问答题 As a part of the service industry, ecotourism promotes what Alan During, in his important book How Much is Enough!, calls the "shift from material to non-material ends". (1) This shift is the only viable way in which human demands made on the environment will not overrun the carrying capacity of the planet. Ecotourism is in fundamental opposition to consumption as a means to fulfillment; rather, the sense of place, the excitement of experience, and the opportunity of learning become the overriding products "sold" to ecotourists. (2) These ecotourism "products" are based upon preserving and protecting the original cultures and environments, not upon transforming them into some Disney-land-like fantasy-world.
Increasingly, a conservation ethic and a viable process of development have emerged from the ecotourism movement, or perhaps vice versa. The ecotourism ethic has been defined by the Ecotourism Society to mean: "responsible travel that conserves the natural environs and sustains the well-being of local people. (3) Ecotourism offers travelers the means to assist personally and locally in the conservation of threatened environments and to support communities directly that are seeking viable economic alternatives to end cycles of poverty and environmental destruction." This non-profit organization is working to raise public support for implementing ecotourism principles and practices around the world.
(4) The concerted effort by policy makers, businesses, recreation managers and organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International to make ecotourism a mainstream practice is promising. We in the Western industrialized nations have an incredible opportunity for restorative and regenerative change through ecotourism. There seems to be little doubt that tourism will continue to grow. The most important question remains: Will it be ecologically responsible and sustainable?
(5) The responsibility clearly rests with ourselves to care for an environmental and cultural diversity which historically we have used merely to serve our needs—and our needs only. Ecotourism, as a model, process and ethic, offers an opportunity to put respect for our earth into practice in a way that all people can enjoy its beauty and benefits.