ECOTOURISM: GOOD OR BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

To get full credit for this Discussion Board, you must submit an initial post and respond to at least one classmate’s posting following the guidelines given below.

This discussion post is an opportunity for you to share your own personal opinion about an issue related to our natural world and as such, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, but just your opinion. Please make sure to take a stand, and substantiate your opinion by:

1) Watching the videos on Costa Rica and Ecotourism  on our YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0DSJ3Y1j0U#action=share

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdR23l98isg#action=share

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzgQiTM4CJI#action=share

2) Providing at least two examples to support your point of view.

3) Providing two examples of how the situation at hand can be improved, controlled and or remedied.

Discussion post topic: Is Ecotoursim good or bad for the environment?

Wikipedia defines ecotourism as “that tourism that involves traveling to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects (both past and present) found in these areas. Ecotourism implies a scientific, aesthetic or philosophical approach, although the ‘ecotourist’ is not required to be a professional scientist, artist or philosopher. The main point is that the person who practices ecotourism has the opportunity of immersing him or herself in nature in a way that most people cannot enjoy in their routine, urban existences. This person will eventually acquire a consciousness and knowledge of the natural environment, together with its cultural aspects, that will convert him into somebody keenly involved in conservation issues.”

1.-task 1

Your task is to share your point of view as to whether ecotourism is good or bad for the environment.  Does ecotourism damages the sites that it pretends to conserve/preserve by bringing thousands of tourists to these sites; or is it beneficial to the environment  by raising awareness of our natural environment and bringing much needed socioeconomic stability to the indigenous people at these sites? … You can for example, research the topic of ecotourism in Costa Rica or the galapagos, for example. Please discuss and give examples to support your point of view.

2nd task

A thoughtful response/comment to a classmate (you must answer his/her question or provide clarification or provide a substantial comment on his/her posting (do not just say ‘interesting’ or ‘ I agee’.).  You must use standard English grammar and spelling in your postings.

Classmate:

Ecotourism bring some advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion it is very helpful for the local economy, in Costa Rica is like the goose that lays golden eggs. Creates 13% of national employment, it also help for the protection and preservation of wildlife and nature because it is the main reason why tourists go to visit, if they do not have the forest and the wild animals then they won’t have the tourists. Benefits small business and the local people are more educated and proud of the environment. Although some of the cons is that ecotourism is specifically designed to counter environmental degradation, it can sometimes be its cause. Ecotourism specifically takes tourists to ecosystems relatively untouched by humans, but have possible solutions like obey the regulations of the ecotourism organization exactly.