Ecotourism - or ecological tourism - is a type of tourism that seeks to minimize the environmental footprint of foreign visitors and broaden awareness for the preservation and appreciation of unique flora, fauna and local cultures. While ecotourism went through a honeymoon period a decade ago when it was the buzz word in the industry, it has since come under fire.
Why the controversy? Unethical tour operators, sadly, who exploit the integrity of ecotourism and in tandem with this, the issue of proper certification to uphold the principles behind the movement. Despite the ongoing arguments about how best to uplift and improve the global ecotourism industry, the idea is still a worthy cause for intrepid tourists to explore. At the end of the day, one should take comfort in the fact that there are more good promoters of ecotourism than bad. People who are conscientious about environmental issues such as water conservation, green energy and the creation of sustainable economic opportunity for indigineous populations.
Be vigilant of course and by all means, consult this handy top 10 countdown of the best ecotourism destinations in the world.
10. Madagascar
Cut off long ago from the African continent, the island nation of Madagascar has some of the most unusual plant and animal life on the planet. In point of fact, the island is home to 5% of the world’s flora and fauna species, the vast majority of which are native to Madagascar. When you consider that the country is larger than former colonial ruler France and is the fourth-largest island in the world, it all starts to make sense.
The best way to experience ecotourism in Madagascar is to book local Malagasy tours of the divergent ecological and geological sites of the island. Scrupulous tour operators that deal specifically with Madagascar ecotourism offer an array of choices, from posh to a more rough and tumble approach. The national parks provide knowledgeable guides and will cheerfully point out all the best lemur photo ops.
9. Belize
If there is any justice in the world, one day mainstream tourists will come to appreciate what avid ecotourists everywhere know: Belize is an absolute jewel. The only country in Central America with English as the official language, Belize once went by the unsexy title of British Honduras. With that era now over, the country has become a leader in ecotourism.
Between North and South America, with borders on Mexico and the Caribbean, Belize has wondrous biodiversity. Although relatively small, the country encompasses a wide array of ecological zones that support a host of plant and animal life. A very low population density, especially for this region of the world, ensures few environmental disturbances at the hands of humans and certainly is a major gain for ecotourists. Armadillos, toucans and monkeys are popular animal attractions here.
8. South Africa
Once a pariah because of the scourge of apartheid, South Africa has since become a major tourist destination. The country is so wonderfully diverse that there is no activity or interest not available. If you want to surf, bring your board. Like wine? The vineyards around Cape Town await you. Ecotourism? But of course.
Ecotourism has been a major boon to those in South Africa who were under the thumb of the apartheid government and subject to mass marginalization. It has brought foreign tourists to their midst and the financial windfall has been a profitable advantage for many villages in remote areas. No system is perfect however but overall, a strong ecotourism industry in South Africa is a positive development. So by all means, go to Kruger Park and see the lions but bear in mind the beauty of places like the Eastern Cape. South Africa is number three in the world in terms of biodiversity so spread your wings when you visit.
Book your South Africa stay at Ratestogo.
7. Alaska
More than twice as large as Texas, Alaska is massive. The northern climate may surprise some who associate ecotourism with lush rainforests, parrots and rickety suspension bridges that dangle perilously over waterfalls, but think about it and it makes sense. The amount of rugged, uninhabited land in Alaska, much of it still unseen by humans, is unique in the world. There is much to romanticize here, as Jack London well knew.
The state scores points for strong ecotourism awareness and guidelines, long before there was even a term for it. If two words could sum up the collective approach to tourism here, it would be “impact prevention”. The result is a pristine environment in which to seek adventure. Whether you want to explore the Aleutian Islands, Alaskan Bush or the Panhandle, one visit will not be enough. Swallow these facts: Alaska has more coastline than all other U.S. states in totality and only 18 sovereign nations are bigger.
When people hear that India contains a tropical paradise home to some of the most eclectic biodiversity on the planet, many react with shock. But why? Think of how big the country is and the fact that it borders the Himalayas, Thar Desert and the Indian Ocean. A country with this geography cannot be homogeneous.
Kerala is the tropical paradise in question and a leader in ecotourism in India. The state swims in variety. The people are the most diverse in India and Kerala’s wet evergreen forest has one of the most complex and unique flora on the planet. The best feature for ecotourists however, may be the level of organization that exists to accommodate those who want to trek and scout. The Western Ghats region in particular, is home to some of the best wildlife and virginal nature parks in India. Exotic trails take ecotourists on a virtual safari of rare birds, insects, plants and reptiles. It becomes apparent at first glance that conservation is a top priority in Kerala, much to the delight of visitors.
Stay in beautiful Cochin on your next trip to Kerala.
Read on for the rest of our top ecotourism destinations.
