Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Figuring out What the Heart of Ecotourism is Really All About

Ecotourism is a new concept to many, as even though it’s been around since at least the 1980’s, it’s still not nearly as popular a concept as some feel it should be. Understanding what ecotourism is all about will help to determine for you what the heart of ecotourism really is.

Understanding the heart of ecotourism, or what the word really truly stands for is the best way to get to know the concept and to decide for yourself whether or not it’s something you’re interested in participating in.

What Ecotourism is All About

The heart of ecotourism for many is simply to help preserve the lands of our World. It’s to learn about our cultures and the way nature survives, so we can help insure life for thousands of more years to come. Some particular things that ecotourism is known for are:

Ecolodges-

Areas of land that are either purchased or leased by someone, and then turned into natural sources of lodging for ecotourists. More like camping than lodging, these ecolodges are very popular spots for tourists, making it an essential part of the heart of ecotourism. Ecolodges can be found through agencies that cater to ecotourism, or through methods of word of mouth.

Preservation-

Whether by the community who runs an ecolodge or the tourists themselves, preservation is a huge part of the heart of ecotourism. Animals, plants, land and even buildings and structures are made to stay preserved because of ecotourism. If there was no ecotourism, there would not be enough interest generated to preserve as much of the world as we do now.

Distant Lands-

Lands that in the past were left unexplored and even unreachable are now available to tourists due to ecotourism. Far off communities have taken the heart of ecotourism by the roots and found ways to open up lands for conservation and exploration that had previously been unattainable.

The Heart of Ecotourism is What You Make of It

In the end, the heart of ecotourism is what you feel it is. There is no right or wrong answer here it’s more the meaning of ecotourism to you and what it stands for. Whether it’s because of preserving land, having the opportunity to explore previously unknown places or just the thought of what ecotourism stands for, the heart of ecotourism is in the eye of the beholder.