PBCP's Ecotourism Planning Kit
A Business Planning Guide for Ecotourism Operators in the Pacific
Islands by Sherry M. Bushnell
and A Guide for Ecotourism Policy by Dr. Juanita Liu
Definition of Ecotourism:
The definition of ecotourism depends on who you talk to. Tour group
operators, government officials, business owners, and conservationists
have spent a
great deal of time trying to agree on a common definition, but have failed
to do so. Some people feel that nature tourism, adventure tourism, cultural
tourism, educational tourism, and historical tourism are all parts of
ecotourism; others believe that ecotourism is a separate category.
For our purposes,
we will define ecotourism as "A concept that describes a form of development
that respects tradition and culture, protects and preserves the environment,
and educates and welcomes visitors." In addition, ecotourism should
be economically sustainable over the long-term.
The Ecotourism Planning Handbook
Abstract: This handbook is designed
for people who wish to establish Ecotourism-based businesses. The
idea for this
book came from comments and suggestions made by participants
at the first conference on "Ecological Tourism and Small Business in
the Pacific" held in Palikir, Pohnpei, September 17-20,
1991.
Prospective business owners can use this kit to learn
the steps needed to establish a successful business venture. Many
of the steps
included in this handbook can be found in other "how-to-set-up
small business" guides; however, this kit explains the unique
obstacles that ecotourism businesses face. We have included several
case studies and examples of ecotourism ventures in the Pacific
to illustrate the process you must undertake, and to show you
that,
with a lot of hard work, you can do it. We hope that you will
find it useful in making your ecotourism dreams come true. This
handbook
is composed of nine sections:
Main Checklist: the steps an entrepreneur will need to follow
when establishing an ecotourism venture
Project Assessment: detailed discussion of how to assess an ecotourism
business idea
Creating a Business Plan: a step-by-step approach to developing
a business plan, with examples of financial spreadsheets and marketing
ideas
Financial Backing: a discussion of the documents necessary for
securing financial backing; includes a list of organizations that
may be willing to provide loans or economic assistance for ecotourism
ventures
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS): a brief guide to developing
an environmental impact assessment; a list of agencies and organizations
that concentrate on creating environmental impact assessments is
provided
Official and Governmental Approval: a brief look at the importance
of receiving proper authorization and the types of information
that may be requested
Starting Operations: a detailed examination of the factors to
consider before opening for business
List of US Suppliers and Vendors of Ecotourism-Based Products
and Services: a list of organizations and agencies that could assist
you in establishing an ecotourism venture
Case Studies of Successful Ecotourism-Style Businesses: a detailed
description of successful ecotourism-style businesses in the Pacific
Islands.
The handbook is now available in Adobe Acrobat format for downloading.
A Guide for Ecotourism Policy
Abstract: This handbook will address the tremendous
potential ecotourism holds for the Pacific Islands and make specific
suggestions about what governments can do to promote ecotourism.
A successful ecotourism policy can provide protection for the environment,
economic sustainability, cultural integrity and enhancement, and
educational value.
Generally speaking, government should provide the necessary support
and facilitate private enterprise development, and not compete with
business ventures. The challenge for the public sector is to provide
a supportive business climate for the private sector, yet having
the safeguards in place to ensure environmental and cultural enhancement.
In other words, government should:
Facilitate efficient private sector activity by minimizing market
interference and relying on competition as a means of control
Ensure a sound macroeconomic environment
Guarantee law and order, and the just settlement of disputes
Ensure the provision of appropriate infrastructure
Ensure the development of human resources
Protect the public interest, but do not obstruct private sector
activity with too many regulations
Promote private sector activity by not competing in the business
arena with private enterprise or start business activities before
private firms or individuals have a chance
Acknowledge the role of small business entrepreneurs and facilitate
their activities.
In addition, the government needs to find a proper balance
in relation to: Development Versus Conservation, Supply Versus
Demand, Benefits Versus Costs, and People Versus Environment.
Overall, the government needs to take a proactive and coordinated
approach so that an ecotourism industry is viable and successful.
PDF downloading instructions
To view files in Adobe Acrobat Format, you may need to download
Acrobat
Reader Version 5.
To download the Acrobat files, point your mouse cursor to the
file and click the right button of your mouse to select "Save Link As" (for Netscape
Navigator) or "Save T
