The criterion behind eco-tourism is actually quite strict, with certain principles having to be adhered to in order to secure its status. However, there can be a collection of purposes behind the trip, which can range from restoration or regeneration to simply maintaining invisibility whilst abroad.
A must for all forms of eco-tourism is that the person involved should have little or no impact on their newfound surroundings. The idea is that the area they are visiting is most beautiful in its original form and so now encouragement to western invaders should be given. This would promote the rejection of any foreign hotels or neon lit high street chains that ravage the local economy. Often the goal behind a trip is redevelopment or a desire to help re-build a shattered environment. This can be in the event of a natural disaster, an economic crisis, civil war or just in times of deep strife.
A time in which eco-tourism has grabbed the headlines recently, was during the aftermath of the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004. Hoards of volunteers became eager to try and alleviate the local people from the overnight devastation that had occurred. This came in the form of builders and construction workers; who worked tirelessly to try and re-build churches and schools, and with divers; who searched the depths of the ocean for wreckage that they could salvage.
Eco-tourism is aimed at those people who are not satisfied with the conventional aspects of tourism. Unmoved by the idea of relaxing by a hotel poolside with staff waiting on them hand and foot, these individuals are more excited by thought of helping restore faith to a community and experiencing a unique form of holidaying. Compassion, eagerness and a hard working nature are all characteristics that are essential in the make up of a potential eco-traveller, as they will be undergoing grief stricken communities that are dependant on their aptitude and work ethic. It also appeals to those seeking a retreat to true nature in its most rudimentary form. Areas of conservation will not be flooded with tourists and will be absent of any home comforts, however will offer some of the most breathtaking sights available to mankind.
Typical areas of eco-tourism are regions that are rich in outstanding beauty, but have been untouched by the heavy hand of man. Forests in South America, jungles in Indonesia and deserts and plains in Africa are common places of travel for those keen in the practice.
The ideals of eco-tourism stretch around a moral obligation for us to do more for those in inferior conditions. It places a precedent on educating visitors on new cultures and methods of living and has no financial reward whatsoever.
