Ecotourism means travelling, being responsible for the environment, and improving the local population's well-being.
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 carefully treating it.
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 primary condition of this ecotourism - is to settle in the countryside and fully plunge into village life (of course, this applies only to urban residents).
Scientific ecotourism - Participants help scientists collect herbs and rare plant species and carry out excavations during the rest.
Adventure ecotourism - with elements of risk and a share of fun adventures.
Recreational tourism is the sportiest kind of ecotourism; that is, it necessarily includes sports: skiing, mountaineering, swimming, and walking.
Regardless of the type, there are essential principles that should be followed by all who wish to plunge into the world of ecotourism. These are crucial principles:
Protection of Nature. To minimise 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 organised in places expressly set aside for these needs. Also, during travel, you should use only environmentally friendly transport, such as bicycles, scooters, motorless boats, paragliders, etc. Building resting places only from materials that do not harm the environment is recommended. The collection of mushrooms, berries and medicinal herbs is allowed only in this zone.
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. It allows them to get jobs and income from tourism, thereby incentivising them to protect nature.
Provide financial benefits to empower local people.