Ecotourism Nature Tourism Diane Kuehn Assistant Professor Forest

Ecotourism & Nature Tourism Diane Kuehn Assistant Professor Forest & Natural Resources Management 310 A Bray Hall www. esf. edu/for/kuehn

What is sustainable development? n “Positive socioeconomic change that does not undermine the ecological and social systems upon which communities and society are dependent. ” -- Rees, 1989 Is this really possible? ?

Ecotourism n Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. --The International Ecotourism Society http: //www. ecotourism. org/

TIES principles n n n Minimizes impacts. Builds environmental and cultural awareness and respect. Provides positive experiences for both visitors and hosts. Provides direct financial benefits for conservation. Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people. Raises sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

So what is nature tourism? n n Travel to natural areas. Ecotourism is a specific type of nature tourism.

Activity types Ecotourism § Non-consumptive, low- Nature tourism § Consumptive and non- impact activities consumptive, moderateimpact activities Urban tourism § Consumptive and non- consumptive, mainly highimpact activities

Visitor Management Ecotourism § Strong educational & Nature tourism § May or may not have a Urban tourism § May or may not have a behavioral component behavioral or educational component

Scale of operation Ecotourism § Usually a small number Nature tourism § Moderate number of Urban tourism § Large number of visitors served

Infrastructure Ecotourism § Minimum infrastructure Nature tourism § Comfortable Urban tourism § Maximum infrastructure & commercial development

Community involvement Ecotourism § Tourism provided by local Nature tourism § Tourism providers both Urban tourism § Tourism providers are residents & entrepreneurs local and outside businesses & corporations mainly corporations