Ecotourism has taken off in recent years, and it’s a reflection of the world’s changing attitudes towards environmental issues. And while the impact might seem minor to some, tourism does have a significant impact on the environment as a whole, and on popular destinations in particular. Unfortunately, the concept is so powerful that it is being applied to resorts and events that are anything but ethical or eco-friendly. But what is ecotourism exactly? And why is it becoming so popular with Singaporean travellers?
An Introduction to Ecotourism
Ecotourism refers to eco-friendly tourism. One definition is that it is responsible travel to natural areas that protects the environment, benefits local communities, and provides educational benefits. Ecotourism can include travel to pristine environments and heavily traveled destinations.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why ecotourism is rising in popularity right now and why it’s so important.
It Is Educational
Ecotourism is at its heart educational. You learn about the ecosystem at your destination. You’ll be able to see local wildlife, too. Furthermore, you learn about local culture and traditions while being sensitive to them. Most importantly, you can enjoy pristine landscapes or local cultural events without harming either.
It Benefits Local Communities
Ecotourism is a win-win for local communities. It provides local employment without harming the local environment and it typically provides decent paying jobs, as well. Furthermore, they may learn skills that are transferable to other areas such as fluency in other languages or business skills.
The resort may bring renewable energy use to the community or other services. Surplus income from those working at the resort may be used to upgrade a family’s home or pay for childcare and other services.
Another tenet of ecotourism is that it respects local cultures. Real ecotourism firms get permission from locals before they build. They are often owned or run by locals, not just staffed by them. The community works with the ecotourism company to set up programs that support the local population long after the resort opens.
It Helps the Environment
Ecotourism helps the environment. It allows popular destinations like Belize, for instance, to generate revenue without cutting down forests or mining resources. Nor do they have to focus on agriculture to generate income.
You can find a great Belize eco resort that will cater to your every taste, whether you want to visit the rainforest or enjoy authentic regional cuisine. For example, you can find ecotourism companies dedicated to farm to table efforts. On the flipside, you won’t end up staying in a massive resort that keeps locals away from the beach while harming the coral reef.
True ecotourist resorts work hard to ensure that their buildings are not detrimental to the environment. They may build out of locally sourced materials that complement the surroundings. They follow environmentally sound processes when generating energy and disposing of waste.
Ecotourism is a great way to give back and help communities, but it’s also a great way to reduce your impact on ecosystems, and preserve the destinations these communities call home.
