Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Ecotourism (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Ecotourism
What is ecotourism?
Ecotourism refers to responsible travel to natural areas that:
Conserves the environment
Sustains the well-being of local communities
Involves education
It focuses on minimising environmental impact while supporting conservation efforts and improving the livelihoods of people in those areas
However, 'ecotourism' is sometimes used as a marketing tool, where tourism companies claim to be environmentally friendly but don't fully commit to sustainable practices
This can result in minimal positive impact on conservation efforts while still causing environmental damage and disrupting local communities
In many cases, ecotourism falls short of its goals, with profits being prioritised over genuine environmental stewardship
As a result, it may lead to overexploitation of natural resources and wildlife disturbance, acting more as 'greenwashing' than true sustainable tourism
Benefits of ecotourism
Increased income for local communities: Ecotourism can provide alternative livelihoods by creating jobs in hospitality, guiding, and transportation
Funding for conservation: Income from ecotourism can help protect endangered species, restore habitats, and fund protected areas
Promotion of biodiversity: Protecting areas for ecotourism can help preserve critical ecosystems and increase species richness
Education and awareness: Visitors can learn about biodiversity, environmental challenges, and conservation efforts, raising global awareness of ecological issues
Negative impacts of ecotourism
Environmental degradation: Increased tourism can lead to soil erosion, habitat destruction, and pollution from litter, transport, or improper waste disposal
Disturbance to wildlife: Tourists may unintentionally disturb animal behaviour, such as nesting or feeding patterns, leading to stress on species
Overcrowding and infrastructure pressure: High numbers of visitors can strain local infrastructure
Cultural and social impacts: The influx of tourists can sometimes lead to a loss of traditional lifestyles or commodification of indigenous cultures
Case Study
Ecotourism in the Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves
It attracts thousands of tourists every year
It is located in southwest Kenya and is known for its vast savannah landscapes and the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras
The reserve is home to some of the most iconic wildlife species, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and black rhinos
This biodiversity makes it a popular ecotourism destination, with tourists visiting to witness the wildlife and support conservation efforts
Benefits of ecotourism in the Maasai Mara
Economic benefits for local communities: The Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries, benefit from jobs as guides, lodge staff, and through the sale of traditional handicrafts
A portion of tourism revenue is also used for community development projects, such as building schools and healthcare centres
Wildlife conservation: Revenue generated from park entrance fees and tourism helps fund critical conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and the protection of endangered species like the black rhino
This financial support ensures that the ecosystem remains intact and wildlife populations are better monitored and protected
Cultural preservation: Ecotourism can also promote the preservation of Maasai culture, as tourists often show interest in learning about local traditions, dances, and crafts
This can encourage the continuation of traditional practices and the sharing of cultural knowledge with people from all over the world
Negative impacts of ecotourism in the Maasai Mara
Overcrowding and environmental degradation: During peak tourist seasons, large numbers of vehicles and tourists can overwhelm the delicate ecosystem
Tourists may trample vegetation, disturb animals, and cause soil erosion
Overcrowding can also disrupt the migration routes of key species like wildebeest
Conflict with local livelihoods: The expansion of tourism infrastructure (e.g., hotels, roads, and campsites) can lead to the displacement of Maasai communities from their traditional grazing lands
As land is increasingly reserved for wildlife and tourism, there is less space for the Maasai to practice traditional livestock grazing
This leads to tensions between conservation goals and local livelihoods
Pollution and waste: The rise in tourism also increases pollution, particularly waste from lodges, camps, and vehicles
Without proper waste management systems, this pollution can contaminate water sources and harm local wildlife
In some cases, irresponsible tourist behaviour (such as littering) can damage the environment or endanger wildlife
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