Eco-Tourism, Outreach, and Education
Facilitating tourism to conservation areas provides alternative sources of income to local community members by increasing tours and providing room and board to tourists and travel representatives. Also, increased tourism reduces extraction and/or unsustainable use of natural resources, including turtles and their habitats. This raises awareness and provides education on hawksbill turtles, oceans, and general environmental stewardship.
• Growing voluntourism sector, increasing market for outcome-oriented ecotourism.
• Importance of international marketing to recruit volunteers, increase project’s exposure, and ultimately raise more funds to expand work. • Community festivals are an effective approach to raising awareness and cultivating youth stewardship.