Ecotourism - Yachana Ecolodge, Amazon Rainforest Flashcards
What is meant by ecotourism?
When people visit a place because of its natural environment and enhance (rather than destroy) not only this but also the lives of the local people.
In essence, it is good all round!
What has global warming got to do with looking after the rainforest?
The living rainforest absorbs a lot of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Cutting down and burning trees results in carbon dioxide being added to the environment, increasing global warming. Ecotourism helps to educate people of the dangers of deforestation and helps finance a sustainable way of living for the local people. Perhaps most importantly, at the Yachana Ecolodge it helps fund the Yachana foundation, educating the ‘youth of the rainforest’. Knowledge is power!
What has flooding got to do with looking after the rainforest?
Clearing the rainforest reduces the amount of water absorbed from the ground, therefore when it rains the fertile top soil in washed away into rivers. The rivers can also be blocked by silt which could lead to flooding.
Why is saving the rainforest key for local tourism?
Ecotourists like to visit the rainforest and meet the wildlife and people. They bring money, if the forest is cleared they won’t want to visit. This will fundamentally affect the way they live and create a negative cycle with regards to stewardship of the forest.
What does stewardship mean?
Caring for the environment, looking after the animals and people who live there.
