Ethical Responses and Environmental Law for Ecotourism Sustainability.

Abstract

This article is grounded on a literature-based exploratory overview research methodology and proposes that without ethical practices, and solid environmental laws in place, there is no likelihood of sustainable development of either our ecology or ecotourism which plays an important role in environmental conservation, and provides understanding of what the needs of the people are who are local to an area so that their quality of life can be improved. The researchers have examined how the extant literature has addressed a range of issues such as for example social responsibility, legislation, philosophical stances, environmental ethics and sustainable development. This article thus looks at moral responsibility and the non-commonsensical scope of environmental business relations. It argues that how organizations and people treat one another in their approach to nature, is critical to sustainable business in an environment which is increasingly threatened by malpractices such as disregard for others which is a rampant feature of business practice of wealthy nations. The article is prescriptive in nature and thus normative since it suggests practical guidelines based on accountable ethical values. By adopting ethical practices and by having ethically driven leaders, creativity and careful strategies in environmental matters, businesses will be able to generate wealth within legal and value-motivated boundaries which do not compromise the sustainability of future generations while conserving the natural endowments of the country. Philosophical stances on ethics are important in drives to mitigate environmental degradation and these are also considered since in considering the need for sustainability in ecotourism, and indeed the planet, it is critical that it be regulated effectively to help the country convert to a green economy. This will however require a very effective regulation of corporations and other businesses in their environmental dealings backed up by a range of carefully crafted legislation and by-laws in the realm of environmental law to keep them in check. Over and above the ethical duty of all of us to drive ecological sustainability, ecotourism can be an inducement for conservation measures and education promotion on ecological issues, and it also serves to support local communities in enhancing their livelihoods.