E
Eco centrismFocuses
on the environment as the central point to the development of value systems as opposed to anthropocentrism which focuses on the human and the instrumental value of nature. See also Bio centric.
Eco HotelAn eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an
environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important
environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on
the natural environment.
Ecologically sustainable developmentUsing,
conserving and enhancing the community’s resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased (Ecologically Sustainable Development Working Groups, 1991).
Ecologically sustainable tourismAn
activity that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
EcosystemA
dynamic complex of plant, animal, fungal and micro-organism communities and the associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit.
Ecotour OperatorsTour operators specializing to cater ecotours collaborating with local
people focused on local nature and culture based tourism.
EcotourismThere
is no general definition currently in circulation but any conception of it must involve travel to relatively undisturbed or
uncontaminated natural areas with the objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the natural environment of that area. An important point is that the person who practices ecotourism has the opportunity of immersing him or herself in nature in a way that most people cannot enjoy in their routine, urban
existences.
As there is no strict consensus on a specific definition of ecotourism it had been suggested that it also is responsible travel that conserves natural environments and sustains the well-being of local people.
Ecotourism activitiesActivities
included in a tour that are designed to entertain clients and are coordinated
by a professional guide or interpreter. Over 80 activities have been listed for
ecotourism, such as birdwatching, hiking, diving, kayaking, participating in
cultural events, photography, and mountaineering.
Ecotourism assetsNatural and Cultural features that attract visitors, such as landscapes,
endemic flora and fauna, local agricultural products, local culture including
festivals, local folktales, history, historical monuments and heritage sites.
Ecotourism ProductsA combination of
activities and services which are sold and managed through qualified eco tour
operators including local communities or individuals.
Ecotourism resourcesNatural
and cultural features that attract visitors, such as landscapes, endemic or
rare flora and fauna, cultural festivals, and historical monuments.
Ecotourism ServicesTourism
services such as transportation, food, lodging, guiding and interpretation
services which cause minimal damage to the biological and cultural environments
and promote a better understanding of the natural and cultural history of an
area.
EcozoneIs the broadest bio geographic
division of the Earth's land surface, based on distributional patterns of
terrestrial organisms.
Endangered speciesFauna and flora likely to become extinct due to direct exploitation by humans, intrusion into highly specialized habitats, threats from other species, interruption of the food chain, pollution or a combination of such factors.
Endemic tourismBroadly
defined as tourism which recognizes that each individual locality or community has its special character, and that particular character or identity may well constitute its major attractiveness to tourists.
Endemism The
level of species that occur naturally only in a specific region or site.
EnvironmentAll
aspects of the surroundings of human beings as individuals or in social groups (Commonwealth Environmental Protection [OP] Amendment no. 12,
1967).
Environmental degradationIs
the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as
air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of
wildlife. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment
perceived to be deleterious or undesirable.
Environmental economicsA
recognized field of specialization in economic science. Environmental economics examines the costs and benefits of pollution control, and protection of the environment.
Environmental educationA
concept ranging from media coverage of environmental issues to formal environmental education, its aims ranging from raising awareness to formal training.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA)A
method of analysis which attempts to predict the likely repercussions of a proposed major development upon the social and physical environment of the surrounding area.
EnvironmentalistsPeople
who are primarily concerned with preventing pollution and degradation of the air, water and soil. See Conservationists.
ETAEstimated
time of arrival.
ETDEstimated
time of departure.
Ethic of ‘Nature’Holds
that non-human entities are of equal value with the human species. It is broadly intrinsic and eco centric.
Ethic of ‘Use’This
is the normative or dominant mode of how human beings relate to nature: where nature is viewed predominantly as a set of resources which humanity is free to employ for its own distinct ends. It is an
instrumental and anthropocentric view.
EthicsWhat
we believe to be right or wrong behaviour