Ecotourism - Not Just A Trend

As the world comes together in the fight for climate change, human rights, improving food industry standards, and more…we want to ask, what can travellers do to help?

Ecotourism. As per the International Ecotourism Society in 1990, ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. 

Ecotourism focuses on ecological conservation, responsible travel, and educating travellers on their destination’s local environment. By stressing renewable energy, recycling, protecting the natural land, and improving waste management, ecotourism helps sustain the environment and conserve natural resources, benefiting the local inhabitants as well as visiting travellers.

With an emphasis on understanding local customs and natural history, ecotourism helps travellers learn about tradition, culture, and ecosystems while engaging in adventures that provide employment to locals. Ecotourist travel shows respect to nature by not contributing to the degradation of the environment.

Ecotourism helps travellers learn about sustainability and other cultures and enables them to bring that world knowledge back home.

4 Reasons To Be An Ecotourist:

1 –Learn about and experience first-hand land conservation, local culture, historical landmarks, and tradition -- fostering mutual understanding and cultural sensitivity

2 – Buying local produce and products helps sustain local economies instead of contributing to industrialism and exploitation

3 – Eco-conscious tourism promotes economic stability, which can in turn increase political and financial support for further conservation

4 – Limiting your footprint during your stay contributes to environmental conservation and preserves historical and natural wonders for future generations to enjoy

8 Tips For Eco-Friendly Travels:

1 – BRING REUSABLE BAGS: They come in handy when you go shopping or need to carry extra items around

2 - PACK LIGHT: The more a plane weighs, the more carbon emissions it produces.

3 – USE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION: Take public transit, use a bike, take guided tours on foot. If you have to drive, try to use a hybrid car.

4 – BUY LOCAL: Eating local produce supports local farms, and buying local products supports the families and communities making them.

5 – LIVE FRUGALLY: Live in your hotel like you would live at home. Reuse your towels, turn off electronics like TV, light, and air conditioning when you’re not using them, and conserve water when you shower or brush your teeth.

6 – STAY ON THE PATH: Many park trails are set up to keep delicate natural systems protected from foot traffic. Respect conservation needs and stay on marked paths!

7 – ENJOY NATURE: Try scuba diving and snorkeling, hiking, visiting volcanoes or ziplining. You can still have fun and adventures without disturbing the environment!

8 – WATCH WILDLIFE: Animals often suffer in captivity. Go see them in their natural habitats by hiking or taking a safari adventure.

7 BEST PLACES FOR ECOTOURISM:

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is number one in the world for ecotourism thanks to its well-protected natural beauty. With a quarter of the country covered by rainforests, there are also volcanoes and pristine beaches to visit, and many eco-friendly accommodations to choose from. With activities like ziplining through the forests, spa treatments in natural hot springs, or hiking to a coffee or cocoa plantation, Costa Rica has got it all.

Malaysia

If you’re a nature lover, this country has some of the world’s best ecotourism spots. With elephant sanctuaries, farms that allow you to pick your own fruits, a tropical paradise with coral reefs, a UNESCO site with the world’s longest network of caves, and national parks aplenty, your entire trip can be sustainable. Sukau Rainforest Lodge is also one of National Geographic’s Most Unique Lodges of the World.

Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the greenest countries on the planet, with intense animal conservation, plastic bag bans, the cleanest streets, and a plethora of sustainable lodging. If you book far enough in advance, you can take a once-in-a-lifetime Gorilla Trekking tour of Volcanoes National Park. Only 80 trekking permits are issued per day, which helps conserve the gorilla families and the communities in the area.

Iceland

One of the top eco-friendly destinations, Iceland is the cleanest energy consumer in the world. You can reduce your carbon footprint here by camping, hiking, and horseback riding in the beautiful countryside. Natural hot springs, hiking to volcanoes, and a multitude of national parks where everything is protected mean you can have peace of mind as an eco-friendly traveller.

Finland

A visit to any part of Finland can be considered ecotourism. With the cleanest air of all the EU countries, it makes sense that Finland is very nature-conscious and environmentally friendly. Finland’s government even actively contributes to Green Tourism. Full of history, culture, and national parks with diverse wildlife and untouched natural scenery, Finland is a great choice for an escape.

New Zealand

Unique to New Zealand are its national parks, outdoor activities, forests, and reserves. You can choose from a dizzying array of activities, such as kayaking, bungee jumping, skiing, diving, hiking in national parks or around volcanoes, camping, and much more. With interesting geology, and straddling the tectonic fault line, this region also offers travellers a chance to learn about volcanic and geothermal activity.

Jordan

Although this country isn’t necessarily “green” in colour, it has shown commitment to being environmentally friendly. Due to issues with water shortages, animal extinction, and pollution, Jordan has been especially active in promoting sustainable tourism while maintaining their cultural heritage and preserving their values, traditions