A. Eco-tourism Creates a False Impression
B. Merits and Demerits of Eco-tourism
C. Doubts about Benefits of Eco-tourism
D. Eco-tourism Leads to Romantic Destruction
E. Eco-tourism Is Environmentally Risky
F. No Local Benefits from Eco-tourism
1._____________________________________
The trend towards eco-tourism holidays, presented as
sustainable, nature-based and environmentally friendly, is now subject to
considerable controversy. Governments as well as the tourism industry promote
eco-tourism, resulting in an estimated world-wide annual growth of 10-15%, with
its claims of economic and social sensitivity. But there are well-founded
concerns that it lacks adequate scientific foundations, and is not practicable
as a solution to the world’s social and environmental problems.
2._____________________________________
Many eco-tourism claims concerning its benefits are
exaggerated, or owe more to labelling and marketing than genuine
sustainability. Not only are such projects repeatedly planned and carried out
without local approval and support, but they often threaten local cultures,
economies, and natural resource bases. Critics regard eco-tourism as an
“eco-façade”---a strategy concealing the mainstream tourism industry’s
consumptive and exploitative practices by “greening” it.
3._____________________________________
Eco-tourism may have some advantages, but one of its
most serious impacts is the expropriation(征用) of`
“virgin” territories---national parks, wildlife parks and other wilderness
areas---which are packaged for eco-tourists as the green option. Eco-tourism is
highly consumer-centered, catering mostly to urbanised societies and the new middle-class
“alternative lifestyles”. Searching for untouched places “off the beaten track”
of mass tourism, travellers have already opened up many new destinations.
Mega-resorts, including luxury hotels, condominiums(公寓), shopping centres and golf course, are increasingly
established in nature reserves in the name of eco-tourism. Such projects build
completely artificial landscapes, tending to irretrievably(不可换回的) wipe out plant and wildlife species---even entire
eco-systems.
4._____________________________________
Diverse local social and economic activities are
replaced by an eco-tourism monoculture. Contrary to claims, local people do not
necessarily benefit from eco-tourism. Tourism-related employment is greatly
overrated: locals are usually left with low-paying service jobs such as tour
guides, porters, and food and souvenir vendors. In addition, they are not
assured of year-round employment: workers may be laid off during the
off-season. Most money, as with conventional tourism, is made by foreign
airlines, tourism operators, and developers who repatriate profit to their own
economically more advanced countries.
5._____________________________________
Eco-tourism’s claim that it preserves and enhances
local cultures is highly insincere. Ethnic groups are viewed as a major asset(优点) in attracting visitors; an “exotic” backdrop to
natural scenery and wildlife. The simultaneous romanticism and destruction of
indigenous cultures(本土文化) is one of eco- tourism’s ironies. Given a
lack of success stories, and sufficient evidence of serious adverse effects,
the current huge investments in eco-tourism are misplaced and irresponsible.
Research, education, and information for tourists are needed, as well as the
countering of eco-tourism’s demeaning of local cultures.