There is no doubt that today people travel more than ever. Younger generations seem to have decided that the world is too big a place to stay at home, and the tourism industry has grown tremendously in recent decades.
But not only that: we are also at a time when little by little we are beginning to become aware that, in order for the world to continue functioning, human beings need to be more connected with nature. And also, have more respect for him.
As a conjunction of these two trends, ecotourism was born. Today, it is the style of travel that is growing the most and the most dynamic sector of the tourism market.
What is ecotourism about?
Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a style of alternative tourism, different from the traditional or mass tourism. The main difference is that while mass tourism places little importance on its impact on the environment or culture of the destination, ecotourism advocates environmentally responsible travel.
In other words, ecological tourism is not only a matter of choosing natural destinations for vacations. It is also a travel style that refers to its purpose, principles, elements that make it up, its objectives and the benefits it reports.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) indicates that, to be considered ecological, tourism must respect seven principles:
1. Minimize the negative impacts, for the environment and for the community, generated by the activity;
2. Build respect and environmental and cultural awareness;
3. Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts;
4. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation;
5. Provide financial benefits and strengthen participation in local community decision-making;
6. Create sensitivity towards the political, environmental and social climate of the host countries;
7. Support universal human rights and labor laws.
Ecotourism characteristics
Having understood the definition, it is much easier to imagine and understand some aspects of this type of tourism.
- It is nature oriented
The chosen destinations are mainly natural, and in general as virgin as possible. In this sense, National Parks are highly sought after and more and more sites are becoming protected areas.
- Seeks to connect with local culture
In the same way, ecotourists also seek to connect with the customs and culture of the places they visit, without wanting to impose their own vision of the world. In this sense, this type of tourism seeks the active participation of local communities in the provision of services to the traveler. This, of course, represents an economic advantage for them.
- Non-destructive activities are carried out
Ecotourism offers a whole way not only to travel, but also to live. For this reason, those who practice this type of tourism carry out activities that are as little harmful as possible to the environment, for example, they walk or cycle trails instead of using the car, they do not produce garbage in national parks, etc.
The best and worst of ecotourism
In general lines and thus seen, ecotourism is a trend that appears as the solution to natural tourism disasters. However, it is not always all rosy.
As in any trend in which large numbers of people participate, everything has its consequences. Although most of them have less environmental impact than mass tourism, it is always a good idea to take this into account.
Advantage
– Rescue of the native flora and fauna of each place
– Less environmental impact
– Gives employment to local people from different communities.
– Generates the promotion of public policies tending to protect natural areas.
– Promotes environmental education.
– Creation and use of technological innovations aimed at restoring the balance between nature and technology.
– Allows the economic development of developing countries or highly vulnerable communities.
Disadvantages
– Speculation regarding the value of land in areas particularly sensitive to ecotourism.
– Fauna get used to being in contact with humans, which can change their behavior, even leading to death.
– Excess of tourist constructions in the areas surrounding the national parks and ecotourism centers.
– Poor access control.
Destinations for ecotourism
These are some of the best destinations for ecotourism, but remember that if you are respectful of the environment, always choose the benefits of local people over the large tourism monopolies and take care not to generate more pollution than we already have. …. You will do ecotourism anywhere in the world!
All of Brazil is a true hymn to nature. This makes it a perfect country for ecotourism, although its true jewel is the Amazon. This is where travelers who love eco-tourism really come to understand the meaning of the term, with its wild vegetation, flora and fauna, and incredible surroundings.
- Blue Mountains -Australia
The Blue Mountains are just 90 minutes away from Sydney and are characterized by their valleys, swamps, rocks and canyons. Although the entire country offers natural spaces for ecotourism, this area -which is also protected- is especially interesting for ecological tourists, and is well prepared for it.
It is a country with so much natural wealth that it has decided to become one of the main points of ecological tourism in the world. And he is getting it! The breadth of its landscapes and ecosystems is amazing: volcanoes, jungle, hot springs, paradisiacal beaches… A jewel for those seeking to practice ecotourism.
This African city is a huge ecotourism destination within the continent. Its vast savannah is home to incredible wildlife such as lions, elephants and rhinos. In addition, it has beautiful heterogeneous landscapes: deserts, lakes and beaches.
Kenya has 50 protected national parks and is another hotspot for eco-tourism.
It is considered the cradle of ecotourism, because it was one of the pioneering countries of this style of travel. Above all, he was one of the first to invest in the creation of natural parks.
The Bahamas is made up of more than 700 islands and has many programs for the protection of marine flora and fauna. It was also declared a shark sanctuary in 2011.
Would you like to start doing ecotourism? What destination would you start with?
Sources:
Wikipedia
green ecology