Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Figuring out What the Heart of Ecotourism is Really All About

Ecotourism is a new concept to many, as even though it’s been around since at least the 1980’s, it’s still not nearly as popular a concept as some feel it should be. Understanding what ecotourism is all about will help to determine for you what the heart of ecotourism really is.

Understanding the heart of ecotourism, or what the word really truly stands for is the best way to get to know the concept and to decide for yourself whether or not it’s something you’re interested in participating in.

What Ecotourism is All About

The heart of ecotourism for many is simply to help preserve the lands of our World. It’s to learn about our cultures and the way nature survives, so we can help insure life for thousands of more years to come. Some particular things that ecotourism is known for are:

Ecolodges-

Areas of land that are either purchased or leased by someone, and then turned into natural sources of lodging for ecotourists. More like camping than lodging, these ecolodges are very popular spots for tourists, making it an essential part of the heart of ecotourism. Ecolodges can be found through agencies that cater to ecotourism, or through methods of word of mouth.

Preservation-

Whether by the community who runs an ecolodge or the tourists themselves, preservation is a huge part of the heart of ecotourism. Animals, plants, land and even buildings and structures are made to stay preserved because of ecotourism. If there was no ecotourism, there would not be enough interest generated to preserve as much of the world as we do now.

Distant Lands-

Lands that in the past were left unexplored and even unreachable are now available to tourists due to ecotourism. Far off communities have taken the heart of ecotourism by the roots and found ways to open up lands for conservation and exploration that had previously been unattainable.

The Heart of Ecotourism is What You Make of It

In the end, the heart of ecotourism is what you feel it is. There is no right or wrong answer here it’s more the meaning of ecotourism to you and what it stands for. Whether it’s because of preserving land, having the opportunity to explore previously unknown places or just the thought of what ecotourism stands for, the heart of ecotourism is in the eye of the beholder.

The Impact of Ecotourism on Economies Varies

The environment is something that too many people take for granted. These people seem to forget that everyone needs the environment to survive. While there are a variety of different organizations that have been formed to promote environmental awareness, the fact is that many people do not choose to listen.

However, with global warming and other factors becoming more and more noticeable, people, including the governments of the world, will have to take more notice. Thus, environmental funding by governments is important, and ecotourism has become more popular. If you are interested in ecotourism, perhaps you are also interested in the impact of ecotourism on economies.

About the Impact of Ecotourism on Economies

The impact of ecotourism on economies varies in accordance with how much money various governments are will to put into the environment. There are various organizations that governments fund, but with the world situation currently what it is, the environment is not taking precedence over other happenings. Governments generally fund organizations that have a significant role n the community as it is, especially if the community is known as a tourist destination so that people can view the area’s natural resources.

There are private organizations that have to do with ecotourism, and these organizations usually do not have very much of an impact of ecotourism on economies, since they are privately funded. However, they sometimes have a larger impact on local economies.

For example, in the United States, each state has a governor. The governor of each state can allow certain funding to be passed to local environmental causes if he or she wishes. Even smaller are towns that have local governments, and those governments may or may not fund ecotourism.

So, where is the impact of ecotourism on economies the greatest? The answer is on areas that depend on their natural resources as a form of funding for their everyday economy. These are rural places found all over the world, as well as resort areas that offer natural getaways. The proceeds go to both the environment and the everyday functioning of the local government.

If you would like to find out what the impact of ecotourism on your local economy is, you have a variety of options. If you have a City Hall, go there and inquire. You might also be able to search the internet and get the information from your town’s official website. You are sure to find interesting information on ecotourism with the proper research.