Final answer:
Ecotourism is tourism that aims to be sustainable and support wildlife protection and the responsible use of land and resources. It is significant in biodiversity conservation and supports local economies, but requires careful management to avoid 'greenwashing' and ensure real environmental benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tourism focused on wildlife protection and responsible use of land and resources defines the concept of ecotourism. This form of tourism is designed to be sustainable and help preserve the flora and fauna of endangered environments. It's a powerful force for biodiversity conservation and requires careful management to ensure that the activities of tourists and local businesses do not harm the natural attractions they come to see. Ecotourism often supports local economies by providing jobs and giving locals an economic interest in conservation, such as in the cases of rhinoceros and elephant populations in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Governments in ecotourism destinations sometimes share revenues with local communities, reinforcing conservation efforts.
Leading ecotourism destinations include Costa Rica, the Serengeti, and the Galapagos Islands, among others. While ecotourism can contribute to conservation, lack of global standards means success can vary, and 'greenwashing' remains a concern – where exploitation can occur under the guise of eco-friendly practices.