Eco-Tourism

==Islamabad Group Research: (Erica's Group) Inquiry Question: What are the benefits from ecotourism in countries? What are the damaging effects of emissions from vehicles on ecotourism? Our Group's Glog:==

http://etoothman.glogster.com/emmisions-effect-on-eco-tourism/
==Ecotourism seems to balance out. Don't you have to pay first to a group that protects the environment? I think this is helping some developing countries become more developed with the expansion of cities. It does harm the environment because although the point is to protect the environment you have to destroy it in order to do that. It's not only the community's problem but also the world's problem to protect habitats. Transporting tourists and others around a country in an eco-friendly manner. Pros: Offer tours that involve non-carbon emitting options. Bike Tours: all human powered: @http://www.vbt.com/ Walking Tours Segways - two wheeled, motorized upright carts use a rechargeable device: @http://citysegwaytours.com/ Solar Power: An idea for a boat that is solar powered: http://www.uptodatedesign.com/2009/02/eco-friendly-boat-concept-is-powered-by-solar-loon/ Hybrid type: The "R" Line in Raleigh is a part electric bus: @http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/get-around/r-line == ==**Airlines are taking measures to offset their carbon footprints: http://www.greatgreenlist.com/Air-travel-airlines-52.html **==

Many countries have started to enforce strict laws on emissions in order to effectively introduce ecotourism. Ecotourism could have a potential treat on the countries' environment. Responsible travel to these places, although can have benefits and damaging effects from vehicles. How will the travelers get there? By plane, boat, car, train and any other means of transportation that will have affects on the environment. The responsibility of the country is to make sure that people are being responsible and taking ecotourism seriously. Emissions from vehicles are one of the most contributing factors in global warming. Most countries that participate in ecotourism have a strong reason to protect the environment. Unless emissions from vehicles can stop the natural awe that makes the place suitable fro ecotourism, it will be destroyed. The benefits of ecotourism is that although you can't stop the emissions completely, you do reduce it considerably. Vehicle emissions are destroying ecotourism before it can be wide spread.

TRANSPORTATION LINKS:
==This site give a list of eco-friendly transportation options that the country of Lao has recently made available. @http://www.ecotourismlaos.com/transportation.htm ==

==This is another site that gives a number of eco-friendly activities tourists can participate in, these ideas also come from Lao. @http://www.ecotourismlaos.com/activities.htm == ==COUNTRY'S RESPONSIBILITY LINKS: This site defines ecotourism and offers alternatives to what steps are being taken now. Also on this link it gives suggestions for travel providers. The government of the country could use this as a guideline to know what laws should be set in place to successfully launch ecotourism. @http://www.ecotourismize.com/ecotourism.aspx == ==**This site is really helpful to find out the process of starting an ecotourism based economy. It shows how the Maldives are starting ecotourism projects on select islands. @http://www.hello-maldives.com/ecotour.htm This site talks about the different activities in Thailand regarding ecotourism. The activities are adventurous and exciting. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">@http://www.thailand.com/travel/eco/eco.htm This site gives the definition of ecotourism and how it relates to Braz **il. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">@http://www.brazadv.com/brazil_tours/ecotourism.htm ==

This site talks about ecotourism in Kenya. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">@http://ecotourismkenya.com/

This site talks about ecotourism in Australia and the affects of it. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">@http://www.yesaustralia.com/turis-ecologicoing.htm

This site talks about ecotourism and how it benefits China. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">@http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/11/ecotourism_in_china.php

This site talks about ecotourism in South Africa and how it boosts the economy. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourism_in_South_Africa

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">This site says the definition of ecotourism. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourism This site gives benefits found from ecotourism. Countries should be proactive and fulfill their responsibilities. http://earthtrends.wri.org/index.php

