45th BCS

Read the following text and answer the questions that

follow:
An offshoot of the environmental movement of the 1970,
ecotourism has come into its own over the past two
decades. Thanks to an increasing awareness of
environmental issues such as climate change, combined
with a high demand among European and North American
travellers for unspoiled locations, authentic cultural
experience, and recreational challenges, ecotourism is
growing at a rate of 20 percent annually, making it the
fastest-growing sector in the tourism industry. The
International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as
economically sustainable, ecologically sensitive, and
culturally acceptable. Closely related is the concept of
sustainable tourism identified in our common future, the
Brundtland Commission's report to the 1987 World
Commission on Environment and Development:
Development that "meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs".
Ecotourism's principles clearly distinguish it from
conventional mass tourism. Instead of classic tourist
meccas, ecotourism seeks out remote locations with
strict environmental protections and operates on a
small scale. Tourists, business and local residents are
encouraged to minimize their impact on the
environment by recycling materials, conserving energy
and water, safely treated human waste and properly
disposing of garbage, using alternative energy, and
building in a manner that fits in with natural
surroundings. The financial benefits from ecotourism are
passed on to the community through conservation projects,
employment, partnerships and local participation in the
development and management of local resources.
Synonymous with 'green' tourism, ecotourism promotes
cultural sensitivity and respect for traditions and customs
in order to avoid the kind of exploitation that has turned
tribal ceremonies into side-shows and relics into souvenirs.
Ecotourism also plays a political role in its support of
human rights and democracy.
The popularity of ecotourism is a problem in itself. The
original ecotourists were small in number, deeply
committed to conservation and actively engaged in
cultural exchange. At one time, they were willing to
rough it and go off the beaten path, but now so-called
ecotourists travel and expect the comforts of home
package in a pretty setting. In the process, nature once
an honoured treasure, has become a commodity and a
photo opportunity. Larger numbers of ecotourists
consume more resources and leave a larger impact on the
environment, and eco-operators require more land to
accomodate demand. As ecotourism spreads to more
sensitive, corners of the earth, it could end up defeating its
original purposes.
Ecotourism can be achieved only if steps are taken in the
right directions. In 1993, British Airways led the way as the
first airline to implement a systematic environmental
policy. The International Hotels Environment Initiative
(IHEI) has more than 5000 members from 111
countries. In cooperation with the United Nations
Environment Program and the International Hotel and
Restaurant Association, the IHEI developed an
"Environmental Action Pack for Hotels in 1995 to
promote environmental management, energy and
water conservation, and waste and emission reduction.
In 1996, the World Tourism Organization, the World Travel
and Tourism Council, and the Earth Summit Council
drafted Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry,
recognizing the interdependence of Tourism, peace,
development and environmental protection. The year 2002
was declared the United Nations International Year of
Ecotourism, with an ecotourism summit held in May.
Whether initiated by trade or intergovernmental
organizations, blueprints and agreements can be
meaningful only if governments are proactive. Belize and
Costa Rica, for example, have established national
policies and strategies to farther ecotourism.
Brazil, Indonesia, Namibia and Nepal integrate small-
scale, community-oriented approaches into their
tourism programs. While progress continues to be
made on many fonts and by many players, it is the
individual traveller who will keep ecotourism on track.
Tourists can make informed choices about travel
destinations and tour operators, as well as conscious efforts
to reduce their individual impact on the environment and
to practice cultural sensitivity toward local people. They
can participate in volunteer conservation projects and gain
skills and knowledge in the process. They can pressure
governments to pass and enforce laws that protect the
environment. Ultimately, they can spend their money
where it is put to green use. Nature is counting on them.
Answer the questions in your own words. Don't copy
from the text above. Copying from the text above may
affect the evaluation. 5x6=30
(a) What are the main aims of ecotourism?
The primary goals of ecotourism are to promote
tourism in a way that is
-environmentally sustainable,
-culturally respectful, and
-beneficial to local communities.
Ecotourism focuses on preserving natural areas and
promoting conservation, allowing tourists to enjoy
nature in its purest form. Ecotourism also highlights
the importance of respecting local traditions and
avoiding their exploitation. Additionally, it aims to
bring economic benefits to local communities by
-creating jobs,
-supporting conservation efforts, and
-building partnerships.
(b) On what does the success of ecotourism depend?
The success of ecotourism depends on a variety of
factors, including the commitment of all involved
parties—
▪ tourists,
▪ local communities,
▪ businesses, and
▪ governments.
Tourists must choose eco-friendly travel options
and reduce their impact on nature. Tour operators
should follow sustainable practices, like saving
water and energy. Governments need to make laws
to protect the environment and ensure tourism is
controlled. Local communities should be involved
in planning and managing tourism so they can
benefit from it without harming their surroundings.

