Ecotourism and Social Responsibility

• Posted by Audrey Henderson
• On August 27, 2008


• Interests: Development

For many people, ecotourism is a means of minimizing the “footprint” left behind in ecologically sensitive regions of the world, while satisfying an urge for visiting exotic places. While it is generally recognized that travel, especially internationally, broadens one’s perspective, for many people it has become difficult to justify indiscriminate wanderlust. Never mind the expenditure of fuel on long airline flights (and the resulting exhausts into the atmosphere); the sheer mass of visitors in some areas is literally killing entire ecosystems. Ecotourism is seen as a socially responsible way to balance wanderlust and preservation of fragile areas.

This is well and good. However, in this age of globalization, it should be evident that sustainability in tourism extends beyond preserving natural habitats. Many areas which are popular with ecotourists are inhabited, oftentimes with indigenous people who have lived there for hundreds of years. Many of these people are also desperately poor.

For instance, in Bolivia, the average per capita income is the equivalent of just 650 Euros, or less than one thousand dollars. Bolivia is also an increasingly popular destination for ecotourism adventures. A quarter of the country has national park status, which speaks to its incredible natural beauty. Up till now, most of the profits involved with ecotourism went to major tour operators, while indigenous peoples, who make up more than half the population of the country, saw little benefit.

However, in the Pilón Lajas (Amazon River) area, Mapajo , founded and operated by locals, offers accommodations built in the traditional style, catering with foods prepared by locals and a center for ecology and culture. The profits of this venture have funded schools and hospitals. The benefits have extended beyond immediate profits – young people also have an increased incentive to remain in the area rather than escaping at the first opportunity in order to seek a better living. This in turn increases the chances for survival of indigenous languages and culture in the area.

There are those who decry the exploitation of aboriginal peoples, especially the practice of turning sometimes sacred cultural rituals into entertainment for rich (white) outsiders. Indigenous peoples should be left alone, they say. However, except for the very most inaccessible regions of the world, this is impossible, and increasingly so as globalization takes hold and becomes the norm. With socially responsible ecotourism, travelers gain a deeper understanding and respect of the regions they visit, as well as for their inhabitants, rather than acting as spectators for “colorful local pageantry.”

• Tags: ecotourism

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