Ecotourism can benefit local communities by creating employment and can protect biodiversity by financing conservation. However, its overall effect depends on local ownership, fair distribution of income, visitor management and whether ecological damage is kept within the ecosystem's limits.
This is HL-only content in IB ESS subtopic 3.3 Conservation and regeneration.
Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that aims to conserve the environment and support local people. Entrance fees, guiding services and accommodation can generate income, making communities economically dependent on maintaining wildlife and habitats rather than exploiting them.
This may create a reinforcing positive feedback loop: greater biodiversity attracts tourists, tourism generates conservation revenue, and conservation maintains or increases biodiversity. For example, Costa Rica's ecotourism industry has supported employment associated with national parks and strengthened the economic value placed on forest conservation.
| Area affected | Potential benefits | Potential costs |
|---|---|---|
| Local communities | Employment, income, improved infrastructure and markets for local products | Seasonal jobs, higher prices, cultural disruption and dependence on tourism |
| Distribution of benefits | Community-owned enterprises can retain income locally | Economic leakage occurs when foreign companies receive much of the profit |
| Biodiversity | Revenue funds protected areas, habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures | Construction, waste, noise and visitor pressure may disturb species or fragment habitats |
| Environmental justice | Local participation can strengthen control over land and resources | Protected areas may restrict Indigenous peoples or local communities from accessing traditional land |
A common misconception is that ecotourism is automatically sustainable. It is sustainable only when visitor numbers remain within the area's carrying capacity, developments minimize ecological impacts, and local stakeholders participate in decisions and receive an equitable share of benefits.
Exam technique: For an ESS command term such as evaluate or discuss, present both benefits and limitations, use a named example, and finish with a supported judgement. Link ecological outcomes to social and economic impacts rather than discussing biodiversity alone.
