Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (Mass) tourism.

Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights.

Generally, ecotourism focuses on volunteering, or "voluntourism", personal growth and environmental sustainability.

Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

One of the goals of ecotourism is to offer tourists insight into the impact of human beings on the environment, and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats.

Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

For many reasons, ecotourism often appeals to environmental and social responsibility advocates.