| Ecological Tourism, or Eco-Tourism, is a form of | | | | ecotourism are encouraged to comply with a variety |
| tourism that typically appeals to individuals who are | | | | of principles. These include the desire to minimize the |
| ecologically and socially conscious. Eco-Tourism is | | | | impact of tourism on the area; building environmental |
| popular in areas where the natural flora, natural fauna, | | | | and cultural awareness and respect; providing positive |
| and the cultural heritage of an area are the primary | | | | experiences for both the tourists and their hosts. In |
| attractions. | | | | addition, TIES recommends that there be a direct |
| There are different types of Eco-Tourism. Responsible | | | | financial benefit not only for the local people but also |
| eco-tourism focuses on providing experiences for | | | | for conservation efforts. The local people are also |
| tourists that minimize the negative aspects of | | | | expected to be empowered. The final principle is to |
| conventional tourism on the environment. In addition, the | | | | raise sensitivity to the host country's political, |
| experience is designed to enhance the cultural integrity | | | | environmental, and social climate. |
| of local populations. As a result, recycling, energy | | | | In addition, ecotourism should satisfy additional criteria. |
| efficiency, water conservation, and the creation of | | | | These additional criteria include the conservation of |
| economic opportunities for the local community are | | | | both biological and cultural diversity, the promotion of |
| integral parts of ecotourism. This emphasis is in addition | | | | sustainable use of biodiversity, and the shared |
| to the evaluation of environmental and cultural factors | | | | socio-economic benefits with local communities and |
| associated with tourism. | | | | indigenous people. |
| As in all things, there is a governing body that provides | | | | In large cities across the world, an offshoot of the |
| standards for environmentally conscious tourism. The | | | | ecotourism movement is bicycle tours. These tours |
| International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is the body | | | | are designed to allow environmentally sensitive people |
| responsible for governing ecotourism. In 1990, TIES | | | | the ability to tour a city in an environmentally friendly |
| defined ecotourism and outlined the various principles | | | | way. The bicycles, because they are human powered, |
| involved. Ecotourism, according to TIES, is "responsible | | | | do not release the same fumes as tour busses or |
| travel to natural areas that conserves the environment | | | | boats. In addition, they allow the tour-taker much more |
| and improves the well-being of local people." | | | | freedom over what is seen and what is not seen. |
| Places that wish to participate in and implement | | | | |