Impact of Tourism 5, The: Ecotourism in the Amazon

Synopsis: In the past tourism in Brazil was all about sun and sand. Now Brazil is actively promoting the Amazon as an attraction with the aim of bringing money and jobs to the locals. Asks how tourism will affect one of the world most environmentally important areas. One option is ‘nature tourism’. In the Amazon Ariau Towers, giant walkways give visitors a unique view of the rainforest and wildlife. They see ‘Tarzan’s house’ and feed the monkeys. The tourist is guaranteed an ‘Amazon experience’. But nature tourism is not necessarily eco-tourism. Critics question the way animals have been taken from their natural habitat and brought to the Towers simply for the tourists. And local people suffer as scarce land is bought up for holiday purposes. A more environmentally sensitive approach is taken further up the Amazon at Mamiraua. Here a solar-powered floating lodge is designed to minimise the impact of visitors on the environment. Locals work as guides and mix their own knowledge with scientific training to give visitors an insight into the life of the forest. But visitors are few. What will the impact be as tourism increases, and will the local people really benefit?
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2002
Year of production: 2002
Documentation: Optional support booklet available.
Subjects: Development studies; Economics
Keywords: Amazon river; ecotourism; tourism

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