“Lake Tahoe Has a Staggering Tourism Problem, Report Shows”, www.sfgate.com/renotahoe/article/lake-tahoe-tourism-report-stewardship-and-impact-18163430.php. Accessed 1 Feb. 2024. 

The article discusses the findings of a comprehensive report on tourism in the Lake Tahoe region, highlighting both the positive contributions and environmental challenges caused by tourism. There are various initiatives aimed at mitigating impacts, such as transportation improvements, waste management strategies, and conservation efforts. The report underscores the economic significance of tourism while urging for sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability.

The report highlights the critical need for sustainable practices to preserve the region’s natural beauty and ecological health while tourism increases. By emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders, including governmental bodies, businesses, and community organizations, the report advocates for a holistic approach to addressing the challenges posed by tourism. 

Sarfaty, Cheryl. “How Wine Country Tourists Can Learn about Local Native American History.” The North Bay Business Journal, The North Bay Business Journal, 30 Nov. 2023, www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/how-california-wine-country-tourists-can-learn-about-local-native-american/. 

Suki Waters, a member of the Kashia Pomo Tribe, incorporates her Native heritage into her kayak tours in California’s wine country. She offers visitors insights into the land she grew up on. Not all tribal organizations, like the Suscol Intertribal Council in Napa, welcome tourists to their ceremonial spaces, preferring to focus on community events like Pow Wows and Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. Charlie Toledo, the director of the Suscol Intertribal Council, advocates for sustainable ecotourism that respects the environment and culture. 

In my opinion, the efforts to incorporate Native American heritage into California’s tourism industry help promote cultural diversity and understanding. Initiatives of organizations like the Suscol Intertribal Council show a growing awareness of preserving indigenous cultures. However, I think these efforts should also prioritize sustainability and respect for tribal traditions. By embracing ecotourism principles and helping create meaningful connections between visitors and Native communities, California can ensure that tourism benefits both its economy and cultural heritage.

Aegert. “How Much Is an Otter Worth? For Ecotourism-Millions, a New Study Finds.” Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, 19 Sept. 2023, www.middlebury.edu/institute/news/how-much-otter-worth-ecotourism-millions-new-study-finds. 

A recent study, conducted by Middlebury Institute students, examined the economic significance of southern sea otters, a keystone species. The study, surveyed visitors in Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough. Findings found that tourists contribute around $3.2 million annually in direct spending, with an additional $1.85 million in indirect economic gains, supporting over 300 jobs. The leading investigator Charles Cogan highlighted the importance of understanding otters’ economic benefits for engaging stakeholders in conservation efforts, in areas like Morro Bay and San Francisco Bay.

Despite challenges like competition with fishermen, the study underscores the economic value of otters and their role in helping uphold recreational opportunities. This article showed that ecotourism can work hand in hand with economic development and is a very good way to promote ecosystem health.

Garrido, Verónica M. “Misguided Ecotourism May Lead to Changes in Whale Shark Behavior.” EL PAÍS English, 27 Sept. 2023, english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-09-27/misguided-ecotourism-may-lead-to-changes-in-whale-shark-behavior.html. 

The whale shark, the largest fish globally has become a popular tourist attraction. British biologist Joel Gayford’s study shows that human interaction affects the whale sharks’ behavior and environment. Gayford used drones to observe their environment and found that human presence led to prolonged disturbance and higher energy expenditure, which can disrupt habitat preferences and trigger trophic cascades, impacting entire ecosystems.

While whale sharks are harmless to humans, humans can greatly impact the whale shark’s environment. I agree with Gayford’s suggestion to put more regulations in place. Reducing tourism would reduce boat collisions and other negative effects. Collaboration between scientists and ecotourism operators is crucial for ensuring the safety of species and ecosystems

“Illuminating the Benefits of Marine Protected Areas for Ecotourism, and Vice Versa.” The Current,news.ucsb.edu/2023/021282/illuminating-benefits-marine-protected-areas-ecotourism-and-vice-versa. Accessed 30 Jan. 2024. 

Marine protected areas or MPAs are tools used to conserve 30% of oceans by 2023. MPAs protect habitats and promote species diversity. They also hold value for communities and industries. Researchers at UCSB found strong evidence of the benefit of MPAs for the scuba diving industry in southern California, the diving community could be stakeholders in MPAs future. The team at UCSB analyzed patterns from millions of  Automatic Identification System (AIS) data points from for-hire scuba diving vessels to glean long-term insight into how MPAs shape ecotourism at large. They found that from 2016 to 2022, dive vessels engaged in ecotourism preferred MPAs and that dive vessels primarily conducting recreational lobster fishing preferred MPA border zones.

