The goals of ecotourism are awareness and respect for culture and the environment, and the preservation and betterment of local populations worldwide. To participate in ecotourism is to travel to natural environments for vacation or volunteer work, and contribute to these goals using productive or nondestructive means.
Agritourism is a form of ecotourism that attracts tourists and volunteers to the rural culture. It encourages visitors to explore agricultural life in rural communities first hand, contributing to the improvement of income in regional populations. The goal essentially is to improve the economic development of small farms and rural communities. Visitors can participate in agricultural work alongside farmers in the fields, haul in nets with fishermen and help manage livestock on a ranch. Even shopping from local farmer produce stands while on vacation is a means of contributing to the betterment of rural development.
Community based ecotourism provides travelers the opportunity to experience cultural and economic realities of life, most often in developing countries. Travelers stay with a local family to learn about daily living, customs, traditions and ways to benefit the community. The host community benefits by generating revenue, which increases economic stability while reducing the community`s need to participate in unsustainable forms of economic support, such as resource extraction. The individual host earns money for providing food and accommodations, and the community benefits when a portion of that income is set aside for broader projects.
An ecolodge is an accommodation venue for tourists, built with minimum impact on the surrounding natural environment. It is built to meet particular standards for alternative, sustainable means of water acquisition and careful waste disposal. It utilizes alternative, passive energy consumption designs to limit its impact on the surrounding natural and cultural environment. Types of ecolodges include luxury African tents, alpine huts, tea houses in Nepal and rustic lean-tos in Belize. Often ecolodge owners offer tours from knowledgeable locals to familiarize visitors with the area and instil a sense of respect for the culture, people and environment.
Eco treks are designed to increase a traveler’s awareness about the natural and cultural environment of a particular region. Visitors learn about local threats to the environment and habitats, as well as current and potential preservation techniques. Eco treks are often arranged by for-profit organizations, and a portion of the proceeds sometimes goes to support the local population. Individuals interested in eco trekking can choose from a wide range of excursions to exotic destinations. Activities can include white water rafting, rock climbing, caving, hiking, bird-watching and nature walks.
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