Causes of Ecotourism

There are several causes behind this issue of
Ecotourism, more specifically, birding in the Rio
Grande Valley. First, the Rio Grande Valley lies right
under two major flight ways taken by migratory birds.
Is is also where many tropical birds reach their
northernmost ranges.  Also, Ecotourism is the fastest
growing segment of the traveling industry averaging a
30% annual increase since 1987. The third cause
behindbirding in the Valley is the fact that the Rio GrandeValley is part of the Great Texas Coastal BirdingTrail. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail is the
first one of its kind in Texas. It is a 500-mile route
from Beaumont to the Rio Grande Valley that
establishes viewing areas at feeding, roosting, and
nesting points. Birding is highly significant to the
Valley because it is a very lucrative industry.
birders bring in 5.6 million dollars a year to the
Valley and have gained the valley national recognition.
Technology has played a fairly important role in the
popularity of ecotourism.  The Internet has made the
many wonders of the valleys wildlife known to people
around the world.  People allow birding to continue in
the valley because it brings in money as well as an
appreciation and respect for the wild life of the
Valley.