What is Eco Tourism?
Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel that protects the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and educates the community.” How does ecotourism work? Why is it important? How can we put the basic principles of ecotourism into practice?
The concept of “ecotourism,” a movement that began to take shape in the 1980s, serves as an umbrella for many terms such as sustainable tourism, green tourism, nature tourism, responsible tourism, ethical tourism, mindful travel, and conscious travel. Regardless of their names and technical differences, the common point of this philosophy is that it focuses on the travel industry adopting more environmentally friendly practices. In short, the belief that a destination should protect its natural and cultural heritage and support local communities.
What is the Definition of Ecotourism?
Hector Ceballos-Lascurain, a famous environmentalist, was the first to use the word ‘ecotourism’ in 1983 and was the first to define ecotourism. Today, the original definition of Epler Wood, the director of the International Sustainable Tourism Initiative, is as follows; “Responsible travel to natural areas that protects the environment and enhances the well-being of local people.”
It is a common misconception to assume that ecotourism is about protecting nature and wildlife. Because if a destination does not provide tangible financial benefits for local people, it is not ecotourism.
NGOs such as The Center for Responsible Travel have expanded on Epler Wood’s concept to provide more in-depth definitions of ecotourism. CREST currently defines ecotourism as “Responsible travel to natural areas that protects the environment, improves the social and economic well-being of local people, and creates knowledge and cultural understanding through education for all involved (including staff, travelers, and community residents).”
Ecotourism is a concept that combines nature conservation, community well-being and sustainable travel. Those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities need to adopt the following ecotourism principles:
• Minimize the negative physical, social and behavioral impacts of tourism.
• Create environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide financial benefits to both local people and the private sector to protect nature.
• Provide experiences that help tourists increase sensitivity to the environmental and social climates of host countries.
• Design, build and manage tourist facilities with a low carbon footprint
• Collaborate to protect the rights of local people and strengthen their well-being.
According to the above principles, ecotourism covers all nature-based activities that increase tourists' understanding and appreciation of natural and cultural values. It aims to be ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. It requires contributing to the well-being and protection of the natural areas and local communities in which they operate.
These contributions can be examples of tourism that include educational experiences/activities. In addition, service provider partners in destinations tend to be local businesses. The aim is to provide an experience that minimizes negative impacts on the natural and socio-cultural environment. Ecotourism also focuses on creating economic benefits for local communities, organizations and authorities. Providing alternative employment and income opportunities in the local area is one of the aims. Ecotourism also aims to increase awareness among tourists and local people about the protection of natural and cultural assets.
• Protect nature
• Prioritize the protection of animal and plant species.
• Manage waste.
• Generate funds to preserve natural resources.
• Ensure the protection of cultural heritage.
• Prepare environmental emergency regulations.
• Inform visitors about natural and cultural values and world heritage status.
• Report suspected violations, incidents and pollution.
• Monitor protected areas and their use.
• Support local and indigenous communities.
• Educate both staff and tourists visiting the destination.
Ecotourism is, at its core, focused on long-term sustainability rather than short-term profits. It is about bringing together conservationists, local communities, and the responsible travel industry to drive local development.
The goal is to develop tourist accommodations, activities, and attractions that benefit everyone involved (locals, travel industry stakeholders, and travelers).
With this mission in mind, the ecotourism industry has developed a set of guiding principles over the past few years. The principles of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council include:
1. Creating Environmental and Cultural Awareness
Education is an important part of ecotourism initiatives for both locals and visitors. Many of these efforts focus on raising awareness, sensitizing people to environmental issues, and encouraging them to be aware of the impact they have on the places they visit.
Some tour operators create conservation education programs for local schools. They provide interpretive guides, naturalists, and guest lecturers to help travelers deepen their understanding of their experiences.
Conservation of the environment and nature is probably the most important component of ecotourism. It aims to provide long-term, sustainable solutions to preserve biodiversity and nature.
