Answer: The next steps in their plan should be to (Investigate the ecological impacts and gather evidence on which to base their decisions). The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
ECOTOURISM is defined as the visitation of individuals (tourist) to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people. It has to do with the interaction of the biotic components of the natural environment by tourists. This has the advantage of providing an incentive for the local inhabitants but can cause a long term negative environmental impact of not properly planned.
Conservation of these natural resources improves the quality of lives. It enables the inhabitants to live in a clean and healthy environment (eco-friendly). To set up a tourism center, certain rules and regulations needs to be met in order to avoid endangering both the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem. Therefore these local groups should investigate the ecological impacts and gather evidence on which to base their decisions. This would help conclude if a particular selected environment is conducive.