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Traveling "Green": The Wide World of Ecotourism

In the middle of a rain forest in Ecuador, surrounded by rare species of birds and plants, vacationers mingle with researchers and Ecuadorians at the Maquipucuna Reserve. Most stay in the modern lodge built with all natural, local materials. They enjoy meals prepared with organic ingredients grown in the reserve and prepared by locally trained chefs.

Maquipucuna is set in a lush, tropical setting and has paid careful attention to preserving and honoring the local environment. As a result, it offers all the essentials for ecotourists—travelers who want to soak up both culture and a wide range of endangered plant and animal species, while conserving natural resources. The United Nations supports ecotourism as a concept which appeals to environmentally conscious tourists and offers opportunities to isolated communities in need of support.

Learning About Ecotourism

Ecotourism aims to promote and foster a respect and an increase in awareness of other cultures and their perception of nature.

Ecotourism includes travel that:

Learning about a travel destination in advance enhances any trip, and preparation can particularly enrich ecotourism adventures. Before leaving on an eco-focused trip, you can learn a lot about the extent of ecotourist activity at your destination. Some questions to ask include:

Doing Your Homework

While some ecotourism hot spots are located in popular vacation sites, you may find yourself in a much more remote location.

Access to medical care in these far-off destinations can be difficult. So, it is important to talk in advance with your doctor about your travel plans. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers specific health guidelines for many global locations and the United States Department of State provides important travel advisories and warnings.

Topics to research in advance include:

The Good of Going "Green"

By becoming an ecotourist, you will be spreading a message to cultures around the world. Ecotourism gives people an incentive to protect and be good stewards of the environment.

RESOURCES:

Traveler's Health—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov

Travel Information—US Department of State
http://travel.state.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

REFERENCES:

Ecotourism hotspots. Ecotourism website. Available at: http://www.ecotourism.ca/ecotourismhotspots.html. Accessed September 26, 2017.

What is ecotourism? The International Ecotourism Society website. Available at: http://www.nature.org/greenliving/what-is-ecotourism.xml. Accessed September 26, 2017.

Eco-trips and travel: What is ecotourism? The Nature Conservancy website. Available at: http://www.nature.org/greenliving/what-is-ecotourism.xml. Accessed September 26, 2017.

Last reviewed September 26, 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP