People often debate over their favourite vacation places – mountains or beaches. Supporters of both the categories have strong arguments of why the one is better over the other. The world is filled with serene places that are yet to be explored. While travelling for our pleasure, we must keep in mind that Nature exists in the most marvelous ways and preserving it is our responsibility too.
Going on a trip that involves more than just seeing natural landmarks or environmentally varied locations is known as ecotourism. It’s about carefully and sustainably traveling to a place while keeping an eye on environmental preservation. While providing visitors with the opportunity to experience nature, ecotourism organizations, tours, and groups aim to inform people about conservation initiatives.
Origin of Ecotourism
A conservationist by the name of Hector Ceballos-Lascurain is often credited with the first definition of ecotourism in 1987, that is, “tourism that consists in travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (both past and present) found in these areas.”
Since 1990, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a nonprofit organization, has worked to advance ecotourism. This organization defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.” According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), ecotourism is an important conservation tactic.
Principles of Ecotourism
The goal of ecotourism is to bring together sustainable travel, communities, and conservation. Accordingly, the following eco tourism principles ought to be embraced by individuals who carry out, take part in, and promote ecotourism activities:
- Reduce the negative effects on behavior, psychology, social interaction, and physical health.
- Develop respect and awareness for the environment and culture.
- Ensure that guests and hosts have a good time.
- Give conservation direct financial advantages.
- Create monetary gains for the private sector and the community.
- Provide guests with unforgettable interpretive experiences that contribute to increasing awareness of the political, environmental, and social environments of the host nations.
- Create, build, and run low-impact facilities.
- In order to empower the Indigenous People in your community, acknowledge their rights and spiritual beliefs and collaborate with them.
Top 20 Ecotourism Destinations
Let us have a look at the top 20 ecotourism destinations that you can visit this year!
Tanzania
The East African country has some competitive advantages over its neighbors thanks to its rich natural resources, paired with the fact that it has allocated over 25% of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas. As a result, 90% of visitors to Tanzania are thought to be looking for ecotourism activities.
Although Tanzania is still frequently disregarded by American tourists, some of its most notable attractions are the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. In the well-known Ngorongoro Conservation area, for instance, visitors can embark on a walking safari tour; the proceeds benefit the Maasai people there.
The nation is also well-known for its chimpanzees, and Gombe National Park offers a number of ecotourism activities that directly support chimpanzee habitat conservation.
Galapagos Island
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism and the Directorate of the Galapagos National Park mandate that tour operators use less energy and water, recycle waste, purchase locally made products, pay fair wages to local workers, and assist them with further training. The official national park occupies 97% of the islands’ total land area.
However, UNESCO lists growing tourism as one of the major concerns facing the Galapagos today, so local officials still need to be on their toes.
Costa Rica
From its many animal sanctuaries to its abundance of national parks and reserves, Costa Rica is renowned globally for its emphasis on nature-based tourism. Initiatives such as the “Ecological Blue Flag” program assist in alerting visitors to beaches that have upheld a stringent set of environmentally friendly standards.
Every year, 1.7 million tourists visit Costa Rica, the majority of them come to take in the country’s various landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Because of the exceptional biodiversity found in its many ecological reserves and protected parks, the nation takes additional care to maintain environmental protection at the top of its list of priorities.
New Zealand
The nation provides a wide range of eco tourism experiences, including natural caverns, animal sanctuaries, and wildlife on land and in the sea. The government works hard to keep the South Pacific environment of New Zealand, which is home to attractions like glaciers and volcanic landscapes, safe.
Its varied volcanic landscapes and the cultural legacy of the local Maori tribes provide for the ideal fusion of conservation, education, and community.
Iceland
For many of us, Iceland is the place of our dreams. That has both positive and negative effects for Iceland. The annual increase in tourists has forced them to think carefully about how to maintain ethical and sustainable tourism.
