エコツーリズムは環境とその資源の保護に関係していることは、ほとんどの人が推測できます。しかし、エコツーリズムがどれほど身近なものであるかを誰もが認識しているわけではありません。

そこで、この記事では、エコツーリズムの詳細を説明します。さらに、初心者からベテランのエコツーリストまで、次の旅行のインスピレーションを得るのに役立つ例をいくつか紹介します。

エコツーリズムの定義

Ecotourism, according to the International Ecotourism Society, is “責任ある旅行 to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.”

つまり、エコツーリズムは、単に世界中を旅して観光する以上の意味があります。エコツーリズムとは、訪問が地域社会に良い影響を与えるようにすることです。これには、人々や自然資源も含まれます。

従来のマスツーリズムではなくエコツーリズムを選ぶ理由

Although the tourism industry is constantly growing, this growth doesn’t always necessarily have positive implications for the destination and its resources. For one, a heightened influx of tourists can threaten the ecosystem of sensitive natural locations. More people equals more strain on the environment.

別の 大量観光の欠点 is that, despite its trillion dollar value, only 5% of the income is invested in the local community. Thus, travelers should be conscious of where their money goes. Thankfully, forms of tourism like ecotourism are reshaping the face of travel.

Ecotourism is not only concious of its impact on the natural environment, it is also sensitive to the local economy. This means that a legit ecotour won’t be putting money in the hefty bank accounts of transnational companies. Instead, locals will be reaping the benefits of your visit.

エコツーリズムのメリット

エコツーリズムは最も倫理的な旅行方法の 1 つです。旅行者、地元の人々、そして自然に利益をもたらします。エコツーリズムの具体的な利点は次のとおりです。

文化の豊かさ

Ecotourism helps build cultural awareness by fostering respect for the place you travel to and the community you visit. When tour operators aren’t commodifying a destination for the sake of making a buck, an authentic exchange can happen between the guide and the visitor. Not only do the visitors come away with an immersive, memorable experience, but the destination is able to share its culture to the outside world in an uninhibited way.

教育経験

エコツーリズム is one way to educate the public about a certain location, and also about the importance of caring for the environment. Because of the damage of climate change, travelers are becoming increasingly aware of the urgency of action founded in education. What better classroom is there than nature itself? Ecotours aren’t just lectures, they are hands-on experiences that give visitors many opportunities to learn new skills and information.

経済成長

Unlike commercial tours, which are preoccupied with growing a private company’s bottom line, ecotourism operators are necessarily concerned about the welfare of the local community — including the economy. A truly eco-consciou tour will have been planned and managed locally, with the consent and involvement of the residents. This not only nurtures good relationships, but also helps create local jobs. Tour guides, homestay hosts, entertainers, translators, and more, are a result of the ecotourism industry.

環境保全

当然のことながら、エコツーリズムは環境に重点を置いています。エコツアー運営者は自然への影響が少ない体験を厳選するだけでなく、合法的な環境に優しい体験の収益は資源の保全と環境保護に充てられます。