From the Canary Islands to Estonia via Finland, Austria or Portugal, we discover what ecotourism is all about to enjoy this summer with an ecological conscience.
This type of tourism is a form of responsible and sustainable tourism that seeks to promote environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities. It is based on the idea that tourists can enjoy and appreciate the nature and culture of a destination while contributing to its protection and sustainable development.
The main characteristics of ecotourism include:
-Sustainability: Ecotourism focuses on minimising negative impacts on the environment and local communities. It seeks to conserve natural and cultural resources, avoiding overexploitation and promoting practices that allow for the balance and regeneration of ecosystems.
-Environmental awareness: Travellers who participate in ecotourism tend to have an attitude of respect and care towards nature. Environmental education is encouraged so that tourists understand the importance of conservation and how they can contribute to it.
-Benefit for local communities: Ecotourism seeks to involve local communities in the development of tourism projects, so that they can benefit economically from the activity without harming their traditions and ways of life.
-Biodiversity conservation: By visiting protected natural areas or fragile environments, ecotourism seeks to generate income that contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the habitat of various species.
-Low-impact tourism: The aim is to maintain small groups of tourists to minimise the impact on natural and cultural resources. This implies avoiding overcrowding and carefully planning activities so as not to disturb local fauna or flora.
Some destinations that are ideal for this type of tourism are: Sweden, birthplace of the flygskam (shame to fly) movement and a pioneer in environmental and sustainable research; Finland, awarded as the happiest country in the world has played a key role in transport and accommodation in terms of sustainability, thanks to decarbonisation; Austria, one of the countries in the Alpine region where more than two thirds of its territory is made up of mountains. National park walks, adventure sports and spa breaks are just a few of the many ways to get to know and enjoy the country in a sustainable way; Estonia, a country that stands out for its social sustainability, having greatly reduced poverty; Norway, which is one of the pioneers in the fight against climate change, not only through the use of renewable energies but also by encouraging new proposals for ecological leisure; The Canary Islands, which has become one of the new attractions in the eco-friendly tourism sector for its energy efficiency proposals in tourist accommodation, and Portugal, a region that is committed to the local, the authentic and the sustainable, focusing on recovering old trades through creative tourism.
Ecotourism can include activities such as hiking, bird watching, scuba diving, kayaking, visits to protected areas, among others. It is important that tour operators and tourists commit to the principles of ecotourism and make informed choices to protect the environment and the communities they visit. In this way, the natural beauty of the planet can be enjoyed in a sustainable way for present and future generations.