The number of endangered species is rising as the world continues to industrialise and humans expand into previously uninhabited wild areas. Travel can contribute to this endangerment, with the development of tourist infrastructure destroying habitats and polluting the environment.
Eco-travel can help limit humanity’s impact on endangered species and support conservation efforts. In this article, we’ll explain eco-tourism and explain how you can participate.
Defining Eco-Tourism
Eco-tourism is a type of nature-based tourism focusing on ecological preservation and environmental sustainability. It aims to protect natural landscapes and promote green economic growth in developing countries.
Some common misconceptions about eco-tourism include that it requires stopping flying, is massively expensive, and only involves protecting the environment. In reality, eco-tourism can be inexpensive by booking budget options like trains, and it supports local communities. It preserves cultural heritage, and there are options to fly sustainably, like booking direct flights.
Eco-tourism is also often conflated with greenwashing. Greenwashing is the deceptive practice of companies falsely claiming to be environmentally friendly to appear more sustainable than they really are. Eco-tourism is genuinely responsible travel that aims to minimise its environmental impact and maximise sustainability.
The Link Between Eco-Tourism and Conservation
Eco-tourism can have a positive, direct impact on conservation efforts around the world. For example, conservation park entrance fees for guided tours can be directed to fund anti-poaching patrols and hire new park employees.
Through guided tours or volunteer programs, travellers can learn about the environment they visit and support habitat restoration projects. This could involve beach cleanups, wildlife monitoring programs, or tree-planting initiatives that benefit species conservation.
A growing number of eco-tourists visiting an area can create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities by creating conservation and hospitality jobs. These jobs can reduce poverty and improve locals’ overall quality of life, especially those working in smaller establishments. They also reduce reliance on activities that harm local wildlife, like palm oil farming.
Tips for Responsible Eco-Travel
If you’re planning on eco-travelling and are unsure about how to make your trip more eco-friendly, here are some tips:
Choose certified eco-lodges and tour operators. Look for certifications from organisations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Green Globe, and EarthCheck to verify their commitment to sustainable practices.
Flying is often unavoidable, but you can minimise your carbon footprint with carbon offsetting. Calculating the amount of CO2 the flight produces, you can contribute to a project that reduces carbon emissions elsewhere.
Buy and wear sustainable clothes and shoes. Wear boots with a Leather Working Group (LWG) certification or clothes made from recycled fabrics.
Respect the local wildlife and their habits by avoiding feeding them and maintaining a safe distance. Packing light and avoiding single-use plastics will also minimise the risk of contributing to local environmental degradation.
Travel Responsibly
Responsible eco-tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation. By picking out specific destinations and choosing ethical tour operators, you can directly and financially contribute to organisations that preserve endangered species habitats.
Image: Unsplash, Noah Buscher
