We all love to travel and see the beautiful places in Sri Lanka, don't we? Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Sinharaja, the southern coast... The joy and freedom we feel when we go to places like these is indescribable. But have we ever thought about what impact our travels can have on this beautiful environment and on our own people who live there? Sometimes, we can harm that environment without even realizing it. That's where the very valuable concept of 'Ecotourism' or 'Environmental Tourism' comes in.
Simply put, what is Ecotourism?
This is very simple. Ecotourism is about traveling in a way that is environmentally friendly, without harming it, and also beneficial to the people living in that area. To be precise, just as when we visit someone else's home, we respect that home and its people and leave in a tidy manner, we respect the environment and culture of the area we are visiting, and contribute to its preservation.
According to the International Ecotourism Society, such a tourist should adhere to these principles:
- Minimizing the negative impact of your travel on the local community and environment.
- Acting with awareness of the environment and local culture.
- Contributing financially or through labor to environmental conservation.
- Respecting and empowering the local community, and having a positive impact on them through our presence.
Simply put, it is the duty of a responsible traveler to leave the place we visit in the same condition as it was, or even better.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of ecotourism?
Like any other method, this method has its advantages and disadvantages if not done properly. It is important that we are aware of both.
| Key Benefits | Potential Drawbacks/Challenges |
|---|---|
| Boosting the local economy: By hiring services from local people, such as lodging, shops, and guides, the money goes directly to them. This also helps reduce poverty. | Increased tourism: When people come to the same place without any restrictions, the delicate ecosystem can be damaged. The beauty of the place is lost due to garbage, noise and pollution. (For example, congestion in areas like Ella) |
| Encouragement for environmental conservation: Tourists come to see these natural resources, so locals are interested in preserving them. For example, the income from tourists who come to see the gorillas in Rwanda is used to maintain the national park. | Disturbance to animal life: Animals' normal behavior can be disrupted. For example, the bright lights of hotels on our southern coast cause turtles that come to lay their eggs at night to get lost in the roads and instead of heading towards the sea, they are in danger. |
| A fight against climate change: This helps preserve natural resources like forests, thereby indirectly contributing to lower carbon emissions. | Displacement of local people: In some cases, there have been reports around the world of large-scale tourism projects displacing indigenous peoples who have traditionally lived in those areas. |
| Awareness among tourists and locals: Through activities like this, both parties become aware of the value of the environment. | Revenue Flowing Abroad: If the tourism project is owned by a foreign company or the employees are from out of town, the revenue generated may not reach that area. |
How do we become responsible travelers?
Okay, so, what can we do to overcome these challenges and make ecotourism a reality? Here are some things that we think will help you.
1. Do your research before you go.
When planning your trip, do some research online about where you're staying and what activities you're going to participate in. Is it locally-owned? Does anyone have any good reviews? Some places can be fooled by the name "eco" alone. So it's worth doing a little research.
2. Respect the wildlife
We are going to their homes, or their kingdom. So it is not good to disturb or scare them. Do not go to feed the animals, as this may change their natural eating habits. Avoid things that are cruel to the animals, such as riding elephants or taking photos with snakes on your shoulders. Observe their behavior from a distance and enjoy it.
3. Think about the environment (Practice environmental awareness)
Leave the place you are going to as clean as it was, and even cleaner if possible . Don't leave plastic bottles , polythene bags, etc. there. If there is no proper place to throw the trash, prepare a small bag to take it back. Don't cut down trees or collect souvenirs from the environment without permission.
4. Respect the local culture (Absorb the culture)
Learn a little about the customs and clothing of the people in the area you are visiting. Respect their culture. If possible, learn a few words in that language and speak to them in a friendly manner. Try a local dish, buy a souvenir made by a local. This will show respect for that culture and the people.
5. Support local businesses
Put your money directly into the hands of the locals. Stay in a small homestay in a village , rather than a large hotel chain. Get a local guide to help you with your tour. Not only will you learn a lot about the place, but the money will also stay in the community.
Take-Home Message
- Ecotourism simply means traveling without harming the environment or the people living in the area, but rather helping them.
- When planning your trip, always try to support locally-owned businesses and local guides.
- Travel without disturbing animals, keep the environment clean, and respect the local culture. This will make your trip more meaningful.
- If we all travel responsibly like this, we can save many more years for our children to see these beautiful places in our country.
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