what is ecotourism and why is it important

Last Updated on 13/06/2021 We’ve become an increasingly global world. Travel has never been easier – at least before the pandemic hit. Every year, billions of people travel internationally to the point where popular tourist destinations have started to suffer from the effects of overtourism.Reading: what is ecotourism and why is it importantThe existence of some of the world’s most beautiful locations is now under threat and it’s getting out of control.Travel is a gift but it needs reform. Perhaps, as a result of the pandemic, the industry will be forced to cut back and it will become more sustainable to manage.One way this can work is if travel becomes more responsible.The answer is ecotourism.So, what is ecotourism and why is it important? What are the benefits of ecotourism and how does it work?Grab a cuppa, get comfortable and let’s dive in.

What is Ecotourism?

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To put it simply, The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as:‘Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.’Ecotourism is all about active tourism. It’s a small-scale and low impact form of travel that seeks out ways to preserve the natural world by ensuring that biodiversity, ecosystems and local communities remain protected and unspoiled. It’s a rewarding and educational experience that improves our cultural awareness and understanding of nature.Ecotourism destinations tend to be fragile, untouched and fairly preserved. Think islands, densely biodiverse reserves and significant cultural landmarks.This form of travel was first introduced in the 1970s but it only started to take off towards the end of the 1980s. Thanks to the growing trend in people prioritising greener choices, ecotourism is getting more and more popular every year.

Why is Ecotourism Important?

Photo by Dave on UnsplashEcotourism helps preserve and foster respect for some of the most beautiful environments on Earth. It encourages travellers to help protect the environment and contribute to local communities on a much deeper level than the tourists just passing through.This hands-on approach plays a vital part in educating travellers about some of the hardships these environments face, which can only be a good thing! The more knowledge we have about the world, the better we can protect it – both from ourselves and climate change.Overtourism is a huge problem for a number of reasons. It can put a strain on a destination’s resources and inhabitants, and it can prevent them from safeguarding their most fragile assets effectively.Popular places like Machu Picchu in Peru were beginning to limit the number of tourists for fear of long term and irreversible damage to these precious sites.Ecotourism is an antidote to unsustainable tourism.It’s also an ally of conservation.No one wants to visit a beach that’s covered in plastic. Ecotourism-focused attractions put the welfare of the environment first to ensure that they can provide an excellent service long term.

Examples of Ecotourism

Photo by Bernard Hermant on UnsplashThe growing trend in ecotourism has made it easier than ever to find bucket list-worthy eco-adventures.You can now do ecotourism activities that focus on working with and protecting the environment. These can involve attractions and locally-run small group tours that take their environmental and social impact into consideration. I love G Adventures exactly for this reason.They are committed to ensuring that every tour they run has a positive impact on the community and the environment. They have some pretty epic adventures too from wellness tours to National Geographic Journeys and everything in between! See their tours here.Ecotourism can also be about where you stay on your travels. Eco-resorts and ecolodges are now popular places to stay among travellers. You can easily book them on regular accommodation sites like topqa.info.A particular favourite of mine is CoolStays as they have a whole category dedicated to eco-friendly accommodation. You can see it here.The term ‘ecolodge’ is usually associated with roughing it but it’s actually no longer the case. Ecolodges might not have all the amenities of a standard hotel but they have become the definition of eco-luxury – beautifully designed, comfortable and unique. You’ll be surprised at what luxuries they do offer.Read More: 10 of the Best Ecolodges in the World

The Benefits of Ecotourism

Photo by Bernard Hermant on UnsplashWe’ve talked about the importance of ecotourism and how it minimises negative impacts. Now, let’s dive into the actual benefits.

Educates People

We’ve already mentioned how ecotourism raises awareness of the threats to the environment, but it goes much deeper than that. It can also help inspire real change.All it takes is for someone to spread the word about ecotourism and conservation efforts for more people to get informed, make changes from home and encourage policymakers to make a real difference.Knowledge is power.

Makes the World a More Beautiful Place

Earth is already beautiful but some of its corners are far from pristine.Ecotourism ensures that the world stays beautiful long term. It protects and preserves some of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.By choosing to support ecotourism, you can use your travels to save some of the world’s most precious natural gems.

Supports Local Communities and Conservation Efforts

Ecotourism puts money into the hands of small enterprises and local communities rather than large corporations that cut corners to save money.Read more: Dear Dr. Universe: Why do cats lose their whiskers? – Nisi, 10, Nampa, IdahoBy supporting ecotourism holidays, you financially give back to the places you visit and help sustain the livelihoods of the local communities.

Improves the Quality of Travel

Travel should be about enriching experiences and ecotourism does just that. You get a much deeper cultural understanding of a destination and the chance to really appreciate its natural beauty.That’s what travel should be.Ecotourism is not just good for the environment. Our own personal development and mental health reap the rewards of it too. It allows us to connect with nature in an interactive and respectful way which brings a multitude of benefits to our well-being.Studies have also shown that exposure to natural environments is crucial to our psychological health. In other words, ecotourism makes us feel good.

