ECOTOURISM
CHARTER - Guidelines for Eco-Travelers
Prepare for the trip
Educate
oneself about your destination. Be on the lookout for news
and current events about the area. Learn about local history,
customs and culture as well as vital ecosystems. Learn at least
the basics of the local language. A simple hello, please or thank
you goes a long way. Approach travel with the desire to
learn rather than just observe.
Respect local traditions and etiquette
Wear
clothing that is accepted by the local culture. Be aware
of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first.
Observe local customs. Be perceptive of one’s own cultural
values and how they affect your judgment of others. Remember that
you are the visitor. There are many different concepts of
time, personal space, communication etc. that are not wrong or
inferior, just different. Act as an example for other travelers
who are less informed than you.
Avoid ostentatious display of wealth
That
may not seem a display of wealth to one may be considered extravagant
by another culture. Tuck certain items away when visiting rural
communities. Leave jewelry and other unnecessary valuables at
home. They only create barriers and inhibit genuine interactions.
Not to hand out sweets and loose change, this only serves to corrupt
and create a begging mentality where none existed before.
Be flexible in the expectations
Approach
the adventure with an open mind and one won't be disappointed.
Sometimes plans change and an opportunity for more in-depth learning
or a unique cultural experience presents itself. Adapt oneself
to the situation rather than trying to adapt the situation.
Conserving resources
Often
times the resources in an area visited by tourists are under a
great deal of pressure already. Tourists must be aware about
the resources that are being used because of their visit.
This includes one’s personal consumption of items like water and
wood for building fires or specialty foods that had to be transported
from afar. Don't allow the guide to hunt endangered or threatened
species or harvest rare plants for your consumption. A large luxury
hotel in the middle of nowhere takes far more resources to build
and maintain than does a small family run inn.
Practice environmental minimum impact
Follow
the International Leave No Trace Rules. Pack out everything that
you bring in including toilet paper (if there is no toilet) or
plastic water bottles (use purification tablets or a filter).
Go to the bathroom at least 200 feet (70 paces) from any water
source. Remove litter that others left behind. Do not remove any
objects, plants or animal products from nature. Be aware
of local endangered or threatened species so as not to purchase
souvenirs made from their skin, feathers etc. Not only is this
will have an adverse impact on the environment but it is also
illegal.
Choosing a tour operator or guide
Thoroughly
research the tour operator or guide by asking them pointed questions
about specifically what they do that is "eco" and how
they involve the local communities and economies. The "greening
of tourism" has led companies to promote themselves as "eco"
simply to sell trips. The larger the company with more luxurious
accommodations, the less likely it is to be true ecotourism. So
the tourists must be persistent in their inquiries of an international
or local tour operator.
Support local economies
How
will a visit of an eco-traveler directly benefit the local economy
or entire community? This is an integral part of true ecotourism.
The eco-travelers should be promoted to use local transportation,
guides, inns, restaurants and markets. This helps create a buffer
zone for the environment surrounding protected natural areas by
giving locals an economic alternative to potentially destructive
practices. Community based ecotourism spreads the wealth
and workload.
Bridging cultural gaps
Take
the opportunity to be a cultural ambassador. Much of the
world's image of western tourists is based on the unrealities
of television and magazines. Look for situations for cultural
exchange whereby learning about each other's lives is mutual.
Continued ecotourism
Ecotourism
doesn't need to end with the flight home. The tourists should
follow through on with their commitment to conservation in one’s
everyday life. Share the experiences with others to foster
a greater understanding of our world. The eco-traveler would
have seen and learnt much from your journey. While the brew
of ecotourism is still fresh in the heart and mind, the traveler
should be motivated to take action using the various agencies,
grassroots organizations and resources available to you.
Learn about the flora and fauna of the area
The
knowledge of the traveler will lead to a greater appreciation
and respect for what ecotourism destination area has. Learning
about the world around us is fun, and it can be as easy as taking
along a field guide.
Leave plants, animals, rocks, logs, etc. alone
That
flower may be the most unusual you've ever seen, and that little
critter may look really cute, but they're not there for the traveler
to pick or to pet. The traveler has to realize that he is in their
home. Wild animals are wild, and they need their space. Give animals
plenty of room when viewing them. As for the plants, the animals
and insects need them. And that log or the rock the traveler comes
across may be someone's home.
Follow directions given by signs
and rangers
Both kinds of directions are for
the traveler's protection and for the protection of the natural
area that he/she visits.
Be a good example for others and spread the word about
responsible ecotourism
When
family friends and neighbors hear about the experience of the
trips to natural areas, they might want to go, too. Point them
to areas of special interests and be sure to tell them these great
tips!
