As ecotourism is the fastest growing sub-market of the travel industry, more and more travelers are becoming eco-conscious. The socially responsible and economically aware practices are becoming more mainstream since their inception in the early 1980s. While the long-term goals of ecotourism are far from completion, in the short-term, there are a number of eco-friendly travel destinations already in place. For the eco-friendly tourist, here are some of the features and practices being educated in today's eco-destinations:
Involves travel to natural destinations.
Minimizes impact and
Builds environmental awareness.
Provides direct financial benefits for conservation.
Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
Respects local culture.
Supports human rights and democratic movements.
Conservation of biological diversity and cultural diversity through ecosystem protection.
Promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local populations.
Sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous peoples by having their informed consent and participation in the management of eco-tourism enterprises.
Tourism to unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment being a primary concern.
Minimization of tourism's own environmental impact.
Affordability and lack of waste in the form of luxury.
Local culture, flora and fauna being the main attractions.
With these ideologies in mind, here are a few eco-friendly destinations and resorts:
Hawaii
Volcano Guest House is the real deal. Five minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Solar hot water (with backup,) line-dried linens, recycling, a maze of nature trails in 6 acres of weeded native forest, spa, housekeeping cottages and apartments, featuring recycled and local materials with breakfast provided.
Lova Lava Land Eco-Resort: our philosophy is "roughing it smoothly" meaning you don't have to spend a lot of money or even give up much comfort to have beautiful surroundings in nature and a once in a lifetime unique adventurous experience! Lova Lava Land is not just a place to stay, it is an experience in both eco-life and learning about how people can live and have the comforts of life on an off-the-grid lava field.
Hamakua Farms grows Fresh Hawaiian Heart of Palm in an ecologically responsible way. This farm is located well away from paved roads up in the mountains on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. The farmer lives a rustic life using solar power, rain catch water and mostly natural foods grown in their own green house.
Bahamas
Hotel Higgins Landing is an award winning eco-resort and the only hotel on beautiful Stocking Island, Exuma, Bahamas. In 1997 the resort was awarded ISLANDS Magazine's Eco-tourism Award, naming it the best eco-tourism resort in the Bahamas and one of the four best in the Caribbean.
Tiamo Resorts: your introduction to the stunning natural beauty of South Andros Island begins even before you arrive at Tiamo. No roads lead to Tiamo. Our driveway is the calm water of the South Bight. A pleasant and picturesque fifteen-minute boat ride will carry you to your first vision of paradise - a simple wooden dock set upon a private, white sand beach.
Small Hope Bay Lodge: since 1960 we have been hosting scuba divers, nature lovers & friends at our out island getaway in the Bahamas. Let us introduce you to this unique island, from dramatic scuba diving, the best snorkeling sites, world class bone fishing, & more. Unspoiled & virtually undiscovered - Andros Island is a world apart from the crowds.
Australia
Green Island Resort: situated on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is another of nature's rare gifts - beautiful Green Island. A small coral cay, Green Island is one of Australia's premier heritage sites and home to Green Island Resort. Widely regarded as one of the most environmentally sensitive tourist developments in the world, it is also the only five star resorts in Tropical North Queensland located on a true coral cay.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa: the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is set in 30 acres of lush ancient rain-forest (40 million years older than the Amazon!) in the World Heritage Daintree National Park. Guests can wind their way through award winning gardens, featuring ancient and rare vegetation, tropical and exotic fruits, to discover the properties' own pristine waterfall.
Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge & Resort: here is Australia's largest island National Park, surrounded by the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There is one hideaway resort - one oasis within paradise. Hinchinbrook Island Resort is the perfect base to experience all that this pristine wilderness has to offer.
The list of eco-lodges and resorts is quite numerous. There are likely to be a number of possibilities for any location you may desire. Please be aware that not all eco-friendly destinations are as they claim: there is a certain amount of "greenwashing," that is to say, some destinations claim to provide eco-friendly services but are in violation of a number of practices listed above. As an eco-friendly tourist, it is your duty to educate and be aware of the differences. Please do your part and become a servant of positive change in the world of eco-travel.
