Ecotourism is promoted as a way to support conservation in natural ecosystems. Explain how ecotourism can help maintain biodiversity in an ecosystem.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
A coastal mangrove forest is home to a wide variety of species, including rare birds and fish. The local government has introduced an ecotourism programme, allowing small groups of visitors to observe wildlife under strict guidelines. Revenue from the programme is used to fund conservation efforts.
Model answer (4 marks)
Ecotourism generates income for the local community, which can be invested in conservation schemes such as habitat protection and restoration.
The money can fund activities that protect the mangrove forest, for example by preventing deforestation or controlling pollution.
By protecting the habitat, the variety of species that can live there is maintained or increased, so overall biodiversity is preserved.
Ecotourism also raises visitors’ awareness of the importance of conservation, encouraging support for protective measures and reducing harmful activities such as poaching or illegal logging.
The money can fund activities that protect the mangrove forest, for example by preventing deforestation or controlling pollution.
By protecting the habitat, the variety of species that can live there is maintained or increased, so overall biodiversity is preserved.
Ecotourism also raises visitors’ awareness of the importance of conservation, encouraging support for protective measures and reducing harmful activities such as poaching or illegal logging.
Examiner tips
- Use the four points in the order given, each as a separate sentence or bullet; keep language concise and use terms like ‘income’, ‘habitat protection’, ‘biodiversity’ and ‘awareness’.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the order of points, losing a point by not mentioning revenue or awareness; using vague terms like ‘money’ without linking to conservation; writing too long or including irrelevant details.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Ecotourism generates income/revenue for the local area
- This money can be used to fund conservation schemes/protect the habitat
- Protecting the habitat maintains/increases biodiversity by preserving the variety of different organisms
- Ecotourism raises awareness of the importance of conservation, encouraging further support/reducing harmful activities in the ecosystem
Key terms in this question
ecotourism · conservation · biodiversity · ecosystem
Related
- Revision notes: Monitoring and maintaining the environment →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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