What is the theoretical basis of ecotourism?

There are many definitions of ecotourism, and there are hundreds of definitions of ecotourism that can be found at present. When the Australian Federal Tourism Department formulated the national tourism strategy in 1994, on the basis of summarizing various definitions, it defined ecotourism as "based on nature, involving the education, interpretation and management of the natural environment to make it ecologically sustainable". International Eco-tourism Association defines eco-tourism as "a kind of tourism activity that is responsible for nature, that is, improving the quality of life of local residents on the premise of protecting the ecological environment of natural tourism destinations". China scholars have also defined ecotourism from different angles. Many people believe that eco-tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on the natural scenery and customs with local characteristics, actively promotes the protection of natural resources and local cultural integrity by increasing the economic benefits of local people, enhances tourists' awareness of protecting natural and cultural resources, and promotes the more sustainable development of the whole tourism industry. For eco-tourists, eco-tourism is to go to the natural environment, gain ecological and cultural knowledge while appreciating and feeling nature, and make contributions to environmental protection with their own practical actions; For eco-tourism developers and operators, eco-tourism is a way of tourism development that uses ecological principles to plan eco-tourism areas, design tourism activities, fulfill the responsibility of publicity and education to protect the ecological environment, and limit the damage of tourism to the environment to a minimum. For local community residents, it is necessary to improve the collective income of the community; Strengthen the community's ability to protect and utilize traditional skills related to ecotourism, especially those family-based arts and crafts, agricultural products and traditional houses and landscapes built in a sustainable way by using local natural resources.

According to people's general understanding of eco-tourism, combined with the actual development of eco-tourism in Sichuan, eco-tourism can be defined as: all tourism activities with natural ecology or natural ecology and native regional culture as the main attractions and based on ecological environment protection and sustainable development. The object of eco-tourism is the natural ecology or local culture in harmony with the local natural environment, emphasizing the protection of resources and environment, which is helpful to the local economic and social development.

Second, the goal of eco-tourism

There are many arguments about eco-tourism, and there are also different opinions about the connotation of eco-tourism. However, the goal of ecotourism has been basically recognized. It mainly includes: first, to maintain the sustainability of tourism resources utilization; Second, protect the biodiversity of tourist destinations; Third, provide funds for protecting the ecological environment of tourist destinations; Fourth, improve the economic benefits of residents in tourist destinations; Fifth, enhance the awareness of ecological protection of community residents in tourist areas. In order to achieve this goal better, eco-tourism should encourage local residents to actively participate in order to promote the development of local economy and improve the quality of life of local residents. Only when the economy develops can we really attach importance to and protect nature; At the same time, eco-tourism should also emphasize environmental education for tourists, and eco-tourism managers should pay more attention to and protect nature.

Vlangali, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, pointed out in his speech at the World Ecotourism Summit that "ecotourism and its sustainable development shoulder three urgent missions: stimulating economic vitality and reducing poverty; Society should create employment opportunities for the most vulnerable groups; The environment should provide necessary financial resources for the protection of natural and cultural resources. All participants in ecotourism must work together for the three important goals of Qixin. " .

Third, the main manifestations of eco-tourism

Some scholars believe that ecotourism has the following three forms:

Pan-eco-tourism: suitable for areas where eco-tourism resources are not rich, and most of the tourism is for leisure and vacation. Such as: suburban farmhouse, Pixian agricultural village, Longquan Peach Blossom Festival, etc.

Quasi-eco-tourism: suitable for areas with good original ecological tourism resources, including the protective development of tourism resources and the ecological concept running through mass tourism. Such as Jiuzhaigou tourism where buildings are relocated, and Hailuogou where general motor vehicles are restricted from entering and leaving.

Pure eco-tourism: suitable for areas with good original ecological tourism resources to carry out tourism activities with strict international definition of eco-tourism. Such as Wolong, Wang Lang Nature Reserve, scientific investigation, hiking and other forms of tourism.