(c) What initiatives have hotels taken to reduce their

impact on the environment?
Hotels have taken several steps to minimize their
environmental footprint. For example, the
International Hotels Environment Initiative (IHEI)
promotes environmental management by
encouraging hotels to
-conserve energy and water,
-reduce waste, and
-manage emissions responsibly.
 Some hotels use alternative energy sources, recycle
materials, and ensure that their buildings blend into
the natural surroundings. These measures help limit
the negative impact of tourism on the environment
while also making hotels more eco-friendly.

(d) Define ecotourism. What are the principles of

ecotourism?
Ecotourism refers to a form of tourism that is
environmentally responsible, supports conservation,
and promotes the well-being of local communities.
It emphasizes sustainable travel to natural areas and
aims to minimize the negative impact on the
environment.
The principles of ecotourism include
-conserving energy and water,
-recycling waste,
-supporting local economies, and
-respecting cultural traditions.
It also encourages tourists to travel in small groups
to protect sensitive environments, ensuring that
nature and culture are preserved for future
generations.

(e) How do the governments support ecotourism?

What individual tourists can do to support
ecotourism?
 Governments support ecotourism by making rules
and policies that protect natural areas and promote
sustainable tourism. Countries like Costa Rica and
Belize have strong policies to encourage
ecotourism. On the other hand, nations such as
Brazil and Nepal integrate community-based
approaches into their tourism strategies.
Individual tourists can support ecotourism by
-choosing eco-friendly destinations,
-conserving resources, and
-respecting local cultures.
They can also take part in volunteer projects to
protect the environment. Tourists can encourage
governments to pass laws that protect nature and
make sure their money is spent in ways that support
conservation.

(f) What are the dangerous impacts of ecotourism

on environment?
Though ecotourism aims to protect nature, it can
have negative effects if it becomes too popular.
More tourists visiting natural areas can use up
resources like water and energy and create more
waste. When too many tourists visit sensitive areas,
it can harm the environment and disturb wildlife.
Some ecotourism operators also expand their
businesses to meet the demand, which can lead to
deforestation or other damage. If not managed
 carefully, ecotourism can end up harming the very
places it is meant to protect.

Write briefly the main idea of the above text. Add your
comments. Give a suitable title to it. (within 100 words)

Title: The Promise and Perils of Ecotourism/ The

Importance of Ecotourism/ The Prospects and
Challenges of Ecotourism
The main idea of the text is that ecotourism promotes
responsible travel by protecting the environment,
respecting local cultures, and helping local communities.
The goal is to let tourists enjoy nature in its pure form while
also making sure natural areas are not harmed. Ecotourism
encourages cultural sensitivity, ensuring that traditions are
not exploited, and it supports local communities by
creating jobs and conservation projects.

My Comment: Ecotourism is essential for protecting the

environment while giving people the chance to experience
nature. However, it must be done carefully, as too many
visitors can harm sensitive areas. Both tourists and
businesses need to respect local cultures and protect natural
resources to make sure ecotourism benefits everyone
without causing damage.