Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development

Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development 

Tin Nwe Wint

 

 

1. Introduction 

Ecotourism is a sub-component of the field of sustainable tourism. Ecotourism’s perceived potential as an effective tool for sustainable development is the main reason why developing countries are now embracing it and including it in their economic development and conservation strategies. Ecotourism involves visiting natural areas in order to learn, to study or to carry out activities environmentally friendly, that is a tourism based on the nature experience. 

The purpose of this study look at ways in which ecotourism and sustainable development can be evaluated and suggest ways to improve current ecotourism practices. Ecotourism helps in community development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to local community which is more sustainable. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially biological diversity and maintain sustainable use of resources, which can bring ecological experience to travelers, conserve the ecological environment and gain economic benefit. However, achieving the aims in ecotourism depends on whether they are environmentally and ecologically sustainable applicable. 

Ecotourism helps in involving local community for the conservation of the ecology and biodiversity of the area that biodiversity in return provides the economic incentives to the local community. Ecotourism contributes to conservation of biodiversity, sustains the well-being of local people, involves responsible action on the part of tourist and tourism industry, requires lowest possible consumption of natural resources and business opportunities and above all includes the learning experiences. 

2. About Myanmar 

Myanmar is one of the last countries of Asia to be revealed to the travelling world. Located between India, China and Thailand, the people of this enchanted land have developed a culture which has endured invasion and change by absorbing and taking the best from those around them and creating their own style and flair. 

Visitors to Myanmar will find there is much to discover and experience – from pristine natural regions to golden pagodas to relics from an ancient past. 

History of Myanmar 

Myanmar has a rich and intense history stretching back to times of Pyu dynasty which prospered for a 1000 years from 200 BC to 900 AD. 

The first Myanmar Empire which was established in Bagan by King Anawrahta in the 11th century. This civilisation lasted of over 200years and was replaced by the second Empire of King Bayinnaung in the 16th century. In 1824 began a number of wars between the Kingdom of Myanmar and the British Empire. These wars culminated in 1885 with the overthrow, by the British, of the last King and the beginning of colonialisation for the next 60 years. During World War 2 Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 -1945 and in 1948 Myanmar was freed from British rule and became an independent country. 

People in Myanmar 

In 2017 the population of Myanmar was 53.37 million and consisted of many different ethnic groups including the Bamar, the largest group, Kachin, Kayin, Kayah, Chin, Mon Rakhine and Shan. Over 80% of the population is Buddhist and the most common language is Burmese, with many ethnic dialects spoken. English is widely spoken, along with Mandarin, Cantonese and Hindu. 

The country is recognised for having many colourful and exciting festivals nearly each month – among them are, Thingyan Water Festival, Naga New Year and the Hot Air Balloon Festival. 

Transportation 

The three international airports of Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw are the main arrival points for most international visitors. Internal flights are also available with many domestic centers easily reached by air. Roads connecting the major centres are good, however as you leave these areas the quality varies. 

The rail system, services a large area of the country with the main routes being between Yangon and Mandalay, Kalaw, Pyin Oo Lwin and Hispaw. 

Geography 

Myanmar is officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and borders Bangladesh, India in the west, China in the north, Laos and Thailand in the east and the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the south. The country covers a size of 676,578sq Kms. 

The country is divided into two large regions- Lower Myanmar – Coastal region and Upper Myanmar – Interior Region. There is a mountainous region in the north and whilst the rest of the country is dominated by a number of large and minor rivers spreading across the land. 

Mountains are more common in the north with the highest reaching 5881meters. The interior plains and the delta of the Ayeyarwaddy River are extremely fertile providing rich soil for the paddy fields, which play a huge role in the country’s economy. 

The north west and south west coasts are dotted with islands and beautiful beaches. 

At higher elevations the weather is cooler, whilst the central region has lesser rainfall and the rainy season lasts from mid May to mid October, but overall you can visit all year round. 

3. Means of Ecotourism and its types 

Ecotourism means different things to different people. It is general term that encompasses nature-based, adventure and cultural tourism. The term ecotourism was coined in 1983 by “Hctor Ceballos Lascurian” a Mexican environmentalist and was initially used to describe nature-based travel to relative undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. Ecotourism guarantees the sustainable use of environmental resources, while generating opportunities for the local people (Farrell & Runyan 2001: Bhattacharya, Chowdhury and Sarka, 2011). 

