Eco Tourism

Eco-tourism is more than a catch phrase for nature loving travel and recreation. Eco-tourism is consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the world's natural and cultural environments. It accommodates and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the environment and sustains & supports the native cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility of both travellers and service providers is the genuine meaning for eco-tourism.

Eco-tourism also endeavours to encourage and support the diversity of local economies for which the tourism-related income is important. With support from tourists, local services and producers can compete with larger, foreign companies and local families can support themselves. Besides all these, the revenue produced from tourism helps and encourages governments to fund conservation projects and training programs.

Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, that's what eco-tourism is all about. Whether it's about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.

Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible Eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of Eco-tourism.

Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely related to Eco-Tourism. Many professionals have been involved in formulating and developing eco-tourism policies. They come from the fields of Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Photography, Marine Biology and Oceanography, National and State Park Management, Environmental Sciences, Women in Development, Historians and Archaeologists, etc.

Eco-tourism is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry, according to the World Tourism Organization with an annual growth rate of 5% worldwide and representing 6% of the world gross domestic product, 11.4% of all consumer spending - not a market to be taken lightly.


What is Eco-tourism?

Fundamentally, eco-tourism means making as little environmental impact as possible and helping to sustain the indigenous populace, thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when visiting a place. This is responsible form of tourism and tourism development, which encourages going back to natural products in every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological development.

The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that those who implement and participate in Eco-tourism activities should follow the following principles:

Minimize impact
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate
Support international human rights and labour agreements

Aware of the Environment - Today the "Green Laws" of conservation are making people aware of how man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time to come and eco-tourism is the only way to maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder in the process and we clearly need to avoid our past shortcomings and negative impact that they have had.

In India too the movement is gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related organisation's are addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting eco-tourism in the country. Some basic do's and don'ts of eco-tourism are listed below:

Do's

Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not
litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment
equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make
sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a
photograph.

Don'ts

Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in
the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region
has to be protected at all costs.
Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests.
Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local
traditions.
Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be
used and littered.

As a traveller, you will have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting. Here are some rules of thumb to make this impact positive!

Golden Rules When You Travel

Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories,
and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings,
appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local
acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your trip.
Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what
their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on
trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to
minimize your impact in sensitive areas.
Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to
ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your spending.

Eco-Tourism in India is still at a very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to save the fragile Himalayan Eco System and culture and heritage of the indigenous people, which is probably the largest concentration in the world.

Holiday Camping vis a vis Hotel accommodation are gathering momentum amongst the metropolis traveller. A plethora of holiday camping options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft adventure tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an acceptable eco-tourism product. Resorts tucked deep inside jungles of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri combine to make India one of the most diverse eco-tourism destinations on the planet.

Some of these are given below

Eco-Tourism Pioneers in Kerala
Jungle Lodges and Resorts - (Eco-Tourism Pioneers in South India)
The Camp RapidFire - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
The Camp BodhiSatva - Rajgarh, Himachal Pradesh
The Himalayan Trout House - Tirthan, Himachal Pradesh
The Camp Purple - Mukteshwar
The Camp Kyari (one of the finest models of Eco-tourism in the country)-Village Kyari, Ramnagar
Camp Silver Sands - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
Camp Lunagarh - Mori, Uttaranchal
The Himalayan River Runner Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
The OAI Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
The Leopard Beach Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal

Rio De Janeiro The Carnival

The famous carnival it is considered to be Rio de Janeiro's main event and it takes place during the peak of the summer when Cariocas are at their very best. The festivities that take place during the carnival attract thousands of people from all over the globe. The carnival lasts for 4 days, starting on Saturday and ending on Tuesday. The roots of the carnival are somewhat uncertain but most of the people agree with the fact that it started as a pagan celebration in ancient Greece or Rome.

Carnival balls were imported from Italy to Rio de Janeiro at the end of the 19th century and they shined during the 1930-1950 period, with famous balls at the Municipal Theater and at the Copacabana Palace. The well-known samba parade took off in the 1930s at the Praca Onze and later on at the Av. Presidente Vargas. The samba found its stable home in 1984 at the Sambodrome, a structure in the center of Rio de Janeiro. In the present, the samba parade is broadcasted to a lot of countries and in all of the Brazilian states.

