THE PRINCIPLES OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Ecotourism is an environmentally friendly form of tourism, based on appreciation of the environment and in which a conscious effort is made to reinvest an appropriate share of revenue in the conservation of the resources on which it is founded. At the same time, it is a form of sustainable tourism that benefits the local population and, in particular, the rural population. Currently, ecotourism is a modern form of tourism in the Republic of Moldova, attracting all visitors with its respect and care for nature and local traditions. A critical ecological situation has emerged in the Republic of Moldova at the moment, largely due to changes in natural complexes and excessive anthropic activity, which requires an effective solution for environmental conservation and sustainable development. The priorities and challenges of ecotourism are addressed from the perspective of identifying new common routes with neighboring countries.