The Dark Side of Ecotourism: When Green Travel Exploits People and the Planet

Ecotourism is often seen as a positive way to explore nature while helping protect the environment and support local communities. But while it sounds great in theory, it doesn’t always live up to its promises. In fact, when ecotourism is poorly managed, it can actually cause harm to the places and people it claims to help.

The ecotourism industry is growing fast—worth over $200 billion in 2023 and expected to nearly quadruple in the next decade. However, many experts say that this kind of travel often becomes more about money than about the planet. Critics argue that calling it “eco” doesn’t mean it’s truly sustainable. Some companies use the label just for marketing, a practice known as “greenwashing.”

People like Dave Blanton, who works to protect the Serengeti, say ecotourism creates a tough balance: it brings jobs and money, but also puts pressure on the environment and can damage the natural experience. Originally, ecotourism focused on small, low-cost programs led by communities, where travelers could help with things like wildlife research or farming. But some of these programs are poorly run or even harmful to animals.

Lately, luxury ecotourism has become more popular, with expensive resorts in natural settings. These places offer comfort and beautiful views but can strain ecosystems and hurt local communities. Some do try to reduce their environmental impact by using green building materials and solar power.

Experts agree that the problem isn’t just about how fancy or cheap a trip is—it’s about how responsibly it’s done. If ecotourism continues to grow without strict rules and local involvement, it could do more damage than good. It risks turning nature and culture into a product, rather than something to be respected and protected.

Read the full article “The Dark Side of Ecotourism: When Green Travel Exploits People and the Planet” by Kate Petty

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.