Saving the Earth Through Travel

In the travel industry a global concern for the Earth sees the emergence of a "healthy" kind of tourism -- ecotourism. In the book Ecotourism: Potentials and Pitfalls, by Elizabeth Boo of the World Wildlife Fund, Mexican Hector Ceballos-Lascurain defines ecotourism as "tourism that consists of traveling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objectives of studying, admiring and enjoying the sceneries, its wild animals and plants, as well as any cultural manifestations found in these areas."

This type of travel, which is concerned with the environment, is redefining tourism worldwide. It has spawned a new breed of travelers. More and more people are moving away from the traditional type of vacation-sun-sea-sand tours to try off-the-beaten-path destinations. This form of travel also tries to educate the tourist about the importance of protecting the environment. A list of environmental guidelines for the traveler has been drawn up by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). It reminds the traveler to:

* Leave only footprints.
* Take only photographs.
* Not to engage in graffiti-writing or to litter the place.
* Not to take away "souvenirs" from historical sites and natural areas.
* And not to buy products made from endangered animals and plants.

The traveler is requested to educate himself about the geography, customs, manners and culture of the region he will visit and respect the privacy and dignity of others by inquiring first before photographing people. The ASTA guideline urges the traveler to patronize hotels, airlines, resorts, cruise lines and tour operators which have a staff dedicated to strong principles of conservation.

An ecotour is more like a scientific expedition that includes lectures by naturalists and scientists. Groups are often kept small to ensure a personal cross-cultural experience. A traveler embarks on an environmentally aware trip with certain objectives in mind.

Conservation travel spells a number of benefits. Tourism generates much-needed foreign exchange and is a labor-intensive industry. A country's natural assets such as parks and forests, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves could be developed as tourist destinations, becoming vital sources of revenue without necessarily endangering the environment. Those familiar with the surroundings such as the rural folk or indigenous people may be tapped as interpreters or guides. Ecotourism can thus be a scheme to integrate wildlands protection with rural development.

Responsible tourism -- an apt equivalent for ecotourism -- can help preserve, rather than destroy or corrupt, the lifestyle of indigenous people. With the ecotourist's interest in and concern for their unique culture, indigenous people are inspired to renew their appreciation of their customs and traditions. Their youth, in particular, are encouraged to learn their tribes, ancient skills and crafts (such as the making of traditional hunting weapons, weaving, wood-carving and basket-making).

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