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Institute
for Ecological Tourism
Department of Natural
Resources Planning &
Interpretation
Humboldt State University, Arcata, California Eight Characteristics of Ecotourism |
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1.
It must promote positive environmental ethics - fostering
preferred behavior in its participants. 2.
It does not degrade the resource--there
is no consumptive erosion of the natural environment visited. 3.
It concentrates on
intrinsic rather than extrinsic values. Facilities and services may
"facilitate" the encounter with the intrinsic resource; they
never become attractions in their own right, nor do they distract from
the natural attraction itself. 4.
It
is biocentric rather than homocentric in philosophy. Ecotourists
enter the environment accepting it on its terms, not expecting it to
change or be modified for their convenience. 5.
It must benefit the
wildlife and environment. If the environment has not at least achieved a
net benefit toward its sustainability and ecological integrity, then the
activity is not ecotourism. 6.
It is a first-hand
experience with the natural environment. Movies and zoological parks do
not constitute an ecotourism experience. Visitor centers and
interpretive slide shows are included. 7.
It has an "expectation
of gratification". For more information contact: Michael Sweeney, Director Institute for Ecological Tourism,
NRPI phone: 707/826-4147
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