2024 JULY ISSUE
ECOTOURISM
A GREEN WAY TO
TRAVEL
By CAROLINE KOPAS
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From the Desk of the Publisher
Ecotourism in according to Merriam-Webster’s explanation is, “the practice of touring natural habitats in a manner meant to minimize ecological impact.”
Global tourism industry is a massive sector with significant economic impact worldwide. Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, it contributed approximately $9.2 trillion to the global economy, about 10.4% global GDP. It was responsible for 330 million jobs, which is about 10% of total global employment. During that time, there we around 1.5 billion international tourists traveling globally, and their spending reached approximately $1.7 trillion.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the industry with a drastic drop in international tourism. The World Tourism Organization and other industry analysts project continuous growth in the coming years and it can only be supported by increasing incomes, the expansion of the middle class in emerging markets and other stimulation for the tourism industry.
This piece is telling us to be considerate and to pay attention to the environment as well as the local habitats. Ecotourism has been around since 1980s but many of us are still unaware. Caroline reminded us to have some thoughts by observing our behavior in order to make ourselves to become more welcome by the countries we visit.
Let’s build up our tourist industry with quality in order that this important industry can sustain and prosper.
The Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko recently made global headlines for purposefully obstructing the view of the national landmark Mt. Fuji. Large masses of tourists that disrupted everyday life, became traffic hazards and prohibited road safety, and frequently littered the area were cited as their reasons for the move. As more and more places around the world face similar issues, it is time travelers and destinations alike revisit how they approach tourism.
In addition to cities and man-made landmarks, the world is full of natural wonders that draw an international community of sightseers. However, many tourism practices, although attaining income for the country and industry, can be harmful to both the environment and locals. A lot of the time, tourism revenue does little to help the communities most closely affected by tourism’s consequences. Such is the case in the state of Hawaii, where many natives blame overtourism for the ongoing housing crisis, water shortages, and an un-diverse economy (ABC News). This sense has only been exacerbated after the devastating wildfires Maui saw last year.
A term has begun to float around in response: ecotourism. The word has been around since the eighties, and has been used by international organizations for almost just as long. However, it has only recently begun to enter the vernacular of the average person. Merriam-Webster defines ecotourism as “the practice of touring natural habitats in a manner meant to minimize ecological impact.” A more nuanced definition from United Nations Tourism attributes its meaning as a type of tourism in which:
- “All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas.
- It contains educational and interpretation features.
- It is generally, but not exclusively organized by specialized tour operators for small groups. Service provider partners at the destinations tend to be small, locally owned businesses.
- It minimizes negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment.
- It supports the maintenance of natural areas which are used as ecotourism attractions by:Generating economic benefits for host communities, organizations and authorities managing natural areas with conservation purposes;
- Providing alternative employment and income opportunities for local communities;
- Increasing awareness towards the conservation of natural and cultural assets, both among locals and tourists.”
If ecotourism is done effectively, it is beneficial to all parties and helps ensure that the natural area can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists for generations to come without environmental, economic, or cultural ruin. At the center of ecotourism is respect and mindfulness.
Not only it is be becoming increasingly relevant because of degradation in tourist areas, such as in Fujikawaguchiko, but also because tourism is one of the world’s least green industries. Sustainable Travel cites tourism as roughly eight percent of the world’s carbon emissions, with almost fifty percent of those emissions attributed to travel, most significantly through planes. Air travel has become more and more accessible, and people are flying at rates that would have been unfathomable half of a century ago.
Similarly, the hospitality industry contributes to this eight-percent statistic, for most hotels rely on fossil fuels and use large amounts of water and energy. Hotels additionally tend to inflate housing and living costs in the areas in which they are erected and create division, especially within the global south, between wealthy tourists seeking luxury and locals.
So, how can you begin to participate in ecotourism?
Firstly, be conscientious about what you consume while travelling. Try to remember to not overuse water and electricity, especially if you are visiting areas where the commodities are scarce. Pack lightly, and consider buying products where you are rather than bringing them with you, so you not only support the local economy but have luggage of a lighter weight. Be sure to recycle/compost if there are programs available, and try to avoid single-use plastics by bringing reusable and handy supplies, such as tote bags and water bottles.
Also, be sure to immerse yourself in the culture of where you are visiting. Meaningful connections and mutual respect between peoples will be instrumental parts of a sustainable future. Consider giving to local communities if you have the ability, with either time, supplies, or money. You are visiting their home for your enjoyment, after all. Be respectful of the environment while you’re at it, and make sure not to leave a lasting mark by polluting or damaging it.
It’s important to keep in mind that despite being better for the environment and local communities than normal tourism, ecotourism still retains issues, and as the industry grows, it is possible it’s expansion will counteract its mission with the building of new infrastructure, increased crowds, heavier pollution, and population displacement. As of now, however, it is a stepping stone to a more sustainable way to travel.
