But every time we pack our bags and jet off for a new adventure, we leave a footprint behind. This footprint is made up of the emissions from each mode of transport used, as well as other resources acquired to help us have an enjoyable time. So how do we reduce our impact on the planet when we travel?
The biggest problem lies with mass tourism, as many operators do not have environmental care at the top of the agenda. Ecotourism is an alternative to mass tourism and is a great way of exploring the world off the beaten path in the most sustainable way possible. If this sounds like the type of travel that interests you, read on for a detailed explanation about what ecotourism is, what its principles are, how it can be achieved, and the traps to watch out for.
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that involves responsible travel to fragile, pristine and relatively undisturbed natural areas. These natural areas usually have programmes to conserve the environment or sustain the wellbeing of the local people. An ecotourism holiday is done on a smaller scale compared to commercial mass tourism and is intended to be low impact.
This means that tour operators and accommodation providers act as responsibly as possible, ensuring the protection of flora and fauna in the local area. An eco-travel tour, conservation project or volunteering holiday aims to educate tourists about the social conditions surrounding a certain travel destination. These conditions are things like poverty, which is often hidden from tourists. Or the declining wildlife due to commercial developments and human impact.
All in all, ecotourism intends to expose travellers to the realities of social and economic climates across the world. By choosing a responsible tour operator and going to less commercial destinations, we can reduce the impact we have on the places we visit. The educational side is just as important, and you may be involved in doing talks or discussions with local groups or schools. This means that you, the traveller, are not the most important factor as often seen with mass tourism.
This means fair pay for local hosts, creating job opportunities and having respect for local traditions and customs. Many of our animal welfare, environmental conservation or marine conservation experiences help to raise money for future projects by hosting for volunteers.
The money spent on an all-inclusive resort in a largely commercialised holiday destination can be used to fund a volunteering trip instead, and your money will help to pay for the work that needs to be done in order to improve the environment.
Mass tourism works on a system that can make rich people richer, and poor people poorer. Ecotourism works on the principle of helping local people come out of poverty and become independent.
Learning is key, and a better understanding will ultimately lead to more sensitivity and compassion. Large hotel chains and big resorts put the comfort of their guests and cost-cutting at the top of their priorities.
But ecotourism is about building facilities that put the environment first. Empowering communities is another key principle of ecotourism. In recent years, ecotourism has really come into its own as a concept. This has been largely driven by the younger generations, but has also struck a chord with informed travellers of all ages. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Honey insisted that they were positive for the most part. Martha Honey on Ecotourism. With this mission in mind, the ecotourism industry has collectively developed a number of core guiding principles over the past few decades.
Although international regulation and accreditation have remained elusive, these guidelines provide a general blueprint for responsible tourism development. Many of these principles align with those of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council , which developed an extensive list of criteria for sustainable destinations, hotels, and tour operators. Education is a key aspect of ecotourism initiatives, for locals and visitors alike.
Most of these efforts are focused on improving awareness, sensitizing people to environmental issues, and encouraging them to be conscious of their impact on the places they visit. Some tour operators create conservation education programs for local schools.
Immersive interactions with local cultures are also becoming increasingly common. These experiences often emphasize interaction rather than a typical performer-audience relationship with visitors. The focus is all about sustainability, minimizing the negative carbon footprint travel often leaves on the environment. But these days the big picture goal is to create positive, rather than merely neutral impact.
From using alternative energy sources and ensuring all building materials are locally sourced to limiting eco tour group sizes, conscious consideration should be made to ensure low impact at every stage, from development to implementation. The idea of using the revenue generated by ecotourism to help fund the conservation of nature and wildlife is not a new idea. When managed properly, ecotourism can help provide a revenue-generating alternative to urbanization, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and poaching.
And though critics claim ecotourism often fails to deliver on its promise, recent scientific studies continue to illustrate its conservation benefits. Critics have similarly pointed out that some ecotourism initiatives have created more problems for local people than they solve. Poorly managed programs can lead to conflicts over land and resources, unfair profit distribution, and cultural exploitation. This is what happens when the phenomenon known as greenwashing — the disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image— rears its ugly head.
True ecotourism MUST provide financial benefits to local people, whether through direct tours, admission fees, and donations or indirect means such as taxes on travel or accommodation. It generally works best when there is smaller scale, slower growth, and greater involvement by local communities in all steps of the tourism development process. Ecotourism initiatives should always strive to support human rights, economic empowerment, and democratic movements in a given destination.
In addition to increasing awareness about sociopolitical and environmental issues facing a given destination, ecotourism initiatives should support local businesses and the rights of indigenous inhabitants to control their land and assets.
This principle is arguably the most problematic and contentious. Should tour companies or travelers boycott a given destination due to human rights abuses or unfair treatment of its indigenous population? Becoming a more responsible traveler is the best way to ensure your adventures are positive for the local people and the planet.
We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary Necessary. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation. Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities. Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment. Signup for Newsletter. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.
0コメント