The European Ecotourism Conference held in 2012
outlined 10 tips on what makes a good eco-tourist
(http://www.european-ecotourism.com/ecotourism-responsible-travel-on-local-conditions/).
We have included the list (the numbered points) and have elaborated on the
advice from what we have learned throughout the course of this blog!
1. Prepare well; learn about the place where you are going to travel!
When researching your trip, ensure all activities are considered environmentally friendly and leave any stereotypes and prejudice at home. The places you travel can have a variety of cultures and traditions that one must respect while traveling.
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| Know your facts and research your intended destination! dreamstime.com |
2. Read what other travelers are saying in blogs and travel websites, be smart to foresee greenwashing!
If it is out there, someone has done it and reviewed it. Check online sources, or with travel agencies about the best eco-tourism destinations. Greenwashing refers to the practice of green-marketing where companies deceptively portray their services or products as eco-friendly, when in reality they are not.
3. Choose the most environmentally friendly means of transport!
Aviation has been deemed one of the largest contributor of greenhouse gases, in terms of transportation. For this reason it is a currently unsustainable means of transportation. When planning an eco-tourism trip, boats and trains are better choices for long distance travel and upon arrival the use of bicycles, walking or solar powered/hybrid vehicles can decrease a tourists environmental footprint.
4. Book locally owned and environmentally friendly accommodation!
When traveling to a location where a choice of accommodation is possible, research the options and choose the one that is environmentally conscious. Also, if at all possible, bring business to locally owned facilities. This allows the money to go straight to the community, as well the employees will likely be more familiar with the area and could assist a tourist with their travels.
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| A homestay family in Cambodia- Homestays (or living with a family for a few days) is a great way to meet locals and really experience life as they do! http://www.squidoo.com/ecotourism-holidays-in-cambodia |
5. Avoid big international tour companies and holiday resorts!
Internationally owned tourist companies and holiday resorts have more than likely built their establishments with money on the mind, not conservation. Be aware that the construction process for these resorts may have destroyed a lot of natural habitat and place an emphasis more on luxury than environmental friendliness.
6. When you arrive at the destination behave as if you were visiting friends. Respect the local way of living, learn some words of the local language!
There is more to conservation then just straight biology. Learning about cultures and how the local people interact and utilize their environment give us knowledge what is important to them. Conservation starts with the support of local communities.
7. Ask for local services, fresh food, avoid
buying imported stuff!
Experiencing what a place has to offer
allows the travller to appreciate why this place is so special and food is
often a big attraction for tourists. Local food is always more sustainable and
easier to conserve then commercial agricultural ventures.
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| Fresh Local Fruit in Mexico flordelmar-mexico.com |
8. Prefer authentic experiences and natural
attractions; avoid artificial theme parks created for tourists!
Think of a place like disney or wonderland,
now picture the amount of garbage produced every day. Then add in the amount of
land destroyed to build the park, and the pollution emitted to create it. If
you want to be a true eco-tourist, visit natural attractions, go for a hike, or try kayaking or biking! Just stay away form the large tourist traps.
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| Mountain-biking in the Himalayas tribuneindia.com |
9. Learn how to support conservation and do it!
Try to find local businesses and learn where
your money is going. Does the money go tot he community, a larger corporation
or even a conservation group? Don't be afraid to ask questions!
10. After travel share your findings, thoughts,
experiences online, and help to expands collective knowledge. We are what we
share!
Just like this blog- smarter choices can be
made with the access to more information. Good and bad experiences help shape
informed decisions!
The above list demonstrates qualities of a responsible
ecotourist. Hopefully you can use them in your future travels!
At the beginning of this journey, we indicated what the elements
of ecotourism were (Click here to see!)
After exploring many aspects of Newfoundlands eco-tourism industry we think
that while the province is headed in the right direction, we still have a long
way to go. We're doing a good job of bringing local communities money, and
raising some awareness, but as a province we have a lot of work left to do.
Limiting impacts with the reduction of snowmobiling and over-hunting are great
ways to start, but community education is key in explaining to locals why our province
is such a precious place to conserve. The future actions of eco-tourism in the
province should really focus on public education and getting community support
for conservation initiatives.
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| Appalachian trail in Western Newfoundland www.cbc.ca |
Thanks for reading and get out and enjoy traveling as a responsible eco-tourist!
References:
http://www.european-ecotourism.com/ecotourism-responsible-travel-on-local-conditions/
Sorry for the white highlight- We can't seem to get rid of it!
ReplyDeleteThese seem like great tips for us to consider when we travel abroad! However, I'm not sure how many of them can actually be used in Newfoundland. Were you able to find any websites or information where people pointed out eco-friendly practices tourists can do here in the province (as per point #2)?
ReplyDeleteI think that the list is excellent - I also wondered how Newfoundland in particular, might adapt to these ideas. For example I have often wondered about the relative carbon footprint for my 2004 family holiday in Gros Morne. We drove out (4 of us in a Ford Escort station wagon) from Toronto, to Gros Morne for our summer holiday - taking the Ferry from Sydney to Port Aux Basques, and camping along the route. Is this a lower carbon footprint than flying from Toronto to Deer Lake?
ReplyDeletedawn bazely