Although ecotourism and tropical forests present issues and constraints, there are strong contributions and potentialities for socio economic benefits to rural populations as well as to the national economy. At the same time, ecotourism can be a powerful force for protecting and promoting national parks and reserves so that the tropical forest and cultural heritages will remain intact. However, all of this requires cooperation by the publicand private sectors (including local populations) as well as adequate funding, planning and innovative training for the proper recognition of ecotourism.