If it’s about the Environment, Shouldn’t We Just Stay at Home?

Photo by redcharlie on UnsplashThe answer is yes and no. It’s true that tourism accounts for roughly 8% of greenhouse gases but it doesn’t mean we should give up travelling altogether. It’s about finding a balance which is exactly what ecotourism does.By choosing ecotourism, you’re avoiding mass tourism in favour of an experience that really matters and gives back to the planet. It’s conscious travel.

What is the Difference between Ecotourism and Sustainable Travel?

Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash‘Ecotourism,’ ‘sustainable travel,’ ‘responsible travel,’ ‘ethical travel.’ There is a lot of jargon surrounding green travel and it all starts to get a bit confusing. Ecotourism and sustainable travel are often thought to be interchangeable, but do they really mean the same thing?Sustainable travel and ecotourism are very similar. They both come from the idea that travel should have a positive impact on the community and the environment. For both terms, it comes down to making conscious decisions about travelling in a more eco-friendly, impactful and ethical way.Still, despite their similarities, sustainable travel and ecotourism do differ slightly. Let’s break it down:The UN World Tourism Organisation defines sustainable tourism as: ‘Refer[reing] to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development. A suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long term sustainability.’Sustainable travel is a broader term than ecotourism because it refers to a set of guidelines rather than a form of travel. These guidelines are aimed more towards businesses and travel providers rather than the consumer. It essentially brings the overall principles of sustainability into the travel industry.In a nutshell, these principles are known as the three pillars of sustainability: economic impact, socio-cultural impact and environmental impact.The focus of these principles is to make sure that the consumer has the opportunity to make environmentally sustainable choices in all aspects of their travel, including where they stay and what they do.The principles of ecotourism refer to a specific type of travel that focuses on conservation and the preservation of communities and ecologies. It’s about taking action to ensure that the natural world remains preserved and unspoiled.As you can see it’s a very blurred line between the two. You couldn’t have ecotourism without sustainable travel and there are aspects of each other in both of them.Read More: Two Responsible Travellers Share Their Sustainable Travel Tips

How to be an Ecotourist

Photo by Adli Wahid on Unsplash

Choose a Destination which is Known for its Ecotourism

The easiest way to be an ecotourist is to visit a destination that is known for its ecotourism initiatives. I’ve included a list of some of the top ecotourism places below to give you a few ideas.Ecotourism is usually associated with somewhere particularly biodiverse and tropical but you can actually find evidence of it all over the world.

Make Sure the Ecotourism Project or Organisation is Transparent

Ecotourism has seen a rise in popularity but so has greenwashing. The term describes organisations that market their products as ethical and eco-friendly to appeal to consumers who want to make a positive impact on the planet.What’s worse, greenwashing organisations are far from the environmentally-conscious businesses they depict themselves to be.To avoid falling victim to greenwashing, make sure that the organisation is transparent about their operations. They should have detailed information about their environmental efforts and they’re sometimes endorsed by a green label.If you’re in any doubt, read the reviews or contact them directly.Check out my guide to picking trustworthy activities when you’re on holiday so you can get the most out of your trip.

Avoid Exploitative Voluntourism

Volunteering abroad is a popular trend among travellers wanting to make a real difference in the world. Despite appearances, volunteer tourism, otherwise known as voluntourism, is an unregulated industry. Some volunteer programmes can actually do more harm than good.If you’re keen to volunteer, look carefully into how the programme operates. Think about how your skills can benefit the programme rather than turning up as an unskilled volunteer. Avoid working in orphanages and be wary of animal ‘sanctuaries.’Read more: Why Voluntourism Does More Harm than Good

Make Use of Local Guides

Book activities with small-scale businesses that employ local staff as guides. You’ll be rewarded with a more in-depth experience from someone who has an insider’s perspective on the local area.These travel companies employ local staff and work on projects that give back to the community. They’re a prime example of what to look for in ethical tourism businesses.The Leave No Trace principles of responsible hiking, camping and backpacking also apply to being an ecotourist – particularly when you’re out in nature!Wherever you go it’s important to stick to the designated pathways, dispose of your rubbish responsibly, leave everything as you find it and take only photos.You should also be respectful of wildlife, observe them at a safe distance and don’t try to feed them.Pack travel essentials that are kind to the planet too. This packing list can help.

Stay in Ecolodges which Support the Environment and the Community

The best ecolodges and eco-resorts go above and beyond to make sure that their accommodation is cohesive with the natural environment and local communities.They work together with the local NGOs to protect the surrounding environment and employ staff from local towns and villages. These eco-stays also offer amazing cultural experiences so you can get a fully immersive understanding of the area.

