The world is a beautiful place. It is also extremely delicate
and fragile. The majesty of the African plains or a Caribbean
reef is no match for a team of engineers with a lucrative
corporate contract. As technology advances and the farthest
reaches of the planet become more accessible, our capacity to
affect the delicate balance of the ecosystem becomes more
pronounced.
Employing 260 million people and generating over 10% of the
world's GDP, the tourism industry is a global juggernaut. An
industry of such magnitude inevitably leaves a significant
footprint in its wake. More focussed planning and management is
imperative to control the tourism industry, and more
importantly, to protect the natural and cultural integrity of
tourist destinations.
Principles of
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism is about conserving resources, valuing the local
culture and contributing to the local economy. It focuses on local
traditions, wilderness conservation, volunteering, personal growth
and discovering constructive ways to experience our fragile
planet. Recycling, energy efficiency and the creation of economic
opportunities for local communities are integral elements of
eco-tourism. Its purpose is to make the development of tourism
ecologically supportable and sustainable Eco-tourism however
involves more than providing suitable vacations for the
"tree-hugging" traveller. Its objective is to preserve the
diversity of the world's natural and cultural resources. The
International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as
"responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment and improves the welfare of local people." It
accommodates travellers in a way that limits their impact on the
environment and cultural heritage while supporting the growth of
local economies. Eco-tourism strives to maximize the economic,
environmental and social benefits of tourism. According to the
World Tourism Organization, eco-tourism is considered to be the
fastest growing market in the tourism industry. .
Eco-tourism in
India
In India, eco-tourism is still at a nascent stage but the
potential is vast. India is a land of diverse geography and
culture. Its topography boasts a varied range of flora and fauna.
It is home to numerous rare and endangered species. There are
currently about 80 national parks and 441 sanctuaries in India.
Numerous botanical and zoological gardens are working towards the
enhancement of the ecosystem. Poaching has been curbed to a large
extent. There are severe punishments for poachers, hunters and
illegal traders of flora and fauna. Several organisations work for
the protection of the natural and cultural resources. Thenmala in
Kerala was the first planned eco-tourism destination in India.
There are also determined efforts to save the vulnerable Himalayan
ecosystem as well as the heritage of its indigenous people.
Resorts tucked deep within the jungles of Karnataka, the
house-boats of Kerala and the varied wildlife of Assam all combine
to make India one of the most diverse eco-tourism destinations on
the planet.
PRINCIPLES OF
ECO-TOURISM
Regardless of your nationality, everyone is a stakeholder in this
pursuit. Travelling could mean a long-haul flight to the opposite
end of the world or hitchhiking across your state. As a traveller,
you will undoubtedly have an impact on the people and environment
of your destination. Here are some suggestions to make this impact
more positive!
Learn about your destination. Read guidebooks, travel articles,
novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs
such as greetings, appropriate dress and eating behaviours. Being
sensitive to these customs will increase local acceptance of you
as a tourist and enrich your journey.
Follow established guidelines. Ask your tour operator, guide or
the local authorities what their guidelines are for limiting
tourism's impact on the environment and local culture.
To minimize your impact in sensitive areas, stay on marked trails,
properly dispose off waste material and remain set distances away
from wildlife.
Support locally-owned businesses. This ensures maximum benefit for
the local community from your spending.
Carry back all non-degradable waste such as empty bottles, tins
and plastic bags. These must not litter the environment or be
buried. These must be disposed of in municipal dustbins only.
Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
Respect local traditions.
Reduce noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders
or other audio equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and
wildlife parks.
Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior
permission before taking a photograph.
Do not remove flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or
roots. There are laws prohibiting this practice. Most ecosystems
are extremely delicate and the protection of bio-diversity is
imperative.
Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for
the environment. They must not be used.
No littering. No exceptions.
Do not use pollutants, such as detergent, in streams and springs
while washing.
Do not use wood as fuel to for cooking at campsites.
Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the Forests.
Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them
foodstuff or sweets.
Next month, read about COMPACT ADVENTURES
and more Eco-Friendly ways to explore the world!
The world is a beautiful place. It is also extremely delicate
and fragile. The majesty of the African plains or a Caribbean
reef is no match for a team of engineers with a lucrative
corporate contract. As technology advances and the farthest
reaches of the planet become more accessible, our capacity to
affect the delicate balance of the ecosystem becomes more
pronounced. 
Eco-tourism is about conserving resources, valuing the local
culture and contributing to the local economy. It focuses on local
traditions, wilderness conservation, volunteering, personal growth
and discovering constructive ways to experience our fragile
planet. Recycling, energy efficiency and the creation of economic
opportunities for local communities are integral elements of
eco-tourism. Its purpose is to make the development of tourism
ecologically supportable and sustainable Eco-tourism however
involves more than providing suitable vacations for the
"tree-hugging" traveller. Its objective is to preserve the
diversity of the world's natural and cultural resources. The
International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as
"responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment and improves the welfare of local people." It
accommodates travellers in a way that limits their impact on the
environment and cultural heritage while supporting the growth of
local economies. Eco-tourism strives to maximize the economic,
environmental and social benefits of tourism. According to the
World Tourism Organization, eco-tourism is considered to be the
fastest growing market in the tourism industry. . 
In India, eco-tourism is still at a nascent stage but the
potential is vast. India is a land of diverse geography and
culture. Its topography boasts a varied range of flora and fauna.
It is home to numerous rare and endangered species. There are
currently about 80 national parks and 441 sanctuaries in India.
Numerous botanical and zoological gardens are working towards the
enhancement of the ecosystem. Poaching has been curbed to a large
extent. There are severe punishments for poachers, hunters and
illegal traders of flora and fauna. Several organisations work for
the protection of the natural and cultural resources. Thenmala in
Kerala was the first planned eco-tourism destination in India.
There are also determined efforts to save the vulnerable Himalayan
ecosystem as well as the heritage of its indigenous people.
Resorts tucked deep within the jungles of Karnataka, the
house-boats of Kerala and the varied wildlife of Assam all combine
to make India one of the most diverse eco-tourism destinations on
the planet.