by Jessica A. Tucker

Created on: December 26, 2009

Several reasons exist as to why ecotourism protects natural environments and preserves traditions.  In consideration of the present and looming future state of our planet, ecotourism is the saving grace for many businesses that rely on tourism industries all over the world.  The low environmental impact, if no impact, of this niche of tourism is incomparable to that of recent years where thousands of acres of parkland and untouched earth were seen developed for some form of tourism.  Ecotourism shows an appreciation for our natural environment, history and cultural diversity that protects our natural environment while working to preserve tradition.

 Historical sites and cultural facilities.

Ecotourism is really nothing new. For centuries, historical sites have been discovered, excavated and preserved by town folk, associations, governments and societies, to name only a few. The purpose of these sites generally being for visitors to view and experience, with historical accuracy, a day in the life of that time.  Groups take on these projects to restore these significant sites to working order for several different reasons be it religious, cultural or historical values.  In such facilities the ecotourism fanatic would find obsolete ideas such as traditional plowing, house building, logging and popular housekeeping techniques.  These sites and projects generally really on different forms of funding, donations, and tourism related revenues.  Generally, ecotourism strives to preserve the traditions of previous generations and showcase it for customers and generations to come.        

Nature and wildlife preserves.

In North America, wilderness preserves, animal sanctuaries and provincial parks protect much of our what is left of our undeveloped land and species of wildlife not yet on the endangered species list.  Every year, more and more species of animals and vegetation join the endangered species list or devastatingly become extinct.  Ecotourism facilities in this avenue of the business became popular in the last one hundred years with the emergence of places like Yellowstone National Park, the wildlife reserves of Africa and the Queen Charlotte Islands of Canada.   These facilities are a prime example of how ecotourism protects our natural environment and preserves tradition.         

In conclusion, ecotourism is the future for tourism industries all over the planet.  While protecting nature and preserving tradition, ecotourism is the eco-friendly fresh footstep that the business world needs to embrace for the healthy future of our planet.   With ecotourism, upcoming generations are given the opportunity to learn and appreciate the earth and life that exists all around us.  In turn, hopefully these upcoming generations will adopt a new and healthy philosophy on how to properly respect and protect our home for many generations to come.           

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