Ans: Eco-tourism is - “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment
and sustains the well-being of local people.” Sometimes eco-tourism is defined as a sub-category of “sustainable tourism”.
Sustainable Eco-Tourism:-
· Minimises environmental impacts using bench marks
· Improves contribution to local sustainable development
· Requires lowest possible consumption of non-renewable resources
· Sustains the well-being of local people
· Stresses local ownership
· Supports efforts to conserve the environment
· Contributes to biodiversity
Sustainable Tourism? Aims and Objectives
It’s informative. Travellers not only learn about the destination, they learn how to help sustain its character while deepening their own travel experiences. Residents learn that the ordinary and familiar may be of interest and value to outsiders.
It supports integrity of place. Destination-savvy travellers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale in terms of architecture, cuisine, heritage, aesthetics, and ecology. Tourism revenues in turn raise local perceived value of those assets.
It benefits residents. Travel businesses do their best to employ and train local people, buy local supplies, and use local services.
It conserves resources. Environmentally aware travellers favour businesses that minimize pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and unnecessary night time lighting.
It respects local culture and tradition. Foreign visitors learn about and observe local etiquette, including using at least a few courtesy words in the local language. Residents learn how to deal with foreign expectations that may differ from their own.
It does not abuse its product. Stakeholders anticipate development pressures and apply limits and management techniques to prevent the "loved to death" syndrome. Businesses cooperate to sustain natural habitats, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture.
It strives for quality, not quantity. Communities measure tourism success not by sheer numbers of visitors, but by length of stay, money spent, and quality of experience.
It means great trips. Satisfied, excited visitors bring new knowledge home and send friends off to experience the same thing - which provides continuing business for the destination.
Example: Amardma Valley (Province of Essaouira)
Amardma Valley Working in the Fields Farm House
Mistral Travel sarl offers an eco-tourist opportunity to the Amardma Valley in the province of Essaouira.
The numbers would be limited at any one time in any one location.
The programme for Amardma Valley would be as follows:-
Day 1:
· Arrive Marrakech. Met at Airport. Transfer to Essaouira.
· Hotel: Essaouira (H.B.)
Day 2:
After breakfast, guided tour of Essaouira
· Co-operatives
· Fishing Port
· Art galleries
· Work shops
· Places of historical interests
· Lunch
· Afternoon visit to either Moulay Bouzertoun or Sidi Kaoki
· Hotel: Essaouira (H.B.)
Day 3:
· Breakfast in Hotel
· Depart to Titzi
· Visit the Argan Oil co-operative
· Continue to Amardma Valley
· Lunch
· Transfer to Donkey for trek into the Amardma Valley
· Arrive at accommodation: Farm House (F.B.)
Day 4:
· Traditional Breakfast
· Trek with Guide into the Amardma Valley
· Lunch
· Visit local families, farms, school and places of interest
· Return to accommodation for dinner
· Evening prepare for Project Work next day
Day 5:
· Breakfast
· Project work in the morning
· Lunch
· After lunch explore the furthest parts of the Amardma Valley by Donkey
· Return to accommodation in the evening.
· Special “Last Night’ dinner for hosts. Entertainment music etc.
Day 6:
· Breakfast
· Project work in the morning
· Lunch
· Depart by Donkey to pick-up point
· Return to Essaouira
· Farewell dinner at small traditional Moroccan restaurant
Day 7:
• Return to Marrakech for Flight Home.
Note: Project Work: This will be an opportunity for visitors to make a contribution to the well being of the local people. It is not prescriptive but will be in consultation with the local people as to how best to make use of their skills and the skills of their visitors. Such things as improving the water supply, better use of the available land, any help that the local school may require, medical facilities etc. etc. These are just some of the things that could form the basis for a project.