Travel To Wellness

What is Ecotourism? Why it Matters and How you can Participate.

by Mia Barnes, 

While travel is good for a destination’s local economy and, for the traveler, the thrill of exploring new places, it’s always important to consider the environmental impact of these trips. Ecotourism is a gateway to being respectful of our precious planet while participating in new experiences. 

What Is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism refers to being sustainable and environment-centered when traveling. According to Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, Associate Professor, Lanka Mahavidyalaya, India, the term was first used in 1983 by Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin. Other terms like “green tourism” are related to the concept, gaining plenty of traction throughout the years.

Ecotourism hopes to raise environmental awareness among travelers to avoid disturbing the natural settings they come across. Some local tourism organizations may even go as far as conserving those spaces and spreading information about leaving a positive impact. 

The Importance of Ecotourism

Ecotourism matters because it supports the planet’s health. Climate change continues to showcase its consequences as the weather becomes more unpredictable and air quality changes. Tourism can worsen the situation and, according to the National Library of Medicine  contributing up to 8% of carbon emissions worldwide.

Traveling is not simply a luxury. It may be necessary to meet the people you love or participate in different life-saving initiatives like medical emergencies. Thus, ecotourism is a way to offset your footprint and spread sustainable behavior while seeing what various parts of the world have to offer. 

How to Participate in Ecotourism

Every one of us can make an effort to adopt eco-tourism practices during our travels. Here are a few examples of how to participate in the movement.  

1. Assess Travel Options

Going on a trip entails transportation. There is an ongoing debate over whether flying is greener than driving. Generally, it’s better to take the car since driving, according to Stanford Magazine, emits fewer greenhouse gases than take-off and landing in a jet. More passengers in a vehicle means distributed impact.

Granted, flights can make sense if you are going to a destination much farther away. A full plane still follows the same logic of shared responsibility. However, you can explore other alternatives to public transport, such as trains.

2. Visit Natural Sites

Consider visiting natural sites when you’re in a new space. While it’s understandable to see more man-made sites, an active park in an urban area can lead to healthier cities.  Garnering attention can lead to urbanization designs that fully incorporate nature rather than removing it. 

Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, Antigua photo courtesy of Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

You can also look up local initiatives related to these natural sites. For instance, people are advocating for the protection of local forestry. Try to learn about their side and see how you can support the cause, whether it’s signing a petition or donating. 

3. Respect Wildlife and Plants

Ecotourism is as simple as respecting the living creatures around you. For example, you go to an eco-adventure park or safari and have up-close encounters with exotic animals like capybaras, flamingos and so much more. Avoid engaging in any behavior that would harm them.

Photo courtesy of African Oasis Safaris in Kenya

The same goes for plants. It’s understandable to visit and admire spaces with them, but they are dealing with habitat loss. If you’re in a space where they are being cultivated, don’t pluck them or disturb their surroundings. 

4. Clean Up After Yourself

As a traveler, it should be a common courtesy to clean up after yourself. It’s a fundamental practice for people who support ecotourism. Adhere to waste disposal policies in the area you’re in and put trash where it’s supposed to go.

Cleaning up is especially important if you’re visiting beaches or islands. According to the Ocean Conservancy, about 11 million tons of plastics go into the ocean every year. Avoid contributing by throwing trash in the proper space. You can also replace single-use products with biodegradable or reusable options instead. 

Join the Movement

The ecotourism movement has existed for a while, but it can still use more traction. The more travelers who are conscious of their environmental impact, the closer the world will be to saving the planet. 

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Mia Barnes, Editor-in-Chief at Body+Mind

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