Hiking on St Helena
St Helena Tourism
Eco-tourism as a Tool for Conservation
Eco-tourism can be an effective tool for generating income for conservation and rasing the profile of conservation programmes in protected areas. Developing eco-tourism attractions such as hiking trails and interpretive programmes in protected areas allows people to access places which would be otherwise inaccessible. It allows people a chance to appreciate the environment and become supporters of conservation. It also provides conservation programmes with a new source of sustainable funding.
Facilities for eco-tourism ventures, such as trails and interpretive signage or tours.
National or local strategies for eco-tourism promotion and assistance.
Active participation from protected area managers to support eco-tourism in their parks.
Close working relationships between protected areas managers and local or national tourism authorities is important to ensure eco-tourism activities are appropriate, ethical and safe.