If you are a tourist reading this story about ecotourism, you’re part of the huge and growing market of people who look for outdoor experiences on long weekends or vacations.There is still alot of confusion over the terms “ecotourism” and “nature tourism.” Whatever you call it, birding, hiking, biking, canoeing, surfing, diving and horseback riding all qualify as increasingly popular outdoor tourism activities.
Nature Tourism versus Ecotourism
Nature tourism covers just about any outdoor activity, while ecotourism has a precise meaning, according to The International Ecotourism Society, which offers these definitions and principles:
Ecotourism is:
“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”
Ecotourism is about connecting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in responsible tourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:
-minimize impact
-build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
-provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
-provide direct financial benefits for conservation
-provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
-raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate
At a Nature Tourism conference held March 28 & 29, 2007 in Mendocino Village, more than 80 people representing government agencies, non-profits and businesses gathered to begin developing nature tourism partnerships. The result was formation of task forces with commitments to develop and promote nature tourism in Mendocino County.
As a conference attendee, it is clear to me that our intention is to make Mendocino County California’s — if not the nation’s — leading ecotourism area (meeting all the principles and definitions stated above).
Mendocino residents are fiercely protective of their forests, coastline, rivers, air, vineyards, and food. We’re the center of the raw food movement. “Organic” is every chef’s middle name. Our county proudly became the first in the U.S. to prohibit the growth of genetically-modified organisms (GMO). Sustainable agriculture is a widespread practice among our vineyard owners and 25 per cent of 15,500 vineyard acres are certified organic.
For all these reasons, MendocinoFun.Com will evermore refer to outdoor and nature activities as ecotourism. And, we will continually provide our readers with information and updates about ecotourism activities along the Mendocino Coast.
