Ecotourism does more than bring local and worldwide awareness to threatened regions of the world; groups such as TIES use funds generated from ecotourism to establish and maintain national parks and nature reserves. In areas where tourism has damaged ecosystems or polluted rivers, ecotourism relies on region-wide sustainability strategies, fee-entry systems for national parks, and minimally invasive tourism alternatives to reduce travelers' negative impact. For example, entry fees are used to protect neglected regions of the parks and implement better techniques to offset or repair damage caused by tourists.
Ecotourism also helps to protect threatened wildlife and ensures that robust animal populations remain that way. Organizations such as the Nature Conservancy work with local resorts to help them build properties that will not harm the indigenous fauna. If you visit one of these eco-friendly lodges, you will know that your visit is not harming local animal populations. Furthermore, many ecotourism hotels will use some of your lodging funds to help better protect endangered and threatened animals.
Ecotourism destinations are often in economically depressed regions of the world. Organizations like TIES and the Nature Conservancy ensure that the hotels and lodges are built in ways that will benefit the local community---i.e., with fair and sound hiring practices---and help lead to economic stabilization. In addition, these organizations train locals in hospitality, tourism marketing and other facets of tourism that will help locals to operate their properties better and maximize profit.
Ecotourism organizations always aim to respect indigenous people's cultures, customs and religions. Through dialogue with local leaders and community members, these organization seeks to quell any tensions that rise between the tourism industry and cultural tradition. Organizations encourage hotel and lodge operators to listen to the concerns of the local communities and community leaders and assist in strategies to deal with any issues that arise.
As ecotourism lodges pop up all over the world in locations such as Guyana and Malaysia, Americans learn about some of the most pressing environmental and wildlife issues of the day. Moreover, the very existence of lodges in places where Americans and others do not traditionally travel will cause some people to think outside the box when planning future trips. As more people choose sustainable options, depressed economies and/or vulnerable ecosystems will begin to improve and stabilize.
The term "ecotourism" itself is becoming a bit outdated. The preferred moniker in environmental circles is "sustainable travel" or "sustainable tourism." This is because ecotourism has multiple meanings that change depending on whom you talk to. Many operators consider or call any tour that involves being in nature an "ecotour." Since this is not technically incorrect, many hotels and operators with dubious credentials have used the term ecotourism in advertising to try to capitalize on the new market of environmentally conscious travelers.
