Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism and Fair Trade
If unchecked, tourism can have a very negative impact on the environment through unlimited use of limited resources such as water & energy, waste, destruction of the landscape and society (tourism without regard to local people and their culture).
Ecotourism dates back to the early 80’s, when the first ideas of ‘doing no harm’ to nature were developed. Today we are encouraging local people to participate in the tourism economy. This means buying local, employing locals, supporting community projects, sustainable use of natural resources and respecting local traditions.
Ecotourism focuses on volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet. It typically involves travel to destinations where flora and faura and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Ecotourism promotes recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and the creation of economic opportunities for the local communities.
What exactly is Sustainable Tourism? The World Tourism Organisation says it best… “It is envisaged as leading to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems.”
Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable tourism development.
Fair Trade in Tourism is all about ensuring that the people whose land, natural resources, labour, knowledge and culture are used for tourism activities, actually benefit from tourism. In our September newsletter we will further explore the concept of Fair Trade in Tourism and its main players in South Africa. Until then, fix those leaking taps and change to energy saving light bulbs!
The Diya Travel Team
