1. What is Ecotourism?
According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)"Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.“

2. Goals
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel

3. Principles of Ecotourism
Minimize impact.
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

4. Size of Global Tourism
Largest business sector in the world economy, the Travel & Tourism industry is responsible for over 230 million jobs and over 10% of the gross domestic product worldwide.
In 2006, Travel & Tourism (consumption, investment, government spending and exports) is expected to grow 4.6% and total US$6.5 trillion.

5. Importance of Ecotourism
Tool for economic development especially for developing countries.

6. Ecotourism impacts Benefits Incentive to develop strong env policies
Local & national economic sustainability
Value of env conservation & protection
Promotes local env education
Preservation of culture
Drawbacks
Increase strain on local resources food, water ect.
Damage to natural env from littering, trails ect.
Social tension between tour operators & non operators
Inequalities based on geographic location

7. Example of Ecotourism
I visited Belize in 2008 for educational purposes, to experience the environment & culture and assess the ecotourism model in Belize

8. Where is BELIZE?

10. LANDSCAPE
The climate is subtropical with a well- marked dry season from February to May.
Numerous habitats Mountains, valleys, rainforest, pine forest, savanna, marsh, and mangrove
Second-longest barrier reef
Diverse animals and plants
Tourists visit Belize, mostly to view wildlife, visit archeological sites and snorkel and dive the reef