2. It has educational and interpretation features.

3. It is generally organized for small groups by specialized and small, locally owned businesses.

4 . It supports the protection of natural areas, and cares for local populations' well-being by:

•  generating economic benefits for host communities, organizations and authorities managing natural areas;

•  providing alternative employment and income opportunities for local populations and increasing awareness towards the conservation of natural and cultural assets, both among locals and tourists. "

Ecotourism is different from nature tourism by its commitment, its responsibility towards natural and cultural environment and its will to contribute to local economy. It goes further than sustainable tourism: not only does ecotourism strive to have low impact on environment, but it also protects environment. It tries to give an economic value to unsustainably exploited natural areas.

Ecotourism also tries to involve local communities in the fight against poverty and cultural reappropriation. The main difference is that ecotourism is practiced in high interest natural areas whereas ecotourism mainly concentrates in human societies. These two alternative forms are complementary.

For more information, please register for the FOCOGAP "ecotourism?module.

Eco-friendly destinations web sites

http://www.echoway.org/page10.php
http://www.aboriginal-ecotourism.org/spip.php?rubrique4
www.escursia.fr

An ecotourism web site in Senegal:
http://www.ecotour-voyage-nature.com/FR/accueil.html