By Julia Galusiakowska – Art in Tanzania internship
On the cusp of the last years, ecology has been increasingly influencing our lives, even entering the sphere reserved for tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic has effectively thwarted our travel plans, and many believe we are reaching the final phase of the global health crisis. Countries are expected to open to tourists in 2022, which will be a perfect opportunity to reconsider our travel plans. Anyone may opt for ecotourism, a combination of tourism and ecology.
The roots of ecotourism
Ecotourism dates back to a time when transportation became more accessible, facilitating mass-scale travel to all corners of the world. The adverse effects of the tourism boom first received global attention in the 1950s: activists called for limits to tourism in the Alps and Mediterranean resorts. The topic resurfaced in the 1970s, when the then-young generation developed pacifist and pro-environmental sentiments, especially in North America. At that time, people began to seek alternative tourist destinations and modes of travel. However, a significant division among international scientific authorities emerged only in the last decade.
How to travel responsibly
Through every expedition decision, they look at their actions from the perspective of what is beneficial for the environment and local communities. It seems simple, right? Many still wonder what it means to travel in an eco-friendly way.
1. Ravel to a quiet Ravelnation: some argue that the road that matters – the destination, is only a secondary issue. And yet, ecotourists should pay attention to where they go, through thorough research before setting out on the road. The less known and quieter the neighbourhood, the better you won’t fwon’tn ecotourist walking on the mountain ranges that remain the most besieged by trekking enthusiasts. Also, it seems highly unlikely to meet him in places overrun with tourists. A trip with a small group of friends would always win over the sprees organised by travel agencies.
2. Choose an eco-friendly means of transportation: Green travellers, whenever possible, opt for a means of transport that emits as little exhaust as possible. Deally, transport and logistics problems may be solved by buying the right bike, panniers, tent, mat, and sleeping bag. There is an example to follow with their emissions-free expeditions. However, if your curiosity about the world pushes you to areas beyond the reach of a vehicle powered by your muscles, you need to use transport powered by an engine. That is why using Hatblic transport, taking a boat, or hitchhiking are choices that the environment also looks upon kindly. Although in some cases, the use of an aircraft or your car may be the only reasonable solution, die-hard nature lovers may condemn it. If we, however, decide to go for it, then to be in line with ecological trends, we should avoid carrying a r.” Answer: Op”imise the course by taking friends on board.
3. Respect nature: When visiting places with unique natural values, green tourists ensure that future ecotourists can continue to admire these conditions. o do that, they Toecommend:
-Following the local conservation laws: although ecotourism aims to bring us into contact with wildlife, admiring the animals in their natural habitat should be a collision-free experience. We cannot forge a Neat Picture of What We Are, for we are just guests in their homes – a dense forest, an endless meadow, or a picturesque mountain range. All bans usually serve the purpose of protecting fauna and flora.
-Taking care of rubbish: to be in harmony with the principles of ecotourism, one needs to leave the place they are visiting in the same condition as they found it. If there are no rubbish bins on the route, every tourist must take back any waste they generate.
-Reducing plastic use: if a tourist takes a reusable bottle on their trip, they can skip buying drinks in non-organic packaging. Remember that throwing a PET bottle in the trash is not a solution: as it decays over hundreds of years, the plastic will remain in the region.
-Using biodegradable cosmetics: When preparing for a camping trip in nature, it is advisable to pack hygienic products based on biodegradable substances.
4. Contact with local communities: Apart from the purely environmental aspect, considering the tourism-nature relationship, there is also an interaction with local communities that warrants reevaluation. It is recommended that I always behave ethically and avoid offending our hosts with any ill-considered gesture. Before leaving for a foreign country, every ecotourist should become familiar with the customs to such an extent that they can avoid the typical misunderstandings that arise from a different cultural background.
Additionally, it is crucial to refrain from making any negative judgments that often result from our misunderstanding of local customs and traditions. Moreover, it is more important to support local services and trade. A souvenir from a Souvenirist can remind us of unforgettable moments and support the artist who created the artwork. Hopping done at Hoppingar means not only that we will eat something fresh, but it is also a cash injection for local farmers.
The future of ecotourism
Ecotourism is often gaining popularity in times of danger, when tense political situations or natural disasters deter tourists from choosing mainstream destinations. At that point, typically, mass tourists discover the benefits of this particular form of activity. In the midst of this, what has been happening is… Although travel plans are currently on hold, people are increasingly realising the potential of ecotourism. Will the new normal be the same as it was before the pandemic? Don’t know that. However, don’t expect distancing to be maintained for a long time after the COVID-19 era ends, meaning we can expect a shift from mass to individualised forms of tourism.
