The Irony Of Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism. Sounds great, doesn’t it? The word literally suggests that people can travel in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Unfortunately, there is an irony to eco-tourism that makes it less authentic than we hope for, and while there are benefits, there is also a growing list of disadvantages.

Eco-tourism And The Ecological Impact

Although one of eco-tourism’s vital purposes is to support conservation efforts, particularly for exotic and endangered environments, it can have a detrimental effect instead. Usually, ecosystems that become eco-tourism attractions have had little to no interaction with mainstream human society, so as a destination’s popularity grows and the area comes into closer contact with the unknown, it begins to change in an unfavourable way. We can better understand this by viewing it in the way we look at the interaction between the human body and invading bacteria. The foreign object will almost always cause harm and, while the body will adapt, it is forever changed.

Furthermore, the natural resources soon become overtaxed and overtime, the natural attractions suffer from overuse. 

Additionally, several eco-tourism destinations are in remote areas, requiring extensive air and vehicle travel that creates extensive carbon footprints.

Tourism also disrupts wildlife, resulting in changes to their feeding and mating habits. In light of the COVID 19 pandemic, lack of human interference has aided safety and privacy for animals to mate and breed. In May 2020, millions of baby turtles hatched on India’s empty beaches for the first time in decades, boosting their populations. Meanwhile, in Ocean Park in Hong Kong, two of resident pandas mated naturally and successfully for the first time in 10 years due to the zoo’s closure. While I hate zoos and do not understand their value, this is good news. These two cases showcases the consequences of human activity and that when we remove ourselves from the equation, wildlife thrives.

Still, there have been negative impacts of the lockdown on wildlife, such as conservation programs struggling for funds and poachers taking advantage of reduced patrols. These effects cannot be ignored, and therefore, the conversations around eco-tourism is always remain complex.

Eco-tourism And The Cultural Impact

Along with the ecological impact, eco-tourism also creates cultural exploitation and deterioration. For original residents of a particular area, instead of maintaining their cultural practices as way of life, they sometimes become actors for tourist entertainment. Such destroys the traditional importance and meaning of their lifestyle and creates strain on the freedom of cultural expression. I see it in my home country. While cultural shows educate on the beauty and diversity of Kenyan culture, they frequently become a space for ridiculous labelling and stereotyping. It is disheartening.

Eco-tourism is also sold on the idea that it has positive financial impacts on local communities. However, this is often untrue. When nternational cooperations flock to popular destinations, their businesses end up taking money away from the local economy and putting significant financial burdens upon the natives. There is also increased competition for resources between invading tourist activity and indigenous populations. 

Moreover, as hotels take land away from locals and destroy traditional occupations, inhabitants of the area are forced to take low-paying service jobs in hotels, restaurants and shops which limits economic stability.

Naturally, these cooperations also have considerable influence upon corrupt governments who take large cuts from their profits, leaving nothing for the local communities who are directly and dangerously affected by tourism. 

Eco-tourism is a complex issue because the inherent nature of tourism demands development, which isn’t always beneficial for the environment or local communities. Yet, certain developments can influence a region in a positive way.

Nevertheless, that is not to say it is impossible to be an eco-tourist. Be self-aware and do your research to find tours that genuinely believe in the importance of the cause and will adhere to eco-tourism guidelines. These include: 

• Conservation: is the organization safeguarding the biodiversity and integrity of ecosystems?
• Community: is the organization supporting the basic rights of the locals while enhancing the well-being of communities?
• Culture: is the organization promoting and respectfully supporting the cultures? 
• Commerce: is the organization contributing to the growth of the local economy? 

In addition: 

Six Tips For Becoming A Sustainable Traveller

Stay At Green Lodging Services Whenever Possible

These are accommodations that implement ‘green policies’ that make a huge impact on making the travel industry more sustainable. Practices include providing eco-friendly soap, encouraging guests to reuse towels and in more remote areas, only offering electricity after sunset (6pm-6am) or utilising solar power is tropical destinations. 

Beware Of Your Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions. Of course we cannot truly control this when travelling, but there are ways to reduce your carbon footprint and be more sustainable. For example:

• Book direct flights wherever possible
• Use public transportation
• Travel as much as you can on foot

Bring Eco-friendly Toiletries 

Chemicals found in common toiletry items might be hazardous to the exotic environment around you. Something as simple as your sunscreen can have a huge impact on an ecosystem because many are dangerous to marine life.

Adhere To The Regulations

This is especially vital for the outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers. If you are hiking and come by a sign stating “do not leave the marked path” – then don’t leave the marked path. The rules are in place for a reason. 

Buy Local 

This is one of the easiest ways to be a sustainable traveller because supporting locals boosts their economy and can also reduce carbon-footprints as using locally grown food limits the need to import foreign goods.

Follow The 3 R’s

The disadvantages of eco-tourism cannot be solved overnight. However, we can all make small changes to forge a better picture of travel – and not littering is the easiest first step. Next comes following the 3 Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle .