Ecotourism
Ecotourism means not just travelling, but being responsible for the environment and improving the well-being of the local population.
This means exploring and enjoying the natural surroundings and cultural attractions promoting nature conservation. In short, ecotourism is a rapprochement with nature with a prerequisite to treating it very carefully.
There are several types of ecotourism, such as:
Biotourism. It represents the maximum study of nature (horse riding or walking, observing the animal world, etc.).
Agri-ecotourism - the main condition of this type of ecotourism - to settle in the countryside and fully plunge into village life (of course, this applies only to urban residents).
Scientific ecotourism - during the rest, participants help scientists to collect herbs, and rare plant species and also carry out excavations.
Adventure ecotourism - with elements of risk and a share of fun adventures.
Recreational tourism is the most sporty kind of ecotourism, that is, it necessarily includes sports: skiing, mountaineering, swimming, and walking.
Regardless of the type, there are important principles that should be followed by all who wish to plunge into the world of ecotourism. These are important principles:
Protection of Nature. To minimize the negative impact (not only of ecological but, of course, cultural and social nature) on the environment. This applies to places for halts, campfires, and toilets - all this should be organized in places specifically set aside for these needs. Also during travel, you should use only environmentally friendly transport, that is, bicycles, scooters, motorless boats, paragliders, and so on. It is recommended to build resting places only from those materials that do not harm the environment. The collection of mushrooms, berries and medicinal herbs is allowed only in the zones permitted for this.
Environmental education. Be open to everything new, get acquainted with wildlife, and respect the culture and customs of the visited area.
Reputation. Provide a positive experience for both travellers and the local population.
Stimulus. Provide direct financial benefits to preserve the environment. That is, do not hinder the participation of the local population. Giving them the opportunity to get jobs and income from tourism, thereby causing an incentive to protect nature.
Provide financial benefits to empower local people.