Involves travel to natural destinations.
Minimizes impact and
Builds environmental awareness.
Provides direct financial benefits for conservation.
Provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
Respects local culture.
Supports human rights and democratic movements.
Conservation of biological diversity and cultural diversity through ecosystem protection.
Promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local populations.
Sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous peoples by having their informed consent and participation in the management of eco-tourism enterprises.
Tourism to unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment being a primary concern.
Minimization of tourism's own environmental impact.
Affordability and lack of waste in the form of luxury.
Local culture, flora and fauna being the main attractions.
With these ideologies in mind, here are a few eco-friendly destinations and resorts:
Hawaii
Volcano Guest House is the real deal. Five minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Solar hot water (with backup,) line-dried linens, recycling, a maze of nature trails in 6 acres of weeded native forest, spa, housekeeping cottages and apartments, featuring recycled and local materials with breakfast provided.
Lova Lava Land Eco-Resort: our philosophy is "roughing it smoothly" meaning you don't have to spend a lot of money or even give up much comfort to have beautiful surroundings in nature and a once in a lifetime unique adventurous experience! Lova Lava Land is not just a place to stay, it is an experience in both eco-life and learning about how people can live and have the comforts of life on an off-the-grid lava field.
Hamakua Farms grows Fresh Hawaiian Heart of Palm in an ecologically responsible way. This farm is located well away from paved roads up in the mountains on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. The farmer lives a rustic life using solar power, rain catch water and mostly natural foods grown in their own green house.
Bahamas
Hotel Higgins Landing is an award winning eco-resort and the only hotel on beautiful Stocking Island, Exuma, Bahamas. In 1997 the resort was awarded ISLANDS Magazine's Eco-tourism Award, naming it the best eco-tourism resort in the Bahamas and one of the four best in the Caribbean.
Tiamo Resorts: your introduction to the stunning natural beauty of South Andros Island begins even before you arrive at Tiamo. No roads lead to Tiamo. Our driveway is the calm water of the South Bight. A pleasant and picturesque fifteen-minute boat ride will carry you to your first vision of paradise - a simple wooden dock set upon a private, white sand beach.
Small Hope Bay Lodge: since 1960 we have been hosting scuba divers, nature lovers & friends at our out island getaway in the Bahamas. Let us introduce you to this unique island, from dramatic scuba diving, the best snorkeling sites, world class bone fishing, & more. Unspoiled & virtually undiscovered - Andros Island is a world apart from the crowds.
Australia
Green Island Resort: situated on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is another of nature's rare gifts - beautiful Green Island. A small coral cay, Green Island is one of Australia's premier heritage sites and home to Green Island Resort. Widely regarded as one of the most environmentally sensitive tourist developments in the world, it is also the only five star resorts in Tropical North Queensland located on a true coral cay.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa: the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is set in 30 acres of lush ancient rain-forest (40 million years older than the Amazon!) in the World Heritage Daintree National Park. Guests can wind their way through award winning gardens, featuring ancient and rare vegetation, tropical and exotic fruits, to discover the properties' own pristine waterfall.
Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge & Resort: here is Australia's largest island National Park, surrounded by the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There is one hideaway resort - one oasis within paradise. Hinchinbrook Island Resort is the perfect base to experience all that this pristine wilderness has to offer.
The list of eco-lodges and resorts is quite numerous. There are likely to be a number of possibilities for any location you may desire. Please be aware that not all eco-friendly destinations are as they claim: there is a certain amount of "greenwashing," that is to say, some destinations claim to provide eco-friendly services but are in violation of a number of practices listed above. As an eco-friendly tourist, it is your duty to educate and be aware of the differences. Please do your part and become a servant of positive change in the world of eco-travel.
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