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M0DULE 2: The Classification 0f Ecot0urism: Principles 0f Ecotourism : Terms Related to
Ecotourism
Overview
In general, ecotourism handles interaction with living things that shape an ecosystem of
the natural environments while focusing on environmental sustainability, personal growth, and
socially responsible travel. Typically, ecotourism involves going to places where cultural heritage
together with flora and fauna are the main attractions. The primary intention for ecotourism was
to provide tourists with insight on the effects of human beings on the environment thus
encouraging the appreciation of the existing natural habitats.
Lesson Outcomes
After completing the study of this module, you should be able to:
1. Cite various classification systems for ecotourism;
2. Enumerate the key principles of ecotourism;
3. Explain briefly the said principles; and
4. Compare ecotourism with other forms of tourism.
Classification of Ecotourism
In their review of literature, Alampay and Libosada (2003) cited various Classification
Systems for ecotourism.One is the “shallow-deepContinuum.” by Acott, La Trobe, and Howard
(1998), which was derived From Naess’ concept of shallow and deep ecology" (1972). Another
is Weaver's (2001) "hard-soft Continuum.” Hard ecotourism is described as being physically
active, entails strong environmental Commitment, Enhanced sustainability, involves specialized,
long trips, fewer services.
Are expected, and an emphasis on personal experience. The other extreme of the
continuum, soft ecotourism, is describe as being physically passive, entails moderate
environmental commitment , steady-state sustainability, involves multipurpose, short trips,
services are expected , and puts an emphasis on interpretation.
Acott,, La Trobe,, and Howard (1998) distinguished between deep ecotourism and shallow
ecotourism. Deep ecotourism emphasizes the right of humans to survive and thrive as any other
species while aiming to minimize humans' negative impacts on living and nonliving things found
in nature. It also recognizes the intimate relationship that indigenous people have with their
environment, and would respect the need for that Culture to flourish. Likewise, deep ecotourism
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strives for the integration of appropriate human activity to ensure a sustainable lifestyle to protect
biodiversity and maintain ecological integrity of the landscape. Deep ecotourists recognize the
intrinsic values of nature and promote conservation through respect for nature itself, and tor the
survival of nature in its own right, independent of any values humans may place on lt.
Shallow ecotourism supports the notion of “people-nature dichotomy “and the necessity of
removing humans from “natural “areas in order to preserve it. This philosophical standpoint gives
rise to problem’s such as indigenous people being displaced from a protected area in order to
protect the latter. Shallow ecotourists see nature as an object for entertainment, and something
to be exploited to benefit humans. They may engage in activities that run counter to natural
conservation, such as creating disturbance to wild life.
By combining Weaver’shard-soft categorizationwith theirown dimension of visitor
volume (large scale to smaller scale), alampay and libosada (2003) came up with their own
classification of ecotourism consisting of four quadrants:
1. Larger scale, active ecotourism- has higher volume of tourists consisting Or larger
groups; has emphasis on personal experience; western standard services are not
essential, there is some degree of standardization for trips and itineraries.
2. Smaller scale, active ecotourism- has lower volume of tourist involving smaller
groups; emphasis is still on personal experience but few, if any, services are
expected ; involves specialized trips and itineraries.
3. Large scale, passive ecotourism-attracts higher volume of tourists, involving large
groups; emphasis is on interpretation and services and facilities are expected.
4. Lower volume, passive ecotourism-involves lower volume of tourists, consisting of
smaller groups; the emphasis is on interpretation and services and facilities are
expected.
Most definitions emphasize that the locale tor ecotourism be a “natural” area.
When mentioning the word natural, most people equate it to a “rural” setting.
However, there is also such a thing as “urban ecotourism”. urban ecotourism,
as defined by the
Toronto Green Tourism Association (2006 in Wu, Wang & Ho, 2010), is travel and
exploration in
and around a city that provides visitors and residents with a greater appreciation
of the cities’ natural and cultural resources A recent article (2016) on the acc0r
hotel group website discussed how this type of ecotourism differs from the
traditional one. Urban ecotourism shares the same goals of traditional ecotourism
“but in the heart of the city.”
