Author: Maja Springer
As environmental awareness grows, more and more people are paying attention to the environmental impact of their daily choices. However, our environmental impact doesn't end at our own homes. A big contributor to global warming is globalization, travel, and increasing tourism. If we place importance on environmental protection and sustainable choices in our country, we should also take ecological factors into account when planning a vacation. In this article, we present 3 of the most eco-friendly vacation destinations from different parts of the world.
Costa Rica: A Pioneer in Eco-Tourism
In Costa Rica, ecotourism plays an important role in the country's economy and environmental protection. The country is committed to sustainable development, with 25% of its land area designated as protected areas. This commitment not only protects Costa Rica's biodiversity but also provides countless opportunities for visitors, such as eco-friendly lodges and tours that allow visitors to explore volcanoes, zipline through forests, and relax on eco-certified beaches.
In fact, Costa Rica's rich biodiversity is a major reason for its ecotourism appeal. One of the main tourist attractions in Costa Rica is seeing wild animals such as whales, monkeys, and rare birds in their natural habitat. Organized tours, however, are conducted with great respect for nature and the comfort of the animals being observed primarily through small groups, the maintenance of silence, and the educational elements provided by the guide.
A big part of ecotourism is also its impact on local communities. It provides a source of income for local people who live off sustainable tourism by, for example, running organic farms, including lodging, or offering tours as guides. Ecotourism, therefore, creates ethical jobs and enables closer acquaintance between tourists and the community being visited. By choosing to stay at a local eco-lodge or engaging in community-based tourism, tourists support the conservation of natural resources while learning about local culture and lifestyles.
Slovenia: Europe’s Green Jewel
Slovenia is one of the greenest and most eco-friendly places to visit in Europe, with more than 60% of its land area covered by forests. The country has been recognized as a sustainable destination due to its commitment to protecting its natural landscapes and reducing its carbon footprint. Ljubljana, the country's capital, was named the Green Capital of Europe in 2016.
Slovenia is a very small country with a lot to offer. It’s a paradise for outdoor adventurers offering activities like hiking in the Alps, kayaking in lakes and rivers, caving in Scotia Caves, swimming in the Adriatic Sea, and riding a bicycle through the charming villages. It is also highly recommended to try authentic Slovenian cuisine by dining in local restaurants, thus supporting the local community.
You can choose to stay at a cozy organic cottage hidden in the Julian Alps which is also a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. You can also decide to stay in the capital city, Ljubljana, for example at a charming organic guesthouse.
Due to the size of Slovenia and its well-developed public transport, traveling around the country is very fast and convenient. This allows you to avoid moving around by car and choose a more sustainable mode of transport such as the train, or go on a bike trip.
Bhutan: The Kingdom of Happiness
Bhutan measures success by Gross National Happiness, which emphasizes sustainable development and environmental protection. This Himalayan country is carbon-negative and absorbs more CO2 than it produces. It owes this to the fact that as much as 70% of its land is covered with forests. The country has also declared that its forest cover will forever remain at a minimum of 60%.
Tourism in Bhutan is also aligned with environmental protection. A high-value, low-impact tourism policy ensures that tourism doesn’t affect the country's natural resources. The Government even introduced a "High Cost, Low Impact" policy, which means that tourists need to pay daily travel fees of 200 USD or 250 USD per person. The income from fees is mostly used for the country's development and environmental protection, but also education, and health care. In addition, all tourists must travel through registered travel agencies and be accompanied by licensed Bhutanese guides.
Bhutan is worth visiting primarily for its unique, well-preserved nature and culture. Some of the most interesting tourist attractions in Bhutan are trekking through lush national parks, walking along ancient paths, watching wild animals in their natural habitat, and participating in traditional Bhutanese festivals.
Conclusions:
When choosing a travel destination and planning activities, it is worth paying attention to the impact of our actions on the environment and how a country manages tourism. When we choose destinations with high tourist traffic that have problems managing it, we contribute to even greater exploitation of the place and its degradation. By supporting destinations that have sustainable tourism policies, we contribute to a sustainable future, while allowing ourselves and future generations of travelers to enjoy untouched beauty.
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