TipSheet : On Ecotourism

TipSheet : On Ecotourism: ""

Posted Saturday, October 27, 2007 11:20
On Ecotourism
Newsweek
From BudgetTravel.com

By Dan Oko

The basics of ecotourism are fairly easy to grasp: Businesses that cater to tourists follow special policies to protect the environment, aid the local community, and educate travelers.

But considering there's no universal set of standards, and nearly 100 groups offer various "eco" certifications and memberships, doing the right thing is a lot more complicated than one would hope.

A vacationer looking to spend time and money in an environmentally conscious manner might run across names such as Sustainable Travel International, Conservation International, Rainforest Alliance, The International Ecotourism Society, Green Hotels Association, and EcoClub, as well as regional associations like Ecotourism Australia and Travel Green Wisconsin. Each has the same idea at heart, but good values can be put into action in very different ways. Ecotourism Australia awards attractions, tours, and accommodations three categories of certificates: Nature Tourism, Ecotourism, and something called Advanced Ecotourism. The Costa Rica Tourism Board tabulates the results of questionnaires and on-site visits to rate eco-lodges on a scale of 0 to 5 green leaves. The Green Hotels Association sends members a 136-page booklet with info about noise control, composting, and other environmental issues, but the only real qualification to join is payment of an annual fee of $100-$350.

Adding to the confusion are operations that eschew official recognition yet stick to rigorous environmental guidelines, such as the adventure outfit Mountain Travel Sobek.

The best way, then, to find out what a hotel, resort, or tour operator does--and doesn't do--for the earth is to ask questions. You may not completely understand the answers; what does sustainability mean anyway? But you should listen closely nonetheless. If it sounds like the employee you're talking to is making things up or has never heard the questions before (let alone answered them), there's a problem.

How do you conserve resources?

It's easy to request that guests reuse towels; hotels taking water conservation a step further irrigate lawns and gardens with gray water (from bath and laundry sources) rather than fresh water. Guests should be encouraged to walk, ride bicycles, and take advantage of public transportation and energy-efficient vehicles such as hybrids. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are good signs, as is the separating of trash and composting. Whenever possible, buildings should be constructed with recycled materials and timber from renewable sources. Disposable items are best avoided.

How do you protect plants and animals?

Pedestrians and cyclists should stay on trails, and vehicles on roads. If your guide hacks up trees for firewood or your group disturbs wildlife and doesn't back off, something's wrong. Outside of qualified breeding programs, wild animals are never to be caged.

What do you do to help the community?

Not every company will be locally owned and operated, but outfitters and lodges should at least hire local staff. Beyond jobs, many operations emphasize charity. The owners of Lapa Rios, a five-leaf eco-lodge in Costa Rica, helped build a school in a rural area that lacked electricity and phones, while Guerba, a U.K.-based tour company, has raised more than $64,000 for homeless kids in Tanzania. When it's time to eat, look for restaurants selling regional, organic food.

What ecotourism activities do you offer?

One of the best things an eco-resort can do is impart awareness to guests. Snorkeling above coral reefs, hiking in rain forests, and rafting in remote rivers can be both thrilling and educational. Shopping excursions should focus on goods made locally, ideally with opportunities to learn about workers' lives and culture. And of course, activities ought to be respectful and avoid damaging the environment. Cooking with lightweight gas stoves causes less harm than using campfires. If you do light a campfire, always set it up in an established fire pit or ring. When you're snorkeling, never touch the coral. Optimally, you'll bring these practices home. Truly successful ecotourism changes not just the way you vacation, but the way you think--no matter where you are.

Permalink: http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/tipsheet/archive/2007/10/27/on-ecotourism.aspx

Global Warming 101

Global Warming 101: "Global Warming 101
Global warming is already under way. The urgency of taking action becomes clearer with each new scientific study.
Global warming is caused primarily by carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping emissions from our burning of fossil fuels (when we drive cars or generate electricity) and our clearing of forests. These emissions remain in our atmosphere for decades or even centuries.
Although heat-trapping emissions result from both human and natural causes, there is concrete evidence that most of the warming over the last 50 years is due to our own actions.[1] Recent studies have confirmed that current carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are the highest they have been in the last 650,000 years.[2] [3] [4]"

Cashing in on Green Travel - Express TravelWorld

Cashing in on Green Travel - Express TravelWorld: "Trends - Cashing in on Green Travel"

Cashing in on Green Travel - Certification

Cashing in on Green Travel - Express TravelWorld: "More than 110 Asia-Oceania hotel, resort and visitor complexes are now accredited or benchmarked by 'Green Globe', the world-wide certification programme for the travel and tourism industry."

Cashing in on Green Travel - Express TravelWorld

Cashing in on Green Travel - Express TravelWorld: "With the World Tourism Organisation indicating that eco-tourism is currently growing at three times the rate of the mainstream travel market, Don Birch, President and CEO of Abacus International says green travel is an opportunity... "

Is the future green? | Travel | The Guardian

Is the future green? | Travel | The Guardian: "Is the future green?
The demand for ecotourism has never been higher. But how do we bring it from the fringes into the mainstream of an industry that employs one in every 11.5 workers on the planet, asks Leo Hickman"

Eco destination - Dominica: 3 Rivers Eco Lodge

I came across this Eco Lodge and have added it to my list of places to see...

ecobookers - Dominica: 3 Rivers Eco Lodge: "Location: near Rosalie

3 Rivers Eco Lodge is situated in a lush green valley, surrounded by nature and rivers, in unspoiled eastern Dominica. Located on the edge of the rainforest, about a mile away from the main road, the Lodge is an extremely quiet and peaceful place. The site is bordered by 3 clean rivers and set against a backdrop of rainforested mountains, a twenty minute walk from a spectacular Atlantic beach.

