INTRODUCTION
Ecotourism, under whatever definition, is an instigator of
change. It is inevitable that the introduction of tourists to areas
seldom visited by outsiders will place demands upon the environment
associated with new actors, activities, and facilities. Ecotourism will
forge new relationships between people and environment, and between
peoples with different lifestyles. It will create forces for both
change and stability. These forces act at a diversity of scales from
global to local.
Change is desired by most of the players involved in ecotourism,
many of whom would like to see what they regard as an improvement
of the existing situation. Tourists want a change from their
everyday existence and wish to acquire special experiences, which
are only available in special places. Entrepreneurs wish to gain a
livelihood and encourage tourists to visit before it is too late. They
are often abetted by governments who strive to “develop” peripheral
regions and to increase foreign exchange and tax revenues. Other
commercial interests may see the opportunity to sell transportation,
hiking boots, binoculars, diving equipment, experiences, and
memories. Permanent residents living in or adjacent to potential
ecotourism destinations may desire to improve life opportunities for
themselves and their children and may see ecotourism as generating
jobs, stimulating incomes, diversifying economies, and enhancing
standards of living. Even the conservationists, who would like to see
endangered ecosystems and species perpetuated, seek change in
order to ensure their sustenance: changes in resource allocation and
utilization, and changes in management regimes.