2. Design and Operation of Effective Facilities
The aim of ecotourism is to minimize the carbon footprint that travel leaves on the environment. For this reason, ecotourism facilities need to be designed consciously, from using alternative energy sources to sourcing all building materials locally.
3. Providing Financial Benefits for Conservation
The idea of using income from ecotourism to fund the conservation of nature and wildlife is not new. Such practices date back more than 100 years to the establishment of the U.S. National Parks Service. When managed properly, ecotourism is the most effective solution to negative phenomena such as unconscious urbanization, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture and poaching.
4. Providing Prosperity to Local People
Ecotourism; should provide financial benefits to local people, either directly (tours, entrance fees, and donations) or indirectly (such as travel or accommodation taxes). The best results are generally achieved when local communities are more involved in all steps of the tourism development process.
5. Support Human Rights
Ecotourism initiatives should seek to support human rights, economic empowerment, and democratic movements in a given destination. Raising awareness of the sociopolitical and environmental issues facing a given destination should support the rights of local businesses and residents to protect their land and assets.
Ecotourism prioritizes increasing employment opportunities and empowering local communities, thereby helping to combat global social problems such as poverty and contributing to sustainable development.
One of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry is ecotourism.
Sustainably managed ecotourism provides alternative livelihoods for local communities and provides employment, reducing poverty.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that communities in areas surrounding protected areas in Costa Rica have lower poverty rates than those in areas not near protected parks.
Ecotourism offers unique travel experiences that focus on nature and education, with an emphasis on sustainability and threatened or endangered species. The revenues from ecotourism are often spent directly on the conservation of the natural areas visited.
In some cases, ecotourism can help or harm the ecosystem. We should pay particular attention to the issue of ‘greenwashing’, which we have been hearing about a lot lately. Green and unsustainable practices can be marketed under ecotourism, which can ultimately harm the environment. In addition, as ecotourism activities become more popular, infrastructure work done to accommodate more visitors wears out nature. In short, crowds can put more pressure on local resources, cause soil loss due to increased pollution and erosion, and damage plant quality. Ecotourism should not be done with mass greed, and balances should be maintained.
Being a more responsible traveler is the best way to ensure that your adventures are positive for the local community and the planet. While it may seem like going green on an individual basis may not make an impact, we can all make a difference in society when we are more conscious of our choices. Here are some simple practices and habits to follow:
1. Conserve Water
Take shorter showers, turn off the tap when you shave and brush your teeth, and use hotel towels without changing them for a few days.
2. Save Energy
When you leave your hotel room, turn off the lights, heat, air conditioning, and TV. Consider leaving a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door so that housekeeping doesn’t clean your room every day. This saves on harsh chemical cleaners and the electricity of vacuuming and washing bed linens.
3. Buy Local
Seek out local artisans and learn about their crafts, and support local makers, artists, and craftspeople.
4. Leave Only Your Footprints in Nature
Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging native vegetation, and carry a litter-picking bag along your journey.
5. Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist
Take time to immerse yourself in local music, art, and cuisine. Embrace cultural differences. Learn about the local people and their perspectives on life. You may be surprised at what you learn when you open your mind to new ideas! Understand and respect traditions.
6. Shop Smarter
Read labels and ask questions like, “What is this product made of?” People all over the planet are selling products from unsustainable precious trees and endangered species! Be conscious and careful when shopping.
Although pesticides play an important role in agricultural production, they should be used carefully and in a controlled manner due to their negative effects on the environment and health. Approaches such as encouraging more sustainable agricultural practices, disseminating biological control methods and integrated pest management are of great importance in reducing pesticide use and producing healthy agricultural products. Tightening legal regulations on a global scale and supporting alternative solutions will be important steps towards minimizing environmental and health problems caused by pesticides.
In this context, raising awareness among both producers and consumers plays a critical role in reducing the harmful effects of pesticides and building a healthier future. We must all adopt more sustainable agricultural practices together to protect the health of our planet and leave a livable world for future generations. Each of us must take a stand against the poisons in our food and use our power as consumers!