Around the world, terrestrial ecosystems are becoming farmland and are falling victim to suburban housing developments, highways, and continuously expanding cities. Many species are on the verge of extinction and their natural habitats are falling to this increased industrialization. The decreasing existence of biodiversity is a worldwide concern, however some suggest that the extent of this biodiversity problem is not fully realized by the majority of the population. "The vast range of organisms that exist in global systems-from microbes to fungi, plants and animals-plays a far greater role in our everyday lives than we think."' Hence, ecosystems provide human beings with replenished oxygen, an enriched, cleansed atmosphere as well as many other vital components necessary for human life.
Consequently, our dire need for preserved ecosystems has been realized by many countries. The realization of this need by these economically-driven countries has acted as a catalyst for the innovation of a business called "ecotourism". The purpose of ecotourism is to create incentive to preserve ecosystems while at the same time gaining economic profit. "Ecotourism" is a nature-based fon-n of specialty travel defined by the Ecotourism Society (TES) as "responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people." In essence, "ecotourism" has become the manifestation of an economically driven world determined to "have its cake and eat it too", by preserving the environment and providing economically for indigenous people at the same time. In essence, ecotourism is a business that has the potential for not only helping
the country to bring in money and preserve the environment, but also to provide job opportunities for its people.