Tourism in Protected Areas: Friend or Foe?

Tourism activities in and around protected areas can have both positive and negative impacts on local people and the environment. Tourism can benefit a national park or other protected area by serving as a financing mechanism, with direct revenues from user fees and taxes used to protect biological resources and maintain natural areas. Intangible benefits can include increased awareness of and support for the purpose and role of protected areas, by both local communities and tourists. If tourism is important to the local or national economy, it may encourage authorities to manage and maintain protected areas more effectively, benefiting tourists, local communities and the environment...