Eco Travel & Tourism

British biologist Julian Huxley believed that if people could get closer to nature, they would have a sort of evolutionary awakening; that we are all creatures sharing one world, and that we need to share it well and work together.

But, while Charles Darwin made the Galapagos famous with the publication of "The Origin of Species" in 1859, it was future generations who had to take responsibility for this fragile habitat.

Huxley worked to develop a new kind of tourism: one that could educate, preserve natural resources, and promote new economic rewards through conservation. It’s what we now call "eco-tourism." (Jeff Tyler. The Savvy Traveler)

Eco-tourism has been credited with ending gaming and poaching in many areas by allowing tourism to bring in an alternative source of income. It has also assisted in the preservation of historic areas and monuments. But it can also mean indigenous peoples are moved from natural areas that are their homes, degrade natural areas, and deplete resources in underdeveloped countries. The Himalayas, the Taj Mahal and Giza pyramids are all showing the wear and tear of the tourist industry.

Andre Shine at www.surefish.co.uk writes: ‘Back in the early 1990s I descended into the Fish River Canyon, Namibia, with a small hiking party. The scene at the foot of the canyon was one of a pristine wilderness. I felt like a true pioneer, not a sign or any scent of the hikers that had trodden, perhaps just hours, ahead of me.’

Certified eco-tours can aid in preserving the integrity of your chosen destination. But while you are there ensure you stick to designated paths and take litter away with you. Shine also points out the importance of observing rules such as those prohibiting flash photography, which can degrade paintings and artworks such as those found in temples, tombs or sacred sites. She recommends observing signs and using sensitive judgement.

Eco-tourism Australia defines eco-tourism as, "ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".

Certification considers business management and operational planning, business ethics, responsible marketing, natural area focus and environmental sustainability. It also has a strong customer satisfaction focus, contribution to conservation, respect for cultural sensitivity and forges ties or links with the community.

In 1959, Ecuador declared 97 percent of the Galapagos Islands a national park. Huxley’s idea that tourists would sail around with naturalist guides became a reality in the 1970s. Today, 80,000 people travel to the Galapagos each year, always accompanied by a guide who ensures they do not leave any waste behind, or impact upon their environment.

Travelling to developing countries also highlights social inequalities between visitors and inhabitants. This can lead to a variety of social disturbances. The sight of wealthy Westerners can cause resentment, unrest between citizens, and encourage crime. In West Africa it is popular to take photographs of tribes people, children and women working, in an attempt to capture a social statement or a story in a face. But offering money for these photographs can raise expectations of what tourists can, or should, pay, and can even cause fights between local children.

Discovery Ecotours, ACT, offers a variety of eco-tours within Australia, covering the Northern Territory, Central Australia, and you can even a stay with the Anangu people in the Pitjantjatjara Lands.

Uluru Kata Tjuta is a place of unique flora and fauna - a habitat where desert wildlife has adapted to harsh conditions. The park protects a richer reptile fauna than any comparable area of Australia.

Discovery Ecotours Australia offers clients an incredible opportunity to experience a truly memorable experience with the Anangu aboriginal people in the Pitjantjatjara Lands.

Located directly south of Uluru but just over the Northern Territory border into South Australia, the Pitjantjatjara Lands is home to the Anangu people and many isolated Aboriginal communities. Desert Tracks, a wholly Aboriginal-owned tour company, together with Discovery Ecotours Australia, offer the opportunity to share in the knowledge of the elders and follow the song line of their ancestors through the Pitjantjatjara Lands.

The tour offers the opportunity to experience daily life with the Anangu people in their lands - learning about ancestral stories and its relevance to aboriginal society, traditional land management techniques, collecting edible bush foods and Tjukurpa (aboriginal law and teachings).

Travelling outside of Australia raises issues surrounding gender rules, cultural differences and social inequalities. Resources such as your choice of airline and the amount of tours you take should also be considered.

Be aware of who runs tours or guides, where you stay and where you shop, and use good judgement. According to Tourism Concern, profits produced by international investors can be as high as 70 or 85%. Yet in Nepal, for example, only 1.2% of tourism revenue remains within some mountain communities that host trekking parties.

Research shows that tourists on package tours budget more per day than backpackers but, unsurprisingly, their spending habits differ, often greatly.

The essence of backpacking is such that tourists are keen to experience local culture, people, customs and places. Research suggests the backpackers’ daily budget is much more likely to be spent within the local community.

It’s also respectful to observe religious rites and use resources as the locals do. Use water sparingly. Tourist areas in underdeveloped areas see visitors using water at a significantly higher rate than the locals. Shine’s top tip for saving water? Buy a one-size-fits-all plug from a specialist travel shop. Then you will never need to run water down the drain, wherever you travel in the world.