A case study on the educational experience in ecotourism in Peru, The Condor Lodge Conservatory is well discussed below.
The conservatory is located in Apurimac Canyon and is settled in a natural environment, with close proximity to the Antilla Community and surrounded by an eco-farm. Most families share sleeping space with the Kuyi, a type of guinea pigs. The area is also surrounded by gold mines and has been at the forefront of ecotourism efforts in the region. It has also created string networks with local tourist agencies, international tourists and planning small group visits that are aimed at creating a harmonious relationship with the environment. It is further characterized by undisturbed wilderness, wildlife diversity, hospitable people and a spectacular view of the Andean Condor which create an exceptional educational experience (Garana, 2008).
A case study of the Campi ya Kanzi, an ecotourism site in Kenya.
This site is stretched over 400 miles of African wilderness, within the Kuku Group Ranch of Southern Kenya. The area is owned by Maasai herdsmen and extends through to Mt. Kilimanjaro (Vitti, 2007, p. 55). This environment is well endowed with wildlife diversity of fauna and flora. The ranch also contains pools, a lake and springs. The lodge in the area has minimal impact on the environment as buildings are constructed from local material such as lava rocks, thatch and lumber obtained from a reforestation program. The foundations of the lodge was based on protecting wildlife, the wilderness and Maasai culture as well as obtain financial support for maintaining a place where wildlife can flourish (Vitti, 2007, pp. 56-60).
To sum up, Campi ya Kanzi is an ecotourism lodge, built, owned and run by the local community for the benefit of the environment and local people.
In conclusion, Ecotourism is an aspect that incorporates tourism but is specific in nature. There are limitless similarities that exist between ecotourism and tourism such as sustainability, nature being at the forefront in both and an offer to interact with the pristine natural environment. There are also significant differences that exist between them from the educational perspective, the natural environment to the levels of interactions. However, the impact of both tourism and ecotourism on the environment as well the changes in people’s attitudes is worth noting. The functional responsibility of both eco-tourists, soft and hard, and tourist plays a fundamental role in achieving the ultimate goals of both concepts.
References
Anderson, C., & Beasley, J. (2002). Protecting Pristine Environs. Cambridge: Cambridge UP.
Badan, B.S., & Bhatt, H. (2005). Ecotourism. Oxford: Oxford UP.
Briffa, M., & Lee, G. (2004). Conventional Links to Sustainable Development. New York: Nerd Press.
Dimitrios, D. (1998). The Links Between Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism: a definitional and operational perspective. Annals of Tourism Research, 25, 515-518.
Fridell, R. (2003). The Human Approach Towards Environmental Conservation: a handbook. UK: Longman.
Garana, D. (2008). Ecotourism in South America. India: Commonwealth Publishers
Morgan, R. (1999). Comparisons between Ecotourism and Tourism.USA: Sage.
Thomas, I. (2004). Defining Tourism: concepts and principles. USA: Rosen Publishing Group Inc.
Ravens, D.N. (1996). The Natural and Human Environment Combined. New York: Children’s Press.
Vitti, M. (2007). Ecotourism in Kenya: Campi ya Kanzi. Journal on Economic Views, 2, 54-63.
众说纷纭Comments
