| cl | | | | With its great potential for environmental |
| Ecotourism is defined as, �The practice | | | | protection, the united nations cerebrate the year |
| of low-impact, educational, ecologically and | | | | for Ecotourism in 2002. |
| culturally sensitive travel that benefits local | | | | Ecotourism was first introduced in Africa in the |
| communities and host countries� | | | | 1950�s with the justification of hunting. |
| Ecotourism, responsible tourism, and sustainable | | | | This need for recreational hunting zones lead to |
| development have become widespread since | | | | the creation of protected areas, national parks, |
| 1980s, and ecotourism has practiced possibly the | | | | and game reserves. Today these areas have |
| fastest growth of all sectors in the tourism | | | | become very significant revenue-earning sites |
| industry. The attractiness represents a change in | | | | with the establishment of lodges and tourist |
| tourist insights, increased environmental | | | | campsites. Many of the ecotourism projects are |
| awareness, and a desire to explore natural | | | | not meeting these standards. Even if some of the |
| environments. Such changes have become a | | | | guidelines are being executed, the local |
| statement affirming one�s social identity, | | | | communities are still facing other negative impacts. |
| educational superiority , and disposable income, | | | | |