The term ecotourism has received a lot of attention in recent years, but it is more than just a buzzword. It represents a change in the way we explore and perceive the world. This style of vacation offers a deeper connection to the place you are visiting, rather than just seeing famous places and becoming part of the masses contributing to overtourism. What exactly is ecotourism and why should you care?
The global ecotourism market was valued at $195.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $656.1 billion within 10 years. While consumers frequently explore this type of travel, some governments are encouraging the tourism industry to promote ecotourism to benefit the environment and economy.
Some of you may have noticed a small change in recent years. For example, some booking sites include sustainability ratings, but this is all part of the tourism industry’s efforts to become more responsible and is part of the solution rather than the problem. is. This will encourage the organizations they promote to do the same. However, this only covers one small element of what ecotourism is.
Ecotourism essentials
Ecotourism essentially promotes responsible travel to destinations, focusing on environmental conservation, education, and community welfare. This includes responsible and sustainable community tourism. To achieve this, visitors and organizations must assume the mindset of being guardians of fragile ecosystems. The principles promote efforts to minimize the environmental impact of tourism activities, including practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and protecting biodiversity.
At the same time, ecotourism is a powerful force for local communities, ensuring the benefits of tourism reach those who call pristine destinations home. Promote community participation in decision-making, create job opportunities and support local businesses. Through these principles, ecotourism aims to promote both environmental protection and community empowerment.
education
Another important aspect of ecotourism is education and interpretation. Ecotourism not only offers picturesque scenery, but also strives to educate travelers. We aim to educate about the complex web of life that inhabits these nature reserves and the importance of protecting it. Educational programs help visitors understand the importance of the ecosystems they encounter and develop a deep sense of appreciation and responsibility.
After all, the principles of ecotourism extend beyond the thrill of adventure. These include a commitment to protecting Earth’s irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures while enriching the lives of those who explore them. The result is a vacation that’s more meaningful than the standard “cocktails by the pool” getaway.
success story
The concept of ecotourism dates back to the 1980s, when many people started showing interest in traveling to learn about different environments without impacting the environment in the same way as traditional tourism. In 1982, the term was officially added to the Oxford Dictionary. It took us more than 40 years to study the success of some of these programs.
Hawaii’s sea turtle conservation efforts have successfully incorporated ecotourism into their programs. These efforts not only educate participants about issues surrounding endangered marine species, but also provide jobs for local communities and save turtles at the same time. In the 1970s, Hawaii’s green sea turtle population declined, with only 67 females nesting each year. Now, thanks to ecotourism, that number is more than 800 a year.
Siv Szymanowska, Co-Founder hybrid toursays that ecotourism efforts have greatly helped Uganda’s gorilla conservation efforts. “This started as a proposal to increase conservation efforts in the 1990s. There were fewer than 300 silverback mountain gorillas left in the world. Here we are in 2023, and there are now nearly 1,100 gorillas. Although it may seem slow, their reproduction rate is much slower than humans, so this is actually a huge accomplishment.”
“I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand the transformative power of ecotourism in many parts of the world,” says Eric Matechuk. Freshwater fishing advice, outdoor education specialist. “Surrounded by the lush jungles of Belize, Copal Tree Lodge embodies a balanced ecotourism model. Not only does it offer exceptional permit fishing, which is a passion of many anglers, including myself. Instead, visitors can participate in many activities, from kayaking, bird watching, and even exploring local Mayan ruins. These practices immerse visitors in nature and foster awareness, which is the basis of conservation efforts. It evokes feelings of gratitude.”
responsible travel practices
While this increase in ecotourism efforts is all good and seems like a clear step in the right direction, it takes smart travelers to distinguish between the good and the bad. “In terms of challenges, one of the pressing ethical concerns is that not all ecotourism operators keep their green promises,” says eco-resort owner Sara Bak. says. Camaroncito Eco Resort. “If you search on Google, you’ll find a long list of initiatives and companies that claim to be environmentally friendly, but many of them engage in greenwashing. If you look closely, most of the publicly traded providers hide their eco-social face. We have abundant corporate funds to support us.”
Bajc said famous hotels are a good example, and their very existence means damage to the environment. Large hotels and resorts require large tracts of land to be cleared, which not only damages natural habitats but also drives local small business owners out of the market. This is the exact opposite of what ecotourism is intended to do for local communities.
Become a savvy traveler
Do your own research or check with your travel agent to find out what to look for when looking for your next eco-friendly vacation. There are organizations that provide sustainability certification to tourism businesses. earth check and green glove — This should be your first step when choosing a destination.
Avoid places that encourage overtourism. If governments and tourism operators are not doing anything to stop this, they are showing no real interest in going green. For example, the government has implemented a limited permit for gorilla trekking in Uganda at a cost of $700 per person. “This high price helps us avoid large numbers of tourists,” says Siv Szymanowska.
“The most successful ecotourism efforts are built from the ground up as grassroots efforts by people who truly care about the environment and communities who care about and depend on the sustainable health of the natural world,” Ms. Bajc said. says. “Global recognition improves global care and increases access to the science, expertise, and financial resources needed to create programs of recovery and protection.”
