In the world of sustainable travel, ecotourism is an elusive term, as environmental anthropologist Amanda Stronza put it, and she wrote her doctoral dissertation on the term in 1999, about a decade after the concept was created.
The Texas A&M professor has since published numerous studies on sustainable tourism models and has spent years researching the complex relationship between humanity and its natural and fragile environments. What sets her perspective apart is that it is rooted in practical guidelines for humans, who are part of the natural and living world.
This is at odds with more extreme eco-ideologies that say those who care about the environment must avoid flying at all costs, go vegan, and scrutinize their footprint on the planet and everything they release into the atmosphere. This more dogmatic ideal, while certainly beneficial for the natural world and admirable for those who happily practice it, is unrealistic for most people living in a globalized age.
And for Stronza, it doesn’t fit the definition of a “natural” ecosystem.
“If you’re so worried about the impacts of tourism that you don’t have the courage to go and touch a place, that’s wrong on a couple of levels,” she says. First, she says, almost every place on Earth has already been touched and affected by humans, often for the worse and sometimes for the better. That means nature and natural areas are not completely separate from humans.
Second, Stronza says, the “never touch the place” mentality denies people the opportunity to form meaningful connections with important ecosystems — and it is these personal, experiential connections that can be key in inspiring conservation and protection of places and creatures.
Tips for a memorable trip
With this in mind, there are certainly green and non-green ways to travel, and consumers should be aware that there isn’t always substance behind the word “ecotourism” that’s plastered across every destination’s webpage and promotional materials. “Definitions of ecotourism vary widely,” says Stronza, offering his own criteria for green travel. “In my opinion, ecotourism has to be about sustainability and supporting local communities.”
The emphasis on getting local communities involved in tourism appears to have a ripple effect, she says.[The question] I think maybe the answer is: Can tourism empower the people and ecosystems that are most affected?
In fact, travelers should know that sustainability can be a factor in everything from accommodation and transportation choices to food options and tour operators. So for those who have the time and interest in minimizing their tourist impact on the environment, Stronza says it would be a great idea to consider the following:
Whenever possible, keep money local. It’s not perfect, but the “secret” of mindful ecotourism is to invest in ecosystems and attractions and channel revenue to nearby communities that depend on them, rather than, for example, paying private international companies with no local stake. This approach supports and empowers the local people, decision-makers, and organizations that best understand a place and are committed to its long-term health.
Note the term “community-based.” This often refers to a community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) model. This research-backed approach aims to reverse the more exploitative, colonialist approach to tourism, where outsiders come in and make a profit. (Many safari experiences in Africa are examples of this old model, says Stronza.) Instead, the CBNRM approach prioritizes people and organizations with long-standing connections and knowledge to local communities.
When planning your experiences and trip details (like which resort to stay at), look for direct feedback loops between tourism dollars and conservation efforts. Many reputable ecotourism companies will name the organizations they work with and outline their charitable donations. You may be able to find this information on the company’s website or in their marketing materials, or it’s best to ask organizers directly before booking your trip.
