Ecotourism

Ecotourism is an important component of our Brevard County economy, responsible for millions of dollars in revenue yearly. The International Ecotourism Society definition of ecotourism is Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Now that's what I call a clearly-defined goal, and one that is apropos for the Space Coast in its pursuit of tourists. But it is an equally suitable goal for local residents as well - in these economic times, that definition could just as well apply to a "stay-cation" in Brevard County. It was with these thoughts in mind that I have settled (at least for now) on a field trip format for this blog. We have a marvelously diverse selection of free outdoor opportunities here - bicycle trails, hiking trails, locations perfect for kayaking, birding spots, thinking spots - on and on and on. Do you remember that little tingle of excitement you felt when the teacher announced a field trip? I hope you'll try some of the field trips I describe here and let me know how they work out for you.

If you are interested in ecotourism and like well-reasoned, well-written material, I have a blog to recommend to you. Megan Epler Wood was one of the founders of The International Ecotourism Society and is a 20-year veteran and pioneer of the ecotourism movement. She now owns her own company and advises business and governments on the development of sustainable tourism and ecotourism. She travels to places the rest of us just read about, and her web site is an education in itself. But the good part is that she has started a blog to document a new project. The introductory material for A Day in the Life of an Ecotourist Consultant reads as follows: Follow Megan Epler Wood on her journey to Bangladesh where she will develop an ecotourism strategy for the Teknaf Peninsula on the Bay of Bengal. This far-flung peninsula borders Burma, and is becoming a target for rapid local development. Forest reserves here harbor the threatened Bengal tiger. Now that's what I call a tough assignment, but interestingly enough, as I read her postings, much of what she talks about is relevant locally - does target for rapid local development sound familiar? A threatened critter? But what intrigued me was the idea of a strategy - you gotta love a plan. And in thinking about it, I decided that Brevard County has been pretty forward thinking in its ecotourism strategy, thanks in part to the voter-supported Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program , the Archie Carr Refuge, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, etc. and some of the Conservation Heroes that have fought to conserve and preserve the natural wonders of our Space Coast.

We have a perfect Florida weekend on the horizon - blue skies and low 80's - get out there and enjoy it! (If you're lucky, you may even spot a screech owl like the one in Jim Angy's photo. )