Comments on: Ecotourism or Ecoterrorism?

By: Forest frolicking with elephants | 3things

Forest frolicking with elephants | 3things — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:42:00 +0000

[...] booming industry. As this sector grows across the globe, the term inevitably has been over-used and mis-used in many ways (and in some instances even become a bit cute & kooky), so don’t be a [...]

By: Favourite Travel Podcasts - 2 of 5: Indie Travel | The Life Blog

Favourite Travel Podcasts - 2 of 5: Indie Travel | The Life Blog — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:04:11 +0000

[...] IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN THE DESTINATION: You can listen to amazing podcasts devoted to the wonders of visiting London, England or rural France, but Craig and Linda don't shy away from addressing sensitive travel-related issues with their guests. Case in point: an episode titled "Ecotourism or Ecoterrorism?" [...]

By: Henri

Henri — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:57:56 +0000

My prefered national newspaper has an entire section about green travel – http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/green but as many commentators here have said it’s on thing saying you are going green but very much another to actually do so.

By: jessiev

jessiev — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:30:11 +0000

so interesting. many people say they are going green, but so few really actually dig in.

By: Mirza Sharz

Mirza Sharz — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:06:04 +0000

Thank you Craig and Linda for your useful suggestion, but the problem is that I’m not good in writing even a short English conversation.

Best regards

By: Craig and Linda

Craig and Linda — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:14:32 +0000

Hi Mirza, completely copying blog posts is rather bad form (although as the author Charles is completely free to sell you the rights if you reference us as first publisher). It would be better to include a small excerpt with your own thoughts — adding to the conversation — and link back here so our readers can follow the track- or ping-back.

By: Mirza Sharz

Mirza Sharz — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:17:48 +0000

Hey Charles, I agree with what you think about eco-tourism and I hope you would visit Ujungkulon with Admire Ujungkulon some day in the future. I promise we’ll give you a special price..
By the way, may I copy your article to be republished on my blog?

By: Paul Sloan

Paul Sloan — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:37:21 +0000

Thanks, Charles, and you are absolutely right. Keep up the great writing!
Cheers,
Paul

By: Charles Timko

Charles Timko — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:28:26 +0000

Paul,
Thank you for your comment and taking the time to read my article. Yes, in retrospect I could have rephrased the sentence in question, yet at the same time I felt that I needed to really drill home the point that many companies that call and consider themselves “ecotourism” are actually not. By making such a bold statement I was trying to bring to light that travelers must be careful not to always assume that because something calling itself “ecotourism” actually is.
You are correct, that if indeed a company is in fact just exploiting indigenous people and a detriment to the environment then it is certainly not a true ecotourism company. However, this is where travelers must become aware determining companies that are truly eco-friendly from those that are not. I really appreciate your post and I am glad conversations like these are helping to raise awareness about this most pressing issue. I hope all travelers will keep in mind that being inquisitive and staying environmentally friendly can make all the difference.
Thanks again Paul for keeping the issue alive and i truly value you points and tips about ecotourism!

By: Craig and Linda

Craig and Linda — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:05:41 +0000

A useful clarification, Paul. One that we thought was obvious from context, but perhaps not and we completely understand your frustration. Thanks for the additional resource too.

By: Paul Sloan

Paul Sloan — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:35:27 +0000

Great article, Charles, and very important points.

However saying, “Unfortunately, in many circumstances ecotourism is not all that it appears to be and can often be nothing less than the complete exploitation of an indigenous people and a detriment to the environment” is somewhat misrepresentative.

The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as: “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990) http://www.ecotourism.org/what-is-ecotourism

If a travel product does not meet this definition, then it is NOT ecotourism and should not be used as an example of why “ecotourism is not all that it appears to be.”

Travel that is “the complete exploitation of an indigenous people and a detriment to the environment” is obviously not ecotourism, so using such as an example of ecotourism is disingenuous at best.

I have recently read a number of blogs and articles with similar use of definitions and examples as their premises.

Perhaps saying, “Unfortunately, in many circumstances claims of ecotourism are not all that they appear to be”–or something similar is more accurate rather than blurring the distinctions and lumping “green-washers” in with legitimate operators and casting a shadow over an entire sector.

The work of helping travelers make distinctions and good decisions is important, and your article goes a long way in highlighting this, big kudos for you, and as Vera Marie points out, the GSTC is a great effort toward addressing a wide range of issues.

And for your readers, TIES Ecotourism Explorer is another very useful online resource for researching operators around the world: http://www.ecotourism.org/ecotourism-explorer

By: T.J. Connolly

T.J. Connolly — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:36:06 +0000

Charles- you make some fantastic points in your writing. It really makes sense to do some greater research into these as advertised companies and read some customer reviews before taking the plunge. I look forward to reading some of your next work. Safe travels.

By: Craig and Linda

Craig and Linda — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:56:02 +0000

Daniel, Greenwashing’s been a real pain in recent years. Sometimes scratching the surface of an environmental claim reveals…not much beneath. While some companies are making an effort, many are simply re-wording their marketing campaigns — efficient but does nothing for the environment. I (Craig) am glad Charles brought this up so we can highlight some companies doing well and be aware of the pitfalls.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:18:35 +0000

Hey Craig and Linda — actually had never heard of the term greenwashing — which I now know describes companies that spinn their products and policies as environmentally friendly. How some companies might cut costs and then trumpet their reductions in the use of resources. An online directory of resources to help make informed decsisions would be great. Wonder if there’s anything out there? Regardless, a worthy article and thanks for making it available!

By: Vera Marie Badertscher

Vera Marie Badertscher — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:30:11 +0000

This is an important subject. People need to be sure they are not being taken in by the latest craze. Any hotel can call itself “ecotourism” and I have found some with that label cannot even explain what it is they do that is eco friendly.
As for the questions for eco tourism companies, those that are a sham sill have ready answers to pacify the traveler, so it takes a great deal of thought to choose wisely.
Partnership for Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC)gives some additional guidance, according to the web site Green By Design.
Thanks for starting this conversation.

By: Anil

Anil — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:12:25 +0000

I think many people see the word “eco” and assume something is environmentally friendly. It’s hard to tell as you travel around as well since the requirements for certification, as you mention, vary from place to place.

It really comes down to research, not sure if there’s a good single set of independent research sites either.

By: Craig and Linda

Craig and Linda — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:56:21 +0000

You make some good points and help me to realise how easy it is to judge a book by its cover. Is ecotourism the new “green-washing”? Probably and unfortunately so.

Charles’ bulleted questions are excellent ones to ask, but does anyone have any research tools to help us find answers? Are there independent research sites working on this kind of thing?