Accommodation

3 Rivers Eco Lodge is a small, award winning, eco lodge offering both hotel and camping accommodation along with nature, adventure and community based eco-tourism activities and environmental education workshops. The Lodge offers secluded hotel accommodation in environmentally-friendly surroundings and plenty of facilities to suit all.

Eco Policies

Certification - 3 Rivers Eco Lodge is Green Globe certified. "

Galapagos Islands at risk due to 'uncontrolled' expansion of the tourism industry...

Galapagos | Planeta

HEADLINE NEWS

In April 2007 Ecuador declared the Galapagos Islands are at risk and warned that visitor permits and flights to the islands could be suspended. A growing population, illegal fishing of sharks and sea cucumbers have taken their toll. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) cites the 'uncontrolled' expansion of the tourism industry as one of the main threats facing the archipelago.

A United Nations delegation visited the islands to determine whether the World Heritage site should be declared 'in danger.' The mission's findings will be examined at a special meeting in late June, early July by an intergovernmental committee o"

Voluntourism - trips for do-gooders...

I came across this interesting article that talks to the notion of Volunteer Tourism aka "Voluntourism" or "Ethnotourism"... feeling guilty yet? This is one way of giving some backk...

Voluntourism trips for do-gooders - Active Travel - MSNBC.com : "voluntourism"

Bijoy Goswami introduces BootstrapBootcamp.com

Dell and Earth Day

Subject: Earth day

Sunday was the 37th annual Earth Day and perhaps the biggest since the inaugural Earth Day as scientists agree that global warming is largely a man-made problem. People turned out across the globe to offer some man-made solutions, including multi-national corporations like Dell, which partnered with the EPA and the National Recycling Coalition to encourage consumers and businesses to recycle unwanted computer equipment. – NBC Nightly News ,

AlterNet: EnviroHealth: Ecotourism: Responsible Travel or Marketing Sham?

As part of my research on the topic I recently came across an interesting AlterNet article ("Ecotourism: Responsible Travel or Marketing Sham?") with some interesting attitudes to Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism - particularly the fact that the tourism industry in general has jumped on the bandwagon and is labelling everything new as 'Ecotouristic' in a bid to get tourists to sign up - it seems in many cases, not much is different except maybe the marketing.

Clearly as standards start to form and become pervasive, tourism operators & resorts will have to sign up to some form of certification process that allows tourists to identify the true beauty's and separate them from the fake ones.

Future Topic: Certification & Sustainable Tourism

AlterNet: EnviroHealth: Ecotourism: Responsible Travel or Marketing Sham?

As part of my research on the topic I recently came across an interesting AlterNet article ("Ecotourism: Responsible Travel or Marketing Sham?") with some interesting attitudes to Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism - particularly the fact that the tourism industry in general has jumped on the bandwagon and is labelling everything new as 'Ecotouristic' in a bid to get tourists to sign up - it seems in many cases, not much is different except maybe the marketing.

Clearly as standards start to form and become pervasive, tourism operators & resorts will have to sign up to some form of certification process that allows tourists to identify the true beauty's and separate them from the fake ones.

Future Topic: Certification & Sustainable Tourism

What is Sustainable Tourism?

This is probably one of the best definitions I have found to date - that and WIKIPEDIA's definition

Its informative. Travelers not only learn about the destination, they learn how to help sustain its character while deepening their own travel experiences. Residents learn that the ordinary and familiar may be of interest and value to outsiders.

It supports integrity of place. Destination-savvy travelers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale in terms of architecture, cuisine, heritage, aesthetics, and ecology. Tourism revenues in turn raise local perceived value of those assets.

It benefits residents. Travel businesses do their best to employ and train local people, buy local supplies, and use local services.

It conserves resources. Environmentally aware travelers favor businesses that minimize pollution, waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and unnecessary nighttime lighting.

It respects local culture and tradition. Foreign visitors learn about and observe local etiquette, including using at least a few courtesy words in the local language. Residents learn how to deal with foreign expectations that may differ from their own.

It does not abuse its product. Stakeholders anticipate development pressures and apply limits and management techniques to prevent the "loved to death" syndrome. Businesses cooperate to sustain natural habitats, heritage sites, scenic appeal, and local culture.

It strives for quality, not quantity. Communities measure tourism success not by sheer numbers of visitors, but by length of stay, money spent, and quality of experience.

It means great trips. Satisfied, excited visitors bring new knowledge home and send friends off to experience the same thing - which provides continuing business for the destination.

Simply put, the idea is that you can travel, give time and money, learn and teach and take back memories and new relationships.

More info...

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Sustainable Tourism

Why I care...

I've been toying with the idea for some time that life as a corporate "know-body" really is not where my passion lies. While I've been successful in corporate terms (mid 6-figure earnings, big title, window'd office blah blah) I've been less successful in ensuring what I do during the day completely fulfils me. The notion that the rat-race I've been running ends only when I fall over dead and I've not really lived jsut doesn't do it for me anymore.

I am passionate about relationships, people and close friends; about teaching; about nature and the environment and about making things better than they are - whether simply self improvement or "Saving the World" - no worries, this is not about that cliche but more about me changing my life and aligning my day-to-day actions with my core ideals.

That means re-establishing my relationship with Money (I run it not it me), my relationship with My True Love and my relationship with myself... more later ...

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Ideals, Introdcution