| "...
environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively
undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate
nature (and any accompanying cultural features-- both past
& present) that promote conservation, has low negative
visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socioeconomic
involvement of local populations."
|
|
What
is ECOTOURISM?
Ecotourism is a relatively new concept. In
fact, one of the earliest definitions was produced only in
1991 by the International Ecotourism Society. In 1996, the
World Conservation Union gave the following definition of
ecotourism:
Ecotourism
refers on one hand to a concept based on a set of principles
that define sustainable development, and on the other
to a specific market segment. |
Ecotourism
as a concept:
Ecotourism is a component of the field of sustainable
tourism. It aspires in all cases to achieve sustainable
development results. This means that the planning and
development' of tourism infrastructure, its subsequent
operation, and its marketing, should focus on environmental,
social, cultural and economic sustainability criteria. |
Ecotourism
as a market segment:
Ecotourism is a niche market that is governed
by market forces & regulations. It is primarily advertised
as a form of nafure tourism along with adventure tourism.
But while in ecotourism the prime motivation is generally
the observation and appreciation of natural features and
related cultural assets, in adventure tourism it is physical
exercise and challenging situations in natural environment. |
(Source:
UNEP)
|
 |
In
the context of the CAMP JOHN HAY
development project, ecotourism means striking
a balance between tourism development and environmental
protection.
Ecotourism
is defined even as we are in the development phase.
Striking that balance is evident in the' Environment
Management program which pro vides the guidelines
for waste management, protection of the forests
and water systems, traffic regulations on smoke
belching, even appropriate species to be planted.
Safety guidelines for workers, structures concretize
ecotourism.
|
The
Social Development Program in tandem with the IEC (information
Education & Communication) focused on the transfer
of techology with the aim of making people more |
aware
of how conservation can be economically viable
stems not only from an ECC condition, but the
understanding of the responsibility of striking
that balance.
Beyond
the amenities of the destination is therole of
education with the end goal of deepening the awareness
on the care of nature; appreciating the history
of |
|
|
Camp
John Hay and the Cordillera culture, and involving the
community leading to economic opportunities.
Activities
such as picnic, hiking & horseback riding, and other
outdoor activities or creative events will be integrated
as tools for people to develop a sensitivity towards
the natural and human environment; a more caring attitude.
Travel
and tourism have many different impacts on the environment.
But traveling responsibly can help minimize negative
impact to the environment, and even help conserve the
environment and preserve indigenous cultures. |
For
comments and suggestions, please write or call:
Marketing & Public Relations Office CJH Development Corporation,
Camp John Hay, Baguio City 2600
Tel. (074)442-7J02; Fax (074) 442-5782
|
