Ecotourism takes many different forms throughout the world. Image: Ecolombia Tours/flickr
Ecotourism has become a popular word, but do you know what ecotourism is and what it means?
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) define ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”
TIES do this by educating both tourists and tourism professionals, positively influencing the tourism industry and other industries involved to apply the principles of ecotourism and lastly to create an international network that support and implement ecotourism and its principles.
Ecotourism is based on a set of principles. These principles include minimizing impact on the environment, provide the visited area with funds that benefit not only conservation, but empowerment for those who live there.
These principles go on to state that no negative interferences may be made to either the environment or those who reside there and lastly raise an understanding of the visited regions economical, political as well as social climate.
TIES was the first international, non-profit organization that was dedicated to using ecotourism as a way of conservation and it was launched by Megan Epler Wood at a conference in 1989 held in Florida.
Wood then recruited the very first board of directors in 1990, and David Western was appointed as the Chairman. The two of them then started to raise funds and in 1991 opened offices in North Bennington, Alexandria and Virginia.
In 2010 Ties became a member of the Global Sustainability Tourism Council (GSTC) and also helped to organize the first European Ecotourism Conference also known as Euro Eco.
Anyone can become a member of TIES, be it a student or regular traveler. As TIES says, “Change the way you travel and help change the world”.
If you look at it, ecotourism is simply a way we as travelers get to see the true beauty of nature while protecting these natural habitats and helping, be it financial or just raising awareness, to conserve it.
Global Warming is a reality and we are slowly starting to lose that what is important to the survival of our planet.
By supporting ecotourism and becoming a more aware traveller, you are helping to protect something that cannot be replaced and you are supporting the economy of countries that rely greatly on their natural beauties to survive.
Yes, there are many tourist attractions that are manmade, but those that are natural are more worth your while.
The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The Botswana Wildlife Reserve that runs along the Chobe River. These are the places that need our protection and by seeing it, you will understand why. Ecotourism involves life – both that of nature and human beings.
Reference:
http://www.ecotourism.org