Ecotourism - Global Traveling with Global Thinking
As travelers reach the far corners of the world, they are faced with the responsibility to preserve the fragile environments they visit. This idea of traveling responsibly is called ecotourism, conscientious travel to protect the environment and nourish its many cultures.
In the spirit of exaggeration, the neglect of eco-conscious travel is akin to filling in the Grand Canyon to build a coffee shop. While we all love a good no-whip, extra-hot mocha, our priorities should be aimed at the preservation of this planet's natural and cultural treasures.
By focusing on the impact of our actions and using a little travel sense, travelers can make the right decisions to positively affect the world around them. To start eco-traveling, please follow these guidelines compiled by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know how special our planet is, and why we must take good care of it.
RESPECT OUR FRAGILE PLANET
Sure the planet feels solid beneath our feet, and it can hold its own against the big boys in the solar system. Yet the Earth's ecosystem”the scenic surface features which we stand next to in pictures ”is a fragile infrastructure dependent on balanced and cyclical nurturing.
Think of it as the Earth's hair. It looks great now, but the more we tread on it, the messier it becomes, until one day the planet wakes up completely bald. Unless we combine our efforts to help in its preservation, the unique and beautiful destinations we buy expensive cameras to photograph may not be here for future generations to enjoy.
LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
Take only photographs, leave only footprints. These two simple phrases sum up the heart of eco-tourism. Do not leave litter of any kind, and do not take any souvenirs from historical sites and natural areas. In some instances, like taking a piece of the Great Barrier Reef, it's a crime.
In the wilderness never disturb anything that you can avoid disturbing. Leave all the pretty rocks where they are; your desk will survive without another paperweight. The "it's only one rock" attitude goes out the window when a million people each take one rock from one forest.
THE ROAD MOST TRAVELED
Following the basic rules of ecotourism can be as easy as following a well-marked trail, because on the well-marked trail is where you should be. Always follow designated trails and resist the urge to explore the forest.
Do not disturb animals, plants or their natural habitats, and hopefully they will not disturb you in return. You were told a thousand times as a child to not tap the aquarium's glass, so consider each ecological wonder a special aquarium.
EDUCATION IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
Increase the size of your brain and educate yourself about the geography, customs and manners of the region you plan to visit. The invasion of foreign values can damage a culture more than a bulldozer in some regards. Get to know the culture before you arrive and know which of your actions or standards may not be accepted smoothly.
Tourism provides a positive boost to local people. Attending local events encourages indigenous pride and cultural heritage, enabling many traditions to be preserved. These traditions present a more lasting, honest perspective of the destination than any postcard ever could.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Respect the privacy of others and always ask before photographing people. Some Australian aborigines believe that photographs steal their souls. Why you may not believe this to be true, respect their beliefs slide the camera back into backpack.
Also be respectful of local people's land by asking permission before entering buildings, shrines or sacred lands. Showing respect will gain you the most treasured of souvenirs trust.
ECO-SOUVENIRS
Souvenirs are a vital part of every trip, special for their uniqueness and direct mental link to a fabulous vacation memory. As a concerned eco-tourist, do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals, such as ivory, tortoise shell, animal skins and feathers. Purchase souvenirs from local artists to keep cultural traditions alive.
Extend this idea and dine in locally owned restaurants exploring the gastronomic scenery is just as important as visiting the main attractions of a destination. Choose locally owned and operated lodges, hotels, tour guides, and take advantage of local taxis, buses and car rental agencies.
ECO-FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
The easiest ecologically saving action to undertake is to support conservation-oriented organizations already working to preserve the environment. Select responsible tour operators and guides whose practices are based on sound eco-conscious beliefs.
Maintain an eco-friendly attitude when choosing destinations to visit. Encourage organizations to subscribe to environmental guidelines. travel sense urges organizations to adopt their own environmental codes to cover special sites and ecosystems.
IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL
Globe trotting with the world in mind provides a more satisfying way to travel; challenging you to learn about the places and people you visit and help sustain their fragile environments, economies and cultures.
Through increased awareness and an earnest desire to help protect natural and cultural resources for the good of the planet and for the generations yet to explore, you can trek to the four corners with a positive impact.
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Petra, the red Rose City,
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What it's like: Petra, The Rose Red City, is the most famous sight in Jordan. You've probably seen it in Indiana Jones and in National Geographic (which honored it as one of the places you must see before you die), but nothing could ever compare to seeing this spectacular city in person. With its elegant temples and tombs carved into rose red sandstone, it awes and inspires. It is like no other ancient city on earth.
If you can, avoid going to Petra during high tourist season, late spring-early summer, at all costs. Unless you like being overrun by busloads of tourists with flash-bulbs remarking how Harrison Ford stood there, I suggest you stay away. We went in November, it was perfect, and make sure to get there as early as possible. We were there as soon as the gates opened and it was worth it. We were able to walk down the winding paved road of As-Siq completely unharassed. We were left to slowly stroll down the canyon and take in the natural wonder that is Petra.
500 words hardly does Petra justice, but I'll try. The entrance to Petra is a long, narrow, and winding canyon with a Roman paved road called the Siq. As you walk through the 5-meter wide canyon you can see the ancient gutters that the Nabateans used to porter water. After a good walk you finally come around a corner to see a break in the canyon, and through that break, the Treasury (al-khazna). The most famous landmark, an eloquent temple carved into the cliff. A sight like no other.
After the Treasury, continue past the Street of Façades to the ancient Theater. A magnificent amphitheater carved into rock. Continuing on down the Colonnaded Street you are flanked by spectacular temples and tombs until you reach Qasr al-Bint. From there you can take the somewhat strenuous 30-minute hike to the Monastery, definitely worth it. The lesser-known Monastery is bigger and just as spectacular as the Treasury. And if you get there early you will be left completely alone.
After the Monastery you can wander freely around the site, climbing up to great heights, and try to imagine what life was like in this Rose Red canyon during the heyday of the Nabateans, the pre-Roman Arab tribe who built Petra. On your way back out make sure to hit the High Point of Sacrifice. A quick but steep hike will bring up to the High Point where you can get great views of the canyon and the ruins below.
The whole process can be done in a day, but you could easily spend two or three doing all the various hikes around the ruins. If you are on the one-day plan, make sure to get there real early so you waste no time.
