According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is travel that fosters environmental
responsibility and local well-being. Visiting a rainforest doesn’t qualify unless it benefits the area,
perhaps by creating jobs for locals or conserving the wildlife. The recognition is growing that
environmental preservation and economic gain can coexist.
Costa Rica has been leading the ecotourism movement for some time, and was voted the most popular
destination by TripAdvisor.com in 2012. Its 1999 Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)
program, adopted by the UN World Tourism Organization as a model for Latin America, highlights its
pioneering efforts. Thanks to such efforts, over 25 percent of Costa Rica's land is covered in lush
national parks. Its tourism industry generates over a billion dollars annually and provides employment
for thousands.
Unfortunately, the "ecotourism" label is sometimes misused for profit. Unethical practices can harm the
environment. One concern is that the overwhelming number of visitors, especially during peak season,
negatively impacts the ecosystem. Ecotourists, drawn to rare flora and fauna, can inadvertently strain
these fragile environments, even with good intentions. Another problem is human-animal interaction.
At Costa Rican national parks, wild monkeys feed on visitors’ garbage and even aggressively steal
food.
Controlling abuse isn't easy, either. In developing countries with low wages, corruption can lead
officials to tolerate ecological damage. A large resort, normally prohibited near a sanctuary, might be
allowed if the company bribes government officials. Limited resources are another issue - areas of
forests and beaches requiring an army to protect are often watched by few employees.
(I) While tourists can adversely affect ecosystems, the same areas might have been totally destroyed by
industries like farming, logging, or mining. (II) Tour guides can become educators who train people to
love and care for the environment. (III) Witnessing the beauty of rainforests and rare wildlife at first
hand can instill a sense of value that visitors hopefully carry home. (IV)
It is easy to be critical of the ecotourism industry. Nevertheless, recognizing the impossibility of
zero impact and the inherent human desire to explore, we must focus on intensifying protection efforts
to ensure undisturbed ecosystems, while potentially stressed, won’t be destroyed
The phrase "at first hand" in paragraph 5 could be best replaced by ______.
