CHAPTER 1 Criteria and Context

Discuss the evolution of ecotourism through four tourism ‘platforms’ Learning Objectives Discuss the evolution of ecotourism through four tourism ‘platforms’ Evaluate the diversity of ecotourism definitions Describe and critically discuss the four core ecotourism criteria Explain the challenges associated with the concept of ‘sustainability’

Distinguish between minimalist and comprehensive ecotourism Learning Objectives Distinguish between minimalist and comprehensive ecotourism Describe the relationship between ecotourism and related activities such as nature-based tourism, wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, alternative tourism and sustainable tourism Explain how ecotourism is related to disassociated activities such as 3S tourism and mass tourism

Emergence of Ecotourism Jafari’s four platforms Advocacy (1950s – 1960s) Cautionary (1970s) Adaptancy (1980s) Ecotourism’s origin as a nature-based form of ‘Alternative Tourism’ Knowledge-based (1990s – 2000s) Emergence of ‘sustainable development’ and ‘sustainable tourism’ = possibility of ‘mass ecotourism’

Definitions Numerous definitions since the mid-1980s Descriptive and prescriptive components, for example: Valentine (1992) Scace, Grifone and Usher (1992) Fennell (1999) Blamey (2001) Quebec Declaration (2001)

Ecotourism as a form of tourism Criteria Ecotourism as a form of tourism

Basis in nature Elemental approach = charismatic megafauna Criteria Basis in nature Elemental approach = charismatic megafauna Holistic approach = ecosystem emphasis Associated cultural component No undisturbed ‘natural’ environments Indigenous people; fuzzy culture/nature distinction

Learning Interactional continuum: formal and informal Criteria Learning Interactional continuum: formal and informal Motivational continuum: deep and shallow Interpretation revelation of relationships and meaning off-site and on-site facets of effective interpretation: non-academic, enjoyable, relevant, well-organised, themed

Sustainability Weak sustainability (more anthropocentric) Criteria Sustainability Weak sustainability (more anthropocentric) Strong sustainability (more biocentric) Environmental and sociocultural Status quo vs. enhancement sustainability

Sustainability Monitoring and implementation issues Criteria Sustainability Monitoring and implementation issues indirect and induced effects unpredictable cause and effect relationships which indicators, what thresholds and benchmarks? effects of external environments political realities Imperative or appearance?

Focuses the importance of customer satisfaction to lead to: Criteria Financial viability Sustainability is essentially irrelevant if the operation is not also financially viable Focuses the importance of customer satisfaction to lead to: Repeat patronage Word-of-mouth advertising

Textbook definition of ecotourism Criteria Textbook definition of ecotourism Ecotourism is a form of tourism that fosters learning experiences and appreciation of the natural environment, or some component thereof, within its associated cultural context. It is managed in accordance with industry best practice to attain environmentally and socio-culturally sustainable outcomes as well as financial viability.

Minimilist and comprehensive ecotourism Minimilist Criteria Minimilist and comprehensive ecotourism Minimilist elemental approach shallow learning status quo, site-specific sustainability Comprehensive holistic approach deep learning enhancement, global sustainability

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types Nature-based tourism

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types Wildlife tourism

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types Cultural tourism

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types Adventure tourism

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types Hybrids

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types 3S tourism Marine activities (SCUBA diving, snorkelling, etc) Current trend away from spearfishing towards passive viewing of marine life

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types Alternative tourism and mass tourism

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types Sustainable tourism

Ecotourism in the context of other tourism types Consumptive and non-consumptive tourism All tourism activities have a consumptive and non-consumptive element Preference for term ‘extractive’ tourism

Types of ecotourism activity

Types of ecotourism activity The optimal ecotourism cycle