(i) Agritourism 

Agritourism is a form of ecotourism that attracts tourists and volunteers to the rural culture. It encourages visitors to explore agricultural life in rural communities first hand, contributing to the improvement of income in regional populations. The goal essentially is to improve the economic development of small farms and rural communities. Visitors can participate in agricultural work alongside farmers in the fields, haul in nets with fishermen and help manage livestock on a ranch. Even shopping from local farmer produce stands while on vacation is a means of contributing to the betterment of rural development. 

(ii) Community Development 

Community based ecotourism provides travelers the opportunity to experience cultural and economic realities of life, most often in developing countries. Travelers stay with a local family to learn about daily living, customs, traditions and ways to benefit the community. The host community benefits by generating revenue, which increases economic stability while reducing the community`s need to participate in unsustainable forms of economic support, such as resource extraction. The individual host earns money for providing food and accommodations, and the community benefits when a portion of that income is set aside for broader projects. 

(iii) Ecolodging 

An ecolodge is an accommodation venue for tourists, built with minimum impact on the surrounding natural environment. It is built to meet particular standards for alternative, sustainable means of water acquisition and careful waste disposal. It utilizes alternative, passive energy consumption designs to limit its impact on the surrounding natural and cultural environment. 

 

(iv) Eco Trekking 

Eco treks are designed to increase a traveler’s awareness about the natural and cultural environment of a particular region. Visitors learn about local threats to the environment and habitats, as well as current and potential preservation techniques. Eco treks are often arranged by for-profit organizations, and a portion of the proceeds sometimes goes to support the local population. Individuals interested in eco trekking can choose from a wide range of excursions to exotic destinations. Activities can include white water rafting, rock climbing, caving, hiking, bird-watching and nature walk. 

 

4. Positive effects of ecotourism 

A vacation at an ecotourism site can give a warm, fuzzy feeling. Ecotourists learn about the ecosystems, traditions and cultures of their destination without missing out on adventure, excitement and relaxation. For local communities, it's a win-win experience. Ecotourism provides support through employment and other means, but not at the expense of the local environment. Search listings at reputable websites before booking a vacation to avoid unscrupulous companies that don't offer genuine ecotourism opportunities. 

 

(i) Ecotourism and the environment 

Ecotourism helps protect natural habitats and developed environments. The wealth of poorer countries is often tied up in natural resources like forests, minerals and land that could be used for agriculture. Exploiting these resources often means altering or destroying wildlife habitats and beautiful natural landscapes. Ecotourism allows countries and communities to build their economies without harming the environment, which means that local wildlife can thrive and visitors can enjoy untouched destinations. To check that vacation accommodation is environmentally friendly, check the accommodation's website for policies on waste management, recycling, and renewable energy use and energy efficiency. 

 

(ii) Economic benefits of ecotourism 

Local jobs are only one of the economic benefits of ecotourism. As well as providing an income for staff who work at ecotourism sites, ecotourism allows them the opportunity to receive training in skills that can transfer to other areas of employment and even nutrition when they receive meals at work. Surplus income allows workers or their family members to start up small businesses or to pass on the money to other community members by buying local goods and paying for child care and other services. Ecotourism companies can also help give back to the community by offering training in useful skills. 

 

(iii) Ecotourism and travelers 

The advantages that ecotourism offer travelers are personal, but their effects are widespread. Through visiting areas of stunning natural beauty, seeing animals in their native habitats and meeting members of local communities, travelers can increase their awareness of the importance of conserving resources and avoiding waste. They're encouraged to live more sustainably at home, and they can also increase their understanding of and sensitivity toward other cultures. Additionally, travelers learn how to help support other communities, not by handing out free gifts like toys and stationery, but by buying local produce and goods. When ecotourists return home, they spread the message to their families, friends and coworkers. 

