How to become an Ecotourist--Guidelines
1/7/00
*******************************
RELAYED TEXT STARTS HERE:
Title: How to become an ecotourist
Guidelines for environmentally friendly travel
Source: Los Angeles Times Syndicate
Status: Copyright 1999, contact source for permission to reprint
Date: January 7, 1999
Byline: Jennifer Merin
(Los Angeles Times Syndicate) -- Environmentalists have long been
concerned about the cumulative effects of acid rain, deterioration of
the ozone and industrial exploitation of the forests. During the past
decade, the growth in the travel industry's "adventure tourism" sector
has posed additional environmental threats.
With increased visits to remote and ecologically fragile areas --
Antarctica, South American rain forests, the Galapagos Islands,
African plains, coral atolls, the Andes and Himalayas -- comes the
risk of environmental damage.
This urge to visit remote regions will only continue, and it's crucial
for tourists to be informed about the long-term effects they may have
on the global environment, and to take responsibility for the future,
says Megan Eppler Wood, executive director of The Ecotourism Society,
a nonprofit association of tourism professionals dedicated to
fostering a synergy between outdoor travel entrepreneurs, researchers
and conservationists.
"We encourage travelers to explore remote areas to learn about their
unique flora, fauna and cultures," says Wood. "Their appreciation of
nature and indigenous cultures will ultimately convince them of the
necessity for conservationist initiatives. But we recognize that as
more people visit environmentally sensitive areas, we risk
irreversible damage. So we must all commit to slow, carefully planned,
sustainable development."
It's time for travelers to make a resolution -- to be more
conscientious in their personal behavior when they're on the road and
to patronize only those travel providers who have adopted policies and
practices that promote environmental protection.
Respecting wildlife, local people
The Ecotourism Society, National Audubon Society, American Society of
Travel Agents and other concerned organizations have developed
guidelines. Put together, the points they recommend include:
Travel in the spirit of humility, showing appreciation for things you
see.
In wilderness areas remain on marked trails, keep 20 to 30 feet (six
to nine meters) from wildlife, do not take anything (plants, rocks,
shells, seeds, animals), do not introduce anything (plants, seeds,
animals) to the environment.
Never litter or leave waste in a wilderness area; when at sea, don't
dump plastic or non-biodegradable garbage overboard.
Don't interfere with protected areas or scientific research.
Remember your cultural background is one among many; show respect for
the way other people think and do things.
Study before you go, learning local customs and several phrases so you
can be courteous and communicate with local people.
Don't expect or demand special privileges because you're American.
Respect the privacy and dignity of local people; ask before taking
photos.
Don't bargain below fair price.
Never purchase products made from endangered plants or animals,
including orchids, cacti, sea turtles, crocodiles, snakes, lizards,
pangolin (anteaters), ivory, wild birds and their skins and feathers,
coral, furs of spotted cats, marine mammals and polar bears. For a
specific list, contact the U.S. Customs' "Know Before You Go"
pamphlet.
Don't give local kids candy or encourage them to ask for handouts.
Don't make promises to local people that you cannot keep.
Do support and contribute to local conservation efforts.
Keep a travel journal to help you reflect on and remember your daily
experiences.
Questions about transporation, lodging
When it comes to choosing travel providers, consider each of your
travel dollars as a vote for the future. You should spend those
dollars -- or cast your votes -- whenever possible only with providers
that support conservation.
The Ecotourism Society's guidelines recommend that before booking, you
do a little research to determine whether a tour operator, cruise
line, airline or hotel has policies and practices in place to:
Conserve energy and water. For example: Does air conditioning turn off
automatically when balcony doors are opened? Are shower heads
efficient?
Use environmentally sound transportation. For example: When vehicles
are stationary, are engines turned off? Have they taken measures for
noise abatement?
Manage waste and garbage. For example: Do ships dump
garbage overboard? Are incinerators equipped to trap soot and other
noxious materials? Are laundry soaps biodegradable? Do they recycle?
Employ local people and patronize local concessionaires, and provide
them with education, training and career improvement programs.
Encourage local guides, landowners and conservationists to implement
long-term, sustainable plans for tourism development
Support and contribute money, materials and expertise to local
conservation and community self-improvement initiatives.
Provide tourists with educational materials before scheduled travel.
Make travel enlightening, as well as enjoyable, by providing a tour
that fosters appreciation of nature, conservation and the environment.
Have and abide by their own code of tourism ethics, which they promote
among their travel partners and participants.
If you find the prospect of asking hard questions daunting, you can
contact The Ecotourism Society (P.O. Box 755, North Bennington, VT
05257; telephone: 802-447-2121; online at www.ecotourism.org for its
list of environmentally correct tour operators offering journeys to a
wide range of domestic and international destinations.