Top Ecotourism Destinations

Read more: Why does my cold brew taste sourPhoto by Rowan Heuvel on UnsplashWhat you see below is by no means the extensive list of all ecotourism destinations. There are projects and organisations all over the world. For example, you can stay in luxury ecolodges in Vietnam, plant trees in Scotland and participate in cultural activities in Jordan.Here are some of the best destinations you can visit if you want to be an ecotourist:

Costa Rica

Costa Rica accounts for 6% of the world’s biodiversity so it’s no surprise that the country is a world leader in ecotourism. Almost 40% of Costa Rica’s territory is protected and 25% of its landmass is national parks.If you love wildlife then Costa Rica is the place for you. Community-based ecotourism is also popular and activities include visiting coffee fields and local plantations.

The Galapagos Islands

Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands have been called a living laboratory of evolution. Some of the species of flora and fauna that live here are not found anywhere else in the world.Ecotourism is an important part of this destination and visitors can meet the local wildlife, hike, dive and visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre. All tourists are required to have a guide to explore the Galapagos Islands.

Hawaii

Hawaii has the highest number of threatened and endangered species on the planet so ecotourism plays a vital role in protecting them.The Big Island, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai all support culture and nature-based tourism. Highlights include whale watching, the botanical gardens, agricultural tours and hiking.

Bhutan

Conservation of the natural environment is a key part of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy. As mandated in the constitution, 60% of Bhutan’s forests are protected and it has the largest percentage of protected land (51%) than any other Asian country.Bhutan has also set up a homestay programme that provides tourists with an authentic cultural experience and supports local communities.

Iceland

It’s no secret that Iceland is one of the top destinations in the world for ecotourism. The country’s main tourist attractions lie in its breathtaking and sparsely populated landscapes. Iceland has some of the cleanest air in the world and most of its energy comes from hydroelectric and geothermal plants.

Borneo

A huge part of Borneo’s ecotourism comes from the island’s impressive biodiversity. The Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the last remaining untouched jungles in the world.Although deforestation threatens much of Borneo, organisations like the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership work to find a solution that protects them and supports the local economy.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a leader in conservation practices. The country has over 10,000 protected areas, including reserves and 13 national parks. Ecotourism plays a huge part in encouraging visitors to enjoy its unique natural sites and wildlife in a responsible way. Educational travel activities are popular and you can work on farms, take tours and learn about Maori culture.

Panama

Panama is relatively new to ecotourism compared to others on the list but its burgeoning tourism industry and unique flora and fauna have encouraged the country to adopt a more responsible tourism infrastructure.Some regions have taken a nature-friendly approach. Visitors can go on ethical wildlife tours, participate in adventure-based activities and meet local indigenous communities.

Finland

The untouched landscape paired with the deep-rooted respect for the environment makes Finland a haven of environmental tourism. With over 70% of land covered by forest, Finland is one of the most forested countries in the world. A top ecotourism highlight is visiting the national parks where reindeer and elk are protected.

Kenya

Kenya is a top ecotourism destination in Africa and it owes its eco-friendly focus to its wildlife. The country has seven habitats, about 11% of the world’s avian species and wildlife including the ‘Big Five’ (buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard). Visitors can participate in a variety of nature-enriched activities that support conservation and the local communities.

Botswana

In 2002, Botswana adopted an eco-friendly approach to tourism to protect its natural resources and wildlife. The initiative began in the Okavango Delta, an inland river delta and one of the largest deltas in the world. It floods for a few months in the year, providing lush wetlands for a multitude of wildlife, including elephants, lions and hippos.Read More: Forest Bathing Therapy: What It Is and How to Do ItPin me for later!

Useful Resources on Ecotourism

When it boils down to it, ecotourism is about using tourism to actively protect the environment and local communities. It helps preserve otherwise fragile ecosystems, supports community development and gives travellers an enriching and immersive travel experience.What’s not to love?If you have any questions about ecotourism or if you would like to discuss the topic further, my inbox is always open for a chat. You can reach me at [email protected].

Recap, Quick Guide to Ecotourism (video)

Here’s a quick recap of everything we’ve covered in a short video.***Keen to explore ecotourism a bit further? Check out these resources below:

Books

Romancing the Wild: Cultural Dimensions of Ecotourism by Robert Fletcher Get it here. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development by Martha Honey Get it here. Ecotourists Save the World: The Environmental Volunteer’s Guide to More Than 300 International Adventures to Conserve, Preserve, and Rehabilitate Wildlife and Habitats by Pamela K. Brodowsky Get it here.Ecotourism by David A. Fennell Get it here.

Articles

How to Distinguish Between Natural Tourism & EcotourismTips on How to become an Ecotourist

Videos

Can ecotourism help save the ocean?Ecotourism – A Sustainable Way to Travel

what is ecotourism and why is it important