Forest canopy tourism: Analyzing a flagship attraction in the ecotourism arena from a political ecology perspective

Abstract

Canopy tourism may be viewed as an intrusion into a hitherto untouched ecosystem, sometimes labeled the last biotic frontier on earth. This relatively new tourism approach might also be a way to create understanding of this ecosystem and hence contribute to its protection. Conservation projects are often associated with constraints on – or even the loss of – livelihoods for local communities (Adams 2009). The ecotourism approach aims at working around this dilemma by trying to generate alternative income for these actors while protecting the environment (Ellenberg et al. 1997).