EcoTourism: A Double-Edged Sword

Ecotourism is a valuable tool to promote conservation and provide support to local communities, but it can also have negative impacts when practiced irresponsibly. Therefore, ecotourism should be practiced conscientiously so that the rewards outweigh the consequences. Episode Hosts: Andy, Madi, Callie Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre Special Guest: Dr. Mike Cranfield Episode Notes: Ecotourism is meant to be a way to combine sustainability, travel, and natural experiences. Ideally, a successful ecotourism program supports and contributes to its surrounding local community. Often times, we think of ecotourism through experiences like Gorilla trekking, or safari, but it also includes guided trips through national parks, and other natural areas that might be in your own backyard. This podcast explores the highs and lows of ecotourism and provides tips to be a more responsible ecotourist in your backyard. For more information check out these resources: https://ecotourism.org/ https://www.gorilladoctors.org/ Stronza, A., Hunt, C., Fitzgerald, L. 2019. Ecotourism for Conservation? Annual Review of Environment and Resources. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-101718-033046 Wonder, Sven. 2000. Ecotourism and economic incentives – an empirical approach. Ecological Economics. DOI: 10.1016/S0921-8009(99)00119-6