The new rage in tourism: Ecotourism is a growing industry in Alaska-perfect for those who want to experience the outdoors without environmental impact.

• Author: Jackinsky, McKibben

In a Jan. 28 announcement, the United Nations declared 2002 the International Year of Ecotourism in an attempt to raise public awareness about tourism's impact on nature and cultural heritages and to promote responsible travel.

U.N. Deputy Secretary General Louise Frechette said at the launch ceremony that, as one of the fastest-growing segments in tourism, ecotourism holds great potential for economic development. It also, however, can carry devastating consequences unless the objective is enjoyment of Earth's natural resources, while preventing negative impacts.

"Ecotourism can help improve the living standards of local populations, while supporting the conservation of the natural ecosystems that are so necessary to sustain life on our planet," Frechette said.

How does ecotourism vary from other types of tourism?

"Many organizations and operators involved in ecotourism have used different variations and definitions of this term," said Sarah Leonard, the executive director for Alaska Wilderness and Recreation Tourism Association, a non-profit trade association that represents wilderness-based tourism businesses. "A challenge within the industry is that there is no one recognized definition."

Lacking that, Leonard pointed to two definitions, one given by the International Ecotourism Society: "Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people."

The second definition was formed by Deborah McLaren, author of "Rethinking Tourism and Ecotravel: the Paving of Paradise and How you Can Stop It" (Kumarian Press) and director of the Rethinking Tourism Project. "Ecotravel involves activities in the great outdoors-nature tourism adventure travel, birding, camping, skiing, whale watching and archaeological digs-that take place in marine, mountain, island and desert ecosystems."

AWRTA has combined and incorporated both definitions into the association's ecotourism guidelines that highlight the environment, residents, communities and quality experiences for visitors.

The resulting benefits include visitors who want to learn about and interact with the cultures and destinations and are conscious of leaving few impacts on the environment and communities. That focus can encourage local and community-based planning efforts, Leonard said, as well as lend to a more sustainable industry.

John Beiler, director of tourism development for the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the ecotourism industry has been evolving over the years.

"When people think about ecotourism...