A Blueprint for Sustainable Ecotourism
By Joseph Fomunung, CEO, BIC Consultants.
In ecotourism, the term “eco” holds dual significance—referring both to ecology and economics. For any ecotourism project to be truly sustainable, it must balance and fulfill both dimensions. Once this foundation is set, project developers must build upon it by defining a clear ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework.
This framework outlines the project’s broader impact and includes key considerations such as ecological, economic, social, and cultural carrying capacities. Failing to properly assess these factors can result in unsustainable operations, missed opportunities, and community resistance.
A project’s ecological footprint is especially critical. If an ecotourism initiative significantly disrupts the local environment—whether harming wildlife, damaging habitats, or destabilizing marine ecosystems—it simply won’t be sustainable. Conservation must be a guiding principle from day one.
Equally important is local community involvement. A strong ESG strategy evaluates how a project will affect indigenous populations and secures their buy-in as stakeholders. Their land, livelihoods, and culture are directly impacted, so their voices must be part of the decision-making process. Without meaningful inclusion, a project risks resistance, costly delays, or long-term failure.
Governance plays a vital role as well. Transparency, shared benefits, and community-led management—such as participation in Conservation Project Areas (CPAs)—strengthen social trust and ensure long-term viability. These aspects contribute to what is known as a project’s “social carrying capacity,” a key metric for gauging local acceptance and support.
Once these elements are in place, the next step is to reduce environmental impact through green technologies. This includes implementing solar energy systems, sustainable water infrastructure, and other eco-friendly innovations—all of which are readily available through BIC Services.
At BIC Consultants, we believe that ecotourism can be a powerful engine for economic growth. With nearly $2 trillion in global travel and tourism revenue and over 1.4 billion international travelers each year, there is a major opportunity for client nations to expand their market share.
Our consultants craft customized strategies based on each destination’s unique ecological and cultural assets, ensuring both growth and preservation. In 2024 alone, global tourism experienced a strong resurgence in travel and revenue. These trends underscore the power of ecotourism to “consume without consuming”—generating value while protecting what matters most.
At BIC Services, we’re committed to helping nations grow their tourism sectors in ways that create jobs, boost revenue, and uplift communities—while preserving the natural and cultural treasures that make each destination special.