However, as travelers, we also have a responsibility. Choose one of the many environmentally friendly lodging options available rather than staying in large hotels. Taking a tour? Select one where you plan to travel by hiking or bicycle.
Geothermal energy, which is abundant in Iceland, is utilized to heat water in homes and hotels. The Blue Lagoon is one example of a natural spa that can be made using it.
Palau, Oceania
Palau is a small island in the Pacific Ocean that is transforming ecotourism, even if you have never heard of it.
You will be rewarded for visiting Palau in a responsible and sustainable manner. Every time you contribute to protecting Palau’s delicate ecosystem, you can accrue points under the app-based rewards system that was just implemented.
These include learning about Palau’s culture, using reef-safe sunscreen, eating locally produced, sustainably sourced food, and signing the Palau Pledge when you first arrive.
Kenya
One of Africa’s best examples of ecotourism is undoubtedly Kenya. Even an organization called “Ecotourism Kenya” was established by the government.
Kenya is home to 54 national parks, and more than 1 million visitors come there each year in the hopes of seeing “The Big 5.” This has prompted the government to prohibit single-use plastics and plastic bags, curb illicit poaching, and encourage eco-friendly travel.
Worldpackers offers more than 150 volunteer opportunities in Kenya, ranging from social work to farming and social media support for non-profits.
Bhutan
Bhutan is among the world’s best examples of ecotourism!
Bhutan has imposed a daily Sustainable Development Fee on tourists since 1991. In 2022, it has increased from $65/day to $200/day. Even though this looks like a lot of money, the remarkable results show that it’s worth it.
The funds are utilized for initiatives including organic farming, community education, upskilling tourist industry employees, and reducing Bhutan’s carbon footprint from tourism.
Bhutan became the first carbon-negative nation in 2017 as a result. The nation absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits!
Slovenia
Slovenia should be given more credit for its ecotourism initiatives. 54% of the nation’s territory is protected, and 60% of it is covered in forests. From hiking one of Slovenia’s breathtaking mountains to rowing across Lake Bled, tourists swarm the country to take in its natural splendor.
Additionally, they have made it simpler for you to select sustainable solutions. You may be sure that you’re contributing to the preservation of regional customs and environmental protection if a lodging or tourism service has earned the Slovenia Green Label.
In Slovenia, glamping or green camping is another excellent option to support conservation efforts while getting up close to nature.
Chile
Chile won the title of “World’s Leading Nature Destination” in 2020. Given that it contains 17 Natural Monuments, 45 Reserves, and 41 National Parks, it should come as no surprise.
The creator of the apparel company North Face and his spouse are responsible for a significant portion of Chile’s conservation initiatives. More than 44 million acres of land and sea have been protected as a result of their property purchases and subsequent donations, which have created or expanded 15 national parks and two marine national parks.
Huilo Huilo, one of Chile’s most well-known waterfalls, and Chiloé Island, where the locals are putting a lot of effort into developing sustainable tourism, are two excellent ecotourism attractions in Chile.
Norway
One of the most breathtaking locations on the planet is Norway. It has infinite beaches, snow-capped mountains, glacier lakes, and beautiful fjords. It is a sanctuary for ecotourism.
And that’s what the Norwegian government wants to maintain. By regulating fishing, hunting, and oil industries, they have done a fantastic job of protecting their coastline.
In Norway, ecotourism is central to many activities. There are many ways to experience nature, including hiking, caving, and river rafting.
Kerala, India
[”Unlike other places in India, Kerala’s backwaters have their own unique appeal and vibrancy. These backwaters, which are carved out of the rivers that flow down from the Western Ghats to the Indian shore, have their own soft rhythm amid the paddy fields and verdant palm groves.
On the houseboats, also called Kettuvallam, which are cargo boats that used to operate in the backwaters to transport heavy goods like rice, coconuts, and spices as well as to house the boatman, you can take a fun cruise along the stunning contrasts of deep blues and lush greens.
