Best Eco-Tourism Destinations
As environmental awareness grows and the futures of our ecological treasures become more uncertain, a new brand of travel – eco-tourism – is becoming increasingly popular. Eco-tourism involves travel to fragile, pristine and usually protected areas. Eco-tourism programs take a number of forms, whether they are designed to educate the traveller, provide funds for conservation, or economically develop and politically empower local communities. Whatever the form it takes, eco-tourism programs and initiatives are intended to minimise negative environmental aspects of regular tourism and work towards the overarching goal of preserving the environment and protecting it from excessive human intervention for generations to come.
Are you and your green thumb ready to jump on the green bandwagon? Here are a few popular eco-tourism destinations. Cheap international flights will help get you on your ecological way.
Brazil
Home to the largest share of the Amazon rainforest and the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetlands, Brazil has long attracted environmental advocates concerned about the destruction of some of the world’s most precious natural assets. Eco-tourism has caught on, and a number of eco-lodges and eco-programs allow visitors to sustainably and responsibly visit the sites and help in research and conservation efforts.
Palau
The island nation of Palau, situated in the Pacific Ocean to the east of Indonesia boasts an untouched underwater wonderland as well as other pristine natural assets – and environmentalists and conservationists are determined to keep it that way! Palau is recognised as one of the world’s top diving destinations, but due to its isolated location has escaped the detrimental effects of mass tourism. A range of eco-lodges and sustainability programs are in place to ensure the preservation of the islands’ pristine ecosystems.
Canada
Canada is land of staggering natural beauty, with majestic mountains, sweeping rivers, and glistening glaciers that support a healthy ecosystem of flora and fauna. It’s not surprising, therefore, that Canada has implemented a range of eco-tourism initiatives. Parks Canada oversees 157 national historic sites, 42 national parks and three national marine conservation areas. These conservation areas continue to grow, and there are a range of eco-tourism programs and lodges to enjoy and help preserve these pristine environments. So hop on cheap flights to Canada to experience them for yourself.
Kenya
Whether you choose to undertake a safari with an eco-friendly operator or want to help with animal or land conservation in Kenya’s national parks, Kenya has long attracted eco-tourists and the environmentally conscious who are determined to help preserve the ecological uniqueness of Africa’s natural world.
Belize
Home to the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize eco-tourism initiatives are aimed at preserving Belize’s colourful, unique and pristine underwater world. Reef support initiatives and sustainable fishing, diving and snorkeling practices are all part of the effort to protect Belize’s waterways.
Eco-tourism initiatives and programs can now be found in all corners of the globe as tourism operators join in the push to address global warming and protect the environment for future generations.