Ecological Harmony: The Interconnectedness of Life Forms

The key tenants of Eco-tourism arise from an understanding of ecology. The planet is divided into "ecological niches." Each niche possesses two basic properties: One, it can only be reduced to a "self"-"other" relationship. Ecological niches cannot be reduced to the "I," as, by itself, the "I" has no internal reality; this is the fundamental principle of interconnectedness. Two, both the "I" and the "other," in increasing levels of complexity and interrelatedness, have equal access to "information" and are both governed by the same laws.

[As a quick aside, ecological niches attain a level of complexity or diversity directly related to environmental conditions. Observationally, it can be said that the level of diversity of an ecological niche depends on: 1) thermodynamic conditions (i.e. energy); 2) the absence of catastrophic environmental change (i.e. volcanic eruption); and 3) the degree of environmental variance. Ecuador's cloud forests, for example, are mega-diverse as a result of their Equatorial location (which gives rise to year round springlike or energy rich conditions), abundant water (necessary for photosynthesis), varied terrain (due to the Andes altitudinal variance) and the absence-- until recently --of Homo Sapiens in large numbers (preventing large scale and abrupt environmental change).]

Ecological harmony is brought about by Natural Selection acting simultaneously upon the fundamental properties of interconnectedness, equal access to information, common law and self-interest. Over time, Natural Selection gives rise to an ecology or community of what Richard Dawkins, the famous British naturalist, termed "selfish cooperator" genes.

That selfish cooperator genes should have evolved naturally in a healthy ecosystem is telling illustrated by imagining what happens to an organism (say a human being) when a gene mutates to a non-cooperator state or a cancer gene.

Further, ecological harmony is dependent upon the sanctity of an ecological niche. This point is best illustrated by observing what is happening in the Galapagos Islands. In the Islands, introduced species, such as cats, mice and goats, are having a massive disruptive effect on the ecology. This process, if uncontrolled, could lead to the extinction of native animals.

Eco-tourism postulates that Mother Earth (Pacha Mama) behaves similarly to the human body. In other words, Mother Earth is made up of an ecology of interdependent yet uniquely individual niches, each vital to the survival of the whole.

In using ecological principles to start designing a moral code for humans, Eco-tourism proposes that communities must have: 1) local, democratic control of resources; 2) respect for cultural and habitat uniqueness; 3) equal access to information; and 4) acceptance of universal human rights.

Human Nature: Eco-Travel as the pinnacle of Epicureanism

Humans, biologically and culturally adapted to live in ecological niches. Human adaptation occurred with half-part wanderlust (the restless, ego-driven striving that leads to frustration and unhappiness but also to cultural innovation) and half-part homing instincts. Eco-tourism, addressing both these tendencies, proposes that Epicureanism is the philosophical road to human "happiness."

Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who defined philosophy as:

"...The art of creating happiness, naming pleasure as the highest and only good. For Epicurus pleasure was not vulgar indulgence but just the opposite: serenity and the alleviation of pain or human suffering. He emphasized the superiority of intellectual pleasures over bodily pleasures and proposed a code of social conduct which advocated honesty, prudence, and justice in dealing with others, not because these virtues were good in themselves, as the Platonics believed, but because they would save the individual from society's retribution. The Epicurean system emphasized the human ability for rational choice and action."

The Epicurean philosophy is fully compatible with the principles of Ecotourism as it advocates, knowledge, community spirit, rational choice, moderation, tranquility, friendship, respect for rules and the community, and pro-activeness--all of which promote Nature's tendencies towards ecological harmony and sustainability.

Practical Applications of Ecotourism

How does Eco-tourism apply to today's economic realities? As an example, let's apply Eco-tourism to Ecuador's tourism industry. Ecuador's competitive "assets" are its environmental diversity and cultural authenticity. For this industry to be sustainable in a highly competitive market, however, it needs to follow the principles of Eco-tourism--ecological harmony and sustainability.

Suppose you are a hotel owner in rural Ecuador. Eco-tourism suggests that it is in your best long-term interest to obtain as many of your products from the immediate surroundings. Even if its cheaper to buy American-made corn or Chinese-made sweaters, your bottom line, in the long-run, is best-served by paying a slightly higher premium for locally-made products. After all, local producers are not only part of your "ecology" but they are part of the eco-tourism attraction of Ecuador. In essence, local producers, fully employed, offer authenticity that lure eco-travelers to your hotel or establishment.

If there isn't a concerted effort to maintain the integrity of local producers, the landscape becomes irrevocably changed. Indigenous and small farmers lose their farms, the countryside becomes desolate and social tensions increase. The tourism market shuts down and the hotels eventually shut down. The end result is that, in trying to save some money in the short-run, you, the hotel owner, end up losing much more in the long-run.

On the other side of the production equation, the farmers have to live by the same Eco-tourism principles. The hotels that are their customers--and neighbors --need to remain competitive in the larger market to continue thriving. If the hotels thrive, the local demand for the farmer's products will increase. Therefore, it is in everybody's interest that the farmers increase their efficiency and quality in a manner that will maintain low prices and full employment

As can be appreciated, the principles of Ecotourism in this scenario encourages the preservation of farmland, promotes local farmers markets, emphasizes sustainable agriculture, rebuilds rural communities and helps preserve cultural authenticity--all vital to the sustainability of any country.

Beyond the tourism industry, "Eco-tourism" principles can be applied to the society at large. Economists expect that, given a choice, people will always choose the least costly item. However, by superficially looking only at bargains (striking the Faustian bargain), the consumer is jeopardizing his sustainable economic existence. Products have social and environmental costs that need to be factored into the bottom line when making a purchase.

Conclusions

I am not worried about moving my family to Ecuador. In fact, I am optimistic about our future there. I have a feeling that most of my pueblo already understand the principles and benefits of Eco-tourism (as do most Americans). More importantly, they are beginning to apply these sustainable strategies to their daily lives. This actualization of behavior has occurred as a result of a fortunate confluence of two realities; First, a wider access to information--thanks to the internet, NGO's (Non-governmental Organizations) and, yes, globalization--has given our people access to technologies and ideas that can improve efficiency both in agricultural production and administration design. This helps us along the road to sustainable self-sufficiency and autonomy.

Second, the luxury of being able to live with, observe and learn from our native Amerindian population-- for whom Eco-tourism has always been a way of life-- has had an interesting psychological effect on Ecuador's nonnative population. By showing us alternative, sustainable lifestyles, Amerindian culture has helped lift the tyrannical fog of Western "Realism" and allowed us a fresh perspective on philosophical alternatives.

A sustainable future for Ecuador lies in slowly adapting to a lifestyle that encompasses the best of our indigenous traditions with Western scientific enlightenment --albeit without the cynicism. This will require, above all, a concerted emphasis on education, the curriculum of which must stress the principles of Eco-tourism.