Happy Green Holidays!

Thursday, 12 November 2009 00:00

Most of us wouldn’t say no to a relaxing holiday far away from our daily duties, discovering news places, cultures and food, lying on exotic beaches in Thailand, Mexico, Vietnam or India, climbing mountains, diving or hiking.

But what is going on behind the scenes? Local communities are fighting against environmental damages, poor working conditions and limited access to water, hotel chains buying up their villages and nature resources. So wherever you plan you next holiday – make it a green and fair one!

 

For many developing countries, tourism is an important income. The world of ecotourism is expanding, inviting you to more responsible, ‎sustainable and universally accessible tourism. While enjoying nature and at the same time learning about new cultures, respecting local communities and the environment, sustainable tourism also has a potential as instrument of peace and international understanding, as Lebanon’s President H.E. Michel Sleiman recently highlighted when visiting UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

What is Ecotourism?

According to The international Ecotourism Society (TIES) and The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), ecotourism is to

minimize impact on the environment and local communities build environmental and cultural awareness and respect provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts provide direct financial benefits for conservation provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people support local conservation efforts raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental and social climate

How to become an Ecotourist?
A more eco-friendly holiday doesn’t mean less fun. Just listen to this: Explore the African wildlife at jungle and rainforest eco lodges, go and see Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro before it disappears, stay with families or at eco farm resorts in Asia, visit eco resorts in the Caribbean to help preserve their islands, go to the world’s largest rainforest in South-America, live with the indigenous people in the Andeans, or take part in volunteer work in developing countries. Does this sound boring?

Furthermore, a green holiday could also be a cheaper one, by choosing your bike instead of your car, or going to a small cabin in the mountains without electricity instead of the all-inclusive alternative at fancy hotels. Here is some more advice:

• Go to less touristy places, visit smaller local villages, nature resorts etc., where the incomes go to the respected areas, contributing  to eco-friendly development.
• Buy from local shops and markets
• Stay away from charter holidays and “all-inclusive” trips
• Save water in the shower. Remember, you are using others’ resources.
• Stay at local, low-budget hostels or guest houses.
• Learn about the culture and the country before you go.
• Ask questions before you book a trip and find out if the company actually maintains a low-impact and sustainable business.
• If staying in hotels, be aware of working conditions, prostitution and child labor.
• Always have in mind: Do not consume more than necessary. Think about recycling, preserving, and supporting local areas.
• Travel more! Ecotourism organizations believe in “the power of travel to transform people and inspire positive change” (TIES).

Get Ideas
“By making responsible and conscientious choices, travelers can make a difference”, says Volker Poelzl, an experienced world traveler and author of several writings on ecotourism and issues of the travel books Cultureshock!. On his online Wide World Café, a meeting place of people, ideas and world views, he is also providing you with insights and eco-friendly advice to travelers.

UNWTO also provides guidelines for travel agencies who wish to offer their customers more eco-friendly travel experiences.

Other useful links:
- Eco Travel Logue
- TIES’ Travel Green Guide
- True Travelers Society