Bonn, 28 March 2013 - Tourism is an important
source of income for many countries. Nature-related tourism
is a world-wide phenomenon that is expanding rapidly.
However nature-related tourism is only profitable in the
long run if it is managed in a sustainable way. If the
ecotourism industry can be made to realize this then tourism
could become an important tool for stimulating nature
conservation.

Ecotourism may be defined as nature tourism that contributes
to nature conservation. In a well-managed ecotouristic
region, the right balance is struck between use and preservation.

In Paragraph 4.2.1 of the AEWA Action Plan, Parties are
required to encourage, where appropriate, the elaboration
of cooperative programmes to develop sensitive and appropriate
ecotourism in wetlands. Furthermore, in Paragraph 4.2.2,
Parties are required, in cooperation with competent international
organisations, to endeavour to evaluate the costs, benefits
and other consequences that can result from ecotourism
at wetlands with concentrations of waterbirds.

Ecotourism is the only form of tourism acceptable in
most of the AEWA region. Many countries have yet to make
full use of the possibilities for ecotourism at their
important wetlands, and it is here that the development
of ecotourism should be promoted.

These guidelines examine a wide range of issues relating
to nature-oriented tourism in general and offer practical
advice for the development of responsible ecotourism in
wetlands important for migratory birds.

For more information please visit:

http://www.unep-aewa.org/publications/conservation_guidelines.htm