Public protected areas.

Abstract

This paper outlines the actual and potential relationships that exist between ecotourism and protected areas, focusing only on those that are publicly controlled. The growth, distribution, and major categories of public protected areas are first outlined. The compatibility between these areas and ecotourism is then considered. A more in-depth discussion of the relationship is presented, which is based on the desire to maximize tourism-derived revenues while minimizing the environmental impacts. The case of the Galapagos Islands National Park is presented as an example of the gap between sustainable theory and practice. A number of issues that are particularly relevant to the evolving relationship between ecotourism and public protected areas are also examined. It is concluded that the area occupied by public protected areas is continuing to expand at an impressive rate, implying that these spaces will even further consolidate their status as the dominant venue for ecotourism-related activities. The relationship between protected areas and tourism, accordingly, is likely to become even more complicated and ambivalent, as managers are compelled to maintain the ecological integrity of their parks while accommodating an ever increasing level of visitor demand.