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__OVERVIEW__:
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ecotourism is: "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990) ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The negatives with eco-tourism are that in many areas around the globe (like in Ghana or Alaska) travel to these areas is NOT helping to conserve the environment or improving the well-being of local people. Another problem is that there are no regulations on what can be considered ecotourism and what is not. Any business can call themselves "eco friendly" if they want. ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mission: to protect the rainforest and wildlife, while opening the community to tourism
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Positives: Tropical evergreens, endangered forest elephants and bongo antelopes, and some 600 species of butterflies have been preserved. Tourism has increase in the area. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Negatives: Local population has suffered, since their access to the park’s resources has been off limits. Before the park opened, the people relied heavily on the rainforest: on trees to build homes, on herbs for traditional medicine, and on some animals and plants for food. Hunting has been eliminated as a native occupation, and killing animals, even in defense of personal property is illegal. The elephant population has increased due to the hunting ban, which has ruined over 7,800 acres of farmland since the park opened. The overall unemployment rate has increased from 3% to 27% since the park has opened, and many of the villages are now “ghost towns”, as people are forced to leave to find work. Additional Info: "Ecotourism very often is in direct conflict with host communities for its markets and resources," he says. "In a place like this, there should have been an agreement that part of the money would go into the [village] economy, that some of the people would be employed in the park." == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Resource: BNet Article: Good gone wild: sometimes, ecotourism hurts what it sets out to help [] ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Location: Center for Alaskan Costal Studies, Homer, Alaska
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mission: to foster responsible interaction with our natural surroundings, and to generate knowledge of the unique marine and coastal ecosystems of Kachemak Bay through environmental education, stewardship and research. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Positives: Beautiful trails and amazing animals. There are natural trails that can be explored by bike or foot with little impact on the environment. The shoreline can be explored by kayak or walking along the beach and ocean creatures such as starfish, sea anemones, shells, and other sea life can be observed. Other animals that can be observed on guided tours are sea otters, seals, whales, porpoises, bears, bald eagles, and other unique wildlife. Ecotourism financially benefits the Alaskan economy although it is not making anyone rich. Since Alaska is rich in history and traditions it allows for the preservation of culture teaching community and visitors of these traditions. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Negatives: Ecotourism and Alaska becoming a tourist destination has led to signs of severe impact on land, vegetations and the tundra. There is also concern with the extraction of natural resources such as oil which can further damage the environment. Locals also have concerns of land and resources being used without permission. == ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sources: [] []... [] ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With regards to a natural environment that is as important as Alaska, a community has responsibility is to preserve the land. The community has a right to use its resources to make money and utilize those resources that are available to make money, but they must be cognoscente of the impact and minimize damage. The Country must support the local community and support their decisions. Individuals also need to do their best not to disrupt the environment and help preserve its natural state. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Joey's Response: I think tourism can be ecologically friendly but it is a tricky situation. There will always be people trying to make money and capitalize off trends but not really adhere to standards. In order for tourism to be ecologically friendly it would need to be regulated or have some independent group certify places claiming to be eco-tourism. If there were certification people wanting to engage in ecotourism could do so. I think there is a large enough market for ecotourism to be successful and think this is apparent by people attempting to lower their carbon footprint and help the environment. Tourism and ecological conservation can work together even though they seem to be conflicting ideas. There are plenty of naturally beautiful locations in the world people would like to visit and also preserve. This tourism could also boost local economies with money brought in from eco-tourism. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tiana's Response: I don’t think that tourism can be ecologically friendly. I live in Hawaii where we rely on tourism to make money. But when tourists come here they don’t want to stay in little apartments. They want to sleep in nice hotels and shop in expensive stores when their not exploring. Hotels and malls aren’t naturally made, which means before Waikiki there were trees and wild life that was killed. [] This link shows that tourism and ecological tourism doesn’t go together. Companies want to build over Hawaii’s “country” side and turn it into a tourist location. Tourism brings money, but at what cost. Native animals and plants are disappearing and becoming extinct, the lands are being uprooted for hotels, and beaches are becoming polluted. I think that having a tourist location is good for making money, but it destroys the lands natural beauty. It’s like putting make-up on a girl that’s already pretty. If it’s not already there, then don’t build there. If people keep building hotels, malls, and shops for tourism then all the land is going to be gone. What would tourist come to see if everything that they wanted to see was covered? ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Britney's Response: Like Joey said, I feel that tourism can be eco-friendly, but it is really touchy. As he said, I feel that having regulations and criteria for businesses to follow in order to call themselves ecologically friendly would be a great idea. Anyone can call themselves ecologically friendly, but having a third-party or some sort of group that has the power to give businesses a certification of eco-friendly would help to ensure that businesses aren't just taking advantage of tourists that want to go green. Lately, there has been a push for EVERYONE, not just businesses and corporations, to be conscious of their ecological impact. Having a group to recognize when businesses are making a sincere effort to reduce their carbon footprints would make it easier for tourists to be ecologically friendly. Although tourism's main goal is to generate revenue, in my opinion, it can work with ecological conservation. In fact, tourism can actually help to increase awareness of ecological conservation. There are so many places in our world that are naturally beautiful, and if tourist are able to experience this, I think that they will be more likely to put forth an effort to preserve it. ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__ANNOTATED RESOURCES__:
==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1.Saving the World’s Endangered Species [].... This Time article highlights Kakum National Park in Ghana (Accra is the capital city of Ghana),and the positive aspects of eco-tourim. ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Good gone wild: sometimes, ecotourism hurts what it sets out to help [] This article highlights Kakum National Park in Ghana,along with a number of other locations, as examples of the negative effects of eco-tourism ==

