| Abstract from DBPedia | Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving responsible travel (using sustainable transport) to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights. Since the 1980s, ecotourism has been considered a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that future generations may experience destinations relatively untouched by human intervention. Ecotourism may focus on educating travelers on local environments and natural surroundings with an eye to ecological conservation. Some include in the definition of ecotourism the effort to produce economic opportunities that make conservation of natural resources financially possible. Generally, ecotourism deals with interaction with biotic components of the natural environments. Ecotourism focuses on socially responsible travel, personal growth, and environmental sustainability. Ecotourism typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism is intended to offer tourists an insight into the impact of human beings on the environment and to foster a greater appreciation of our natural habitats. Ecotourism aims at minimal environmental impact on the areas visited. Besides fostering respect towards the natural environment, ecotourism also helps in creating socio-economic benefits for the communities of the area visited. Responsible ecotourism programs include those that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to advocates of environmental and social responsibility. Many consider the term "ecotourism", like "sustainable tourism" (which is a related concept but broader), an oxymoron. Like most long-distance travel, ecotourism often depends on air transportation, which contributes to climate change. Additionally, "the overall effect of sustainable tourism is negative where like ecotourism philanthropic aspirations mask hard-nosed immediate self-interest."エコツーリズム（英:Ecotourism）は、自然環境や歴史文化を体験しながら学ぶとともに、その保全にも責任を持つ観光のあり方である。生態観光ともいう。 エコツーリズムの考え方に沿った旅行行程、もしくはプログラムのことをエコツアーという。具体的には、環境学習の要素を持ち自然を探訪するツアー、農山漁村や地域の風土・文化などを訪ねるツアー、少数民族の暮らしや文化・風土などを訪ねるツアー、などがあげられる。また、自然と人との「仲介」となって自然解説を行うことをインタープリテーションという。インタープリテーションを行う者はインタープリター と呼ばれる。 エコツーリズムは、元々開発途上国の自然保護のための資金調達手法として取り入れられた考え方である。今日、持続可能性な観光の１つのあり方として先進国でも展開されており、2002年を国際連合が「国際エコツーリズム年」とするなど、国際的にも定着した用語(ecotourism)となっている。 日本においては、2008年にエコツーリズム推進法が施行された。 (Source: http://dbpedia.org/resource/Ecotourism) |
