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ECO TOURS |
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Eco-tourism is more than a
catch phrase for nature loving travel and recreation. Eco-tourism
is consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the
world's natural and cultural environments. It accommodates and
entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or
destructive to the environment and sustains & supports the native
cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility of
both travelers and service providers is the genuine meaning for
eco-tourism.
Eco-tourism also endeavors to encourage and support the diversity
of local economies for which the tourism-related income is
important. With support from tourists, local services and
producers can compete with larger, foreign companies and local
families can support themselves. Besides all these, the revenue
produced from tourism helps and encourages governments to fund
conservation projects and training programs.
Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural
luxuries and forest life, that's what eco-tourism is all about.
Whether it's about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips
towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always
keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life
cycle of nature.
Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures,
volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our
vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to
destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the
primary attractions. Responsible Eco-tourism includes programs
that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the
natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local
people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and
cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote
recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation of
economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part
of Eco-tourism.
Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation,
sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely
related to Eco-Tourism. Many professionals have been involved in
formulating and developing eco-tourism policies. They come from
the fields of Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Management,
Wildlife Photography, Marine Biology and Oceanography, National
and State Park Management, Environmental Sciences, Women in
Development, Historians and Archaeologists, etc.
Eco-tourism is considered the fastest growing market in the
tourism industry, according to the World Tourism Organization with
an annual growth rate of 5% worldwide and representing 6% of the
world gross domestic product, 11.4% of all consumer spending - not
a market to be taken lightly. |
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What is
Eco-Tourism?
Fundamentally, eco-tourism means making as little environmental
impact as
 possible and helping to sustain the indigenous populace,
thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when
visiting a place. This is responsible form of tourism and tourism
development, which encourages going back to natural products in
every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological
development.
The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as
"responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment and improves the well-being of local people." This
means that those who implement and participate in Eco-tourism
activities should follow the following principles: |
- Minimize impact
- Build environmental and
cultural awareness and respect
- Provide positive experiences
for both visitors and hosts
- Provide direct financial
benefits for conservation
- Provide financial benefits and
empowerment for local people
- Raise sensitivity to host
countries' political, environmental, and social climate
- Support international human
rights and labour agreements
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Aware of the
Environment
Today the "Green Laws" of conservation are making people aware of
how man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time
to come and eco-tourism is the only way to maximize the economic,
environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a
stakeholder in the process and we clearly need to avoid our past
shortcomings and negative impact that they have had.
In India too the movement is
gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related
organization's are addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and
promoting eco-tourism in the country. Some basic do's and don'ts
of eco-tourism are listed below: |
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Do's
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Carry back all non-degradable
litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must
not
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litter the environment or be
buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
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Observe the sanctity of holy
sites, temples and local cultures.
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Cut noise pollution. Do not blare
aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment
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equipment in nature resorts,
sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
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In case temporary toilets are
set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand.
Make
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sure that the spot is at least 30
meters away from the water source.
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Respect people's privacy while
taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a
photograph.
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Don'ts |
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Do not take away flora and fauna
in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal,
especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate
in this region and the bio-diversity of the region
has to be protected at all costs.
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Do not use pollutants such as
detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
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Do not use wood as fuel to cook
food at the campsite.
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Do not leave cigarettes butts or
make open fires in the forests.
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Do not consume aerated drinks,
alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the
wild.
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Do not tempt the locals,
especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets.
Respect local traditions.
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Polythene and plastics are non
biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be
used and littered.
As a traveller, you will have an impact on the environment and
culture of the place you are visiting. Here are some rules of
thumb to make this impact positive!
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Golden Rules
When You Travel |
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Learn about your destination
before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles,
histories, and/or novels by local authors and pay particular
attention to customs such as greetings, appropriate dress,
eating behaviors, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will
increase local acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your
trip.
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Follow established guidelines. Ask
your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what
their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the
environment and local culture. Staying on trails, packing up
your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a
few ways to minimize your impact in sensitive areas.
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Seek out and support locally owned
businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to
ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your
spending.
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 Eco-Tourism in India is still at a
very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to
save the fragile Himalayan Eco System and culture and heritage of
the indigenous people, which is probably the largest concentration
in the world.
Holiday Camping vis a vis Hotel accommodation are gathering
momentum amongst the metropolis traveller. A plethora of holiday
camping options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft
adventure tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an
acceptable eco-tourism product. Resorts tucked deep inside jungles
of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri
combine to make India one of the most diverse eco-tourism
destinations on the planet. Some of these are given below:- |
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