Munnar, Kerala
At an elevation of 1,700 meters, Munnar is a comfortable retreat for eco-tourists. It is covered with a thick covering of forests, grasslands, and tea orchards, and is peppered with a variety of unique flora, including the uncommon Neelakurinji flower. Numerous endangered and endemic species of plants and animals can be found in the small but picturesque hill town of Idukki district in the Western Ghats.
Among the mammals are the Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Elephant, and Gaur; among the birds are the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Malabar Whistling Thrush.
Munnar is one of the most well-liked eco-green tourist spots in India because of the rushing streams that cut through the whispering trees and the meandering lanes that cut through the mountains.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
In 1845, the British marked Kodaikanal on their map of India as a summer getaway. Later, it became one of the country’s most important eco-places because of its advantageous location, which was facilitated by the forests and meadows that topped the hillsides.
This powerful hill station in South India is blessed with a nature’s basket that includes perennial streams that cut through the valleys, waterfalls, and montane rainforests that are home to some of the rare plants and animals.
Among Kodaikanal’s main natural features are the Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, Silver Cascade, Guna Caves, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, and Berijam Lake.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, which is abundant in plant and animal species, is unquestionably a location of total happiness, delight, and tranquility. Coorg, which ranges in elevation from 900 to 1,800 meters, is well-known for having several crops of coffee and spices.
River rafting, one of the most popular water sports in India, is made feasible by the numerous waterfalls and rushing rivers found in the ecoregion of Coorg, which is also accessible in Barapole and Dubare.
Chilika, Odisha
Numerous migratory bird species, as well as animal and plant species, call Chilika Lake, the biggest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world, and its environs home. The region, which spans more than 3,500 square kilometers, is home to several rare species, including the spoon-billed sandpiper, limbless skink, dugong, blackbuck, green sea turtle, Irrawaddy dolphins, and fishing cats.
The area consists of a collection of tiny islands that the Ramsar Convention designated as a wetland of international significance. It is one of India’s top ecotourism sites, attracting naturalists, wildlife photographers, and birdwatchers.
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, also known as Khangchendzonga National Park, is the sole national park in Sikkim and one of India’s high-altitude national parks. It spans an estimated 1,784 square kilometers and ranges in elevation from 1,800 to 8,500 meters.
In addition to many glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and streams, it is home to a wide range of alpine vegetation, including medicinal plants, animals, and birds that inhabit various elevations.
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
In the middle of a rich biodiversity, Mawlynnong, one of Asia’s cleanest villages, is situated in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills. This eco travel region around Mawlynnong hamlet is a basket of immense natural beauty, with waterfalls, natural caverns, a living root bridge, and an evergreen forest that provides refuge to numerous animal and bird species.
Among the many accomplishments of the hamlet are a high degree of women’s empowerment and a 100% literacy rate.
Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, Ladakh
One of India’s high-altitude lakes, Lake Moriri, is part of the Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve, which is situated at an elevation of 4,595 meters.
The region’s ecotourism initiatives are intended to reduce adverse environmental effects and encourage environmentally friendly travel methods.
In addition to actively participating in ecotourism, the local residents in the area are also educated to tell tourists about the ecology and culture of the area.
Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The Kanha National Park, which covers 940 square kilometers and is home to over 1,000 different varieties of flowering plants, is also home to a sizable population of Indian wild dogs, sloth bears, Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, and barasinghas.
In order to preserve the park’s ecosystem for future generations, visitors are urged to follow responsible tourist practices, which have been promoted by the park authorities through a number of initiatives.
Exploring our planet’s natural beauty while conserving and safeguarding it for future generations is made possible via ecotourism. You can go on experiences with ecotourism that will lead you into some of the most amazing natural treasures on the planet and off the usual route. Trekking through deep rainforests, seeing endangered animals in their natural environments, or exploring isolated mountain villages are all possible with ecotourism, which provides an enriching and sustainable vacation experience.