What is Ecotourism?

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A buzzword in today’s travel circles, “ecotourism” is a growing trend of travel programs that aim to conserve natural habitats. The goal is that tourism to a natural area remain sustainable for generations to come. Ecotourists strive to ensure that their visits to natural do not cause the overdevelopment, pollution or depletion of those areas.

Unfortunately, many businesses unethically stamp their facilities or services as “green” or “ecotourist friendly,” when in reality they are not. They may provide comforts to tourists by over-using local energy generators, build new roads through protected areas, or improperly dispose of property waste. Sometimes, reducing one’s impact on the environment while traveling means going without conveniences to which Western travelers are accustomed.

We have worked exceptionally hard to ensure that our visits to the wild follow the naturalist’s motto that we “take only pictures, leave only footprints.” For more information on environmentally responsible tourism, you may want to check out www.conservation.org, www.lnt.org, or www.ecotourism.org.

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From our perspective, this means supporting organizations like the Elephant Nature Park and the Tiger Kingdom. Recently, the treatment of elephants at some of Thailand’s elephant camps and elephant-based tourist attractions has drawn the attention of environmental organizations like PETA.

Elephants are often used to perform labor such as logging, and are severely mistreated in the process. Elephants may be trained to perform tricks for visitors through violent and painful methods, and elephants that perform in the city streets may suffer particular stress and trauma from constant exposure to city vibrations and sounds.

Our choice to volunteer at the Elephant Nature Park is supported by their track record of humane and loving treatment of the animals they rescue. And it’s why organizations like PETA profile the Elephant Nature Park on their website as a laudable effort and a smart choice for informed travelers.

The sites we chose are globally recognized for respecting the animals and habitats they profess to protect. Fortunately, when animals are respected, we are provided the unique chance to observe their natural interactions and behaviors.

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For students, this means making wise decisions. It means avoiding buying natural souvenirs such as teeth, hides, coral, butterflies, or turtle shells. Products made of animals often come at the expense of endangered species. It means treating the areas we visit with respect, not disturbing the fragile habitats of the rainforest. It means conserving resources like water and electricity, and at times sacrificing some degree of comfort to ensure that others have a chance to experience the same Thai wilderness that we do.