It is a specific kind of tourism spawned by the mushrooming of green oasis in big
cities. Urban ecotourism offers the advantage of having existing infrastructure that
can already accommodate large crowds of visitors. Moreover, it can raise the
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environmental consciousness among urban residents, and introduce them to
sustainable practices.
In many instances, the term “eco” is loosely applied in the context of "eco-
park"(e.g., La Mesa Eco Park) and eco-village" (e.g., Malasag Eco-village). Are
these forms of ecotourism? Strictly speaking the answer is NO, as ecotourism is
supposed to be located in a place that is relatively untouched and has heritage
value, something that has been passed on from past generations to the present.
Eco parks and ecovillages are often located in populous, developed settings; they
only adopt ecology as a Theme, they are not ecotourism parks but ecology-themed
parks.
Principles of Ecotourism
A review to the major writings on ecotourism by the TIES, UNWTO, IUCN, national tourism
organizations in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, as well as ecotourism guidelines from
the Philippines department of environment and natural Resources, ecotourism guru Ceballus-
Lascurin, and Honey yield the following consolidated list of the major values and principles of
ecotourism:
1. Minimal impacts
2. Environmental and cultural awareness and respect
3. Positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
4. direct financial benefits for conservation
5. Financial benefits for local people and private industry
6. Memorable interpretative experiences to visitors
7. Design, construction, and operation of low-impact facilities
8. Recognition for the rights and beliefs of indigenous people
9. Support For human rights and democratic movement
10. Organized by specialized tour Operators for Small groups with service provider partners
at the destinations
11. Generation of alternative income and employment opportunities
12. Promotion of well-being and community development
13. Interpretation
14. Education
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15. community participation in management
16. Ethics
17. Responsibility
18. Sustainability
19. Cultural sensitivity
20. Inclusion of local community and indigenous people in development 21. Gender equality
The principles emphasize equity or benefits among various stakeholders, such as the hosts,
the tourists, and the tourism industry. What is notable in the updated set of principles by TIES is
that indigenous people have been specifically mentioned.
Cobbinah (2015) condensed the principles of ecotourism into five themes:
1. environmental conservation
2. cultural preservation,
3. community participation,
4. economic benefits, and
5. Empowerment of vulnerable groups.
The environmental conservation principle relates to all nature-based activities,
environmental education and protection, and minimal environmental impacts. Cultural
preservation underscores the importance of cultural values in ecotourism activities including
respect for local culture, intercultural experiences of tourist and host communities through
ecotourism, and cultural education. Community participation is about ensuring that ecotourism
activities engage with local communities and operate cooperatively Local authorities and tourists
to meet local needs and enhance tourist satisfaction. Ecotourism should deliver economic benefits
to the host. Country through diversification and complementation of the local economy, creating
employment, and generating funds for the management and conservation of natural and protected
areas. Empowermentof vulnerable group suchas womencould be realized through the protection
of human rights and democratic movements and creating social benefits for all.
Understanding the principles of ecotourism determines how the concept is implemented
in the area. If the promises of community participation and local development are not met, then
people are going to perceive ecotourism as a failure (cobinnah, 2015).
Terms Related to Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a sub-component of sustainable tourism (wood, 2002). Sustainable tourism
is not limited to ecotourism as other forms of tourism can also be sustainable depending on factors
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like economic viability, environmental integrity, and social equity. In theory, urban tourism, which
is carried out outside natural areas, can also be sustainable if managed properly.
On the other hand, “eco-labeled” tour products or destinations are not always sustainable;
operators of poorly managed “Eco tours are guilty of greenwashing or misrepresentation. An
example of greenwashing is tours that feature animal rides where the animals (like elephants)
have been subjected to torture to break their spirit and make them compliant to the commands of
their human masters. Another example is a cave exploration tour where carrying capacity is
routinely exceeded, compromisingthe integrity of the cave itself and disturbing the wildlife inhabits
the cave.
