Vacationing Carries Inherent Risks To Environment

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Most people who are environmentally conscious get the idea that they should spend time in the wilderness, or perhaps travel to a site that offers spectacular scenery. Thousands of people make this sort of trip every year, enjoying one of the many sites offered by the mass/recreation tourism industry.

Vacationing away from the traffic congestion and job pressures of everyday life is looked on by some as a right, rather than a privilege, because they believe improving quality of life should be a priority. Unfortunately, the mass of tourists who pursue such goals has had a negative effect on the environment and natural resources over the years.

So, some enterprising souls came up with the idea of ecotourism, which generally gives people a chance to get away, while focusing on resource preservation and informative cultural excursions. The thinking behind this new trend was that minimizing the impact on the environment, even a little bit, was enough reason to continue holiday/vacation trips. But we have learned that there are a few reasons why even ecotourism can be a bad thing.

Reason #1

Some say the increasing number of tourists in the forests and woodlands of the world has a negative effect on wildlife. The element of surprise can result in confrontations between animal and human being, with either or both coming out on the losing end. At the very least, the presence of tourists in the wilderness adds undue stress to the lifestyle of wild animals. For some purists, any change in the environment, even the calm presence of one person, is not acceptable.

Reason #2

For many visitors to national parks around the world, litter is the biggest problem. Apart from the negative effects this trash has on local animal and plant life, the appearance of these magnificent locations is spoiled by the irresponsibility of a few individuals. While those who engage in ecotourism are generally more conscientious about litter, even the most diligent traveler can unwittingly leave behind more than footprints. Some may expect park rangers and maintenance staff to take care of cleanup, so that visitors can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the place. But no increase in staff can keep up with the number of tourists visiting these huge outdoor areas each year. The solution to this problem, in ecotourism and mass tourism, is for the tourists themselves to be aware of their personal habits.

Reason #3

Among ecotourists, there is very little that is considered unacceptable, because strict limits and guidelines are usually set in the planning stages of any project or event. However, experience has taught ecotourism veterans that structures built for events sometimes defeat the initial purpose of the project by detracting from the view or changing the habits of wildlife. Even the most careful event manager will have some negative effect on the fragile environment they are trying to feature.

These are just a few reasons why even ecotourism can have a negative impact. More information is available from environmental groups who may be opposed to ecotourism. In addition, Web sites can provide important information about environmental impact of all types of tourism for places from Alicante, Spain to Yosemite Park. Opinions may vary on this subject, but there is no such thing as having too much information.