About Ecotourism

Definition of Ecotourism

Ecotourism travel incorporates the values of S.E.E.

• Social empowerment to protect against tourism homogenization and community marginalization
• Economic viability to promote collective pride of ownership and as a tool for alleviating poverty and
• Environmental responsibility to preserve ecosystems for future generations.

It is about preserving ecosystems, educating visitors about conservation, empowering localities, operating sustainable tourist attractions – and, most of all, having fun and unique travel experiences!

Principles of Ecotourism

Greenloons defends the principles of ecotourism in that the travel experience should:

1. Support the conservation of natural areas and wildlife
2. Minimize air and water pollution as well as tourist waste
3. Offer safe and enriching or educational visitor experiences
4. Respect the cultural tradition of the host destination
5. Maintain and enhance the landscape so as to avoid physical or environmental degradation
6. Efficiently use scarce or non-renewable resources, and
7. Maximize opportunities for local prosperity for the host destination in the form of long-term economic viability for tourism, local management control, quality employment, local retention of visitor spending, and fair distribution of economic and social benefits.

Ecotourism Success Stories

Read some ecotourism success stories in Costa Rica, Australia, Peru, Malaysia, Lebanon, Rwanda, Spain, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Vietnam, Egypt, Belgium, and South Africa, and directly from those who have been enriched by tourism done right!

Ecotourism Versus Other Types of Tourism

Ecotourism has been mixed with and incorrectly equated to other types of tourism including green, sustainable, cultural, adventure, responsible, and nature types of tourism.  Following are some distinct clarifications among other tourism terms have been incorrectly applied to ecotourism:

• Sustainable Tourism –does not deplete resources and allows for a smaller number of tourists to experience nature so as not to disturb the animal’s normal mating, feeding, or migratory patterns. An example is rafting trips on a free-flowing river. The difference with ecotourism is that there may be no focus on the preservation of the natural habitat or economic benefit to the host destination.
• Adventure Tourism –spotlights physical outdoor activities. Examples include snorkeling, diving, or surfing a coastal area. The difference with ecotourism is that while these companies may want to preserve the environment where the activities are taking place, they may not necessarily be operating in a sustainable manner or providing educational opportunities.
• Cultural Tourism – centers on the discovery of the heritage of the host destination. An example would be a local artisan showing you how to weave a tapestry and learning from her about the traditional dress. The difference with ecotourism is that there is no focus on nature or wildlife.
• Responsible Tourism – attempts to minimize the environmental degradation of the host destination. An example is a wilderness camping trip using Leave No Trace ethics. The difference with ecotourism is that there may be no economic benefit to the host destination
• Nature Tourism – focuses on enjoying wildlife in their natural habitat. Examples include jungle lodgings in the Amazon or cruise ships that view penguins in Antarctica. The difference with ecotourism is that these trips may not have an educational component to them, may not be environmentally sustainable or responsible, and may not economically benefit the host destination.
• Green Tourism – applies to any activity or facility that operates in an environmentally friendly way. Examples include a rainforest lodge with composting toilets and solar-powered lighting. The difference with ecotourism is that these lodges may be centrally controlled by a large corporation and therefore not necessarily benefit the host destination nor focus on conservation education or the preservation of wildlife.

Reference Guide to Ecotourism Certifications

Because there is no global standard definition, the word ecotourism has been hijacked and incorrectly marketed to the point that many consumers are confused and frustrated by the term.  While not perfect, at the very least, ecotourism certifications provide a point of reference for the consumer to compare with other tour operators who claim to be offering green trips, sustainable trips, eco tours or environmentally-friendly trips.

It can be very complicated and time-consuming to understand all the eco-certifications and their nuances.  But, Greenloons can help in two specific ways. First, you can download our exclusive Reference Guide to Ecotourism Certifications or you can read about Eco-Certification on the Greenloons Blog.  Each article offers a detailed explanation of the award process and evaluation criteria for each certification.

Carbon Offsetting Vacations

We know that it is impossible to have a 100% carbon-offset vacation – we are humans after all!

But, if armed with trusted information, we believe that consumers, like you, can make appropriate (and fun) vacations choices for yourself and your family that reduce environmental damage and empower local communities.  Whether it is going on a safari, participating in adventure travel or staying at an eco-lodge, you have a choice to for having a memorable and responsible vacation.  You can opt to offset your vacation as well by participating in a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Gold Standard carbon emissions program, like Climate Care.

Also, following on the Greenloons mantra of Eco-adventures for a greener world, it’s about sharing knowledge in relation to nature discovery and cultural study, energy and water conservation, and wildlife preservation – all for the next generation!