Eco-tourism refers to recreational exploration focused on conservation and the general well-being of the environment. It emphasizes the sustainable utilization of natural resources while immersing yourself in different cultures and environments. There was a rise in ecotourism following the COVID-19 pandemic as the world shifted to normal operation. The pandemic was characterized by lockdowns and travel restrictions. The online space became people’s way to see the world and interact. Sites such as Ice Casino grew in popularity as more people sought to find ways to engage and entertain themselves during these lockdown periods.
This meant that people seeking to tour the world had to shift their perspective as well. Accordingly, even in the pandemic era, people continued to view the world differently. The pandemic era brought a realization of how fragile human life is and how impactful the world around you is.
Steps Towards Eco-Tourism
There are ways that we can practice eco-tourism in order to be sustainable and protect our environment without stopping our day-to-day activities.
Change in Mode of Transport
Prevention of the emission of carbon gases into the atmosphere has been a big part of the conversation around conservative tourism. The mode of transport glob trotters use is one of the fundamental points to be considered by the environmentally sound traveler. There has been a wide debate on the effects of air travel as it is found to be very toxic to the environment. You should, therefore, opt for alternative means of movement to help ease the impact on nature.
This includes the use of alternative means of transport, such as electric trains and ships. Pollution emanating from the aviation industry can also be reduced by the use of commercial flights, which carry a lot of people, instead of having private jets carrying only one or two people and still emitting equivalent, if not more, carbon gases.
Mindful Use of Resources
The post-lockdown era has seen an awakening in people that has made them mindful of how they use resources around them.
Things such as water and electricity are now consumed conservatively. Whereas previously, guests at a hotel would require a daily cleaning service and change of towels, currently most travelers view that as wasteful. There is also a change around the use of plastics and food waste.
Whereas, previously, you would order every item on the menu just to experience a new culture, now you are more willing to spread out your order over the days you are in a destination so that each night you sample a section of the menu that you can consume and finish for that sitting. This is inspired by the realization that it is important to use resources in a manner that protects and preserves the environment. Something as simple as ordering just the food you can consume goes a long way in controlling your use of natural resources.
Change in Tourist Destination
The need for conservative use of resources has also developed from the side of the service providers in the hospitality sector. Popular destinations go out of their way to offer sustainable ways of enjoying your holiday. This includes providers that now encourage the conservation of the environment as well as participating in initiatives to fight climate change.
Importance of Eco-Tourism
We have everything to gain and nothing to lose if we practice sustainable travel. Below, we highlight some of the reasons why eco-tourism is important to the human race.
Advancement in Knowledge
There has been growth in knowledge about the sustainable use of the environment in tourism. This has been facilitated by the changes in your way of living following the global shutdowns.
Accordingly, more travelers are aware of their impact on the environment and nature in general. Thus, more effort is being made to be sustainable. This effort ranges from eco-friendly means of transport to even accommodations offered by hotels and lodges.
Community-Based Support
The majority of tourists are now focused on the ways they can support the local communities they visit. This is all geared towards uplifting the communities they visit. Therefore, tourists are involved in community development projects as well as other immersive activities that foster the well-being of those they encounter while traveling.
Conservation of Heritage
Tourists are more prone to visit areas that encourage sustainable use of resources and protection of the environment.
This has encouraged efforts in the protection of both natural and cultural heritages of various places as they seek to attract more visitors.
Increased Eco-Sensitive Practices
The aftermath of the lockdowns has led the world as a whole to be more sensitive to the environment. People are all focused on ensuring that nature is used in a manner that is beneficial to the current and future generations. Accordingly, green initiatives that limit or reduce the production of carbon gases are being encouraged within the globetrotting sphere.
The steps towards securing and protecting nature will go a long way in the fight for a green economy. As you become more aware of how you travel for leisure and how the activities you partake in are good for the environment, you make better choices, and the earth as a whole benefits.
