Yes, you read it right. Traveling can save the world – if you do it the ecotourism way. Or at least parts of the world. If you’re reading this article and are interested in traveling, chances are that you’re privileged enough to get the chance to do so from time to time. Not everyone is that lucky. But the good news is that every time you travel to a country less fortunate than yours – like Madagascar -, you’re making a real impact on the population. Looking for a good excuse to travel a bit more? Keep reading.
Tourism’s Impact on Local Communities
Visiting other countries means supporting them. Tourists create jobs, bring foreign currency to the country, and support local entrepreneurs. Not only is the overall economy benefiting from it, but to a high degree the small communities surrounding the tourist spots as well. In fact, tourism is a big part of GDP in most countries, and for those in the underdeveloped world, an essential part of the economy.
Take Madagascar as an example. In 2019 the tourism sector was responsible for almost 7% of the GDP. As little as 486.000 tourists generated it. Now, imagine what a global disaster like COVID-19 does to a country relying on its visitors to feed its people. In 2020 Madagascar had as few as 86.000 tourists. Hundreds of thousands of jobs were lost.
While you might not directly see the impact of the dollars you spend on vacation, it impacts society all the way down. Even when using international travel agencies. You pay them, they pay their employees, and the employees buy food and necessities from the local shops.
The social difference you’re making is not to be underestimated.
Tourism’s Impact on Conservation
That was the social impact, and you might think: ”That’s great, but what about the environment?”. Good question! The environment is an important factor when talking about saving the world, and here tourism plays an essential(?) role.
Many countries have a special bio-diversity that governments and international organizations are working their butt off trying to protect. The greatest threat to many of those species is loss of habitat, which is often a result of poverty. By visiting the national parks and rehabilitation centers, you support the important work of protecting nature. Simply by offering yourself an experience – and by learning a great deal!
Let’s again use Madagascar as an example. Madagascar is the home of more than 11.000 species of flora and fauna endemic to the country. 90% of Madagascar’s species are found nowhere else on the planet. But many of those species are either endangered or critically endangered. Many have already been lost, and when lost, they’re lost forever.
Madagascar’s government, several international organizations, and even regular people are taking the issue very seriously, and have established many national parks, private reserves, and rehabilitation programs throughout the country. For example, the Kirindi Private Reserve is home to many endangered species such as the brown lemur, the ringtailed lemur, and the fossa. All of these are endemic, endangered, and kept alive by the visitors visiting the park.
What is Ecotourism?
Ecotourism is tourism where the main purpose for tourists is to experience and observe nature, culture, and landmarks. That being national parks, UNESCO heritage sites, or specific cultural ecosystems surrounding these natural areas. Often ecotourism doubles as a way of supporting and protecting these areas, as the funds gained from accepting tourists go straight to the organizations working to protect the areas.
But, while ecotourism is often sustainable, it is not a given.
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Sustainable tourism is tourism actively contributing to the long-term protection of an area. While many ecotourism activities are actively contributing, some might not be. For example, you’ll find many zoos around the world that do not participate in rehabilitation programs or sedate their animals. And you’ll find many privately owned businesses – such as hotels – that feed on the ecotourists without contributing themselves. A privately owned hotel is, of course, limited in its direct impact on initiatives such as rehabilitation programs. However, there are many ways for a privately owned business to contribute.
Building with respect to its surroundings and biodiversity is one thing. Supporting the local environment by providing infrastructure is another. To buy locally, a third. Creating fair work conditions and thereby fighting poverty is yet another. Many more initiatives can create an impact on the local environment depending on the area and needs.
It sounds nice, but what does that have to do with me? Hang on, we’re getting to that!
How You Can Practice Ecotourism and Save the World
You are the key to all of the above-mentioned initiatives. With every choice you make, you’re putting a vote down for the kind of tourism you want to support. How to save the world by traveling? By making conscious decisions on where you’re going, who you support, and what you as a tourist will stand for.
While it’s already a lot of work to plan your vacation, it doesn’t have to be hard to create an impact.
Here are a few pointers to put a sustainable touch on your next vacation:
- Choose a Destination Less Fortunate Than Your Home
Not alone is it interesting, and supportive of the community around it – it’s usually also a lot cheaper than developed destinations. What’s not to like?
- Visit the Local Conservation Initiatives
Most areas have institutions or organizations running do-good initiatives. Whether it’s flora, fauna, or culture you’re into. Visit them. Even if it wasn’t the initial plan. You don’t have to stay for the day but simply support by showing up to learn something
- Shop From Locals
While most areas have larger stores of souvenirs and crafts designed to fit tourists’ standards, they are usually not supporting the local environment as much as actually buying directly from the local environment. Now, if you’re not comfortable in the local markets, those shops are the second-best thing. But make sure to choose a place where the craftsmen behind the souvenirs are paid fairly – preferably shops that are community-run.
- Choose Restaurants Using Local Products
Why buy a Belgium beer in Madagascar? They make their own beer! And that beer has not been transported all around the world to get there. Many tourism businesses import specific products from Europe and the USA because their tourists demand them. Stop demanding it, and be brave enough to try the local substitutes.
- Research the CSR Politic of the Hotels You’re Staying At
The selection of hotels is often plentiful, so there’s plenty of room to choose from. By choosing the options with a visible and well-thought-out CSR policy, you’re making it a competitive advantage to have one. That way you’re participating in creating change in an entire industry – wow, right?
- Be Reasonable When Reviewing Businesses Aiming for Change
This one’s important. We live in a highly review-based world, where everyone shares their opinions online. This can make or break a business. While you should, of course, review sustainable businesses, be fair in your expectations. If the hotel you’re staying in is harvesting rainwater to save the environment, it might be too much to ask for a water pressure equivalent to what you’re used to from home.
By following these few pointers, you’re well on your way to saving the world. Simply by experiencing it. Now, if that’s not a reason to book your next vacation ASAP, I don’t know what is.
Is your interest in saving Madagascar just by traveling peaked? Take a look at these itineraries:
The Ultimate Itinerary: Madagascar in 3 Weeks
Travel Guide for Madagascar: 14-Day Itinerary
How to Make the Most of Madagascar in 10 Days
