University of Aarhus ECOTOURISM AS A WAY TO PROTECT ...

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Ecotourism as a sustainable way to protect nature 1999). Local communities must be involved from the very beginning in planning a reserve, and be able to give their opinions and to be heard (Gail). In addition, “capacity building” can fulfil what should be educated for local communities participating in ecotourism activities, including natural and cultural history, and skills in ecotourism operation in a sustainable way. Various papers have emphasised that the local communities need to be trained if they wish to become involved in ecotourism activities, this is especially important if they are to work as ecotourist guides (Bouchdjira, 2002; Oliver, 2001; Eugenio, 2002; Megan, 1993; Honey, 1999). They are the key people who help to make the ecotourists satisfied during the tour and minimise the negative impacts that may occur from visitors (Honey, 1999). A project in Sabah, Malaysia has improved community skills considerably, including hospitality, finance, marketing, computer skill, and English language. Local communities also raised their interest and awareness of the richness of the biodiversity (WWF, 2001). In short, local people are very important in ecotourism development projects. They play an important role in the success of ecotourism activities. They should be educated to learn the basic knowledge of how to run ecotourism in a sustainable way. In addition, local communities also need to be empowered to decide what forms of tourism facilities and wildlife conservation programs they want to have developed in their respective communities, and how the tourism cost and benefits are to be shared among different stakeholders (Akama, 1996). Ecotourism not only provides knowledge to local communities but also to visitors. The right kinds of tourist experiences can results in increasing environmental awareness and cultural sensitivity among tourists (Amanda, 2001). The Conference on Sustainable Development of Ecotourism in Desert Areas has figured out the importance of ecotourism guides in educating for 32
Ecotourism as a sustainable way to protect nature ecotourists. It helps to ensure that the latter do not have negative impacts on natural environment and local culture (Bouchdjira, 2002). In addition, it is necessary to prepare detailed and specialised information for ecotourists, both before and during the trip (Megan, 1993). The information can be designed in various forms, such as brochures, guidebooks, leaflets, maps, eco-museums, signpost nature trails etc. They should contain details on flora, fauna, geology, and in general on the ecosystem to be visited and provide guidelines for what the tourists may and may not do during transport and on site (Eugenio, 2002). All information will help ecotourists to understand of the areas they are going to visit. In other words, tourists should already be educated before starting the tour. With regards to the educational aspects of visitors, many businesses and organisations have promoted a less damaging brand of tourism and recreation. It can be a designed as signs, pamphlets, posters, and T-shirts. All these measures are meant to warn visitors against disturbance and destruction of wild species and their habitat (Ruth et al., 1998). In addition, through the tours, ecotourists will learn from nature, understand processes and developments and get involved in looking after endangered species or ecological activities (Oliver, 2001). Furthermore, public relations also contribute to raising environmental awareness for both local communities and visitors (Oliver, 2001). It educates through the newspapers, broadcast media such as radio, television, etc. This type of activity should be supported by government agencies. 2.6.3. Ecotourism benefit to promote conservation Ecotourism as a support for biodiversity conservation has been mentioned by a number of scientists. It is often viewed as an effective means for promoting the conservation of endangered species and habitats in developing countries. 33
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