Travel for Change

Definitions

Community-based ecotourism initiatives

Ecological and sustainable development

Microbusinesses

Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents (often rural, poor and economically marginalised) invite tourists to visit their communities with the provision of overnight            accommodation.

The residents earn income as land managers, entrepreneurs,        service and produce providers, and employees.  At least part of   the tourist income is set aside for projects which provide benefits to the community as a whole.

Community based tourism enables the tourist to discover local    habitats and wildlife, and celebrates and respects traditional         cultures, rituals and wisdom. The community will be aware of the commercial and social value placed on their natural and cultural heritage through tourism, and this will foster community based conservation of these resources.

Sustainable development is maintaining a delicate balance between the human need to improve lifestyles and feeling of well-being on one hand, and preserving natural resources and  ecosystems, on which we and future generations depend.

A microbusiness is a small income-generating enterprise.  In this   case, it refers to start-up enterprises that will bring development   and economic diversification to low-income communities.

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(www.gdrc.org)