Published by Melissa Cicci

INTRODUCTION
While the worldwide expansion of traditional tourism has contributed to economic growth and job creation, it has also presented a substantial threat to the environment, particularly to biodiversity. This guide focuses on several regional and global initiatives that actively promote sustainable tourism practices and principles, often called ecotourism.

Biodiversity is the term used to define the variety of species, their genetic make-up, and the natural communities in which they exist. It refers to all animal and plant forms that are native to a region, including the processes necessary for them to sustain life. The web of reference covers all species of organisms, particularly those that are endangered and rare.

Tourists introduced into fragile ecosystems can unintentionally be hazards to the natural environment. Therefore, the goal of ecotourism is to conserve and protect biodiversity, while promoting a great travel experience.

Fortunately, the travel industry recognizes that it has a responsibility to the environment and has established the Partnership for Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC), which has adopted universal, sustainable tourism principles. The goal of this coalition of 32 international organizations is to increase the adoption of sustainable tourism practices by defining and communicating standards to which all tourism operations must adhere.

Some of the GSTC members include:

• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)
• Choice Hotels
• Condé Nast Traveler
• Expedia
• National Geographic Adventure
• Rainforest Alliance
• Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
• United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

WHY ECOTOURISM?
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) indicates that ecotourism has been expanding more than 20% a year since 1990. Within the travel industry at large, nature travel represents the fastest-growing segment, and this trend is expected to continue. However, many tourism operations fail to act responsibly with respect to biodiversity and social/cultural issues.

Ecotourists enjoy exposure to Earth’s richness and rarities while conserving the natural habitat and showing appreciation for the cultures of the local people. Natural habitat and species, particularly those located in rainforests, coral reefs, mountainous locations, and coastal and marine areas, are most threatened by unregulated activities of tourists. Of course, not only the environment is at risk — the travel that depends on the environment is also in jeopardy. Therefore, we urge consumers to invest time and effort into choosing travel and tour companies that act responsibly.

REGIONAL ECOTOURISM PRACTICES
Ecotourism practices vary by region and by country around the world. Among the approaches outlined below, Australia represents a region with a certification program in place, while the UK showcases voluntary practices. Finally, South Africa illustrates the use of government-based initiatives.

Australia

Australia has adopted its own definition of ecotourism as “ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.”

Australia has implemented an ECO certification program, which offers three levels of certification: nature tourism, ecotourism and advanced ecotourism. Tourist operations that display the ECO logo are certified and committed to sustainable practices, as well as high-quality nature-based experiences.

Nature Tourism

Certification identifies genuine nature and ecotourism operators that make use of natural areas. It signifies a commitment to tourism that has minimal impact on the environment.

Ecotourism

Certification also identifies tourism operators that make use of natural areas, but it signifies in addition that they offer interesting ways to learn about the environment while using resources wisely, thus contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.

Advanced Ecotourism

Certification identifies the most innovative ecotourism operators. Traveling with these certified companies provides an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practices while using resources wisely.

United Kingdom

In the UK, ecotourism efforts are voluntary. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is a government entity that encourages and helps the tourism industry to improve its ecotourism practices. Tourism is a big contributor to London’s economy, which benefits both social and economic sectors. More tourists visit London than Las Vegas, New York and Sydney combined, and London attracts more overseas visitors than any other European city.

Private companies and organizations, such as Green Business UK Ltd., are committed to green tourism in an attempt to reduce the environmental impact of their business activities. Consumers are urged to engage in research to seek those tourism operators that voluntarily engage in ecotourism practices as established by internal standards and definitions, such as those established by the GSTC partnership.

South Africa

Tourism and nature experiences are among the primary reasons for travel to South Africa. Because more than half of the population of South Africa lives in poverty, ecotourism is designed and implemented to conserve biodiversity as well as reduce poverty by fostering local employment.

In contrast with the tradition of promoting Africa as an area for big-game hunting, a more eco-friendly image of Africa has emerged. A “photographic safari” that uses higher-power camera lenses instead of rifles is the preferred new image of Africa, designed to attract eco-friendly tourists.

A globally recognized group, the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), advertises its dedication to providing the highest possible standards of accountability, integrity and quality control in the tourism industry.

ECOTOURISM GUIDELINES
Below are some general ecotourism guidelines that emphasize respect for the natural environment, animals, and native peoples:

• Invest time in learning about your destination before you go
• Pay particular attention to customs, such as greetings, appropriate attire, and eating behaviors
• Where possible, support locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other businesses
• Inquire about environmental policies and practices from hotel staff and employees at businesses
• Always follow designated trails
• Pack up your trash
• Maintain established distances from wildlife
• Respect local citizens’ privacy; ask permission before entering sacred places, homes and private property
• Be sensitive to when and where you take photos and videos of people; always ask first
• Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals of the region or those whose sales are otherwise considered unethical
• Avoid overly aggressive bargaining for souvenirs
• Check to make sure that tour guides are licensed and reputable

SUMMARY
Ecotourism can be an enriching experience but requires more than a pack-and-go approach. We recommend in-depth research before traveling, in order to avoid being fooled by greenwashing, where a trip is labeled as eco-friendly, but fails to meet GSTC standards.

For travel ideas and a better understanding of what to look for in ecotravel, we recommend the GSTC.

Finally, as always, check the U.S. Department of State website for regions around the globe that are considered dangerous to Western tourists or politically unstable, and for a listing of the most current travel warnings and alerts.

Melissa Cicci is editor of Beyond Doorways Travel, a web-based travel magazine.

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