Ecotourism also called ecological tourism is the tourism involving travel to areas of natural or ecological interest, for the purpose of observing wildlife and learning about the environment. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. For many countries, ecotourism is not simply a marginal activity to finance protection of the environment but as a major industry of the national economy.
A U-shaped coral reef lies in calm turquoise waters off the Egyptian Red Sea coast, in which a group of up to 300 Spinner Dolphins rest, play and raise their young away from the strong currents and dangers of the open seas.
An emergency occurred when the popularity of snorkelling and diving trips to see the spinner dolphins of Samadai seriously threatened the well-being of these outstanding wild animals. Spinner dolphins have resided at Samadai for many years, but in summer 2003 the limit that negatively impacts on spinners’ numbers and behaviour was reached, with over 500 visitors per day. |
