57 Read the statements below and decide if they are true or false. 1 The term ‘ecotourism’ is commonly used nowadays in the travel sector. 2 SAJ ensure they recruit travel guides who are from the area they operate in. 3 The RA and SAJ have never worked together. 4 The Choco-Andean region of Ecuador lacks biodiversity. 5 The Choco-Andean region’s mountainous areas are ideal for farming. Now read the article again. Answer the questions (1–6) using a maximum of four words. Write your answers in the spaces provided. The first one (0) has been done for you. b 4 B1+ | 6. Klasse | READING | Nature and the environment Look at the title and subtitle, if there is one. Predict what the text will be about. Skim the text to get a basic understanding of the content. Read the questions and decide which paragraph the answer can be found in. Remember that the questions follow the order of the text. Remember to write a maximum of FOUR words for the answer. Top tips Ecotourism – an increasingly popular kind of tourism Jeff Simons looks at what it is and how it’s being promoted in South America. Ecotourism, responsible travel, adventure travel, sustainable tourism – these are just a few of the many buzzwords used by the travel industry. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people”. However, the term ‘ecotourism’ is probably one of the most misused and overused words in the travel industry as numerous tour operators use it to sell their holidays without necessarily adhering to its principles. Specifically, ecotourism possesses the following characteristics: it promotes careful visitor behaviour that has a low impact on the environment; it emphasises sensitivity towards and an appreciation of local cultures and biodiversity; it shows support for local conservation efforts, and local people are involved in decision-making regarding their community. People can help the environment and support local conservation charities by volunteering on a conservation project. South America Journeys (SAJ), for instance, is a company that finds suitable projects for volunteers who are keen to do their bit. At SAJ, itineraries are designed to visit locations where sustainable travel is not only practised, but has proven effective. SAJ tries to give back to the places and people that have inspired their company from the very start. The view is very much that the success of those people is also SAJ’s success. There are things the company does as part of their everyday operating standards, such as the use of local guides, transportation and familyrun hotels. SAJ also supports non-profits and other organisations that encourage cultural and ecological awareness. This might mean incorporating a homestay into the tour or visiting an Amazon lodge owned and operated by an indigenous community. They try as much as possible to ensure that each Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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