The trend toward environmental friendliness has not bypassed the world of travel. Countries and tourists are striving to make travel safer and preserve the planet's natural heritage. This desire has led to the emergence of ecotourism. We have compiled up-to-date information on what ecotourism is, what forms it takes, and where to find the best trips for those who enjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle.
What is ecotourism and when did it start?
The concept of "ecotourism" only emerged in the second half of the 20th century, reaching its peak popularity in the 21st century. Mexican ecologist Hector Ceballos-Lascurrain developed the concept of traveling to wild nature at one of the international conferences in the 1980s.
Ecotourism is a special form of travel in which tourists choose trips to unspoiled natural areas and attractions. This type of tourism should promote nature conservation, help the local population, and improve their well-being.
Today, this phenomenon has become an important part of the global community's struggle for sustainable development of the planet. Tourists are keenly interested in exploring the most remote corners of nature, causing less harm to the environment and striving to preserve its diversity.
Eco-travel is common in regions with rich flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. Such trips always have an educational element, as tourists bring back new knowledge from the local population and seek to spread it in their own communities.
This is an excellent option for responsible tourism for those committed to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Travelers strive not to harm nature in order to pass on its heritage to future generations.
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What forms of ecotourism exist?
Many experts put forward their own theories about forms of ecotourism. We will tell you about the most popular types of eco-holidays. We are sure that you have already tried some of them, but did not know that you had taken your first step towards becoming part of the ecotourism community.
Safari
Safaris are not just about hunting and killing wild animals. Today, travelers book entire safari tours to observe animals in their natural habitat, walk along extensive ecological trails and routes, and take a few photos as souvenirs. There are even special photo safaris if capturing wildlife is a priority. Find out which reserves or national parks offer safaris and book a tour. For example, in Belarus, this opportunity is available in the Pripyatsky and Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Parks.
Ethnographic tours
Are there any of you who would like to experience the lives of previous generations and learn all the secrets of the indigenous population? Ethno-tours are the option for you. Travelers can immerse themselves in the way of life of a particular region, learn about centuries-old customs and traditions, and discover new places on the map.
Agritourism
If you have been wondering for years how farmers live and how your favorite fruits and vegetables are grown, consider agritourism. Plan a trip to a farm, a local farm, or an entire agricultural region. During this time, you can become an active participant in the life of the local population, learn how to cultivate the land and plant crops, harvest crops, and care for animals. Such a contribution to the life of the area helps rural regions maintain a decent standard of living.
Eco-volunteering
Eco-volunteers travel to developing countries and poor regions to learn more about life there and improve the welfare of the local population through their actions. Such trips boost the region's economic development, while project participants learn about new cultures, lifestyles, and traditions.
Observing animals and plants in their natural habitat
Do you enjoy bird watching? You can confidently call yourself a birdwatcher. There are entire communities of birdwatchers, and to get good results, you need to study a lot of information. You can observe not only birds, but also butterflies, flowers, and even trees.
Eco-trekking
This group includes all forms of leisure activities involving physical activity in nature. If you have already been hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, or kayaking, congratulations! You have every reason to consider yourself part of the ecotourism community.
We recommend paying attention to travel agencies that offer additional excursions focusing on the history and life of the region. Incidentally, they sometimes donate part of their profits to the development of the local population.
Principles of ecotourism
Any trip with the prefix "eco" should follow a few simple rules. Check which principles you can already tick off on this checklist:
- minimal negative physical and social impact of tourism on natural sites;
- environmental awareness and respect for the culture of the region;
- tourists themselves experiencing vivid emotions and impressions;
- assisting indigenous peoples and studying their rights, traditions, and beliefs;
- local residents should receive benefits and advantages from travelers and companies that organize tours;
- economic efficiency and sustainable development of a specific region.
Most popular destinations
There are many countries and regions on the world map that will be a real discovery for ecotourism enthusiasts. We will tell you where it is best to plan such a trip and what to expect from the nature of each country.
Costa Rica
This country is quite small in size. But that doesn't prevent it from being home to about 4% of all the world's animals and plants. About two-thirds of the country is covered by pristine tropical forests. Ready for another statistic? 25% of Costa Rica is made up of national parks and nature reserves.
