Ecotourism, Parks and PA's Management (Lect 1)

ECOTOURISM,
PARKS AND PA’S

MANAGEMENT.
Semester: 7th.
Instructor: Abu Bakar Siddique
Topic: Ecotourism
ECOTOURISM
 Ecotourism is a type of tourism that involves visiting natural regions responsibly
(such as using environmentally friendly transportation), preserving the
environment, and enhancing the locals’ quality of life.
Or
 A responsible travel to a natural area that conserves the environment, sustains the
well-being of local communities and educates visitors.
PRINCIPLES/GOALS OF
ECOTOURISM
 1) Responsible travel: Minimizing their impact on the environment and local
culture.
 2) Conservation: Protecting natural resources, ecosystems and wildlife is a
primary goal.
 3) Community well-being: Benefits should flow to local communities through
economic opportunities.
 4) Education: Visitors gain an understanding of the environment and cultural
heritage.
BENEFITS OF ECOTOURISM
1.Biodiversity Conservation: Ecotourism can contribute to the preservation of
natural habitats and wildlife by providing funds for conservation efforts.
2.Socioeconomic Benefits: It can foster economic growth in rural areas, leading
to improved infrastructure and services, such as schools and healthcare.
3.Cultural Preservation: By emphasizing the importance of local cultures and
traditions, ecotourism can help revive and preserve these elements.
4.Education and Awareness: Ecotourism educates visitors about the
environment and local cultures, promoting a sense of responsibility toward
conservation.
ECOTOURISM DESTINATION
IN THE WORLD.
 Costa Rica: Known for its rich biodiversity and extensive protected areas, Costa Rica has made a strong
commitment to sustainability.
 Galapagos Islands: These islands are famous for their pristine ecosystems and unique
species, and they implement strict regulations and conservation measures.
 Madagascar: With high levels of endemism and diverse landscapes, Madagascar uses ecotourism
to support conservation efforts.
ECOTOURISM DESTINATION IN PAKISTAN.
 Hunza Valley: Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, Hunza Valley is a paradise for nature
enthusiasts and trekkers. You can explore the scenic landscapes, visit historical forts, and
experience the local culture while respecting the principles of ecotourism.
 Skardu: Another gem in Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu is the gateway to some of Pakistan's most
famous trekking routes, including the K2 Base Camp trek. The region is also home to
Shangrila Resort, known as the "Heaven on Earth."
 Margalla Hills National Park: Located near Islamabad, this national park offers hiking trails,
wildlife watching, and birdwatching opportunities. It's an accessible ecotourism destination for
those visiting Pakistan's capital city.
1.Fairy Meadows
2.Swat Valley
3.Kalash Valley
4.Deosai National Park
5.Cholistan Desert
6.Astola Island
7.Neelum Valley.
STEPS TAKEN BY PAKISTAN
GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE
ECOTOURISM.
 The administration in Pakistan has established a number of
initiatives. This is done to encourage sustainable tourism in the
nation after becoming aware of environmental degradation and
climate change.
 These range from the Hunza single-use plastic ban to the Kaghan
Valley’s anti-encroachment campaign. Additionally, the current
administration has started plantation efforts in all significant
provincial capitals, in addition to the nationwide One Billion Tree
Tsunami Initiative.
 Additionally, the government is prepared to launch programmes to
counteract the effects of environmental degradation.
CHALLENGES TO
ECOTOURISM
 Ecotourism for Cultural Industry: A region’s cultural sector must be developed in a way
that ensures its viability. Tourism-related activities generally have a negative impact on a
region’s culture and societal standards.
 To avoid such incidents, anyone acting improperly, including visitors and even locals, should
be penalised. This includes those who paint on mountains, cut down trees, hunt animals, trash,
or disrupt both people and animals.
 Ecotourism for the Hospitality Sector: Building infrastructure for tourism can have negative
impacts on natural habitats and landscapes, highlighting the need to strike a balance between
development and preservation.
 these encroachments have a negative impact on the environment. Moreover, it might take
place on native land, natural preserves like wetlands, or along the path of natural waterways.
Therefore, these actions are improper and prove to be harmful to the environment.
Over-tourism: Excessive tourism can strain ecosystems and local communities,
necessitating the establishment of carrying capacity limits.
Greenwashing: Some businesses falsely claim to be eco-friendly. Certification
and transparency are essential to address this issue.
Degradation of the Ecosystem May Still Occur: Ecotourism’s main aim is to
preserve the environment, but unfortunately, it is often a challenge in itself.
Ecotourism takes tourists to new places and, in some cases, ecosystems that are
relatively untouched by humans.
The interaction between the new environment and the tourists could disrupt it.
For instance, humans could scare off prey, disrupting predators’ hunting
patterns.
Travel Could Disrupt the Environment: To visit exotic places, people have to
travel, either by air, car, or boat. Such mediums generate huge amounts of
pollution, affecting the local environment, particularly in the form of noise
pollution, air pollution, and land pollution.
 Threats to Indigenous Cultures: An increase in the number of tourists can hamper
the freedom of cultural expression among the natives, making some of them feel
threatened.
 a continuous interaction between the locals and the tourists may cause a gradual
shift in culture.
 Growing Number of Ecotourism Organizations Working For Profit
 Ecotourism is growing each year, meaning there are more firms and organizations
each year joining the ecotourism bandwagon in the name of promoting sustainable
tourism.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
 For Eco-travellers, Research More Before Engaging Ecotourism Agencies
or Organizations: Before engaging an organization’s services, it is
imperative to research if it adheres to preserving and improving the local
culture, community, commerce, and the conservation of the ecosystems.
 If background checks reveal that an institution has prioritized profits over the
protection and the long-term sustainability of the environment, they should be
completely avoided.
 Reduce Impacts on the Environment When Ecotourism Adventures:
Travelers should consider taking non-stop flights to use less fuel and have
fewer effects on the environment. Where possible, it is advisable to walk, trek,
or hike while on foot.
 Be Part of the Solution: When touring new ecosystems, it is possible to
disrupt their lives. As much as possible, avoid disrupting such life. Do not
scare animals as it might interfere with their daily lives or interrupt the
intentions of another on the same animal.

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