Looking at recent studies about community-based tourism in different parts of the world, such as Ethiopia, Vietnam or the Amazonas region show that this more sustainable way of traveling is the reason for a better livelihood of households.
The basis of community-based ecotourism is the creation of a win-win-situation for everybody involved. People from developing countries can economically benefit from touristic activities in their region while tourists get to live a more authentic travel experience. But what exactly is community based ecotourism and how can you be part of this beneficial way of traveling? Let’s find out together.
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Principles of community-based ecotourism
Community-based ecotourism is an approach that places local ownership and participation at the center of tourism management. But if you thought, it was only about facilitating tourism activities in a region, you are wrong.
Community ecotourism tries to involve the local community in the decision-making process and management to ensure that tourism development meets the needs and involvement of the inhabitants of villages in the creation of hiking trails or the organization of village festivals and local craft markets.
Another fundamental principle of community tourism is the emphasis on sustainability and nature conservation. The initiatives of this kind of tourism are supposed to help preserve the environment through measures such as waste minimization, protection of endangered ecosystems and the promotion of biodiversity.
In addition, education plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices among both tourists and locals. Information events, training courses and excursions are used to raise awareness and promote behavioral changes that help protect the environment.
A third key aspect of the definition of community based ecotourism is the preservation of cultural integrity and respect for local people. Tourism can contribute to preserving and promoting local cultures and traditions by emphasizing traditional crafts, dances, music and cuisine.
At the same time, it is important to promote respectful interaction between tourists and local communities in order to avoid cultural misunderstandings and facilitate positive interaction. By sharing knowledge and experiences, both sides can learn from each other and make tourism an enriching experience that respects and protects both the environment and the local culture.
The benefits of community-based ecotourism
According to a study from 2022 based on qualitative research, community-based ecotourism in developing countries has delivered more positive social transformation impacts to the local community than negative ones. In fact, sustainable community tourism has a variety of benefits that go beyond purely economic aspects:
- One of the most significant benefits is the economic empowerment of local communities. Through ecotourism activities, communities receive direct financial benefits. As a large part of the income from tourism flows back into the local economy.
Projects that combine the local community and tourism can provide improved livelihood opportunities by creating local jobs, promoting small businesses and increasing demand for local products and services.
- Another advantage of community-led tourism is the focus on responsibility for the environment. Community-led conservation projects play a crucial role in restoring natural habitats and protecting endangered species.
Through measures such as the designation of protected areas, reforestation projects and the promotion of sustainable agriculture, community-based tourism initiatives contribute to the preservation and long-term protection of the environment.
- In addition to the economic and ecological benefits, community-based ecotourism also offers numerous social and cultural advantages. By participating in tourism, communities strengthen their ties and cultural pride. Traditional skills, customs and traditions are preserved and promoted, contributing to cultural diversity.
Additionally, the positive exchange between locals and tourists allows for mutual enrichment. Both sides can learn from each other and create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
The challenges that community-based ecotourism faces
Despite its many advantages, sustainable community based tourism also faces various challenges and potential drawbacks. The key concerns are:
- Combining growth and sustainability
Finding the balance between growth and sustainability can be an issue. The problem is that it can be hard to manage tourism growth in a way that doesn’t exploit natural resources and preserve the ecological and cultural integrity of destinations.
- Fair share
Another challenge is to ensure that the benefits of ecotourism are distributed fairly and equally. Often, certain groups within the community, such as hotel owners or tour operators, benefit more from tourism revenues than others. Which can lead to social tensions or injustice.
- Attracting the right audience
Community based tourism initiatives must overcome logistical and marketing challenges to attract environmentally conscious travelers. This often requires investment in infrastructure, training for local operators and the development of an effective marketing strategy that emphasizes the environmental and cultural values of the destination.
Community-based ecotourism best practices
In order to understand the meaning of community tourism better, here are some examples for it around the world:
- Nepal, Asia
In Nepal, there are numerous examples of community based tourism projects. Many of them combine homestays and conservation. One outstanding example is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). It is managed by local communities and focuses on the protection of natural resources in the Annapurna region.
Tourists have the opportunity to stay with host families and take part in guided hikes. With part of the proceeds going towards the conservation of the nature reserve.
- Kenya, Africa
In Kenya, there are successful ecotourism projects that focus on wildlife conservation and community safaris. One example is the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is managed by the local Maasai community with the support of conservation organizations.
Tourists have the opportunity to go on safaris and experience the fascinating wildlife of Africa, while part of the revenue is invested in conservation and community development.
- Ecuador, Latin America
An example of indigenous-led ecotourism can be found in Ecuador, particularly in the Amazon region. There, indigenous communities such as the Kichwa and the Siona-Secoya are actively working to protect their natural resources while promoting sustainable tourism.
One community-based ecotourism example in particular is the Yasuní National Park Community Tourism Project. People can take part in guided hikes, boat trips and cultural activities, with a focus on respecting traditional ways of life and protecting the environment.
- Queensland, Australia
In Australia, there are successful ecotourism projects that combine indigenous people and wildlife tourism. One example is the Tjapukai Cultural Park, close to Cairns in Queensland.
Here, visitors can learn about the culture and history of Australia’s indigenous peoples while also experiencing the local wildlife and nature. The center works closely with local Indigenous communities to provide an authentic cultural experience while promoting environmental conservation.
This is how you can participate in community-based ecotourism
Now you probably ask yourself how you can take part in community based sustainable tourism. Here are 3 detailed tips, so you better understand how to be part of this special way of traveling and exploring:
- Make informed choices
As a traveler you can actively contribute to supporting community-based tourism by making informed decisions. This includes doing thorough research and choosing ecotourism experiences that truly benefit local communities.
It also means learning about the ownership structure and management practices of tourism businesses and ensuring that revenues are directly reinvested in community development and conservation.
Websites specializing in sustainable tourism, travel blogs and review platforms can provide you with valuable information on ethical tour operators and authentic experiences.
- Responsible travel practices
To minimize environmental impact and maintain respect for local culture, as a traveler you should follow responsible travel practices. This means observing ecological standards and reducing your own ecological footprint as much as possible while traveling.
You can achieve that by avoiding single-use products, supporting environmentally friendly means of transport and minimizing energy and water consumption. In addition, it is important to behave respectfully towards the local culture by informing yourself about cultural customs, respecting local traditions and asking for permission before taking photos or entering certain places.
- Raising awareness
As a traveler you can be an advocate for community tourism to support and promote certain projects. This can be done by using social media and other platforms to share positive experiences, tell authentic first-hand stories and support certain initiatives.
By sharing photos, reviews and personal experiences, you can raise awareness of sustainable tourism and encourage others to also travel responsibly and support local communities.
We hope that these tips and the community based tourism examples in the world that are listed above inspire you to take part in this special kind of ecotourism. Let us know in the comments what you are planning for your next eco-friendly trip.
