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  December  2000  Newsletter

As Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Things you can do to make a difference...

EDUCATE YOURSELF...

Tourism Concern
http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/frame.htm
Working for fairer tourism
Tourism Concern is a UK-based charity working for constructive responses to these problems. They look at the way tourism affects the people and environments in tourism destination areas. Tourism Concern raises awareness of tourism's impact with the general public, with government decision-makers and within the tourist industry itself - and provides a unique information base for campaigners and students of tourism.

Ecotourism: Preservation or Destruction?

By Beth Abell & Ben Winig

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~eca/index.html

Ellen Scott's Ecotourism page at http://ecotourism.about.com/travel/ecotourism/

WTO and UNEP Publications on Ecotourism and related issues

"Sustainable Development of Tourism: A Compilation of Good Practices", WTO, 2000

"Ecotourism Information Pack", 
UNEP/The International Ecotourism Society, to be released Jan 2001

"Our Planet, Special Issue on Tourism", 
UNEP Magazine for Environmentally Sustainable Development Vol. 10, No.1. 1999

For more information, and publications on the issue, please consult these useful websites:

www.world-tourism.org

www.uneptie.org

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY...

Become an Informed Ecotourist

Before settling on a trip, a prospective ecotourist might want to raise the following questions:

1) Does the tour promoter have firsthand knowledge about the trip? If so, how recent is this knowledge?

2) Is information on geography, customs and culture provided before departure?

3) Are tour groups limited to 15 individuals or fewer?

4) How does the outfitter show respect for indigenous peoples and wildlife?

5) Does the outfitter employ locals for jobs besides providing maid and laundry service?

6) How much time will be spent riding in buses? Check distances on a map.

7) Will you stay in locally owned hotels that practice environmentally sound sewage treatment and waste disposal?

8) Does the outfitter employ guides with ecological training and experience?

WHAT YOU CAN DO! Seek out tour operators and accommodations that are sensitive to the local culture. Educate yourself about your host country's customs before traveling. Remember that you are a guest and behave accordingly. Check local conventions and dress appropriately. Attend local cultural events. Your support helps local performers preserve their heritage. When purchasing souvenirs, support the work of local craftspersons and artisans. Help keep cultural traditions alive.

Be sensitive to where, how and when you take photographs. Always ask first. Be respectful of local people's peace, privacy and land. Ask permission before entering buildings, shrines or sacred lands. Learn a few words of the local language and use them when meeting people. Speaking to locals in their language will demonstrate your respect for local culture http://www.ecotourism.org

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More you can do..... Making informed, positive, low-impact travel choices is the first step toward the sustainable future of tourism, the environment and indigenous cultures. However, educating yourself, speaking out and supporting ecotourism groups, nature conservancies, cultural preservation institutions and other organizations also will make a world of difference and help build a brighter future. Encourage positive experiences. Give feedback to tour operators, guides, travel agents, and lodge owners involved in your travel experience. Let them know what you enjoyed and appreciated, as well as what could be changed. Your comments help ecotourism grow and improve. Speak out. If you witness something that disturbs you, make your objections known to the local/regional authorities and tourism office and tell your tour guide, operator and lodge owner what you have seen. When you get home, write letters to the relevant tourism offices or ministries and share your experience with other concerned travelers in responsible travel networks. Stay informed and get involved. Give feedback to tour operators, guides, travel agents, lodge owners involved in your travel experience. Let them know what you enjoyed and appreciated, as well as what could be changed. Your comments help ecotourism grow and improve.   Join other concerned travelers in responsible travel networks and organizations. Keep up-to-date on ecotravel developments and learn how you can work for positive change.

FROM Partners in Responsible Tourism 

http://www.pirt.org/travelcode.html

Traveler's Code for Traveling Responsibly
Guidelines for Individuals

Cultural Understanding

• Travel with an open mind: cultivate the habit of listening and observing; discover the enrichment that comes from experiencing another way of life.

• Reflect daily on your experiences and keep a journal.

• Prepare: learn the geography, culture, history, beliefs, some local language; know how to be a good guest in the country or culture.

Social Impacts

• Support the local economy by using locally-run restaurants and hotels, buying local products made by locals from renewable resources.

• Interact with local residents in a culturally appropriate manner.

• Make no promises that you cannot keep (photos, college admission)

• Don't make extravagant display of wealth; don't encourage children to beg.

• Get permission before photographing people, homes & other sites of local importance.

Environmental Impacts

• Travel in small, low impact groups

• Stay on trails

• Pack it in, pack it out; assure proper disposal of human waste

• Don't buy products made from endangered animals or plants

• Become aware of and contribute to projects benefiting local environments and communities. (A social benefit as well!)

Tips from the Earth Routes Newsletter on green travel:

AIR TRAVEL NOTES:  Organic food is served!
     In a response to consumer demand Swissair is now serving organically grown food on all flights that originate in Switzerland! Foods unavailable as organic, such as soft drinks, account for only ten percent of what's served, and the rest is organic. In addition, the airline encourages each of its flight attendants to take a one-day course on organic foods and farming. Would other airlines take heed if enough people ask?
http://www.earthroutes.net/

USE ECO-FRIENDLY TOUR SERVICES

The following Ecotour operators have solid reputations among environmentalists:

Earthbound Adventures keeps about 70 percent of profits in the host country, considerably more than the average of 45 percent. (800)439-7567.

http://www.earthboundadventures.com/window.htm

Earthwatch ecotourists become active participants in scientific research projects. (800) 766-0188. http://www.earthwatch.org/

International Expeditions Inc. established the nonprofit Amazon Center For Environmental Education & Research. (800)633-4734. http://www.ietravel.com/

Journeys, an adventure travel company, funds community and environmental projects in areas visited. (800)255-8735.
http://www.journeys-intl.com/index.html

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