Eco-tourism is becoming a trend in tourism industry, especially nowadays, the poverty and climate changing in the world have become prominent social issues. Eco-tourism is related to study, enjoy, and non-expendable use the nature, resources and wild animals. The main purpose of eco-tourism is maintain the original ecosystem and integrity of the social-culture, and tell tourists hoe to appreciate and respect the nature. (The responsible eco-tourist will endeavor to conserve the natural balance of their host country while attempting to limit the negative impact of their travels)
It is a kind of sustainable development and will promote the economic development.
As a result, Singapore government does a lot to keep the city green and do a lot effort on eco-tourism developing: build-up more nature attractions, provide more educational program such as camp, under theme parks or attractions…… (In last post, we list some representative natural enclaves such as Singapore Botanic Garden Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoological Gardens)
But the problems which when the government develop eco-tourism still do exist. Many travel companies which are slapping eco-friendly labels on their tours and hotels to attract green-minded visitors. But actually some are not really good for the environment or local people; Ecotourism operations occasionally fail to live up to conservation ideals; Sometimes it is overlooked that eco-tourism is a highly consumer-centered activity, and that environmental conservation is a means to further economic growth; Although ecotourism is intended for small groups, even a modest increase in population, however temporary, puts extra pressure on the local environment and necessitates the development of additional infrastructure and amenities; The construction of water treatment plants, sanitation facilities, and lodges come with the exploitation of non-renewable energy sources and the utilization of already limited local resources; The environment suffers because local communities are unable to meet the infrastructure demands of ecotourism.
