This will become more evident in the coming decade. Ecotourism provides a means towards economic diversification as well as sustainable development. In the Amazon, ecotourism is heralded as a more healthy choice compared to oil drilling or forest clearing. Coal extraction still ravages much of West Virginia's mountains. If this continues, West Virginia will lose the scenic beauty that attracts the eco-minded tourists.
Communication needs to be improved.
While parallels are insightful, it's also important to see what's different between ecotourism development in West Virginia and in Latin America. West Virginia has a responsive state tourism department that solicits and promotes a myriad of forms of tourism. There are visitor centers and tourism information kiosks. These are all great tools that educate and motivate travelers in understanding the ecology of the region. Learn about watersheds, air quality, migratory birds and medicinal plants.