- National and local authorities can reap financial rewards from promoting ecotourism but also must monitor the practice carefully so it is sustainable and responsible. Costa Rica, for example, offers a certification in sustainable tourism for businesses, which provides assurance to tour operators and visitors, enables better monitoring of ecotourism and holds businesses accountable for any false representation of claims.
- Tour operators working across borders are a highly visible presence on Internet searches for ecotourism. Some international tour operators are not fully committed to the principles they purport to uphold, however. Look for tour companies that can show solid figures on how they help the local community, has a distinct mission statement and states how it deals with waste and environmental damage. It is also important that they hire local workers, especially in management positions.
- Experiencing another culture is a major draw for many tourists. The local community can benefit much more from using natural beauty to draw ecotourists than by exploiting the environment for quick financial gain, such as through mining. Local communities in Madagascar, for instance, receive half their revenues from national parks, so it is in their interest to ensure conservation of nature to keep the money coming in.
- Tourists themselves have a responsibility in making ecotourism work for all parties. The first step is researching tour operators; do business with those that are certified. When on the trip, be sensitive to the local culture and environment and remember that it is as much about the community as it is for the visitor. Enjoy the trip and spread the word, because experiencing other places truly makes us dedicated to conserving them.
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