In the era where tourism becomes a fast-paced growing industry, ecotourism’s relevance to the current and future generation becomes really important. But before talking about the importance of it, what is ecotourism?
The JEMUN Newspaper Journalists got to interview and also sit in on a lecture about “Tourism and The Sustainability of the Natural and Cultural Environment” delivered by Japan Ecolodge Association (ECOLA) and Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) founder, Mr. Masaru Takayama in JEMUN’s Day 2 morning session conducted in Meeting Room 1. Mr. Takayama mentioned that ecotourism is “responsible tourism in natural areas that improves the welfare of local people.” Responsible actions through travel and tourism can benefit the local area.
According to Mr. Takayama, one of the biggest problem that ecotourism is facing currently is the booming number of tourists which infrastructure sometimes cannot cope up with. When the number of tourist increases, the food and water supply has to cover the increase. However in some cases, tourist spots can only accommodate certain number of tourists at once, raising the possibility that the resource may run out faster than expected. Ecotourism and sustainable tourism then become something that requires a proper and master planning for the betterment of the long run. Keeping ecotourism sustainable is important so that the future generation can enjoy a tourist spot the way it is enjoyed in the current time. It is also important as the tourism sector is depended on by many different layers of society. Mr. Takayama mentioned that “tourism is a big industry. Actually it is as big as the oil industry, and we are neck-to-neck.”
Having said that, keeping tourism sustainable helps the continuation of everyday life for many people. Many countries, especially the developing countries, are relying on tourism as its main commodity. As countries are depending on it, keeping it sustainable becomes really important.
Raising awareness about ecotourism is not as hard as it sounds. When hearing a good restaurant recommendation from a friend, people tend to want to try it out. After one try, it is either like it or they do not, and most of the time, they do and are willing to go back one more time. Tourism is easy like a good restaurant according to the analogy Mr. Takayama used; people tend to go back to it once they tried and they liked it. The role of media is also important in promoting the excitement of tourism according to the need; in this case, ecotourism and sustainable tourism. People need to know how to travel responsibly. In tourism, there are many things that one can do, starting from doing small things on daily basis. The example can be as simple as throwing trash responsibly, not damaging local property, or eating and shopping locals. Not only the industry that should try to keep their tourism plan sustainable, but tourists also have to realize this importance and become a responsible tourist. In conclusion, ecotourism is not only about keeping tourism sustainable, but also acting responsible; thus the term responsible tourism.
When asked with the question of message he can deliver to the participants of JEMUN 2017 as the young generation that will lead the future generation of tourism. “All tourism has to be sustainable in order to sustain our life. You need to start somewhere if you’re not doing that already,” Mr. Takayama said.
Words of Guest Speaker#1
Ecotourism and the importance of it to current and future generations. What can we do to keep it sustainable?
By Dyah Ayu Karina Dwiastuti and Mami Amazumi
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