Amazon

Question 1

Environmental Impacts

Answer 1

• Large areas deforested for hotels and tourist lodges
• Extreme sports like zip lining damage vegetation and scare wildlife (affecting breeding patterns)
• Speed boating causes pollution and affects Amazon River Dolphin
• Tourists trample vegetation and drop litter
• Can spread diseases amongst native tribes (un contacted) - controversy of leaving them clothes and food in 2015

Question 2

Measures to protect Amazon

Answer 2

• Focus on Eco-tourism with sites like Rough Guides
• 10% of Amazon is designated National Park so entry fees charged that conserves local environment
• Eco-tourism !!

Question 3

Ecotourism - Taraquara Lodge, Brazil

Answer 3

Environmental Benefits

• Lodges made from local wood and straw so no areas are deforested/ blend in well / no transportation costs for materials
• Solar powered so conserve fossil fuels
• Food is locally produces so produces less pollution from transportation and gives work to local farmers

Socio-economic Benefits

• Money goes back into economy from local food
• Economy grows to fund healthcare and education for locals
• Owned by a cooperative of 6 indigenous tribes so local income
• Jobs for locals (tour guides etc )
• Preserves local culture (traditional songs and dances)

Question 4

Reasons Amazon is popular

Answer 4

• Hot and wet climate offers a challenge / test survival
• Dense vegetation make navigation difficult
• Dangerous animals are exciting
• DINKS have money and no children (anti-mass tourism)
• Kayaking along amazon river / zip lining along canopy
• Spotting dangerous wildlife (tarantulas and piraña fishing)

Question 5

Benefits of Eco-Tourism

Answer 5

• Small groups do not disturb wildlife (only 15 rooms in Tataquara)
• Educated about importance of conservation (take litter home etc)
• Local tour guides