In the 25 years or so since the idea of ecotourism was born, many people have shown enough interest to study its impact on social, cultural and economic sectors of society. These closer looks can help supporters and interested travelers understand what ecotourism is about and what can be done to improve the concept.



Of course, some of this extra effort is aimed at better parks, forests, beaches and other travel destinations. But there is just as much interest in making sure the ecotourism industry survives to serve the environment and local populations in the future.

The example of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is cited as a fine case study for understanding what ecotourism is and can do. In western Uganda, on the continent of Africa, the follow-up study of this park is an attempt to find out how important the ecotourism philosophy can be. In addition, those studying the case hope to find out how ecotourism can be relevant to local wildlife and to local populations.

Among the purposes of a case study such as this are: assessing awareness by local residents of the concept of ecotourism; discovering how ecotourism has, or can, contribute to the well-being of the local population; finding out if local residents accept the idea of ecotourism as beneficial to the environment. One portion of the study attempts to connect education levels with ecotourism awareness.

Belize, in Central America, is another good example of ecotourism well done. Follow up studies and close inspection of ongoing projects shows that this country was a pioneer in the field of ecotourism. Belize put its focus on attracting a certain kind of tourist to enjoy the wonderful natural resources and beautiful scenery. The country's economy has certainly benefited from careful management of the tourist diving industry. This one very traditional tourism activity has been managed in Belize as an ecotourism stop, with minimal impact on the gulf and the marine wildlife.

One interesting (some would say excellent) finding from case studies is that local populations generally support ecotourism and conservation efforts, even when they are not directly employed by the project. The response to interviews and polls show that local residents support the concept and the projects, even when they do not benefit financially in a direct way. Many also expressed the hope that future income was possible, through selling services and products to ecotourists. Some expressed concern about illegal sales and service activities generated by the proximity of the ecotourism project. Other unsavoury activities persist in spite of intervention by international agencies.

Different case studies in this relatively new industry show that ecotourism does bring economic improvement to the location, while also contributing to the preservation of natural resources. In addition, ecotourism projects have a positive impact on social and cultural health of the country. The activity of well-planned and well-managed ecotourism helps sustain the indigenous culture by encouraging the traveler to experience but not exploit. As more positive results come to light, due to good ideas being managed well, the reports and case studies will certainly highlight ecotourism's potential. This is true in Belize as well as , and around the world.