Clicking from computer screen images of sandy beaches and lush forests to boarding a packed bus in Nairobi, wanderlust can lead us as far as our own backyards or to distant exotic venues. Who doesn't like a getaway? The intrigue of travel includes rest, adventure or recharging batteries.
Tourism may be one of the world's fastest growing industries and according to the World Resources Institute, between 1990 and 2002, international tourism increased by 54 per cent globally. By 2010 tourists are expected to exceed 1 billion worldwide.
As an industry, tourism is multidimensional in nature and still in the embryonic stage of development. Nowadays, being carted around on an air-conditioned bus is only one form of multiple types of tourism activity available often characterised by specific interests of the tourists themselves.
Ecotourism, a form of nature tourism, is reported to be one of the most rapidly increasing segments of the tourism industry.
Though the figures on ecotourism are sketchy, the World Trade Organization estimates that global spending on ecotourism is steadily increasing by 20 per cent per year, approximately five times the growth rate of the tourism industry as a whole.
What is Ecotourism? It is widely defined as 'responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of local people.' It is generally nature based and supports the well-being of local communities, and promotes local ownership. It also aims to minimize negative socio-cultural and environmental impacts and contributes to biodiversity conservation.
The increased demand for ecotourism has developed in part due to the wave of global environmental consciousness. During the last 10 years, studies show a shift in preferences for nature based destinations in developing countries over traditional European destinations.
Barrett Williams, a U.S. high school student, spent his summer vacation last year in Nicaragua helping farmers cultivate crops. "My trip to San Ramon changed my life," Williams said. "Not only did it improve my Spanish by placing me with Spanish-speaking locals but it taught me valuable lessons I will never forget. I saw first-hand the effects of poverty on the people and the land. Because of this exposure, I began to pay attention to what I can do back home to improve the global economy."
Ecotourism, when compared with other sectors, is also a type of tourism that presents some of the best opportunities for direct and long term economic impacts on poor communities.
Globally, about 1.2 billion people are living in extreme poverty and poverty is a central Millenial Development Theme being addressed by the UN. The UN target is to "halve the proportion of people living on less than a dollar per day by 2015."
That's where global tourism comes in. Even modest earnings from tourism make a significant impact on the welfare of beneficiaries in Lesser Developed Countries (LDC's) Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDC's) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
However, the direct economic impact of tourist spending is compromised when local businesses have to obtain goods and services from outside the area, thus creating "leakage" from the economy. Unfortunately many tourism projects have a high rate of leakage.
The price of taking the unsustainable path in tourism development is too high for developing countries in particular to afford. But over the past two decades ecotourism has shown promise as an important catalyst for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
What does it take to get involved? There's everything from joining MTV's Alternative Spring Break where students plant trees in war torn countries or target sweatshops in developing countries to joining underwater archeological excavations and cleaning up beaches.
Tours can be tailored to singles, families and couples and range from rugged - backpacking through African jungles - to softer Safari type packages. What's out there?
Travel to Madagascar where private breeding tour costs offset Wildlife Foundation Trusts. Birdwatching in Belize - money for the tour goes towards protecting in-danger species earmarked by The Audubon Society. Family Reef and Rainforest tours to introduce travelers to nature's wonders while funding rainforest conservation and reef protection. UN sponsored volunteerism in Red Cross Villages or needy developing world communities. And on and on and on.
L & R of London traveled to Belize for their honeymoon on a specially arranged eco-trip. "We both returned to England feeling extremely relaxed after the hectic run up to our wedding...All in all the trip was excellent and had some memorable highlights, including the trips by light aircraft and the amazing wildlife," they wrote afterwards. For many, it's an opportunity to see nature and wildlife up-close for the first time.
On a personal level, what can you do to help the environment when traveling?
1) Leave the place as you find it. Don't take anything from the reef or forest when scuba diving or hiking. As one guide puts it: "Would I take something from YOUR house if I were visiting? It belongs to nature so leave it there."
2) Choose to stay in eco-friendly hotels where water conservation and environmentally friendly policies are in place.
3) Offset travel miles with a program like Terrapass carbon offsetting.
4) Take your own cup/utensils along. Instead of throwing out plastics and utensils, use your own and re-wash. Every little bit counts.
5) Re-use your water bottle. Bring along your own small bottle and refill from a larger one instead of re-purchasing plastic containers each day.
6) Buy local goods when possible. Help the beach vendor or ceramics shop owner.
Enjoy and Bon Voyage!