Ecotourism: A Double Edged Sword

Ecotourism is a topic that has come up on multiple occasions throughout the quarter. While it is not unique to Brazil, ecotourism plays an important role in the Pantanal and various ecosystems worldwide. Here I'll discuss some of the pros and cons of ecotourism and how it directly impacts the Pantanal.

Pros of Ecotourism:

• offers a source of income to the local communities - residents can benefit financially as tour guides, restaurant owners or workers, and as a range of other employees the tourism industry requires
• can raise global awareness over regional environmental issues and catalyze conservation efforts - as tourists bear witness to the environmental issues their vacation destination faces it cultivates a desire to help protect the region. "Environmental conservation is achieved through popular support and pressure."
• incentivizes residents to protect their ecosystem - when locals are shown that an endangered species is worth more alive than dead because of the revenue the animal generates via ecotourism, we have a win-win situation since not only are local communities being supported but the endangered species is facing a decreased threat posed by humans and the overall biodiversity of the region is conserved

Cons of Ecotourism:

• large ecotourism companies are taking the financially gain from the locals - ecotourism companies swoop in from abroad and take advantage of the opportunity to make a profit. They are taking the potential for financial gain from locals and redirecting it toward their own country.
• has the potential to damage and exploit local cultures - when local cultures are commercialized as a result of tourism it not only results in a divergence from the authenticity of the culture but it is often degrading to the people from that background
• can be detrimental to the habitat that is attracting tourists - with tourism comes trash, disturbed ecosystems, and trampled fauna as people encroach on an animal's territory. Also, animals who are consistently exposed to people often become desensitized to humans and human interactions. 

Examples In the Pantanal:

• pro - many Pantaneiros are starting to leave alone, and even protect, flagship species such as the Hyacinth Macaw and the Jaguar because they are beginning to recognize the financial gain to be had by using these animals to attract tourists
• con - many animals are being desensitized to human interaction; already social animals like the Giant River Otter and the Capuchin Monkey are being exposed to more and more human contact resulting in a lack of fear and change in behavior with respect to people. However, not all humans are as well intentioned as tourists and the lack of fear these animals are experiencing can lead to their capture or even death.

~ Megan

Sources:

http://ecohealth.wisc.edu/index.php/submenu-small-world-people/99-science-you-section/science-you-category/168-science-ecotourism-article

http://dbp.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Ecotourism

http://www.worldtourismforum.org/global/pros-and-cons-of-eco-tourism/