Pacific Eco Tourism & Tours
Pacific ecotourism is more than just travelling green. It’s a unique opportunity to not only see the Pacific from a more natural perspective, but a chance to better understand how we can offer sustainability to our environment as well as to the local people.
As more and more people are expanding their horizons and travelling abroad, there have also been negative effects to our environment. Airplanes emit the most carbon dioxide than any form of transportation; forests have been cleared to make way for hotels; hotels consume large amount of energy from air conditioners, refrigerators and laundry; the local people become totally reliant on tourism instead of being self sufficient. The travel industry has left a tainted mark on the world.
The concept of ecotourism counters the effects of mass tourism by first creating awareness for the need to take immediate change in how we travel. It’s less about getting cheap flights, although eco travel need not be expensive. It’s more about becoming more responsible, especially when travelling to areas that are protected and fragile. Ecotourists believe in travelling on a small scale with very little impact on the environment.
Although many Pacific ecotourism programs offer opportunities for volunteering, there are more eco travel programs opening up to those who just want to take it all in without negatively impacting the local community or its environment. The primary goal here is to offer a sense of appreciation for the world around us.
Types of ecotours or vacations can be as individual as the traveller. India offers a wide variety of travel opportunities that can be as leisurely or as rugged as the activities you want. Each individual region offers its own unique climate and topography such as rolling hills or steep mountainous glaciers. Thailand has delicate and colourful coral reefs as well as flora and animal life uniquely Thailand. The activities that one can enjoy includes, but not limited to: hiking, treking, scuba diving, bird watching, biking, or just looking at glaciers and wildlife.
Do be aware of companies who claim to be eco friendly or green, but still cause damage to the environment. This is called “greening.” There are regulations and certifications such as Green Stars Systems available that a true ecotour must receive in order to qualify.
The other aspect that is starting to gain more visibility is how ecotourism is truly helping the Pacific locals. Many hotel chains offer accommodations in these beautiful countries, but little profit is available to the local people. Ecotourism offers homestays where the traveller can stay with a local family, which directly benefits the family and the community. Programs such as these allow locals a chance to earn money to sustain their livlihood without being displaced or becoming too reliant on tourists.
The best part of ecotourism is the opportunity to take the experience back home. Not only does it teach you how delicate the ecosystem is and how responsible we should become, but we also get to better understand ourselves. When planning your next holiday, why not consider the beauty and adventure of a Pacific eco tour?
Be sure to bookmark pacificecotourism.co.uk. We are always adding new and relevant information that is important in planning an eco adventure.