The Definition of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015). Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests.
Principles of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism principles:
- Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
- Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
- Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
- Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
- Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
- Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.
- Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
- Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.
Some tools to help you organize an eco trip:
http://blog.travelanswerman.com/?p=232
Destinations
http://www.ecotourism.org/news/2015%E2%80%99s-top-travel-destinations-5-ecotourism-experts-weigh
You can find tons of lists on the web, but you should note that almost all countries provide ecotourism. It’s only up to you to decide what you want to see and where.
For example you could spend a week in Denmark or Romania raising sheep, visit the Lithuanian lakes or sleep in a tent and make your own food in France.
Whatever you choose, make sure you’re surrounded by your loved ones and enjoy!!! 🙂
Iulia
source: https://www.ecotourism.org/what-is-ecotourism
photo credit: http://world-visits.com/2012/03/green-forest-best-wallpapers-images