Conservation and Ecotourism in Ecuador

Ecotourism or ecotravel is travel to usually exotic destinations specifically to admire and enjoy wildlife and undeveloped, relatively undisturbed natural areas, as well as indigenous cultures. The development and increasing popularity of ecotourism is a clear outgrowth of escalating concern for conservation of the world`s natural resources and biodiversity. The purpose of ecotravel is twofold. Yes, people want to undertake exciting challenging, educational trips to exotic locales-wet tropical forests, wind blown deserts, high mountain passes, mid-ocean coral reefs- to enjoy the scenery, the animals, the nearby local cultures. But the second major goal of ecotourism is often as important: the travellers want to help conserve the very places- habitats and wildlife- that they visit. That is, through a portion of their tour cost and spending into the local economy of destination countries- paying for park admissions, engaging local guides, staying at local hotels, eating at local restaurants, using local transportation services, etc.-benefit economically as much or more by preserving habitats and wildlife for continuing use by ecotravellers than they could by harvesting the habitats for short-term gain. Local people can sustain themselves better economically by participating in ecotourism than by, for instance, cutting down rainforests for lumber or hunting animals for meat or pet trade.
Groups of NGOs, tourist agencies, and indigenous people are working together to solidify their power and convince the government that ecotourism is an important part of Ecuador`s future. Your trip to Ecuador to experience its natural wonders is a statement in itself that will benefit Ecuador`s environment. If you want to be more than passively involved, however, use your influence to actively help Ecuador and its environment. If you see tour agencies, lodge operators, or officials following procedures or policies that run counter to the principle of ecotourism as a sustainable use of resources, say something to them. Also, seek out Ecuadorian and international non-profit NGOs that run on donations and make contributions.
If ecotourism contributes in a significant way to conservation, then it is an especially fitting reprieve for rainforests and other natural habitats, because it is the very characteristic of the habitats that conservationists want to save, wildness, that provides the incentive for ecotravellers to visit and for local people to preserve