What is Ecotourism? According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)"Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.“ http://www.ecotourism.org

Goals Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel

Principles of Ecotourism Minimize impact. Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect. Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation. Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people. Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

Size of Global Tourism Largest business sector in the world economy, the Travel & Tourism industry is responsible for over 230 million jobs and over 10% of the gross domestic product worldwide. In 2006, Travel & Tourism (consumption, investment, government spending and exports) is expected to grow 4.6% and total US$6.5 trillion.

Importance of Ecotourism Tool for economic development especially for developing countries.

Ecotourism impacts Benefits Incentive to develop strong env policies Local & national economic sustainability Value of env conservation & protection Promotes local env education Preservation of culture Drawbacks Increase strain on local resources food, water ect. Damage to natural env from littering, trails ect. Social tension between tour operators & non operators Inequalities based on geographic location

Example of Ecotourism I visited Belize in 2008 for educational purposes, to experience the environment & culture and assess the ecotourism model in Belize

Where is BELIZE?

LANDSCAPE The climate is subtropical with a well- marked dry season from February to May. Numerous habitats Mountains, valleys, rainforest, pine forest, savanna, marsh, and mangrove Second-longest barrier reef Diverse animals and plants Tourists visit Belize, mostly to view wildlife, visit archeological sites and snorkel and dive the reef