==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. [] This is a page on the Nature Conservancy’s site that explains what they are doing to make sure eco-tourism around the globe is having a positive effects on nature and local communities. This will be a great resource for us to use when we address the questions : What is an individual’s responsibility?, What is a country’s responsibility? ==

=<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Smolensk Group Research: (Mariah's Group) = = **Focus: Ecotourism in South America ** =

** Essential Question: What places in South America are ideal for Eco-Tourism? What countries offer ideal environments for ecotourism?**
==// Background: After considering the standards for Eco-Tourism, it is natural that some locations would be more ideal for eco-tourism than others. South America is rich in natural resources and natural environments that are attractive yet in need of cultivation and conservation. Eco-Tourism in South America could potentially increase conservation of vital ecosystems as well as it may create heightened awareness, travel, and improvements for communities within various nations of South America.//== =** South America Eco-Tourist Destination: Peru **= (Peru- Lisa Smith) Peru is ideal for ecotourism because right now tourism is the largest foreign currency earner in Peru. Tourism brings in a lot of money for the people of Peru but tourism also harms the environment. Peru is ideal for ecotourism because tourists are attracted to this area and by visiting this place tourists can help the environment and be a part of keeping Peru the beautiful place that it is. Ecotourism in Peru would benefit the people and environment of Peru greatly. A country’s responsibility is to maintain the environment, but also to help the natives be successful, ecotourism would really be beneficial to both the people and environment of Peru. An individual’s responsibility is to help preserve the authenticity of the areas he/she lives in or he/she is visiting.


 * What locations would be most attractive, yet still meet the requirements of ecotourism?**

The Peruvian Amazon is a very attractive location and has recently become a large part of ecotourism in Peru. In recent years these rain forests have been depleting so ecotourism has been brought in to help restore the rain forests and replenish their environment. Another place to visit in Peru would be Cusco because this area is already on it's way to being a ecotourist area. Landmarks and other historical places in Cusco, Peru are attracting tourists so if this city were to become more ecotourist-like, even more tourists and "green friendly" visitors might come and see the country of Peru and all that it has to offer.


 * How might Peru go about advertising and creating interest in ecotourism?**

Peru could advertise and create interest in ecotourism by networking with other nations who offer ecotourism. Television/radio commercials, flyers all would help advertise and create interest in ecotourism.


 * How might ecotourism positively influence the economy and international perception of Peru?**

Ecotourism could positively influence the economy of Peru by helping restore the rain forests and overall the environment in general. Peru is known for its beautiful historical sites and gorgeous rain forests. Ecotourism in Peru would bring positive reviews to the country and only help attract more tourists than before. More people will be interested in helping out the country of Peru and by visiting an area of ecotourism; tourists will be doing just that. = South America Eco Tourist Destination #2 Brazil = (Mariah T.)
 * Brazil is unique in its environmental wealth and thus offers a variety of locations to appeal to modern ecotourism.The International Ecotourism Society defines this as "responsible travel to natural areas which conserve the environment and sustains the well-being of local people." Brazil is large with 8.5 million kilometers to share. There are about 190 million people and it is the fifth largest country in the world. Brazil alone makes up about 50% of South America. Brazil is divided into 6 Blomes and 6 Biosphere Reserves. This allows for diverse exploration and travel. The Brazillian Natural Heritage Sites hold about 600 conservation units. Tourist will be able to hike, tour the forest, participate in local cultural festivals, and interact within special reserve communities.



