ABSTRACT
This chapter – the fi rst of two chapters on the sustainability criterion of ecotourism – is partitioned into two main sections. The fi rst section deals with the concept of sustainability itself. This includes a discussion of the basic features of sustainable development, as well as a link between sustainable development and tourism. The second section focuses more on the need for local participation and local benefi ts that are such essential aspects of ecotourism. Chapter 5 deals more with the conservation agenda that is tied to sustainability and ecotourism. Owing to the fl uid nature of many topics and issues in ecotourism, aspects of local participation and benefi ts will be discussed in some of the chapters to follow, including economic impacts of ecotourism ( Chapter 9 ) as well as policy and governance ( Chapter 10 ).
