Indigenous / Aboriginal people Flashcards
Discuss the three main issues which, according to Hinch (2001), must be addressed for indigenous people to reap the benefits of ecotourism on their land.
The prominent issues that exist for indigenous people are: FIRSTLY AN ECONOMIC REALM, in which a significant part of the benefits should accrue to indigenous peoples. The whole community should also benefit, not just those directly involved in the ecotourism ventures. As well, issues relating to the conduct of business in areas such as timetabling, sales and organization must be addressed. Often the needs and ideas of western ecotourists and indigenous people do not agree in these respects, and so adjustments may need to be made.
SECONDLY AN ENVIRONMENTAL REALM, in which ecotourists and indigenous people often have different ways of achieving environmental sustainability, especially with respect to consumptive use of these areas. Also avoidance of potential conflict through adequate communication of these different way is critical.
FINALLY, A SOCIOCULTURAL REALM, in which the issue is whether or not ecotourism will change or harm current social arrangements
Describe the five key points identified by Fennell (1999 cited in Hinch 2001) that should be considered when establishing relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people with regard to ecotourism.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT - If ecotourism activities are occurring within indigenous territories then indigenous people should be involved.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT - A fair share of the benefits should accrue to the indigenous hosts. This include benefits owned to the community as a whole as well as those earned by individual indigenous entrepreneurs
SCALE - Ecotourism operations should be relatively small scale and the temptation to continually expand these operations to meet demand should be restricted
LAND OWNERSHIP - The legal status of the territories in question should be clarified in order to foster effective partnerships between stakeholders. At a minimum there needs to be agreement as to whether the lands are under ‘aboriginal tile’ or not.
SENSITIVITY TO THE NEEDS OF AREA RESIDENTS AND VISITORS - Ecotourists and indigenous hosts need to posses a well-developed understanding and respect for each other. This is consistent with the rhetoric of ecotourism in which the development of a true understanding of a place, including its people is a key objective.
