Read the text and decide if the statements 1-8 that follow are True, False or Not Mentioned.

The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as ‘responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people’. Essentially, ecotourism involves travelling to unspoiled areas where protected plant and animal species thrive. For the ecotourist, the benefits of such travel are numerous, and include: observing (often endangered) flora and fauna; engaging with locals and learning about local culture, and even offering one’s services as a volunteer. Many countries have developed ecotourism projects that rely heavily on volunteer participation, these include: leopard monitoring and research projects in Sri Lanka; reforestation programmes in Ecuador and the various elephant protection projects in Botswana.

Ecotourism, when properly managed, enriches and empowers local communities. The money generated by ecotourism is channelled into the maintenance and development of local infrastructure and is also used to fund conservation initiatives. Ecotourism also creates jobs for locals. In some developing countries, such as Costa Rica, Nepal, Kenya and Ecuador, ecotourism is a thriving industry, and accounts for a large portion of the gross domestic product.

Ecotourism is low-impact, meaning that damage caused to the environment is minimal when compared with regular travel. Certain basic guidelines must be adhered to, for example, tourists are encouraged to explore their surrounds by foot, rather than by car. As a general rule, ecotourists opt for accommodation that makes use of alternative energy sources and they are careful not to waste water and other valuable resources. Tourists are expected to support local industries by purchasing local produce instead of imported goods, and are also required to show respect for local traditions and customs.

Successful ecotourism projects have been launched in a number of countries. In Kenya, for example, the Samburu people have turned more than a million acres of previously overgrazed land into a biodiversity conservation zone. Tourists are guided through the area by Samburu tribal warriors, and are afforded the rare opportunity to observe endangered African animals, such as Grevy’s Zebra and the reticulated giraffe, in their natural habitat. 

Another notable ecotourism destination is the island of Borneo. Rich in flora and fauna, this island has much to offer the intrepid ecotourist, from rainforests and wetlands to mountain climbing excursions and botanical tours. Borneo is also home to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, which was founded in 1964 to provide medical care for orphaned orang-utans. The Sukau Rainforest Lodge, situated on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, is a firm tourist favourite – this award-winning eco-lodge is built on stilts and runs entirely on rainwater and solar power.

Though many ecotourism projects have served to benefit local communities and preserve plant and animal species, some ecotourism initiatives do not meet the basic ecotourism requirements. In an attempt to capitalize on the increasing popularity of ‘green travel’, some countries have instituted controversial ecotourism projects that have violated the rights of the locals and significantly harmed the environment. In these instances, people living in natural areas have been forced to leave their homes without compensation, which has led to clashes over land rights. Attempts have been made to regulate ecotourism, but, until comprehensive legislation is passed, travellers would be wise to research ecotourism projects carefully and ensure that they give their time and money to legitimate initiatives.

1. According to the writer, all aspects of modern life have been equally affected by the new
                                                                                        eco-friendly trend.

2. Ecotourism has more benefits for the ecotourists than for the local people.

3. Kenya is mentioned as an example of a country in which ecotourism has contributed to the
                                                                                        strengthening of the economy.

4. Ecotourists are expected to support local communities by staying in locally owned accommodation.

5. The natural habitat of Grevy’s Zebra and the reticulated giraffe in Kenya extends throughout an
                                                                                        area of over a million acres.

6. The Sakau Rainforest Lodge is a popular eco-friendly hotel in Borneo.

7. In some countries, ecotourism has led to conflict over land ownership and the exploitation of local
                                                                                        people.

8. Ecotourism is a carefully regulated practice.

LISTENING

You will hear three different extracts. For questions 1-6, choose the answer (a, b or c) which fits best according to what you hear.

Extract 1