GEOG 1982 Maymester 2009

Remember to put your name on your assignment

Assignment 6: Tourism and EcoTourism

Final Due Date: Friday, May 29^th

Ecotourism is defined by the Ecotourism Society as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Ecotourism contributes to conservation and community projects in developing countries, and raises environmental education while providing direct financial benefits for conservation. Additionally, it provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people, who own much of the ecotourism industry, unlike large resorts that are generally foreign-owned. Fiji, an island nation in the South Pacific, is one state that has used ecotourism as a supplement to more traditional forms of tourism activity. In this assignment, you will discuss ideas behind ecotourism, including the benefits of and challenges to ecotourism, specifically in the context of Oceania.

Please read the following web sites and articles:

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES): http://www.ecotourism.org. Click on "Learning Center" (on the main bar), then on "What is Ecotourism?"

The Government of Fiji’s officially policy on EcoTourism: http://www.tourism.gov.fj/ecovillage/files/econature.htm. Click on the links on the left-hand side of the webpage, including ‘EcoTourism - The Need For Reform’ and ‘Principles of EcoTourism Development in Fiji.’

Sites discussing the problems associated with ecotourism: http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/6572 and http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/negative.html

Please answer the following questions in a one and one-half to two-page paper, double-spaced.

1. Summarize, briefly, how TIES defines ecotourism.
2. How does the government of Fiji define ecotourism? What, if any, are the differences between the two definitions?
3. What problems does Fiji’s official policy on ecotourism need to grapple with? See this link: http://www.tourism.gov.fj/ecovillage/files/econature-reform.htm
4. What have been some major criticisms of the ecotourism industry, and how have these been addressed? See the links provided above.
5. Is it ethical to promote any kind of tourism as "ecotourism," considering that it will adversely affect the environment? What is your personal opinion on ecotourism, or tourism more generally, and its impact on the environment?