Nowadays,
more and more people are starting to attach importance to the issues of climate
change, respecting other species, earth-friendly diets, reducing our carbon footprint,
waste management and the use of renewable resources. It is clear, that humans
are headed in a direction where they will not be depriving the planet of its
natural resources but they will learn to protect them and use them in a
sustainable way. The protection of the environment is becoming just as
important as the growth of markets, financial success, technological progress
and new ways of entertainment.
What does
ecotourism mean?
The
principles of ecotourism include the prevention of actions that harm or destroy
the environment, the creation of environmental and cultural awareness, the
support of local communities at the tourist destination, the financial support
of companies which actively promote and implement ecotourism and conservational
measures and the respect of the political, environmental and social situation
of the country of destination. The International Ecotourism Society (TES) defines
ecotourism as follows:
“Ecotourism
is a responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and
improves the well-being of local people”.