Various definitions may be tacked onto the term ecotourism. Broadly it may be considered tourism centred on the observation of nature. However, more specifically, the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that promotes conservation of the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. Important aspects of ecotourism include increasing local and visitor awareness, supporting the protection of natural areas by providing economic benefits for managers and other stakeholders and minimizing negative impacts on the natural environment as well as respecting the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities (TIES, UNEP). As the ecotourism industry grows there is increased need for the stakeholders involved to extend their roles from users of nature to proactive advocates for conservation. The EIA process can provide the link between these paradigms. There is also increasing international pressure for ecotourism to be more community-based (WWF).