PDF: Guidelines for Community-Based Ecotourism Development

Citation
Denman, R. (2001). Guidelines for Community-Based Ecotourism Development. Ledbury, UK: World Wildlife Fund.

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Summary These guidelines identify some general principles, and highlight some practical considerations for community-based ecotourism. They seek to provide a reference point for field project staff, and to encourage a consistent approach. However, prevailing conditions and levels of knowledge about ecotourism vary considerably between countries and projects, and this will dictate how the guidelines are interpreted and used at a local level.

The guidelines are not intended to be a detailed ‘how to’ manual, but rather stand as a collection of issues and topics to be considered and addressed. In some countries, such as Brazil, WWF has been involved in the development of specific policies and good practice manuals for ecotourism which relate to local circumstances and go into more detail.

Although the guidelines are primarily intended for use within WWF, they may also be of value to partner organisations and other agencies, and demonstrate to a wider audience, WWF’s interest and approach in this field. They are based on experience obtained from WWF projects, and from published literature and case studies. A list of helpful reference sources is also included. Throughout the text, information on individual WWF ecotourism projects is provided in boxes. Though these are only referenced where their content is relevant to a specific point, the information contained in them complements the guidelines as a whole.

In total, twelve guidelines are presented. These have been grouped into four sections that relate to different stages of community-based ecotourism initiatives. These are: A. Considering whether ecotourism is an appropriate option; B. Planning ecotourism with communities and other stakeholders; C. Developing viable community-based ecotourism projects; D. Strengthening benefits to the community and the environment.

Although this is a broadly sequential ordering, all the issues raised by the guidelines should be considered together to obtain a comprehensive picture.

Keywords
community-based ecotourism, capacity building, stakeholders, ecostourism planning, community benefits