MPAs work not only to preserve habitats and promote species diversity but they may also help drive up ecotourism in Southern California. MPAs would therefore help marine life and local economies. I think MPAs are a very good tool in preserving ocean life, especially seeing how divers have reacted to them but work still needs to be done to let MPAs be compatible with fishing

Selibas, D. (2023, February 6). Pink dolphins and reformed Colombian rebels turn no-go zone into ecotourism hit. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/feb/06/rainforest-colombia-farc-amazon-river-dolphins-peace-aoe 

Former guerillas of the Farc of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia living in rural communities have become allies of Colombia’s Amazon basin, where tourism is providing opportunities for reconciliation as well as creating jobs and promoting conservation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the boto, a species of dolphin regarded as divine creatures by Indigenous peoples of South America, as an endangered species in 2018. The threat to the dolphins was caused by commercial fishing, dams, and pollution. Colombia’s newly elected president and the community members themselves have begun using the country’s rich biodiversity to promote economic development.

Ecotourism has allowed a wide variety of communities to protect their environment and increase economic development. I found it interesting that the community was able to take control of an issue put upon them by large corporations and prevent what could’ve become a tragedy of the commons situation. They’ve even promoted the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, showing their care for their environment. Ecotourism has allowed for a community to turn around a desperate situation.

Organization. (2023, May 30). Ecotourism is a reliable way to reduce poverty in Iran, diplomat says. Tehran Times. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/485323/Ecotourism-is-a-reliable-way-to-reduce-poverty-in-Iran-diplomat 

Iran, in terms of international security, is as safe as high destination European countries and the country has been recognized as the most affordable tourist destination by the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. The Minister Counsellor of the Iranian Embassy to China mentioned how the culture, history, architecture, and biodiversity are major selling points for tourists coming to Iran. He reported that there has been a significant growth of tourism in Iran which has contributed to economic development and poverty reduction as well as upholding the environment.

Ecotourism has become a very reliable source of economic growth in biodiverse countries. Although Iran is just as safe as many European countries, many have not been incentivized to visit the country, The new promotion of amazing sites in the country, however, has allowed for great economic development in Iran. I think ecotourism is a great way to expand the Iranian economy because it provides poverty reduction while not significantly harming the country’s natural resources and environment.

Caulder, M. (2023, July 26). Removal of elba dam could launch eco-tourism opportunities in Alabama. Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2023/07/26/removal-of-elba-dam-could-launch-eco-tourism-opportunities-in-alabama/70435923007/ 

The Pea River is vital in Elba, Alabama’s history and it will continue to shape its future. The Elba Hydroelectric Power dam was crucial in the rural electrification efforts of central and south Alabama as at the time of the operation, access to electricity was limited in rural areas and the dam supplied power to the surrounding communities. A flood in 2015 put the dam out of operation. The Dam is now under the ownership of The Nature Conservancy, whose main goal is to remove the dam to restore the natural flow of the river and allow fish passage, mostly for Gulf sturgeon. The plan is to create scenic trails through the river to create ecotourism and uphold the communities surrounding the river in Elba.

Ecotourism has become a great solution to a struggling community in Elba, Alabama. I think The Nature Conservancy’s plan to promote ecotourism in the area through the removal of the failed dam is the right thing to do. Ecotourism would turn a tragic situation for the community that lost access to the dam’s electricity into a great way to uphold the community economically and socially. It would also finally allow the Gulf sturgeon to finally flourish in the river.

Sudhakar R (Jan 27, 2023). “too much ecotourism hurts Tigers in reserves”: Hyderabad News – Times of India. The Times of India. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/too-much-ecotourism-hurts-tigers-in-reserves/articleshow/97361931.cms?from=mdr 

The Telangana forest department’s move to revive ecotourism in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve has brought about more attention to human presence’s impact on the endangered species. The study has shown high levels of stress hormones in the tiger’s scat. Although there was no significant difference in the stress hormone concentration between the two separate tiger reserves, concentrations were significantly higher in tigers during the tourism periods compared to the non-tourism period. The tourist vehicles and disturbance levels also correlated significantly with the tigers’ stress hormone levels. 

While most people focus on the positive outcomes that result from ecotourism, the negative effects can’t be ignored. Because ecotourists focus on natural sights, an endangered species of tiger’s reserve would be a popular destination. Although ecotourism is definitely beneficial for the local economy, tourists also add to the stress of the tigers in captivity. I’m not sure what a great solution for this would be as ecotourism is most likely beneficial for the reserve staff and upkeep but the tiger’s health is also at risk.

BNassef, R. (2023, July 6). Understanding the rise of ecotourism 2023. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https://www.meadowmere.com/2023/05/31/understanding-the-rise-of-ecotourism-2023/ 

Data gathered from over 50,000 participants reveals possible causes for the rise of Ecotourism over time. Some of the report’s key findings include the public’s urgency for sustainability surging by 32% and high support in emerging markets in countries such as India, The Philippines, Kenya, and Vietnam. Another notable cause was that 53% of people claimed news about climate change made them take more sustainable travel options, which is up by 12%. Other travelers mention a desire for authentic local experiences and an increasing demand for incentives as their reasons for sustainable travel. 

This article shed light on some of the leading causes for the increase in ecotourism over time. While the report didn’t describe some of the benefits of ecotourism it analyzed the reasons travelers found it beneficial. Many travelers cited climate change or related environmental issues as their incentive. Despite a rise in ecotourism, a lack of awareness has also increased by 12%, showing that while more people are aware of climate issues, many still aren’t educated in sustainable solutions.