Eco tourism is a type of travel that involves visiting natural areas where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. There is a number of terms for eco tourism, such as: nature tourism, green tourism, bio-tourism, and others.

Eco tourism is distinguished by its emphasis on conservation, education, tourist responsibility and active community participation.

The purpose of such tourism is to observe wildlife and learn about the environment as much as possible. It is considered to promote the protection of the environment, to minimize impact, to build environmental and cultural awareness and respect towards environment. Eco tourism has also the purpose to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological protection, that will benefit the economic development of the country.

Responsible eco tourism programs include such activities that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment, evaluating environmental factor. One of the most important and integral part of eco tourism is the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation.

One of the most important specialized tool for the development of eco tourism is natural resource management. There are several places throughout the world where great amount of natural resources exist. Proper management programs should be introduced so that these resources remain untouched. Several organizations, NGO’s, scientists are working on this field.

Eco tourism can provide the protection of national parks and other natural areas.

Moreover, eco tourism can increase the level of education and activism among tourists, making them more enthusiastic and effective agents of environmental protection.