Ecotourism: The New Kid on the Block

        Last year, 20.2 million people visited Canadian National Parks, three of which can be found in Newfoundland and Labrador (Parks Canada, 2011). These sites represent just one aspect of ecotourism in the country. While ecotourism is popular today, this was not always the case. The industry only seriously developed in the 1970ʼs as a response to some of the more drastic effects of traditional tourism on the natural landscape and the environment in general (Singh, 2009).

Gros Morne National Park
(Source: http://canada.travelall.com/nf/att/western.htm)
Photo by Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dept. of Tourism

The International Ecotourism Society (Herein, TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travels to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people” (TIES Website). The Society’s website www.ecotourism.org also lists six main principles of ecotourism. They are as follows:

1. Minimize impact 

2. Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect 

3. Provide positive experience for both visitors and host 

4. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation 

5. Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people 

6. Raise sensitivity to host countryʼs political, environmental and social climate

(Directly cited from TIES Website 1990)

        The purpose of this blog is to take readers on their own tour of Newfoundland and Labradorʼs ecotourism industry, and to compare it to ecotourism standards on both national and international scales. Newfoundland is a prime location for ecotourism, as the island is home to a variety of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Outside of our National and Provincial Parks, we are also home to a variety of ecotourism attractions like the East Coast Trail System, whale watching tours, bird sanctuaries and more.

Whale off the coast of Newfoundland
(http://www.williamsport.ca/)
Photo by Williamsport, 2009

        Our blog will provide an overview of how government-funded and privatized ecotourism have had, and will continue to have, an effect on Newfoundland and Labrador. While there are many examples of ecotourism that encourage conservation and awareness, there are also ecotourism endeavors that focus solely on profit and exploitation, while ignoring the integrity of the ecotourism label. Ultimately, we hope to illustrate what has worked, what hasnʼt worked, and what could potentially work in the future.

We hope you enjoy the read and we look forward to questions, comments and suggestions!

Tom, Steve and Shannon

References:

Parks Canada Agency (2011). State of Canadaʼs Natural and Historic Places 2011.

Singh, B. H. (2009). Origin and Evolution of Eco-Tourism. The Sangai Express. Webcasted on January 20, 2009  

TIES (1990) “The International Ecotourism Society Home Page”, www.ecotourism.org. Retrieved on January 31,  2012.

Image Sources:

Dept. of Tourism. (2011). Western Newfoundland Attractions, http://canada.travelall.com/nf/att/western.htm. Retrieved on February 16th, 2012.

Williamsport. (2009). William Sport Tours. http://www.williamsport.ca/. Retrieved on February 16th, 2012.