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| Ecotourism in Bolivia |
 Bolivia features a complex
geological landscape which incorporates several rich ecosystems ranging across
different altitudes. This landscape covers the Andes, cloud forests, rainforests,
and savannahs. These ecosystems form one of Earth’s special places, unparalleled
in biodiversity. No wonder this country is considered to be one of the "megadiverse"
countries.
Although it is rich in natural resources, Bolivia is continuously fighting to overcome poverty and unemployment, two of many difficult social and economic problems that affect the nation. Among many alternatives, experts have recommended tourism as a feasible strategy for Bolivia to improve its economy and thus the conditions of its people. In 1997 alone, more than three hundred and fifty thousand tourists arrived in Bolivia; this was 19.9% more than in 1995. This is an encouraging and promising trend. More and more visitors are coming to Bolivia for its incredible natural diversity, including some of the most fascinating and beautiful places in the Andes and the Amazon. It has been shown that once Ecotourism is well implemented, it can improve the economic conditions of rural populations by offering jobs and improving living conditions. We are proud to be a part of this strategy: helping to preserve our cultural identity and biodiversity by means of a sound industry like Ecotourism. | ||