Other interesting attractions include the street carnival festivities which are free and a lot of fun. A "don't miss" is the Banda de Ipanema which was founded in 1964 and in the present it is considered to be a significant part of the cultural heritage attracting more than 15,000 people each and every year. This euphoric event where people gather around and start dancing, singing and partying is the result of very long months of hard work. The Mangueira Carnival Ball is the perfect opportunity to experience the atmosphere and the music of one of the most popular traditional schools - Mangueira without having to visit its rehearsal space. This group is very complex as it has drummers, samba dancers, the flag bearer and her escort. One of the most famous nights at the Rio de Janeiro carnival is the gay costume ball as it gathers a truly exotic collection of costumes. It is a remarkable flamboyant crowd with hundreds of queens and their admirers.

We will continue this article by sharing three golden rules regarding the Rio de Janeiro carnival:

- It is highly advisable to avoid reserving tables right near the dance floor as you will be spending the entire night telling people to stop dancing on your table and go away;

- Also we recommend not bringing a lot of things with you because the more things you have, the more you will have to worry about. If you want to take pictures, we recommend using disposable cameras;

- The very first thing any carnival participant must do once he/she passes the door is to buy dozens of tickets for drinks. If however you don' connect with words, try the bottom up sign as it is universally understood.

All things considered, the Rio de Janeiro carnival is one of the biggest parties in the world where people gather around to dance, have fun and enjoy one another's company.

Eco Tourism in India

Global warming is the major issue that has risen higher in the recent few years. What does global warming mean? Global warming refers to a usual increase in the Earth's temperature, which sequentially causes change in temperature. With the increase in Global warming, diversion has taken place towards Eco-tourism. It has gain popularity among the tourism sector.

Eco Tourism derived from two words- Ecosystem and Tourism. Eco Tourism is the best option for the people who love nature and its beauty. India is very well known among nature lovers and tourists from all over the world. Being famous for its enriched culture, beauty and heritage, it is getting well equipped with a number of Botanical and Zoological Gardens that are meant to preserve the nature and environment.

Eco tourism is a concept that has been promoted for preventing the environment around us and preserving its resources. Apart from providing a pleasant visit to tourists who wish to take a breath from the hasty city life and enjoy in midst of greenery, it also safeguard the environment from getting ruined.

It is a novel section adjunct to the Indian Tourism plan. This is an ideal form of tourism that encourage going back to natural wealth in every aspects of life. The year 2002 was celebrated as the International Year of
Eco Tourism

Eco-tourism destinations in India

Rishikesh- In Sanskrit, Rishikesh means -he who has conquered his senses. Rishikesh is centered by the Holy River Ganga. This is among the best place for river rafting as here the Ganga is bounded by the green Himalayas from both the sides. Rishikesh is popular center of learning yoga and here we have many of the ayurvedic pharmacies.

Kerala- Kerala is the First planned ecotourism destination in India created to cater to the Eco-tourist and nature lovers. Here Ayurveda found a revolution from an ethnic cure to a luxurious indulgence. Kerala is one of the greenest destinations in India.

Pondicherry - The Botanical Garden of Pondicherry is enormously famous for lot of unusual species of plants. Every year the department of Tourism of Pondicherry organize the annual French Food Festival called Gourmet. Gourmet is another attraction of Tourist in Pondicherry.

Environment has served us the pleasure of relaxing and enjoying the natural wealth. Eco tourism is one of the major steps in saving the nature from global warming. Every tourism sector and tourists should encourage eco tourism for the well being of our surroundings.

India is basically known for the suited destinations for adventure lovers, heritage travel and pilgrimage travel. Peak Adventure Tour offers all types of eco adventure tour activities in India like mountain biking, river rafting, climbing, Ayurveda tour, camping, wildlife travel, trekking, safari and more other ecotourism activities