**

= South America Eco Tourist Destination #3 Ecuador = (Mariah T.) ** = South America Eco Tourist Destination #4 Chile = (Mariah T.) ** = South America Eco Tourist Destination #5 Argentina = (Mariah T.) **
 * Equally beautiful, Ecuador offers a host of unique environmental beauty, fauna, and unique cultures. Ecuador is one of the most biologically diverse locations. There are amazing geographic, environmental, and cultural diversities. As compared to some other locations. Ecuador is relatively small; however, it still has a variety of attractions including the Galapagos Archipelago and the Ecuador Marine Preserve.
 * Chile is well known for its diversity in ecology and culture. Although Chile has not always been thought of a sustainable country, ecotourism may offer an opportunity to change the perception of the nation. Chile has vast natural resources that are ideal and appealing for those dedicated for ecotourism. The flora (plant life) and fauna (animal life) in various locations offer an ideal travel and tour for any tourist dedicated to preservation and awareness.
 * Argentina is also an ideal place for eco-tourism in South America. Salta and JuJuy possess naturally situated natural reserves that are ideal for tourism. There are aboriginal communities and natural reserves in Salta**. **The communities and people are authentic with unique practices and cultures still highly intact. Scientific trips also take place in Salta and provide opportunities for research, awareness, and historical uniqueness. In JuJuy tourist will be able to enjoy the flora and fauna in two separate national preserves.

=A Helpful Map of South America:= @http://www.greentracks.com/peru-ecotourism.html This website discusses how important the rain forests are, especially the Peruvian rain forest. Eco-tourism can help to replenish many of theses lacking rain forests.
 * Resources**

@http://www.languagecrossing.com/Destinations/Peru/Ecotourism_in_Peru/ Peru is one of the top nations that have the most biodiversity, eco-tourism could really benefit this country. This nation holds many of the world's various species so eco-tourism is a must in order to save what is left of the rain forests.

[] : This site discusses the various locations in Ecuador that are highly used and suggested for ecotourism.

[] : This site discusses the possible locations for touring and participating in ecotourism in Brazil.

[] : This website talks about the unique diversity and locations that are of interest in Brazil.

[] : This website talks about the vast unique ecology and geography of Chile and its possibilities for Eco-Tourism.

[] : This site talks about the various locations in Argentina that are ideal and appealing for increased travel and ecotourist attractions.


 * More on Eco-Tourism and The Purpose and Ideas Behind the Movement:**

What makes eco-tourism so appealing is the dedication and hard work that countries put into their tourists sights to make them so eco-friendly as well as the dedication from tourists to help take part in eco-tourism.

I think eco-tourism can become more mainstream if more high tourists locations and tourists were more involved. Perhaps even commericials about it could help get the word out about eco-tourism taking place. I never heard of it before until now and I think it is a great idea and if only more word about it was out, I think there would be more areas behind it.

I think that being a responsible traveler in consideration to the environment means to take care of the place you are visiting. Care for it as if it were your children or your garden. I believe that it means to help take care of the environment by making smart ec-friendly choices while touring.

I think areas with a lot of green landscaping and walkways that are located all around so instead of driving or taking a bus, someone could spend their time outside walking and exploring make high tourist places. I believe that landscaping and architecture are very important. It is not attractive to see buildings having heavy dark smoke coming out in a community surrounded by green. When exploring some where new, you do not want to sit around on a bus watching everything go by, you want to go out there and experience hands on, so places with good transportation that allows more time to be outside exploring are also high in tourists. Water is a definite one as well. Everyone loves to see beautiful, clean water.

I think of Hawaii, Spain, Greece, Florida, and Bahamas when I think of places that make good vacation/tourists locations. They have so much recognition and beauty to their structure of their environment. They each bring different things like beautiful water or bulidings, or food.

I am not too sure about places that would make good eco-tourists places except for maybe Germany, if they fixed up a bit with their transportation, which I have heard they have been doing, then they could have fresher air due to less gas in the air.

I think eco-tourism has become popular through having known places take account in it. Also, they make the places like that seem so much better to take part in. I don't think it can compete with big named tourist places due to the fact that people hear more about places like that than eco-tourism and people have been planning to go to some places for like 5 years. I think that tourism can be used to bring about a change in culture and thinking about our environment, but I do think it will be a long and hard process. It will take time to make something such as this be important to others, it takes effort and motivation to accomplish a task like this I believe.

