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Environmental / Solutions / Eco-TourismEco-tourism is widely touted as one of the best ways to achieve sustainable development by various global agencies. Protection of wildlife and the environment can be achieved thus by placing monetary worth on it via tourism. This combines the environment and the economy in a curious fashion, such that they are inseparable and that hurting one also results in the other being hurt.
Generally speaking, ecotourism focuses on local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically involving travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ideally, it should benefit the local population by providing jobs, having their informed consent and having them play an active role in eco-tourism enterprises. It should also increase awareness of ecological and cultural factors in the tourist areas, and also be affordable and minimize tourism's environmental impacts.
The money earned by eco-tourism is sometimes used to finance environmental initiatives and programs within the country. In other countries such as Madagascar and Kenya, eco-tourism constitutes a major part of their national incomes. |
