Teaching Tropical Rainforest Biology

Ethical Tourism

Much of the burden of making ecotourism successful rests with those of us who practice it. Many of the ecotourism evils described above can be avoided if we practice ethical tourism. For further discussion , visit tourism ethics and tour codes.

Here are some further suggestions:

1. Ecotourism should impact local communities in a positive manner. Travelers should utilize tour companies who hire local guides, cooks, and boatmen.Communities near natural areas should benefit by being able to sell, or trade, handicrafts and other goods. Tourists should not engage in behaviors (unreciprocated giving of money or candy for example) which encourage residents to petition for handouts.
   
   
2. Ecotourists should be sensitive to local cultures. Part of the focus of ecotravel is learning about other people and how they conduct their daily lives. Complaining about living conditions and showing disdain for, or disinterest in, the local culture are unacceptable.
   
   
3. Ecotourists should not buy souvenirs such as non-sustainable wildlife products or archeological artifacts.
   
   
4. Ecotourism should enhance conservation efforts and increase concern for the tropical rainforest area visited. As a result of rainforest travel, tourists should be helped to find ways to voice their endorsement of tropical rainforest conservation. These might include writing letters of support, contributing money, volunteering to work in a park or reserve, or developing some other form of concerned, creative activism.
   
   

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