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E
ecoethics
Ecoethics is the study of the value of the physical
and biological environment, or the principles of
environmental conduct governing an individual/
group in any interaction with the biosphere. These
are moral principles or values dealing with
behaviour which have touristic environmental
impact, implications or significance.
See also: code of ethics; environment
Further reading
Western Australian Tourism Commission �1989)
The Ecoethics of Tourism Development, Perth: Western
Australian Tourism Commission.
ROSS K. DOWLING, AUSTRALIA
ecological economics see economics,
ecological
ecologically sustainable tourism
The system of development known as ecologically
sustainable tourism fosters the use, conservation
and enhancement of a community's
resources. It favours those actions which promote
ecological processes and the total quality of life, for
this and future generations. This form of development
is underpinned by the philosophy that the
environment must be conserved if the industry is
to be viable in the long term.
See also: sustainable development
ecology
ROSS K. DOWLING, AUSTRALIA
Ecology is the study of the relationships among
living organisms and among organisms and their
environment. It is especially related to animal
and plant communities, their energy flows and
interactions with their surroundings. During recent
years, the relationship between ecology and tourism
has received much attention.
See also: ecotourism; environment; impact;
sustainable development
ROSS K. DOWLING, AUSTRALIA
economic development
Economic development is concerned with a variety
of aspects relating to the quality of life, and should
not be confused with simple economic growth. The
former includes references to health and welfare,
whereas the latter is focused upon the more narrow
aspect of the rate of change of gross national
product or gross domestic product. A variety of
definitions has been put forward to explain
economic development, and most of them include
some form of conditional economic growth. The
nature of the conditions generally relates to the
education levels of the population �including
literacy levels), the welfare of the poorer segments