Another advantage is that eco tourism provides an income for local inhabitants in an area. The argument is that if the local people can generate revenue from showing tourists around a jungle, lake, savannah etc. then it is much better than killing elephants for their ivory or capturing gorillas to sell on the black market. Moreover, showing people a rainforest rather than logging the forest is a good compromise if the forest is preserved.
Secondly, Ecotourism helps create a better appreciation of the world's natural resources, such as landscapes and wildlife. This stimulates a desire to protect the natural environment through the creation of national parks, wildlife preserve. Funding for conservation work is generated by tourists through sources such as park entrance fees, camping fees, local taxes and expedition tours.
Finally, Ecotourism not only educates visitors about environmental responsibility, it can also help raise awareness about political and social issues in developing countries. Historically, group tourism has helped to support corrupt and undemocratic regimes, but with ecotourism, money goes directly into local communities, rather than government funds. Additionally, as visitors witness the poverty and repression that many third-world countries suffer, it creates a growing global pressure for Western governments to act on human rights issues.