A lot has been said about the subject, but seldom do I see mutual-respect in the same context.
There has been much debate on the impact of tourism on culture and nature; both the affirmative and negative side raise valid points until declarative ideas turn into imperative statements.
I understand the value of preservation, and I also understand the importance of respect. These communities have been around far longer than most of us living today. I would think it be presumptuous at best to assume to know what is best for them. I abide and observe how they want to go about their business and respect them enough to understand that they have their own way of doing things, barring any reservations I have on whether I find it good and/or bad.
Yes, it is there to be shared, but it also theirs to share… Be it good or bad, that is the price of democracy; you simply can’t have your cake and eat it too. I think the conversation on preservation and progress would go a lot better if most participants exercised mutual respect, and simply did their part without fan-fare.