Eco-Tourism
Eco-Tourism
There are different types of tourism. One of them is Eco-tourism. From the name you must have conceived- it means environment friendly tourism. There are many other terms connected to eco-tourism like the sustainable tourism, responsible tourism and so on. However, these are nothing but eco-friendly tourism.
What is Eco-tourism?
Eco-tourism has many definitions. However, the most popular definition is the one that is framed by TIES in the year 1990.
According to TIES, eco-tourism is “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”
It simply means that tourists would be entertained in a manner, which causes minimal destruction to the nature and the local cultures. Eco-tourism preserves and sustains the natural resources and the local environments.
The service providers and the tourists or the travelers are responsible for encouraging and sustaining eco- tourism. They have to be careful as not to intrude or disturb the life cycle of the nature.
World Top Five Eco-Tourism Destination
The eco-tourists like to be close to the nature. They wish to get personal with the nature and the environment. The eco-tourism destinations that most of the eco-tourist would love to visit include the following.
1. Cost Rica promotes eco-tourism. It is famous for its black sandy beaches, dense forest and river rapids. This country has many outdoor activities to offer. The wildlife centers and national parks of Costa Rica have many wild lives to show case. You would find varieties of monkeys, crocodiles, manatees, herons, sea turtles, poisonous dart frogs and so on. Many green hotels and eco-lodges provide accommodation to the eco- tourists
2. Norway is an international leader in environmental policy. Norway is famous for its Fjords, snow capped mountains, waterfalls and crystal clear water bodies. There is a wide variety of wild life in Norway. To preserve the nature’s gift, Norway government protects its coastline and the forests. It has imposed regulations on fishing, petroleum industries and whaling.
3. Kerala is a coastal state in India. It lies on the southwestern coast. It is the first state to declare eco- tourism in the country. The first eco-tourism destination in the state was Thenmala Ecotourism. Kerala is known for its clean sandy beaches, mountains and wild sanctuary. It is referred to as “God’s Own Country”.
4. Another popular destination is Kenya. It is famous for it the forests teeming with wild life like lions, elephants and so on. There are around 50 national wild life sanctuaries that are protected by the government. Apart from the wild life, the travelers have mountains, lakes and beaches. Kenya also encourages desert tourism. The tourism in Kenya is protected by the national body called Ecotourism Kenya.
5. The foremost diving destination for the deep sea divers is Palau. It is an island nation surround by crystal clear sea. This island has around 500 species of corals and many wonderful species of fishes. There are many no- fishing zones to repopulate the near to extinct species of the fishes. This island nation does not encourage mass tourism. This is done so with view to save their environment and the sea life. The ecosystem is protected by Palau Conservation Society.