Unfortunately, when the country decided they want to now value this land they kick the locals off in order to make it protected land. The indigenous people are kicked out of their homes often times in the name of the environment and ecotourism. With ecotourism growing so is the amount of land being protected. From the outside this looks like a great thing but when you look deeper there are problems beneath the surface. This is a growing issue that this quote speaks to, “These displaced people have created a new class of ‘conservation refugees’ found on every continent but Antartica” (Honey, 98). Conservation refugees are going to be a problem because of ecotourism.
3. Leakage is also an issue of ecotourism. One of the principles of ecotourism is that it will benefit the local community and economy by creating jobs, taxes, and selling of goods. However, much of this is money in ecotourism is still leaking back to the developed nations these tourists are coming from. The local economy is not benefiting as much as they should by this tourism which goes against the mission of ecotourism. Costa Rica is known for its ecotourism but it still experiences leakage. Only twenty cents of every dollar spent of ecotourism in Costa Rica actually stayed in the local economy. The rest of the money went back to the United States. This is because most of the money is being spent of airfare, hotels, and travel guides that are all based back in the United sTates. Hector Ceballos- Lascurain is an ecotourism expert. He discusses this issue in the chapter, “...comparative analysis ‘could be very useful in exploring whether the economic benefit of nature-based tourism, which typically involves small scale facilities, are greater than those of resort-based tourism.’”(Honey, 108).
Question: Is ecotourism actually benefiting our planet and the local communities or is it just benefiting business and developed countries?
Thesis: There are many boons to ecotourism that help us move forward and develop better action plans. While there isn’t any over aching system for ecotourism at the moment, we see many isolated organizations coming together are developing policies and generating ideas on how to make ecotourism global.
ReplyDelete1) “By 2005, it was estimated that about 13 percent of all U.S. outbound leisure travelers could be considered ecotourists,” (Honey, 76), I am pleased to hear that we have at least that many people traveling with the concerns of our earth and the people they are traveling to. I cannot, however justify the massive amounts of outgoing tourists from America. I know why it is happening, but I imagine most just go and stay at resorts. I mean I am/have been in that large percentage, my mother really likes warm places and when we could afford it, we went to places like Mexico, and stayed at a resort. That being said we are much better than most, we are very aware of going out into the local culture in engaging ourselves in their customs. But I definitely need to consider myself when criticizing other travelers.
2) “Together with the Coral Reef Alliance, WWF has worked to establish marine recreation standards and improve tourism planning in the coral zones of Belize, in cooperation with the government, local communities, and industry,” (Honey, 92) I appreciate that there are organizations out there that understand that developing better infrastructure by working with the pre-established organizations. This is the only way that ecotourism can adapt to each unique culture like it is supposed to. Ecotourism in one country is going to look very different from ecotourism in another. I think it is vital to understand this, as while there may be common threads, there is no way that one solution will fit all.
3) “While there is much room for optimism, much needs to be done to build ‘green’ tourism certification into a real tool for environmental and social protection,” (Honey, 114) this goes back to my last point, that we need to be able to create non-restrictive processes for including ecotourism. We need to be extremely careful when designating the guidelines for certification, we need to make sure they are strict enough that no one under-handedly practices ecotourism only in name. But we also need to ensure that they are loose enough that any nation can receive the certification if they meet the standards. Therein yes the issue, how can one reach those standards if different nations have wildly different ecosystems, economies and cultures? I do not have the answer, but it does make me think.
Question: How is ecotourism being developed for low-income individuals? Do they have any chance of finding sustainable travel options that don’t bankrupt them? We cannot make it only so the rich and white can take advantage of these opportunities.