well as sustainable development . A section of AyoLane ’ s website , EarthKinship . us , invites local interested persons to join a discussion group that will form a steering committee whose mission will be “ to create and define sustainable ecotourism in a way that reflects and serves the unique qualities and needs of St . Johns County .”
Flagler County will soon begin a yearlong sustainability and stewardship plan . Said Amy , “ One of the first communities to develop this type of plan was Sedona , Arizona . They felt the pushback from their residents , and they started a program to maintain harmony among tourists , residents and natural resources . This has become standard across the world .” According to the Institute for Sustainable Communities , a sustainable community , such as Sedona , Arizona , and Park City , Utah , focuses on four pillars : Leadership and Civic Engagement , Ecological Integrity , Economic Security and Social Wellbeing to plan and manage growth , development and the community ’ s natural resources .
And that brings us back to the definition of ecotourism and what it can mean for those who seek adventure and education in the natural world . At its best , ecotourism conserves the environment , sustains the wellbeing of the local people and provides education . As Amy said , “ Our ultimate goal is that when people come here , they will have a better understanding and appreciation of the importance of protecting natural resources . We want them to leave feeling inspired and take what they have learned here to better their own community .”
Originally from Maine , Barbara Hart lived on her sailboat and cruised extensively for more than five years . Now in St . Augustine , she writes for VisitStAugustine . com and continues to enjoy living where there is no chance of snow .
AyoLane Halusky , Earth Kinship
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