Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism is more than a catch phrase for nature loving depart and re installation. Eco-tourism is consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the worlds natural and heathen surrounds. It accommodates and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the environment and sustains & put forwards the native cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility of both travellers and service providers is the original meaning for eco-tourism.Eco-tourism also endeavours to encourage and support the diversity of local economies for which the tourism- tie in income is important. With support from tourists, local services and producers can compete with larger, foreign companies and local families can support themselves. Besides all these, the revenue produced from tourism helps and encourages governments to fund conservation projects and training programs. Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, thats what eco-tourism is all about.Whether its about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind non to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature. Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our undefended planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage argon the primary attractions.Responsible Eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of Eco-tourism. Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely related to Eco-Tourism.Many professionals have been involved in formulating and developing eco-tourism policies. They come from the fields of Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Photography, Marine Biology and Oceanography, National and State Park Management, environmental Sciences, Women in Development, Historians and Archaeologists, etc. Eco-tourism is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry, according to the World Tourism Organization with an annual growth rate of 5% worldwide and representing 6% of the world gross domestic product, 11. 4% of all consumer spending not a market to be taken lightly.What is Eco-tourism? Fundamentally, eco-tourism means fashioning as little environmental impact as possible and helping to sustain the indigenous populace, thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when visiting a place. T his is amenable form of tourism and tourism development, which encourages going back to natural products in every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological development. The International Eco-tourism party defines eco-tourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.This means that those who implement and participate in Eco-tourism activities should follow the following principles lessen impact Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts Provide direct monetary benefits for conservation Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people Raise sensitivity to host countries political, environmental, and social climate Support international human rights and labour agreementsAware of the Environment today the Green Laws of conservation are making people aware of how man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time to come and eco-tourism is the moreover way to maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder in the process and we clearly need to avoid our past shortcomings and negative impact that they have had. In India too the movement is gathering pulse with more and more travel and travel related organisations are addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting eco-tourism in the country.Some basic dos and donts of eco-tourism are listed below Dos Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only. Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures. Cut noise pollution. Do not shoot aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks. In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, maski ng with mud or sand.Make sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source. Respect peoples privacy while taking photographs. claim for prior permission before taking a photograph. Donts Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region has to be protected at all costs. Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing. Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests. Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild. Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local traditions. Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be used and littered. As a traveller, you will have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting. hither are some rules of thumb to make this impact positiveGolden Rules When You Travel Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories, and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to usage such as greetings, appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your trip. Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local regime what their guidelines are for limiting tourisms impact on the environment and local culture.Staying on trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a fewer ways to minimize your impact in sensitive areas. Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to ensure maximum companionship and conservation benefit from y our spending. Eco-Tourism in India is still at a very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to save the delicate Himalayan Eco System and culture and heritage of the indigenous people, which is probably the largest concentration in the world.Holiday Camping vis a vis Hotel accommodation are gathering momentum amongst the metropolis traveller. A plethora of holiday populate options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft adventure tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an acceptable eco-tourism product. Resorts tucked deep inside jungles of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri combine to make India one of the most diverse eco-tourism destinations on the planet.