In an ideal situation, ecotourism operations should have a low negative impact on the environment and local cultures. Natural destinations should be primary focus of tours and routes used to travel to the natural sites should be rotated to that the land is allowed time to rest and be undisturbed by people periodically. Furthermore, eco tourist should learn more about their surroundings and how human activities, including their own, can affect the environment and the larger ecosystem. Local communities and the indigenous populations should be involved in managing the ecotourism operations and they should reap the economic benefits so that they directly understand the value of their land and will strive to protect it.

There are regions that have had success in utilizing ecotourism to protect the environment and empower local communities. For example, ecotourism in the Ecuadoran rainforest has reduced oil exploration and provided and alternative source of income to the locals in the area. Also, in Costa Rica the tourist demand for undisturbed nature has resulted in the establishment of national parks and protected areas over 20 percent of the nation’s land. These places have successfully implemented ecotourism and it has resulted in the intended consequences. However, this is only possible because there are clear and proper management strategies in place. More information about the management of ecotourism can be found here.

Here is a video by VICE News illustrating just one of the successful ecotourism programmes in Costa Rica.

On an individual level, many people who have participated in ecotourism activities learn about conservation efforts and how their actions impact the ecosystem. Ecotourism provides the opportunity to experience nature up close and allows them the chance to gain understanding about their place in the grand scheme of nature. This humbling experience has the potential to sow seeds of pro-environmental attitudes and values. However, the quality of the experience need to be both information and action-based so that people are able to act on their new-found knowledge to make their actions more eco-friendly.