Responsible travel is basically” treating others the way they wish to be treated “(Mader,
n.d). Planeta wiki calls this the platinum rule: “Do unto others as they would like to have you
do unto them.” this is the different from the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would like
others do unto you.” In simple language, responsible travel is showing respect for nature and
culture in the destination. Being a responsible traveler is not limited to ecotourists, as mass tourists
can also behave responsibly.
Natural area is defined as “an area of unique scenic, historic, geologic, or Ecological
value and of Sufficient size and character so as to allow its maintenance in a Natural
condition by the operation of physical and biological processes, usually without direct
human intervention. These areas are set aside to provide locations for scientific
observation of natural systems, to protect outstanding examples of natural interest and
beauty” (The Pennsylvanian code). Ecotourism must take place in a natural area like wilderness,
forest, mountain, ocean, river and wildlife preserves, among others. However, cultural artifacts
like cave drawings, burial grounds, or pottery excavated from such sites do not preclude such
areas as ecotourism sites. On other hand, travel to contrived or artificial nature attractions like
fishponds, zoos , aquaria, Butterfly farms 0r an ”ecopark” in an urban setting are to be excluded
from such classification.
This might disappoint many local tourism officers in the Philippines where the concept of
ecotourism is more loosely defined to include such as products. Is ecotourism confined to
nature-based tourism? The answer is No. In the Philippines definition of ecotourism, the
destination could also be a cultural heritage area. Within that definition, tours done in vigan could
be considered as ecotourism. In the Japanese definition, the destination does not need to be rich
in cultural heritage; it could be a rural area, which can provide an alternative experience to visitors
originating from urban areas. Furthermore, unlike ecotourism,nature-based tourism may not have
an educational component or be environmentally responsible or economically beneficial to the
host destination.
Cultural tourism centers on the discovery of a destination s heritage. An example would
be a local artisan showing tourists how to weave tapestry and explaining about a traditional dress.
Its difference with ecotourism is that cultural tourism excludes natural heritage, such as wildlife
and geological attractions.
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Another term that is closely associated with ecotourism is green tourism. Green t0urism
applies to environment-friendly tourism operations, Such as a rainforest lodge with composting
toilets and solar powered lighting. Its difference with ecotourism is that Eco lodges may be
centrally controlled by large corporation and therefore not necessarily benefit the host destination
nor focus on conservation education or the preservations of wildlife (greenloons.com).
Is ecotourism the same as community-based tourism? The main attribute of Community-
based tourism is community ownership and management of tourism enterprise.
Some ecotourism ventures are primarily run by local communities,suchas the paddleboat
tour near the Puerto Princesa underground River; however, some ecotours could be owned or
run by external agents or tour operators. Community participation and sharing of the economic
benefits of tourism are key particles of ecotourism but it does not have to mean control and
ownership of ecotourism enterprises.
Is ecotourism a type of adventure tourism? Adventure tourism involves an Element risk.
Extreme adventure tourism, such as rock wall climbing or underwater Cave diving could be
extremely dangerous because tourists could actually get killed. Ecotourism does not always
involve that type of risks. Weaver (2001) noted that there could be "soft ecotourists” and “hard
ecotourists”.
Soft Ecotourists are those who may enjoy nature trips like mangrove tours in the relative
safety of their boats, donning life vests, and keeping a respectful distance from the observed
animals, thus lessening risky situations.
Agritounism (also known as farm tourism)is a subcategory of rural tourism. It encourages
visitors to experience and learn about agricultural life for periods of day, overnight, or long-term.
Visitors may have the opportunity to work in the field alongside farmers, coffee growers,
vineyardist, or fishermen. The farm where agritourism takes place may or may not be located in
an undisturbed natural area.
Responsible tourism focuses on the behavior of tourists and ethical issues of other tourism
stakeholders with respect to tourism development. However, unlike ecotourism, responsible
tourism may not always result in the generation of income for host communities.
