Eco-tourism is not just traveling to places blessed with natural abundance or environmental treasures. The philosophy behind eco-tourism is to spread awareness among travelers and natives regarding the importance of conserving natural heritages and wealth. It is associated with responsible and sustainable traveling.
Tourists are educated on how they can help in preserving the local communities and lend a hand in the conservation of nature in the places they visit. Eco-tourism is beneficial for everyone involved and offers an enriching experience to the tourists. The most important reasons that make eco-tourism special and a much discussed topic are listed below.
Conserving nature consciously
The main aim of eco-tourism is to conserve nature and reduce the damage caused by commercial tourism. Tourism is beneficial for the financial conditions of a country but it negatively affects nature. Eco-tourism preaches more responsible methods of tourism, so that natural heritages are not lost to us.
Travelers who show interest in eco-tourism have to learn about the importance of certain sustainable habits to keep the places they visit unaffected by their activities. Due to the increase in the number of eco-tourists, hoteliers and local tour operators also start paying attention to the importance of conserving the natural properties for drawing more travelers.
Financial benefits and real time participation
Eco-tourism brings people closer to the nature and offers travelers a chance to participate in activities that help in preserving nature. Travelers can volunteer for cleaning the hiking trails or gathering litter on the beaches to keep the natural environment clean. They can also gather plastic bottles for recycling and feed animals or fish in their natural habitats.
The money from eco-tourism helps in boosting the financial condition of the economically vulnerable and underdeveloped countries or regions. The money from eco-tourism can help directly or indirectly in providing education for local people and enhancing the quality of their life. The travelers can fund nature conservation projects or donate to organizations and NGOs working for improving the environment of places they visit.
Educating the travelers
Ecotourism is learning and enriching experience. The travelers are educated regarding the dire condition of natural flora and fauna habitats. They are also told why preserving nature and safeguarding land and sea animals is necessary. The travelers are more willing to visit eco-tourism destinations more than once when they learn about the significance of the conservation work and understand the importance of their contribution. Education makes their eco-tourism experience more satisfying and fulfilling.
Development of local communities
The welfare of the local communities is one of the most vital aspects of eco-tourism. Sustainable eco-tourism is all about the growth and development of local communities and the preservation of their culture along with conservation of natural properties. Eco-tourism creates hundreds of job opportunities. The natives can work in the conservation projects, natural reservoirs and conservation parks. They can also work in the hospitality industry and earn good wages. Flow of income can enhance their lifestyle and help them provide education and food to their family members.
Leads to stable bigger changes
Social and political changes go hand to hand. When a place becomes a popular eco-tourism destination, the government takes more interest in its welfare and development. In developing and underdeveloped countries, eco-tourism acts as a tool for awakening awareness. It helps in raising social consciousness and lets the world know about the misery of the natives. International NGOs and organizations start taking more interest in the development of the local communities, which leads to social changes.
Summary
Eco-tourism is a form of sustainable tourism that prevents damage to the natural habitats and protects both flora and fauna. Eco-tourism brings financial and social changes in underdeveloped regions as well.