hey tribe!

with the seasons changing, the monsoon is giving us an urge to pack our bags and go on a trip. but, going to trips can’t just be about planning itineraries and spending half your time in a fancy hotel. we think planning trips and tourism in general should involve a more conscious choice to be closer to nature and conserve the natural habitat in its purest form possible. so, let’s figure out the importance of what we call ecotourism. 

what is ecotourism?

ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural places that conserves the environment, preserves the wellbeing of local people, and involves interpretation and education" (international ecotourism society, 2015). It aims to bring together sustainable travel, communities, and environmental protection.

it is a sort of tourism that is built mostly on a particular fascination with the local natural heritage. the idea first appeared in the eco-development and sustainable development literature of the 1970s and 1980s, and since then has sparked a lot of controversy and interest. controversy; because many believe it has not yet lived up to its reputation as a more ethical or responsible form of travel. interest; because it offers an appealing alternative to the mass tourism paradigm that has had such a profound impact on the social and ecological conditions of destinations all over the world.

ecotourism in india 

nature worship and conservation ideals have always been ingrained in indian history. there are traces of ancient indian civilizations where people embraced the oneness of life philosophy. humanity is a part of nature, and as such, one should view all of nature with love and respect.

it is terrible that over the past few decades, both in india and abroad, the crazed chase of monetary gain and economic advancement has come to be synonymous with the exploitation of nature in all of its manifestations. the entire world is currently in a serious crisis and on the verge of extinction. to build concrete fences, lush forest regions and ecological diversity have been relentlessly destroyed. global warming and greenhouse effects have been brought on by the ongoing destruction of forest reserves. fortunately, some realisation has resulted from this, and people are gradually awakening to a new era of environmental responsibility.

india, a country with a diverse landscape, has several tourism attractions that can both relieve tension and revitalise you. there are several methods to take in mother nature in the purest form. a select few locations, like the himalayan region, kerala, northeastern india, the andaman & nicobar islands, and the lakshadweep islands, allow you to take advantage of mother nature's priceless wealth. the first planned ecotourism destination in india was thenmala, which was established to serve eco-tourists and lovers of nature.

there are many botanical and zoological gardens that are attempting to improve the ecosystem. the practice of poaching has largely ended. poachers, hunters, and illicit traffickers of animals and trees face harsh penalties. there are many locations where trees are being planted. numerous organisations dedicated to protecting the rights of animals and plants can be found. many ngos and organisations are stepping up to educate the general public about environmental issues at the grassroots level.

So, if you are planning a trip, then try to find a place that gives you a closer connection to nature. What do you think about eco-tourism? Do you think it is sustainable? Let us know your thoughts by tagging on Instagram @liveaastey.

until next time, travel sustainable! live aastey!