Earth is such a magnificent place. From the tundras and the deserts to the rainforests and marshlands; every bit of our planet’s surface is unique and a marvellous wonder. If you’re lucky, you might even get the opportunity to discover and visit all these fabulous places.
As citizens of the world, it is important to remember that it is our duty to safeguard and conserve not just our own country but all the different countries that we are lucky enough to visit. It is our responsibility as individuals living on this planet to protect and preserve all that we have been gifted. The best way to do this is by making conscious decisions to leave the place you are visiting better than it was when you arrived.
Tourism can often have a major detrimental impact on the ecosystem and environment of a particular region. The development of tourist facilities such as hotels, resorts, theme parks, floating casinos, even destination weddings, film shootings etc leaves a lot of ill effects on land, sea and air. This is where ecotourism comes into play.
Ecotourism simply refers to tourist locations that work towards conserving the environment and sustaining the wellbeing of the local community. In other words, it focuses on reducing the negative impact on the ecosystem of the area while preserving the culture and environment.
Ecotourism is widely promoted amongst the younger generation as they yearn to learn and appreciate different cultures. This acts as a bridge, connecting people from different parts of the world and bringing about cultural awareness. With ecotourism, the locals’ lives are improved thanks to new employment opportunities.
While the concept of ecotourism has been around for over a decade, it’s not very well known as most tourist destinations don’t follow it. In fact, it’s only been recently that certain countries offer a more sustainable travelling experience. Most of these ecotourism destinations are immersed in nature and wildlife and are not city-based.
So, if you’re thinking about going on vacation anytime soon, a few amazing places that offer ecotourism getaways are the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Colombia, Panama, Bhutan and Morocco.
Of course, you don’t only have to go on vacation at an ecotourism location, there are numerous other ways in which you can be an ecotourist. Being a mindful traveller, whether abroad or within your country, is the best kind of traveller one can be.
The first thing you can do is opt for an eco-friendly mode of transportation. If you’re travelling within a country try to use the public transportation available there. Not only does it cut down on the number of toxic fumes emitted daily but it also cuts down your expenses. It’s much more budget-friendly to travel by buses or trains than hiring a taxi or car. If you’re staying in a small town for a while, try renting out a cycle. It provides you the freedom to explore the area as well as gives you an amazing and relaxing workout.
Avoid littering in public spaces. Though, this should be a given regardless of, if you’re travelling or not. A majority of tourist areas have dustbins available in multiple different locations, so it shouldn’t be that hard to hold your trash until you find one. Otherwise, simply pop into a restaurant and ask them to throw it out for you. If you’re on a trek or camping in the wilderness, carry your trash in a small bag until you find a bin to chuck it in. It’s a must to respect our surroundings and the best way to do that is by keeping it clean. If you see an empty packet of chips or a water bottle lying around, pick it up and dispose of it.
A great way to reduce your waste and help the environment is by reducing the amount of disposable plastic used while travelling. Whether it’s carrying your own water bottle, metal straw, toiletries, or even a cloth back to carry your souvenirs and other items in; saying no to plastic makes a huge difference.
The most important part of being an ecotourist is being respectful to the locals and the culture of the country you are in. Remember to be mindful of their traditions and practices for you are a stranger that they have welcomed into their home.
Travelling is a life-changing experience for every journey leaves its mark on you. Dipping into the waters of ecotourism will offer you a new perspective on what it means to discover a place. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take that beautiful journey!
Written By Mohit Gupta.
Week 15, April 2021
