It is essential to address the dual challenges of economic growth and environmental preservation. In theory, promotion of ecotourism can simultaneously incentivize forest conservation and boost economic prospects. Through a randomized controlled trial conducted in Colombia, I empirically investigate the effect of ecotourism on deforestation and economic opportunities. Municipalities were randomly assigned to either a control group or a treatment group that received ecotourism promotion. I find an increase in the number of tourists and workers in surveyed businesses of treated municipalities. Furthermore, there is a significant decrease in deforestation around ecotourism sites in treated areas. These findings underscore the critical role of economic opportunities in encouraging local communities to preserve forests.
