There are many different ways to describe ecotourism, green traveling, or sustainable traveling. But the goal is the same.

If you're looking for adventure, and want to experience the daily life of different cultures in an eco-friendly way,  then ecotourism is the best escape for you. Recently the concept of eco-tourism is gaining momentum and tourism is considered and viewed in a positive manner which can facilitate the achievement of the goals of the conservation of the environment. There are many definitions and various concepts according to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education”. Earlier, tourism was thought to be an adversary to conservation goals, but nowadays it is recognized to be not only compatible with nature but also can play a greater role in looking after the management and protection of our natural environment.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

Any tourism which takes full responsibility for its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts by addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and the host communities. Sustainability basically means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. There are diverse benefits of sustainable tourism as not only economic, socio-cultural, and environmental benefits but also creates job opportunities, it creates an integration of employment and economic expansion.

In the year 2017, on 7th April Niti Ayog along with very influential and key national institutes came up with a report by the name of Development of Sustainable Development in the Indian Himalayan Region.

Challenges

·     Identify new and sustainable opportunities.

·     Economic challenge

·     Mix of modern and pilgrimage tourism

·     Lack of awareness

The need for it. It is hard to point out what eco-tourism constitutes since every project has its own focus.

·     The cultural exchange is the common and core aspect as well as environmental protection and preservation of biodiversity.

·     Improvement of livelihood improvement and strengthening of human rights.

·     Environmental threats – Climate change, loss of diversity, wildlife/human conflict.

·     Economically seen ecotourism creates jobs locally and the need for young people to leave home to work in cities is reduced by various means; by being a tour guide, selling or cooking food, providing accommodations, taking part in cultural performances, and more.

Everyone profits from the income from ecotourism because of the shared income in the community in terms of the infrastructure, new streets, and schools that can be built as well as health centers, drinking water resources, and electricity. An ecotourism business will train the local people with new skills to expand their opportunities.

Nature is protected because of the establishment of national parks, reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries and for these protected areas biodiversity is sheltered and wild animals can remain in their natural habitat.

Communities often sell their resources like trees, minerals, etc. if they don’t earn enough money and also cut down forests to create farms. Ecotourism is a sustainable alternative to these hurdles. In many ecotourism projects renewable energy resources, water conservation schemes, recycled materials, and safe waste disposal are used and mostly local and organic food is cooked for consumption. Concerning the culture ecotourism projects have high standards to protect customs the local culture is not exploited or commercialized so that traditions and the heritage of the region are preserved.

Bottom-line:

Explore the unspoiled nature and learn more about the condition of the environment while exploring as a result we will find beautiful landscapes and calm and relaxing places, take a break from the crowded and loud cities simultaneously can reduce the carbon footprint and protect the environment to do our part.