Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
Tourism creates millions of jobs and contributes 10.4% of the global GDP, yet it frequently damages the environment through pollution, resource depletion, and habitat degradation. Ecotourism, defined as responsible travel to wilderness areas, conserves biodiversity, educates tourists, and helps communities at large, has grown into a popular strategy. It aligns with sustainable development concept mentioned in Brundtland Report and UN resolutions. Ecotourism a form of sustainable tourism aims to balance the impacts on the environment, economy, and society highlighting the significance of stakeholder interaction, policy support along with the community involvement in promoting ecological integrity, cultural preservation, and equitable livelihoods in protected areas. This study examines the alignment of ecotourism with sustainable development principles and covers frameworks for evaluating tourism potential, such as infrastructure, accessibility, and attractions.
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