Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 9/26/2007

Question
I'm not dumb or anything it's just that I don't know this answer to this question on my project that my 9th grade biology teacher gave me it says...."give an example of how humans have specifically influenced the rainforest environment (ie. Pollution, chemicals, overuse, disasters,etc.) Briefly explain the impact that this has had on the environment. What impact will this have on humans in the future.

Answer
Dear Tanika,

If you're asking specifically about how eco-tourism has affected the rainforest, I can give you hints by saying that such practice has actually helped in conservation efforts.  When local people profit from saving their local ecosystems, they are more involved in preserving those ecosystems because it means their livelihood.

It sometimes means more impact on the wilderness from visitors, but compared to bulldozers and chainsaws, ecotourists are like feathers.

If more ecotourism takes hold in many places on earth, there may be a chance to save them.  

Hope that helps get you started.  For a good example, Google for information on ecotourism and mountain gorillas.  It's the flagship of these types of programs.

Good luck!

Dana