Costa Rica is perfect for both kayaking enthusiasts and fans of hiking through tropical thickets. We recommend planning a trip to Corcovado National Park. But remember that the number of visitors per day is limited, and you cannot get there without a guide.
Iceland
Small Iceland has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. The country's authorities are seriously considering how to make travel responsible and beneficial.
What is Iceland famous for? Geysers, of course! The local population even uses them to heat their homes and water. Be sure to visit the Blue Lagoon resort to experience the healing power of the northern springs.
Brazil
Brazil's natural heritage is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. Just think of the incredible Amazon rainforest! To date, numerous scientists and researchers have not yet uncovered all the secrets of these forests. By the way, did you know that they are the green lungs of our planet? Be sure to take a trip to these untouched wilderness areas and discover your own Amazon.
Peru
If you think Peru is only worth visiting for Machu Picchu, prepare to be surprised and amazed. Yes, there are many architectural landmarks and heritage sites of the Inca civilization preserved here. Few people know that Peru is one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in the world. The local mountain landscapes and jungles amaze even the most experienced tourists.
Incidentally, Amazon rainforests have been preserved in the country, so you can see some of them here. For lovers of ethnic tours, the traditions of the Indians and the way of life of the Incas are of particular interest. We recommend visiting Huascaran National Park if you want to see the spectacled bear and the Andean condor, which are on the verge of extinction.
Chile
In 2020, Chile became the most popular destination for ecotourism in the world. Surprised? Of course! Just imagine that this South American country has 41 national parks, 45 nature reserves, and 17 natural monuments.
It is impossible to make a mistake when choosing the best park or reserve for your trip. But we recommend paying attention to the Willo Willo waterfall and Torres del Paine National Park. By the way, Chile offers excellent opportunities for eco-volunteers. Look for a suitable program, and besides, this is another chance to improve your spoken Spanish.
Slovenia
We are sure that many of you have heard of the famous Slovenian lake Bled. 60% of the country's territory is covered by forests, and more than half of the land is protected by the authorities. Tourists are eager to go hiking in these areas to see the pristine beauty of nature.
Fans of camping and its modern counterpart, glamping, will find everything they need for these activities in Slovenia. We recommend paying attention to the eco-labels on accommodation and products. By choosing them, you can be sure that you are supporting the country's efforts to develop ecotourism.
Palau
This island nation is a true paradise for those who enjoy diving deep. The local forests and beaches will leave divers and other travelers speechless with delight.
The authorities are so concerned about preserving natural diversity that they have developed a special reward system. Every time you perform an action from the mobile app, you earn points in your account. This could be something as simple as using sunscreen or buying locally produced products. The main result is helping to preserve the culture of this amazing region.
Kenya
This is one of the best options for ecotourism in Africa. The state takes special care of biodiversity and natural sites. To this end, the government has even created a special organization called "Kenya Ecotourism."
Tourists are eager to see Kenya's national parks at any cost. The authorities have been forced to ban poaching, single-use plastics, and plastic bags to encourage sustainable tourism. By the way, take note of the opportunity to do eco-volunteering in Kenya. There are always vacancies in this country!
Tips for ecotourists
Here are a few recommendations on how to make any trip eco-friendly, even if you're not going on a special safari tour or cruise through the Amazon rainforest.
- Research everything in advance. If you are going on a tour with a company, ask what kind of transport you will be using. Remember that helicopters and boats with gasoline engines scare animals and pollute the atmosphere.
- Take care of the wild environment. Don't forget that your goal is to observe animals and plants in their natural habitat. If you want to see dolphins, choose a special reserve rather than a dolphinarium, where animals often perform as captive artists.
- Dispose of trash. If there is no place to dispose of trash nearby, collect everything in a separate bag and leave it at the nearest specialized waste collection point.
- Choose modes of transportation that do not cause significant damage to the environment: bicycles, trains, and buses.
- Buy souvenirs from local artisans and craftspeople, and look for items in second-hand shops and vintage markets.
