Based on its long-standing support of nature-based tourism to aid in the sustainable development of rural and impoverished communities throughout the world, the United Nations (UN) has designated 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism. The UN Environment Program (UNEP) recognizes tourism as one of the fastest growing and most dominant industries on the planet (UNEP, 2001). Large conservation areas have significantly benefited from their use as tourism destination areas, and the potential exists to protect more endangered ecosystems throughout the world. UNEP also acknowledges that nature-based tourism can be a tool to help in the sustainable development of rural communities. By designating 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism, UNEP has three goals: - Generate greater awareness among public authorities, the private sector, the civil society and consumers regarding ecotourism's capacity to contribute to the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage in natural and rural areas, and the improvement of living standards in those areas; - Disseminate methods and techniques for the planning, management, regulation and monitoring of ecotourism to guarantee its longterm sustainability; and - Promote exchanges of experiences in the field of ecotourism (UNEP, 2001).