Ecotourism

Hey fellow adventurers! Since I’m doing Ecuador this month, I felt like I should cover the concept of ecotourism. I know that some of my readers might not be familiar with this concept. If you’re not, this is the perfect article for you!

Ecotourism is a low-impact form of tourism and an alternative to standard commercial mass tourism. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) defines ecotourism as “Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.” Basically, ecotourism should have the following components:

• Builds environmental and cultural awareness: You’re in new territory! Literally! Pay attention to what is around you, and appreciate it!
• Minimizes impact: Once you’ve had an opportunity to take in the atmosphere, turn that attention to yourself. Like Bill Nye said, when you do stuff, stuff happens. With that in mind, try to make as small of an impact as you can. We want tourism to be sustainable so that it doesn’t end with us.
• Provides positive experiences for both travelers and hosts: The hosts are trying their hardest to give you an enjoyable experience. Yet at the same time, be mindful of them. Going back to sustainability, we don’t want hosts to turn away travelers because it’s more hassle than it’s worth. Plus, showing human decency should just be something you do wherever you go.
• Provides financial benefits to conservation: Preferably, tourism should not only have a low impact on your surroundings, but should contribute to conservation efforts.
• Generates financial profit for locals: Especially when traveling, you should support small businesses. In my post about Ecuadorian landmarks, I talked about a famous market where locals sell goods. Going to places like that are a lot of fun, and much cheaper than purchasing items from larger corporations. I bought a backpack from a market in Ecuador several years ago and still love to use it to this day.
• Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity: This sort of plays into the cultural awareness and positive experiences sections I mentioned before, but try to be sensitive towards other cultures. In some parts of India, it’s considered rude to wear shorts. In some Muslim countries, women aren’t supposed to show skin. I know that might not be your culture, but you’re traveling to immerse yourself in other cultures. So, research where you’re planning on going before you travel, and do as the natives do!

If you want to read more about ecotourism, these were my favorite sites:

https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/what-is-ecotourism/

https://greenglobaltravel.com/what-is-ecotourism-10-simple-steps-to-more-sustainable-travel/

And if reading about greener tourism has inspired you to want to be greener in your everyday life, do it! Here’s some great sources about that:

https://greatist.com/happiness/eco-friendly-tips-save-cash

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/22-little-ways-to-go-green

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/a18573/ways-to-go-green/

http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/807479/52-cheap-ways-to-go-green

Well that’s all for today’s blog! Thank you very much for reading! I really hope you consider going green, if you haven’t already. And as always, until our next adventure!