 

5. Negative effects of ecotourism 

Ecotourism is low-impact travel to natural areas. It might seem like an attractive option to visitors interested in unspoiled environments and local culture. Its benefits include an increased appreciation for nature and a stronger commitment to conservation. The drawbacks might be less apparent, but unfortunately, ecotourism also can harm the very people and environments it attempts to help.

 

(i) Environmental impact 

Although one of ecotourism’s main purposes is to conserve the environment, it can have a detrimental effect instead. As a destination’s popularity grows, resources sometimes become overtaxed, and natural attractions suffer from overuse. Human visitors can disrupt wildlife, resulting in changes to their feeding and mating habits. In addition, many ecotourism destinations are in remote areas, requiring extensive air and vehicle travel that creates carbon footprints. 

 

(ii) Local economy 

An important aspect of ecotourism is benefit to the local community in Myanmar. Often, though, international corporations and developers from outside the area flock to popular destinations. Their hotels and stores take money away from the local economy. In addition, the original residents have to pay the same inflated prices for food and water as tourists do, putting a greater financial burden on them. Finally, corrupt governments frequently take a large cut of the profits from ecotourism, leaving little or none for local communities that are directly affected by the influx of visitors. 

 

(iii) Culture 

Cultural exploitation and deterioration also can result from ecotourism. As towns grow to accommodate an influx of visitors, original residents often lose pasture and crop land. Instead of remaining in their traditional occupations, they’re frequently forced to take low-paying service jobs in hotels, restaurants and shops. Their cultural practices can become fodder for tourists’ entertainment, eroding the traditional importance and meaning. 

 

6. Current issues and challenges of ecotourism industry in Myanmar 

The country’s tourism sector rose in 2012 like a tsunami. However, the sector returned to normal in 2013 because of a lack of human resources and tourism infrastructure. In 2014 and 2015, the country saw a slight increase in the sector. According to the Hotels and Tourism Ministry, the sector declined 38 per cent in financial year 2015-2016. The tourism sector this year increased 25 per cent over the same period last year, according to half year statistics of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the Department of Immigration. We need to monitor further development of the tourism market in high season. 

The visitors most come from the U.S, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, etc. Some Russians also visit the country. In Asia, Thai visitors are ranked first among the top list of international visitors in Myanmar such as China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. 

For the demand and supply of tourism industry in the current time, there is excess supply in the tourism industry. The country has 60,000 hotel rooms, more than 5,000 tour guides and 2,300 tour companies. In transport sector, there are 10 domestic airlines in Myanmar with only 30 aircrafts. In Thailand, there are only six domestic airlines with 500 aircrafts. We need to revise the current circumstance to fill the actual requirement of the sector. 

In order to get a healthy demand, the sector needs monetary supports as well as infrastructure development. The government plays a vital role in attracting investment for the sector. 

The main reason for this decline in tourism sector are negative publicity and the weak tourism security strongly impact the tourism development in our country, which is facing conflicts in Kachin area and problems in Rakhine State. But the commercial capital of Yangon with its many historic landmarks is safer than New York City over the past 20 years. Now, it is hard to walk alone on that city’s streets. Our neighbor, Thailand, also faces greater security risks, even in downtown areas, but tourism is fine because of positive publicity. In our country, it is not easy to get public support for tourism development. 

 

7. Conclusion 

Tourism has no boundaries. Our country will face big challenges as we merging with the ASEAN Economic Community after 2017 and establish a single market with free movement of skilled labour, capital and investment. So as to develop the tourism service business, the government needs to reduce some restrictions that do not harm the national interest. 

The role of ecotourism in the current time, our country is rich with beautiful landscapes, including rivers, lakes, beaches, islands and forests. These are a gift from nature. Sustainable management of the natural environment is necessary to develop ecotourism in resource-rich areas. At the present time, the country sees a small number of foreign visitors entering the country for ecotourism, responsible travel to natural areas. They only enjoy vacation if it is environmentally friendly. They don’t want to visit zoological gardens because they only wish to enjoy wildlife protected by an ecotourism plan. Development works destroy natural setting. Negotiations are needed between experts on ecotourism and local communities to establish checks and balances between the urban development and environmental conservation. Promotion of ecotourism awareness is crucial to successfully develop the plan. Introducing the nature and benefits of the new ideas to local communities is important.