I sent this to Alonso Soto.

Dear Senor Soto, I believe that you are an advocate of the subject matter, i.e. eco-tourism.

I have always felt that the combination of these two words, ecology and tourism somewhat of a misnomer. Ecology can be defined as that part of biology dealing with the relationship between living organisms and their natural environment.

The introduction of any type of tourism into that environment will inevitably alter that relationship, although admittedly, on a small and very restricted level it can be accomplished with a minimal amount of damage.

In Ecuador, from what I understand, officials are looking at eco-tourism as a major income producing part of the countries economy. I do not believe that that is possible. In those countries with a thriving and viable economy a niche market can be found for this type of product, however I do not believe that Ecuador can be considered to be within that group of countries. The inevitable result is the broadening of the demographic which can only be acheived by making the product more accessible. That factor alone defeats the very purpose of the original intention.

Once the desire to make this an economically advantageous part of the economy then marketing takes over, and that, as I am sure you know is an extremely effective but dangerous tool. I am aware of the terrible result to the Ecuadorian environment that has occurred due to abhorrent and inexcusable oil extraction processes.

Uncontrolled, (and I really believe that the human greed factor will lead to that) so-called eco-tourism will result in another type of environmental disaster and that is the loss of the biological relationship that was intended to be exhibited in the first place

As an example; I have been a visitor to Costa Rica for the last twenty plus years. That country has a very viable and productive tourist industry. Although they still market the eco-tourism bit it is really close to extinction. Twenty years ago you could travel through the Monteverde rainforest and find Quetzels and Toucans amidst a very diverse wild life. You can still find a quetzel if you are very very lucky, or you can go to a zoo.

With increased tourism come the developers, they are like a disease, showing up in every part of the country, resorts, spas, highrise condos, the majority of these very poorly built. (although they look great). Non existent infrastructure contributes to the disasters created by poorly constructed septic systems resulting in contaminated rivers, streams and shore lines with the resultant rise in infectious diseases.

You say it couldn't happen here. Sorry, politicians are the same the world over, this is a tax base they couldn't refuse, much of it sliding into their pockets.

In the end, what you have is a country of tour guides.