Abstract. In natural protected areas, ecotourism could provide the impetus and economic investment for
improved conservation of species and habitats. However, few studies have attempted to characterise
sustainable ecotourism and positive examples of ecotourism are still rare. This study conducted a series of
interviews at the local, regional, and national level in order to identify general feeling and concerns of
government and non-government institutions with respect to ecotourism. Questionnaires were used to
assess the extent of fulfillment of ecotourism principles by tour operators in protected areas of La Paz
Bay. Government and non-government institutions interviewed expected ecotourism to be a means for
regional development, a conservation strategy and compatible with conservation activities. Ecotourism
operators surveyed were more likely to be considered ecotourism ventures, reaching on average 10
indicators (s ¯ 3, n 5 14), and were found to be providing, in some way, benefits to the conservation of
the area. Current ecotourism activities may provide benefits for conservation, but are not comparable to
the costs involved in the conservation of the protected areas concerned. Hence, current ecotourism
activities have not met the expectations of the protected area managers. The role that ecotourism can play
as a conservation strategy depends on the strategies designed by protected area managers to take tour
operators to share the costs and benefits of environmental services.
Abstract. In natural protected areas, ecotourism could provide the impetus and economic investment forimproved conservation of species and habitats. However, few studies have attempted to characterisesustainable ecotourism and positive examples of ecotourism are still rare. This study conducted a series ofinterviews at the local, regional, and national level in order to identify general feeling and concerns ofgovernment and non-government institutions with respect to ecotourism. Questionnaires were used toassess the extent of fulfillment of ecotourism principles by tour operators in protected areas of La PazBay. Government and non-government institutions interviewed expected ecotourism to be a means forregional development, a conservation strategy and compatible with conservation activities. Ecotourismoperators surveyed were more likely to be considered ecotourism ventures, reaching on average 10indicators (s ¯ 3, n 5 14), and were found to be providing, in some way, benefits to the conservation ofthe area. Current ecotourism activities may provide benefits for conservation, but are not comparable tothe costs involved in the conservation of the protected areas concerned. Hence, current ecotourismactivities have not met the expectations of the protected area managers. The role that ecotourism can playas a conservation strategy depends on the strategies designed by protected area managers to take touroperators to share the costs and benefits of environmental services.
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