As you requested on April 18, 2008, I am submitting a proposal to investigate an issue arising around the case of ecotourism. If approved, the research will be comprised of a comparison of both, negative and positive, aspects of ecotourism’s impact on environment and society. The proposal which follow will provide you with information about conducted study, a description of key research available, and a summary of my personal qualifications to conduct the investigation.

Justification

Ecotourism is the tourism industry’s fastest growing sub-sector that became more and more popular over the last few years. Among many options we can choose from hunting, fishing, resting in natural environments or taking a Safari trip to Africa. Many of those options include very healthy activities, such as hiking, far away from crowds, cities, and highways. The main point of ecotourism is promoting the natural, untouched world of wild animals, teaching people how to interact with them, and how to enjoy their environment without causing any damage. Despite all the positive aspects, the trend toward ecotourism is now subject to considerable controversy.

Some people argue that ecotourism can be just as damaging as other forms of traditional tourism. They criticize that ecotourism is more about marketing and economic benefits than real sustainability. Furthermore, biologists believe that it may be a threat to local cultures, economies, and natural resource bases. Critics also address the serious impact that ecotourism might have on virgin territories, such as national parks, wildlife parks and other wild areas (New Scientist, 2004). There is more and more hotels and resorts established in natural environments, which not only distracts wipe out plants and wild species, but may as well destroy the entire eco-system. Biologists worry that massive growth ecotourism will affect the natural background of many animals. They claim that animals do not react well to tourism on their territory; it changes their heart rate, physiology, social behavior, and influences faster spread of diseases (Criticism of Ecotourism, 2008).

Another negative aspect is the economic issue of the local society since residents not necessarily benefit from ecotourism. People are usually left out or have really low-paying service jobs that are only available during the season. Most profits belong to foreign investors and developers, airlines, and tourism operators, who bring the money to their own countries. Also local culture and traditions are in danger for quite often ecotourism requires local people to change their lifestyles, or even appearance, in order to attract tourists.

On the other side, there are people who support the idea of ecotourism. They believe that ecotourism gives the greatest opportunities in protected areas. It helps to raise visitors’ awareness of conservation issues and encourages sustainable financial contribution to protected areas management. It is a sustainable use of natural resources with no negative impact on natural environment (Walker, 2006). There are many official rules and guidelines that protect wildlife from any possible damage; moreover, ecotourism workers are professionally trained and educated in this matter.

There are many positive aspects when it comes to ecotourism and local culture for it tends to highlight the exotic aspects of local traditions protecting them at the same time. It also has clear benefits. The example can be all the poor countries which are rich in biodiversity and which can benefit from the money tourism bring in (Global Ecotourism Conference, 1007).

Ecotourism is 100% positive in every possible way-as long as it is done right. Nature-based tourism needs to be developed cautiously, hand in hand with research. That is why pre-tourism data should always be collected, where possible. Ecotourism can offer a combination of ecological and cultural protection, increase local awareness of the value of preserving the natural and cultural environments, and aid in economic development.

To prevent further increase in such claims and the potential reason for arising issues, I propose a research about today’s increase in wildlife environment protection as well as increase in economic benefits for local residents.

Time and Costs

If approved by April 17, the proposed investigation will take place between April 18 and April 24, 2006, and will culminate in a final report/proposal on April 25, 2008. The following table provides a breakdown of the tasks and costs to be incurred by the investigation:

Resources Available

Criticism of Ecotourism. Retrieved April 17, 2008, from http://www.portaec.net/library/ecotourism/criticisms_of_ecotourism.html

Mentioned piece includes the criticism of the fastest growing segment of tourism industry, its impact on economy, resident's financial situation, and the fact that technology changes natural environment.

Eco-Tourism or Eco-Terrorism. (2007). Retrieved April 16, 2008, from
http://www.untamedpath.com/Ecotourism/ecoterrorism.html

The article includes growing concerns about popularity of ecotourism such as the risk for environment, no real benefits for local residents, as well as possible devastation of natural wildlife.

Global Ecotourism Conference 2007. (2007). Retrieved April 15, 2008, from the
international Ecotourism Society Web Site:http://www.ecotourismglobalconference.
org/?page_id=302

The report from the conference describes the path of discussions about ecotourism and its impact on protected areas (parks), wildlife, agriculture and landscaping in ecotourism, available training and education, as well as standards, certification and labels for ecotourism.

Massive Growth of Ecotourism Worries Biologists. (2004). Retrieved April 17, 2008,
from New Scientist Web Site: http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn4733

The author explains in details why biologists are worried about growing popularity of ecotourism. They point out that animals do not react well to the fact that growing numbers of tourists are in their natural environment. Also, ecotourism increases spreading of diseases among wild species and it's a threat to their population. The article gives an example of polar bears and dingo.

Walker, J. (2006). Introduction to Hospitality (4^th Ed). Upper Saddle River, New
Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

The chapter explains exactly what ecotourism means, what types of activities are the most popular ones (for example safari in Africa), as well as it points out the types of ecotourism available to people.

Personal Qualifications

I have been enrolled in Hospitality Management program for over 18 months; I have completed a one year internship in the Polish international hotel in Poland, where I worked as a Front Office Manager’s Assistant. I also successfully completed advanced studies and practical training in hotel/tourism specialization in Poland. In addition to my work experience, I will receive an Associate of Arts degree in Hospitality Management from Baltimore City Community College in 2009. I am well- oriented with the program’s objectives and needs. In addition, I have strong research and writing experience, including the completion of research units in my English 101 (English Writing), as well as experienced in the format and rules of business report writing due to my current enrollment in your English 113 (Business Writing) course. I see myself as a very reliable and organized person, which I believe, are very important personal qualities for a research writer.

Should you wish information about the proposed study or my qualifications, do not hesitate to contact me by email (kingachomej@yahoo.com) or phone (410-900-3895). I will be more than happy to provide you with any information you may need as well as look forward to your approval of my investigation into this important issue.