An offshoot of the environmental movement of the 1970s, ecotourism has come into its own over the past two decades. Thanks to an increasing awareness of environmental issues such as climate change, combined with a high demand among European and North American travelers for unspoiled locations, authentic cultural experiences, and recreational challenges, ecotourism is growing at a rate of 20 percent annually, making it the fastest-growing sector in the tourist industry. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and the welfare of local people." The International Union for Conservation of Nature characterizes ecotourism as economically sustainable, ecologically sensitive, and culturally acceptable. Closely related is the concept of sustainable tourism identified in Our Common Future, the Brundtland Commission's report to the 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development: development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Ecotourism's principles clearly distinguish it from conventional mass tourism. Instead of classic tourist meccas, ecotourism seeks out remote locations with strict environmental protections, and operates on a small scale. Tourists, businesses, and local residents are encouraged to minimize their impact on environment by recycling materials, conserving energy and water, safely treating human waste and properly disposing of garbage, using alternative energy, and building in a manner that fits in with natural surroundings. The financial benefits from ecotourism are passed on to the community through conservation projects, employment, partnerships, and local participation in the development and management of local resources. Synonymous with "green" tourism, ecotourism promotes cultural sensitivity and respect for traditions and customs in order to avoid the kind of exploitation that has turned tribal ceremonies into side shows and relics into souvenirs. Last but not the least, ecotourism plays a political role in its support of human rights and democracy.
"Green" tourism promotes _________.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → cultural sensitivity to avoid tribal exploitation
The passage says that, synonymous with "green" tourism, ecotourism promotes cultural sensitivity and respect for traditions and customs in order to avoid the kind of exploitation that has turned tribal ceremonies into side shows.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: afforestation to increase the green cover. — Incorrect. Afforestation means planting trees on land that had no forest. Not mentioned: "green" here refers to care for the environment, and the passage says nothing about tree planting.
Example: The village launched an afforestation drive on the barren hillside.
Option 3: visiting forest areas — Incorrect. Wrong focus: ecotourism goes to natural areas, but the passage names cultural sensitivity, not forest visits, as what green tourism promotes.
Option 4: large scale tourism — Incorrect. Contradicted: ecotourism operates on a small scale and is set apart from conventional mass tourism.