How To Be an Eco-Tourist in Africa
Green Tourism Means Respecting Wildlife and Cultural Diversity
Jan 3, 2009
Eco-tourism is not just about watching the wildlife, it implies giving something back to the environment. When practicing tourism habits that do not harm the environment and natural resources, the broader environment can benefit. "Sustainable tourism is envisaged as leading to 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". (United Nations World Tourism Organization)
How Does Eco-Tourism Benefit the Community?
The Eco-Tourist gives economic benefit to the local communities and helps to sustain development and resources. This includes respecting and not wasting resources that are scarce in areas in Africa but perhaps abundant elsewhere such as water. It also includes being aware of sensitive plant, insect and animal species as well as the communal activities and practices of local indigenous peoples.
Eco-tourism is of utmost important to the African tourism industry and it ensures that not only do visitors, foreign and local, enjoy the spectacular natural attractions, but also get to learn something new culturally. In other words, Eco-Tourists can help save the world’s most precious places by visiting them in a responsible manner.
How To Be a Responsible Tourist in Africa
- Prepare carefully before leaving home. Know your African destination intimately: research its wildlife, unique environment, Eco-Tourism opportunities and certified participating agencies and operators. Andrew Muir, CEO of The Wilderness Foundation believes that “Tourism operators have an inherent responsibility to manage the environment through best practice”. Let tour operators/hotels know that you are a responsible consumer. Before you book, ask about their social and environmental policies.
- Ask questions before booking a trip – find out if the Company or Operator actually does maintain a low-impact and sustainable business. Get details on such questions as excursions and waste management. Find out if tourists get an opportunity to interact with the local population and whether local communities have a share in development projects and profit sharing. Ask if local traditions and customs are respected by the hotel/lodge/operator. Do not be afraid to ask operators or hotels if their employees are local citizens and/or if they use local guides.
- Search the web for Operators specializing in responsible travel or Eco-Tourism.
- Lower expectations – while it is true that the trip will probably cost a lot of money and expectations are high – be mentally prepared to help in ways such as conserving water. Be careful not to litter in any way. Remember that fresh produce, drinks etc have to be flown or trucked in to very remote areas in Africa.
- Respect the natural environment. Never touch or harass animals. Always follow designated trails and obey the rangers' instructions. Support conservation by paying entrance fees to parks and protected sites and be scrupulous in not buying crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals or trees. Many times in coastal areas for example, local people will try to sell large shells to tourists which is usually illegal, and which shells they harvest from local reefs.
- Try to support the local guides and tour operators so that money you spend will benefit the local economy and make a donation if possible to an African wildlife conservation program or a local community project. Support locally-owned restaurants and/or hotels. Learn a little about the language and customs of the people and inter-act with them for an enriching experience.
Traveling responsibly and respectfully will result in a fabulous African vacation to that dream destination and will ensure that any dollars/euros spent will benefit the environment and community.
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