Eco travel offers an alternative to the detrimental effects that mass tourism can have on our precious global ecosystems. Ecotourism helps conserve fragile ecosystems, promote endangered species and habitat protection, preserve indigenous cultures and develop sustainable local economies around the world.
Eco friendly travel can be both a rewarding and enriching experience. Eco travel allows you the opportunity to experience and learn another culture, while also contributing positively to other people and places.
Eco travel can make a huge difference in the world’s environment. By looking at the differences and making informed travel decisions you can minimize your impact, and positively contribute to the people and places you visit.
Following, are some guidelines to consider before, during and after your eco-travels to commit to enhancing the areas you visit:
Before You Go:
• Choose a travel provider with strong eco-principles, policies and ethical travel guidelines.
• Educate yourself on the destination you will be visiting by reading guidebooks and travel articles.
• Be aware of the local history, culture and practices. Learn basics of the language, such as “hello,” “please,” and “thank you.” The effort to learn these basic niceties will be much appreciated by local citizens and will also enhance your experience within the new country.
• Learn about the vital ecosystems, and how to protect or enhance them, in the place you are visiting.
• Consider your carbon footprint (LINK) when traveling. Calculate your carbon footprint, learn to reduce your carbon emissions and how to offset your carbon emissions while traveling.
While You Are There:
• Purchase local products and handicrafts, and remember to make sure that you are not buying products made from endangered species.
• Always ask before photographing someone, so as not to cause offense.
• Look, don’t touch. The cumulative effect of many travelers taking away natural ’souvenirs’ can destroy a delicately balanced ecosystem. Enjoy the different environments that you visit and leave them just as you find them for others to appreciate in the same way.
• Dispose of your waste appropriately and take care not to smoke in inappropriate places.
• Be culturally aware. Be aware that you are in a different country, possibly with different cultural practices and norms than you are used to. This may include different concepts of time, personal space, communication, etc.
• Conserve resources. Be aware of scarce resources such as water and/or food and plan accordingly.
• Stay on track. Try not to disturb the natural land and habitat by going off the guided track. This can be harmful to the area and dangerous to you.
When You Get Home:
• Continue your commitment to responsible eco-living. Support and follow organizations with strong eco-principles and share your experiences with others to build awareness of the importance of environmental issues and responsibility.
{ 0 comments… add one now }