This perceptive guide to community based ecotourism offers a unique introduction to important community projects that are eager to host you. If you travel with the right mind and in the right spirit, you can make an important contribution to conservation of the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. Award Winners First International Workshop in Au Bregenzerwald, Austria. Community participation is a vivid example of the democratic process where communities and regional values determine development. In most countries, participation of communities in the development of tourism policies is insufficient or non existent.
Projects demand greater involvement in policy making on a regional and national level.
Governments, NGOs, tour operators, tourism projects and local communities should work together to create an enabling environment for the planning, decision making and implementation of projects. Socially responsible tourism projects enable local communities to adapt to changing economic conditions while preserving culture and nature. There is a need for joint networking and marketing in order to enhance the visibility of the concept of socially responsible tourism and long-term economic sustainability. Consumers, travel trade and governments face the challenge of embracing and supporting responsible tourism and recognizing the value of authenticity of each host environment. Community based ecotourism projects are faced with a lack of recognition by governments and tourism authorities.