ECOTOURISM
December 15, 2000
Mad Island Preserve, Texas
Ted Eubanks presented a view of Fermata’s work in Nature
Tourism, Rural Development and Environmental Protection. Ted
told the group that he works at the community grassroots level
with economic development committees, extension services,
forming strategic plans through a consensus building. Ted
told the group that nature tourism is the largest industry,
involving $541 billion dollars and employing the largest number
of people. The four greatest attractions in nature tourism
are shopping 31%, outdoor recreation 14%, historical places
and museums 13%, and cultural events 9%. When talking about
economic conservation an interesting fact to remember is that
85% of the people live on only 6% of land mass. Texas is in
top three destination spots in the nation. Birdwatching is
the fastest growing recreational interest. An incredible amount
of money and effort is spent on this growing interest.
Ted talked about the developing Texas Parks and Wildlife
Rural Birding Center called the World Birding Center located
from Mission to South Padre Island. Fermata worked with this
group led by Hispanics to develop the birding center. The
Texas legislature gave 7 million dollars which was matched
by the communities.
For more information on Fermata see www.fermatainc.com.
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