Depending on who you ask, the definition of ecotourism will vary. Some believe that ecotourism is simply taking an opportunity to get away from the big city and enjoy some glamping out in the woods, complete with a massive tent and all the comforts of home, including flush toilets and hot showers. Others believe that ecotourism is bare-bones trekking with little to nibble on but native flora. The answer lies somewhere between the two extremes, and thankfully, many travel specialists are turning toward greener practices. No matter where you want to go, there is a good possibility that you may be able to make your footprint a lot smaller, even if you have to travel by jet to get to your destination.
It Isn’t Ecotourism If...
Before we look into ecotourism, let’s talk briefly about what it is not. If you rely on mechanized vehicles to get you to all the places you want to see while you’re on vacation, your trip probably doesn’t fall under the ecotourism umbrella, and if you stay in a fancy hotel where the sheets are freshly laundered each day, that probably doesn’t qualify either. If local people or species are exploited just so that tourists can have a good time, then it definitely isn’t ecotourism. The bottom line? If unsustainable practices are at the heart of an adventure vacation, then that vacation is not ecotourism.
What Ecotourism Is
In true ecotourism, no species are interrupted from their usual patterns. Mating goes on undisturbed, artificial lights do not disrupt nocturnal animals, and there is a definite trend toward conserving and even improving the natural features of a place. Many dive operators qualify as eco-tourism providers, simply because they follow the “no touch, no take” rule. They don’t encourage or allow practices like fish or shark feeding, and they use the cleanest technology possible to get from one place to another.
There are a number of different ways to define ecotourism, depending upon where you go. Often, nature based tourism is quite sustainable, although some cruise lines that focus on viewing wildlife, for example, do some unsustainable things, such as releasing waste into the ocean. Green tourism, on the other hand, is almost always ecotourism – when you stay in a lodge with solar power, grey water systems, composting toilets, or other green features, you’re engaged in ecotourism.
Ecotourism Tips
To find ecotourism opportunities, spend some time looking for journeys that allow you to minimize your impact on the host country, or on the community or ecosystem involved. The conscious attitudes and actions of all involved should be investigated, and the impact of every aspect of the trip should be as green as possible. If in doubt, ask questions to determine whether practices are sustainable, and once you arrive at your destination, be sure to act responsibly.
Before you go, learn about local customs and learn the basics of the local language; just knowing how to say hello can help. Conserve resources like water and food, and if a hotel or other accommodations make a huge negative impact on the environment, choose a different vacation. Support the local economy, and respect the people and animals that you encounter. With just a little research and effort on your part, you can enjoy amazing adventures while leaving little or no trace.