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Ecotourism in Amazonian Peru: Uniting tourism, conservation and community development

Hill, Jennifer; Hill, Ross

Authors

Jenny Hill Jennifer.Hill@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Teaching and Learning

Ross Hill



Abstract

With reference to two ecotourism enterprises that operate within Tambopata, Peru, this paper evaluates key principles necessary to enable the successful achievement of ecotourism in a little-developed tropical forest region. In so doing, it highlights the intricacies of the relationship between ecotourism, environmental conservation and local community development. Principles are identified as i) empowering communities by integrating them in an ecotourism venture; ii) exchanging knowledge between a community and tour operator; iii) managing forest resources jointly between a community and tour operator; iv) minimising local economic leakage; v) educating tourists through interpretive programmes; and vi) minimising environmental and wildlife disturbance. The research offers cautious optimism that the tourism enterprises are consciously helping to protect the rainforest of Tambopata, while meeting the socio-economic needs of the local communities.

Citation

Hill, J., & Hill, R. (2011). Ecotourism in Amazonian Peru: Uniting tourism, conservation and community development. Geography, 96(2), 75-85

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2011
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Geography
Print ISSN 0016-7487
Publisher Geographical Association
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 96
Issue 2
Pages 75-85
Keywords ecotourism, community-based development, conservation, rainforest expeditions, Peru
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/968987
Publisher URL http://www.geography.org.uk/Journals/Journals.asp?articleID=848