I am not sure if Eco-tourism can serve environmentally rich but economically deprived locations. I never really thought of that to happen. I am sure it can, but it will probably take as much work to plan it as it does in creating it. I think it will take economically intelligent people to come up with an economical plan while eco-tourism intelligent people create that side of the location.

OSLO Group:
View our glog (still in progress): @http://llane.glogster.com/eco-tourism/

Inquiry questions: What are the benefits and damaging effects of ecotourism? What is a country's responsibility in regards to ecotourism? What is an individual's responsibility in regards to ecotourism?
 * Summary of work**:

The Oslo group split up the inquiry questions to research and answer, as well as find specific countries to use as examples. The research the group members have presented is great, but it has been a challenge to locate sources with substance rather than tourism fluff. We found the benefits of ecotourism to include employment of local people, financial incentives to protect the habitat, and education and appreciation of locale. Negative aspects we've found include overcrowding of the area, damage to the habitat, disturbed animals, and sometimes even unemployment if local people are passed over for jobs. Eric from our group focused on Costa Rica and presented his findings in his glog which is linked to the group glog found at the link above.

@http://www1.american.edu/TED/costa-rica-tourism.htm A 2002 case study of the pros and cons to Costa Rica's ecotourism efforts.
 * Group's Sources**:

http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.5021045/k.33EB/ecoDe... The International EcoTourism Society's resources for Costa Rica.

@http://www.csdimpact.org/impact_map.html Another map to see what efforts are being made towards Eco-tourism with most locations in the World. Not as updated as other interactive maps, but a good find none the less.

@http://www.piedrablanca.org/ecotourism-definition.htm A conversation about the economic benefits of eco-tourism to a country. Also, a look at some of the criticisms of eco-tourism.

@http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/ecotour/overview.php A 2003 journal article on the progress and perils of eco-tourism within certain countries. A great resource to get an academic look at the state of eco-tourism.

http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4835291/k.487E/Ecoto... A interactive map to see what efforts are being made towards Eco-tourism with any location in the World. A great starting point to investigate a country's commitment to eco-tourism.

@http://www.untamedpath.com/Ecotourism/greenwashing.html A conversation about the tactics and effects of businesses greenwashing themselves. A great resource on the potential problems with Eco-tourism Lite.

@http://www.environmentalprograms.net/ A listing of the educational opportunities with eco-tourism offered by colleges and universities.

@http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4835383/k.2F5/Online_Courses__The_International_Ecotourism_Society.htm A online course to receive an certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management. Good for individuals and employees to help businesses learn better practices.

@http://greenhotels.com/index.php A hotel association promoting eco-tourism. An association of hotels that support green initiatives and sustainable business practices.

@http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/documents/op_sustainabletourismdevelopment-implementation.html A service provided by a nonprofit that will advise businesses where they can make improvements to their green efforts while building their business.

@http://travelgreen.org/ A collection of links within the travel industry dealing with places, businesses, and associations that are committed to eco-tourism.

http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t794297833~db=all A journal article dedicated to eco-tourism.

@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourism This website tells a lot about what ecotourism is and where it is found, which is practically everywhere - Wikipedia is not always a reliable source but there are a lot of other sources on the bibliography that we can use.

http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4835303/k.BEB9/What_... This website defines ecotourism as "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." It talks all about ecotourism and its principles.

@http://www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism/ This website talks about how ecotourism generates funds for conservation, reduces threats to wildlife, and benefits communities.

@http://www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism/about/art667.html This website lists many things that are about ecotourism and how it encourages more and more tourists to visit places in the world.

@http://www.i-to-i.com/eco-tourism/what-is-eco-tourism.html This website defines ecotourism and describes all the aspects of it... e.g. common features of ecotourisim places.

@http://www.hawaiiecotourism.org/ This website describes (and gives us an example of ecotourism) ecotourism in Hawaii, and where to go and who to contact about how to view all the beautiful natural places in Hawaii.

