Finally, local communities must be involved in, educated about, and
particularly benefit from the ecotourist destination's conservation of
indigenous natural and cultural resources. An ecotourist destination that uses
locally produced foods, for example, supports the native population and
increases guest awareness of the surrounding culture. Environmentally educated
people from local villages generally staff a destination's ecologically oriented
activities like bird watching, river rafting, rock climbing, guided nature hikes
and scuba diving, as well as archeological, historical and cultural
tours.
Santiago, Chile-based Explora recently purchased and renovated the
Puritama River Hot Springs, a series of six naturally heated pools near San
Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Explora provides the Indian Atacamenos free admission
to the hot springs and gives the local Atacameno Indian Council all of its
earnings.
Where does a new ecotourist start when looking for an
ecotourist destination? More and more books, including guidebooks, are being
published with an ecotourist focus. Amazon.com lists more than 100 books,
including "Ecotours and Nature Getaways: A Guide to Environmental Vacations
Around the World"; "Eco-Journeys: The World Travel Guide to Ecologically Aware
Travel and Adventure"; the Nature Company Guides, such as "World Travel: A Guide
to International Ecojourneys"; and the EcoTravel Guides, including "Australia:
An Ecotraveler's Guide."
An Internet search using "ecotourism" will bring
up hundreds of sites. Three good ones to start with are Ecotravel.com,
EcoClub.com and Ecotourism.org. Ecotravel.com, for example, has an
"Ecodirectory" where the ecotourist enters his or her desired region, activities
and experiences. Then, the Web site brings up ecotourist destinations that meet
those criteria. These Web sites usually have direct links to the properties' Web
sites, which give details about their environmental policies.
Don't fall
for "green" language and generalizations on wannabe ecotourist destination Web
sites. A property can tout its solar panels, but provide accommodations for 100
or more people, which would severely stress the environment. So, look for
information about environmental protection or reclamation, water and energy
conservation, the destination's ties to local communities, and other
ecotourist-specific criteria.
IF YOU GO
To learn more about
the ecotourist destinations and Web sites mentioned in this
article:
DESTINATIONS
Araca River Camp (Brazil). Some
ecotourist destinations, like the Araca River Camp, are so small that they
prefer to work through an on-line environmentally oriented travel association,
rather than enlarge their staff to handle information requests and book
reservations. So, for further information about this destination, or to book
reservations, go on-line to visit
www.ecoclub.com/andetur/lodge.html.
Banyan Tree Seychelles. Visit
www.banyantree.com or call 805-499-9101. To reach the resort directly, call
011-248-383-500.
Birch Pond Lodge (Alaska). P.O. Box 370, Willow, Alaska
99688; 907-495-3000; www.birchpondlodge.com. For further information, visit
www.ecotravel.com.
Black Sheep Inn (Ecuador). P.O. Box 05-01-240,
Chugchilan, Cotopaxi, Ecuador, South America; 011-593-3-814-587; e-mail
info@blacksheepin.com. For further information, or to book reservations, visit
www.ecoclub.com/BlackSheepInn.
Boat Landing Guest House and Restaurant
(Laos). P.O. Box 28, Bankone, Luang Namtha district, Luang Namtha Province, Lao
PDR; 011-856-86-312-398; For further information,
or to book reservations, visit www.ecoclub.com/theboatlanding/
Cabanos
Copal Hotel Tulum (Mexico). Although this destination is in Mexico, and the
contact telephone number is for Mexico, the contact address is in the U.S.: 1
Widmar Court, Clayton, CA 94517; 011-52-987-12481; www.cabanascopal.com. For
further information, or to book reservations, visit
www.ecotravel.com
Chiminos Island Lodge (Guatemala). Punta de Chimino,
Petexbatun Lagoon, Peten, Guatemala; 011-502-335-3506; www.chiminosisland.com.
For further information, or to book reservations, visit
www.ecotravel.com,
Green Magic Nature Resort (India). TravelsKerala,
Karimpatta Road, Opp. Medical Trust Hospital, Pallimukka, Cochin--682016,
Kerala, India; 011-91-484-364485;
For further information, or to book reservations, visit www.ecoclub.com/tourindia/
Hidden Creek Ranch (Idaho). 7600 E. Blue
Lake Road, Harrison, Idaho 83833; 800-446-3833 or 208-689-3209;
www.hiddencreek.com.
Lodge at Chaa Creek Adventure Centre, Rainforest
Reserve and Spa (Belize). P.O. Box 53, San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize;
011-501-92-2037; www.chaacreek.com. For further information, or to book
reservations, visit www.ecotravel.com.
Puritama River Hot Springs
(Chile). Explora en Atacama, Americo Vespucio Sur 80, Piso 5, Santiago, Chile;
011-562-206-6060. For further information, or to book reservations, visit
www.explora.com.
Tohum Living Earth Center (Turkey). For further
information about this ecotourist destination, or to book reservations, visit
www.ecoclub.com/tohum/welcome.html
WEB SITES
ECOCLUB.com.
This Internet association of ecotourist destinations has descriptions of and can
book reservations for ecotourist lodges around the world. It also has experts
who can answer any question you may have about ecotourist travel, a newsletter
and a student center. www.ecoclub.com
Ecotourism.org. This Web site of
the International Ecotourism Society has links to a variety of ecotourist
destinations. It also has environmental news, several resources for
eco-professionals and students, and a bookstore. P.O. Box 668, Burlington, VT
05402. 802-651-9818; www.ecotourism.org;
Ecotravel.com. This Internet
association of ecotourist destinations has a directory of ecotourist lodges,
trip planning assistance, an on-line magazine and resources for travel
professionals. www.ecotravel.com
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Tribune