It has been called a way to save the rainforest

Ecotourism has also become popular among people interested in both environmental conservation and sustainable development

makes a real difference to the quality of life for local people

can generate enough income to raise the living standard of a whole community of 70 families.

ecotourism hugely outweighs the carbon emissions from air, boat and bus travel

Ever since the word ecotourism was coined in the 1980s, it's been touted as the best way for tourists to see fragile, pristine or protected places with minimal environmental impact.

'The good news is that ecotourism lodges make money, which locals use to buy up more land to build their businesses, thereby further protecting pristine rainforest

The money from the tourists can help sustain many local people in conservation-oriented work. The local people further protect the environment because their livelihood now so closely depends on the health of the ecosystem.

News: Oct 2011 - Many thanks to Karl Switak for his recent report on a herpetolgy study trip to Peru with us in January 2011. Check out "Herp Hunting in the Amazon"; pages 32-45 in the Sep 2011 issue of Reptiles magazine. Thanks Karl!