@http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/TLSF/theme_c/mod16/uncom16t03.htm This website talks about the benefits and problems that ecotourism produces, and gives examples as to why - “Increasing awareness of the problems of mass tourism is leading many holidaymakers to seek more responsible and sustainable forms of tourism.” - Their topic.

@http://www.women-on-the-road.com/benefits-of-ecotourism.html This website describes and gives us the benefits of ecotourism. But then with a slight turn, the website tells exactly who actually benefits from ecotourism: The tourists or the people of the country?

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19626332.000-ecotourism-benef... This website describes why and how ecotourism benefits nature and reduces poverty. They give an example in Fiji: “In Fiji, local incomes doubled over five years following the creation of a protected fishery ".

@http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Benefits_of_Ecotourism This website talks about how ecotourism is benefiting countries and how it is reducing poverty and maybe making the future better than we thought - ”Many people become easily discouraged by the excess of development and environmental degradation such as deforestation. Efforts like ecotourism show locals and governments alike that land can be reclaimed and is worth conserving for generations to come. “This website thinks ecotourism will reduce the deforestation.

@http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/popular-ecotourism... this is the top 5 ecotourism destinations in the world. i really like that Hawaii is on there because we love to preserve the environment, go green, and boost our economy.

@http://www.untamedpath.com/Ecotourism/benefits.html This is a very good website. it gives good reasons on why ecotourism is good and why it is bad.

@http://www.nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism/ - this website is about ecotourism and about the life in the wild and conversation.

@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourism - it explains what ecotourism actually is and where it is.

@http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Benefits_of_Ecotourism - this website shows how ecotourism is helping countries and helping people and make places a better place to live.

@http://www.hawaiiecotourism.org/ - this website talks about Hawaii's ecotourism and it talks about the fun places to visit to make a trip really amazing and cool.

@http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4835303/k.BEB9/What_... - this website talks about ecotourism and the environment and how to make it better.

@http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/TLSF/theme_c/mod16/uncom16t03.htm - this website talks about the issues that are going on in ecotourism and how to improve it.

@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotourism - this talks about ecotourism and and what tourism actually is about

http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4832143/k.CF7C/The_I... - this is a really good website about ecotourism and it describes and explains a lot about the topic.

@http://www.hobotraveler.com/ec_00000534.php - this website talks about improving ecotourism and how it is helping the society.

http://ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com/2009/04/10/list-of-ecotouri... - This website talks about how people can make they're trips amazing and about how ecotourism is really important to the environment.

@http://www.cdnn.info/news/travel/t070516.html Ecotourism might be worse for the environment considering the long trips vacationers take to actually get to these exotic locales. Ecotourism actually hurting the environment it claims to preserve?

@http://www.responsibletravel.com/trip/Trip100377.htm A site that promises an eco-friendly trip to the untouched winter landscapes of Norway. Maybe an important resource for how Oslo businesses are trying to reduce their carbon footprint?

@http://www.frugalmonkey.com/green-travel/eco-tourism-norway.html Another site promoting Norway as one of the world's top eco-friendly trip destinations. Again, a possible resource for how Oslo is trying to reduce the carbon footprint.

@http://www.ecotourismglobalconference.org/ An important site as it contains the Oslo statement and other information regarding the 2007 Global Ecotourism Conference held in Oslo.

@http://ecotourism.gordonsguide.com/norway.cfm More eco-friendly trips in Norway.

@http://www.grip.no/okoturisme/english%20info.htm This site presents Norway businesses certified as an ecotourism business. Their criteria might be useful.

@http://www.ecotourismglobalconference.org/?page_id=196 This page contains specific information about Norway from the 2007 GEC.

[] The Nature Conservancy site- supports protecting nature, wildlife, and campaigns devoted to conservation.

[|http://www.ecotourism.org] The International Ecotourism Society site contains tips for responsible travel, a learning center, and opportunities to get involved in supporting conservation.

[] The Sustainable Travel International site offers ways to get educated and involved in understanding ecotourism and supporting sustainable travel.


 * A country's responsibility** includes prohibiting greenwashing, educating its people about eco-friendly tips, encouraging support of programs that reduce our carbon footprint, and helping to maintain the country's natural beauty and habitat.


 * An individual's responsibility** includes responsible travel, saving energy and water, buying and eating locally, planting trees, supporting programs that assist in sustainable travel and reducing carbon footprints, and using eco-friendly products.