Everywhere you go, it's "green" this and "green" that. But what exactly is ecotourism? According to the Centre for Ecotourism, Hector Ceballos-Lascurain created the term ecotourism in 1983. The original term described "nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education."
To simplify the term, Eco-resorts define ecotourism as:
E-Environment and
C-Culture
O-Orientated travel
In general, ecotourism is an insightful, mindful and participatory travel experience to natural and cultural environments, assisting the well-being of the local cultures and environments for future generations. At the same time ecotourism produces viable economic opportunities for the host areas.
Originally, ecotourism was defined as purely nature based, forgetting the impact tourism had on the local villages and culture. However, it quickly became apparent that trying to create a new type of tourism, which only focused on wildlife and the environment, while excluding the local villages, simply did not work.
Those countries that involved the local communities in the ecotourism decision-making process had a much higher success rate in implementing profitable ecotourism. Consequently, most recent definitions of ecotourism now include a more synergistic approach, including the tourist, local villages and environment.
Now that we understand what ecotourism is, let's look at how to implement ecotourism, including:
1. How to choose an eco-tour
2. How to choose an eco-lodge
3. How to choose an eco-destination
How to Choose an Eco-tour
According to The International Ecotourism Society, when choosing an eco-tour, ensure that your travel company:
Builds environmental and cultural awareness through education, activities and pre-departure information.
Minimizes impact on the environment and local cultures.
Provides direct financial benefits for conservation and the local culture.
Supports local businesses and service providers.
Offers site-sensitive accommodation.
Respects local culture.
How to Choose an Eco-lodge
A good eco-lodge should:
Provide comfortable rooms and common areas that reflect local design and heritage.
Offer a natural setting that has been carefully preserved retaining indigenous landscaping.
Use local, sustainably harvested and/or recycled building materials.
Purchase foodstuffs from local farmers, ranchers and fishermen.
Use renewable energy and environmentally sensitive water and waste disposal systems.
Offer many opportunities for interaction with local owners, managers, staff and guides.
Employ and train local workers.
Offer a variety of excursions and educational materials to natural and cultural sites.
Support and be supported by the local community and businesses.
How to Choose an Eco-destination
Characteristics of a good eco-destination include:
Plenty of protected landscapes and recreational areas, such as bike paths or beach areas, shared by locals and visitors alike.
Thriving, locally owned, lodges, hotels, restaurants and businesses that provide genuine hospitality and motivated, friendly staff.
Evidence of local control over tourism development that prevents harm to the environment or to local well-being.
Local festivals and events that demonstrate people's ongoing sense of pride in their environment and cultural heritage.
For more information on ecotourism, visit our archives to read some of Eco-resorts' articles and magazines. The International Ecotourism Society's website at www.ecotourism.org has more information on various international
Eco-destinations, eco-lodges and eco-tours.
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