Ecotourism Education – A Chance for Bangladesh

One of the famous and fastest growing industries in the world today is Ecotourism. It is described as a form of natural resources based tourism focused on experiencing and learning about nature. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves well-being of local people”.

Ecotourism

For ensuring sustainable ecotoursim every country gives accent to make tourism as environmental friendly by maintaining nature conservation with low negative impact on environment.

Bangladesh is an attractive ecotourism destination in south Asia. The natural attractions of Bangladesh are: the tropical climate, tropical beaches and sea, tropical forests, many rivers and lakes, beautiful tranquil scenery etc. Bangladesh possess some unequaled natural resources of global significance such as the world’s largest mangrove forest, the largest unbroken sea beach, a unique landscape set in the world’s largest alluvial delta with flora and fauna, truly hospitable and friendly people.

Some of the reasons for developing ecotourism in Bangladesh are:

Natural resources: Natural resources are the main attraction for developing ecotourism in the country, and Bangladesh is full of natural resources.

Ecological specialization: Bangladesh has beautiful landscape and ecological sites. The natural colorful beauty of the country attracts tourists. There are a lot of natural and ecological places all around the country, which have huge power to attract the ecotourists.

Geographical importance: Bangladesh is the gateway of south-east Asia. It is connected by air and sea and by surface. It has enormous strategic geographic advantages, which can vastly contribute the country to be an ideal ecotourism destination. The natural beauty of Bangladesh is a great attraction for the people.

Government role: Govt. has played a vital role for sustainable ecotourism development. Govt. formulates necessary laws and regulations for maintaining ecotourism.

Organizational efforts: Organizational efforts are very effective for environmental consciousness of society. Environment and tourism related government, social and educational, organizations and non-governmental organizations have taken initiatives in this regards.

International organizations: WWF, UNESCO, WCED, WCU, IES are mentionable international organization which are working for raising environmental awareness among the people.

Media: Media is a coercive weapon for building social group. Media can take part in ecotourism development and encouraging the people to environmental education.