Dorine Reinstein
In a world where travelers are increasingly looking for “authentic
experiences,” ecotourism is a flourishing niche. People love the idea that the
money they spend on their vacation is making an actual difference to the people
in their destination country or is helping to conserve the destination’s wildlife.
Researchers now suggest, however, that this popular way of traveling
could actually be putting wildlife at serious risk, as this form of tourism could
wind up altering the animals’ behavior in a fundamental way. In a study published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution, UCLA
professor Daniel Blumstein explains that protected areas around the globe
receive more than 8 billion visits each year. “This massive amount of
nature-based and ecotourism can be added to the long list of drivers of
human-induced rapid environmental change,” he says.
According to Blumstein, the presence of humans changes the way animals
behave, and those changes may make them more vulnerable to poachers, for
instance, but also to other predators. Says Blumstein: “When animals interact
with humans, they may let down their guard. As animals learn to relax in the
presence of humans, they may become bolder in other situations; if this
transfers to their interactions with predators, they are more likely to be
injured or killed.”
So, should we immediately stop all ecotourism practices? Definitely not,
say ecotourism operators.
Onne Vegter, owner of Wild
Wings Safaris, explains that ecotourism has been extremely beneficial for
Africa's wildlife and has provided an economic incentive for governments and
private landowners to conserve and protect wild areas and wildlife in order to
benefit from sustainable ecotourism. “In Africa, ecotourism as part of the
larger tourism industry drives significant percentages of national GDP,
bringing revenue, growth and job creation to developing economies,” he adds.
New Frontiers Tours Managing Director Craig Smith agrees and says that one of the great advantages of ecotourism is
that it takes place in remote areas, where economic opportunities are nonexistent,
and it provides a vital source of local income. He says: “This in turn assists
in the preservation of natural areas as they are perceived to have a value
attached. In this day and age, unfortunately, a moral obligation is often not
enough to preserve wildlife and natural habitats, they also have to be seen as
a contributing resource.”
Ecotourism consultant Clarissa Hughes agreed.
“On balance ecotourism has a net positive impact on African wildlife as
it provides revenue and an alternative means of livelihood to rural people who
would otherwise be tempted to poach and practice unsustainable farming,” said Hughes, adding that there are far
greater threats than ecotourism facing wildlife in Africa.
Hughes admits that many of the areas where ecotourism takes place are
fragile ecologically and economically and that ecological impact, such as water
use and carbon emissions, must be monitored.
Smith, meanwhile,
admits that wildlife in certain circumstances is becoming more stressed with
human impact and pressures. He says: “We approach canoe trails in areas known
to be inhabited by large hippo pods with caution as anecdotal evidence over
years seems to suggest that hippos have become more aggressive.”
Both Smith and Hughes agree, however, that the
positives far outweigh the negatives. Says Smith: “On balance, ecotourism is a
vital contributor to both funding for wildlife areas and income for communities
and is here to stay, so research can assist in finding a finer balance between
impact and benefit rather than curtailing it.”
And that is exactly what Blumstein is hoping
to achieve with his study, as he says he hopes the new
analysis will encourage more research into the interactions between people and
wildlife. “It is essential to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how
various species in various situations respond to human interaction and under
what conditions human exposure may place them at risk,” he says.
In the meantime, travel agents can do their bit to ensure that travelers
embark on responsible ecotourism experiences. Says Smith: “We prefer observation to interaction and work
with companies and lodges who adhere to a nonintrusive code as much as
possible. Observing meerkats in the Kalahari or whale-watching with limits on
animal approach are good examples.”
Hughes says travel agents should always pick tour operators that are members of their industry association and
that have up-to-date, nationally and internationally recognized ecotourism
accreditation. “If a company has taken the trouble to get the accreditation,
and maintain it, you know it cares,” she says.