Meeting the global challenge of community participation in ecotourism : case studies and lessons from Ecuador

Ecuador is a living laboratory of ecotourism and community development issues that provides an excellent base to study and learn about how communities in tropical zones will adapt ecotourism to their needs. It is an important testing ground for incorporating community business and human development needs into national tourism laws and regulations. The future of community participation in ecotourism development in Ecuador will also provide important lessons about how directly ecotourism can be linked to the conservation of biodiversity. The issues identified in this paper and the recommendations provided, offer direct guidance on the development of ecotourism with the full participation of local communities. The lessons learned from the past will help create more sustainable projects in the future. (Excerpt)