Brian, from Ecoteer, used his knowledge and degree in Sustainable Tourism to put this beauty together, helping identify the need for sustainable tourism and giving a whole load of ways for you to get involved, reducing the impact your holidays jaunts have on the planet!
2. “Tourism is a social, cultural and economic
phenomenon which entails the movement of
people to countries or places outside their usual
environment for personal or business/professional
purposes”
World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
3.
4. • 25.7 million arrivals in Malaysia alone in 2013
• Global Paradigm Shift Towards Experience Economy.
5. Tourism and the Environment
o Inherently linked
• City breaks, countryside getaway, beach holidays, mountain trekking
• Financial reliance
• Attraction
• Tours and Exploring
o Complex relationship
• Adverse and Positive impacts
6. The Downside of Tourism
• Climate Change
– Flights, transport, deforestation
• Pollution
– Water, sewage, air
• Litter
– Plastic, waste, introduction new
sources
• Depletion of Resources
– Water, food sources, materials
• Direct Physical harm
– Damage, trampling, altered
ecosystem
7. It’s not all doom and gloom
• Financial Contributions
– Governance and management
• Raising Awareness
– Interactions and experience
• Improved Management
– Waste management, litter
collection
• Protection and Preservation
– Supply and demand
• Alternative employment
– Eco-tourism
9. What is Sustainable Tourism?
Tourism development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
-1987 Brundtland Commission report “Our Common Future”
19. Let Nature stay
Natural
- Feeding animals
- Follow the ‘beaten track’
- Don’t ride the wildlife
- Keep your distance
- Litter
20. Conclusion
• Support the local community
• Protect the natural environment
• Save Energy
• Be aware!
Notas do Editor
1 in 12 people globally work in tourism (8.7% of total employment)
Number of arrivals expected to reach 1.6 billion by 2020 and attaining 2.6 billion in 2050
25.7 million in 2013 up from 10million in 2000, with net spend in Malaysia (2013) at 65 billion RM (USD 18 billion, EU 16 billion or UK 11.6 billion)
2.9% doesn’t sound like a lot but it is one of the major sources of income for huge numbers of communities and countries globally
Huge numbers representing a growth in leisure time, disposable income and access to more remote and exotic countries.
Human and natural environments attract us for different reasons but all play important roles in our lives
City breaks, a tangle of buildings, roads and culture – also home for a range of wildlife (birds – falcons, insects)
Countryside getaways – the countryside is often the first thing people think of when they think of the environment. UK started ‘greenbelts’ to protect green areas surrounding cities, hiking, walking, bike rides all can be enjoyed in the countryside, which is an important environment for balance in ecosystem
Beach holidays; ‘white sands, palm trees, crystal clear waters; did you ever wonder why the sand is so white in tropical areas? Or what results from the crystal clear water. One of the most important environments on our planet
Mountains; another unique environment with different wildlife and stockpiling water in ice and snow form. Some scientists fear the melting of these will cause more problems than ice caps.
Jungle: trekking, wildlife, unique, carbon absorption; deforestation
Finanical reliance; some communities rely heavily upon their environments for food, medicine, tourism attractions,
Climate change: so many planes and vehicles on the roads, increasing as tourism grows. New roads being built
Pollution: Poor waste management and sewage can reduce water quality, both fresh and marine, air pollution from excess vehicles (boats, cars, buses, trains, tuk-tuks etc).
Litter – introduction of sources of litter previously unused (plastic), poor disposal and in some places understanding of the impacts, in other places ineffective methods of disposal.
Depletion of Resourses; fresh water is an issue in some areas, where tourism puts a huge strain on the need for fresh water, food sources – feeding tourists can mean long journeys for non-local foods, over fishing or over farming of foods to deal with the extra mouths, Materials – wood, stone etc for building and development of roads (creating islands or pockets of wilderness surrounded by roads – isolating wildlife)
Direct harm – trampling can kill plants, grass and corals, changing the ecosystem and introducing alien species. Collection of souvenirs (shells, corals etc),
Tourism does benefit the environment as well!
Financial Contributions
Marine park fees, park fees, taxes from tourism can all be put toward conservation efforts, as seen here! Marine park fee paid helps the Dept. run their work.
Raising awareness – through interactions with wildlife and seeing the world in different light, people will often gain a new understanding and appreciation for different environments
Improved management; whilst tourism can put extra or new strains on an environment or community, it can also lead the way for improvements. With high levels of tourists, governments are forced to put new plans into action, including improved sewage systems, waste management and litter control, reducing the impact already in place on the environment.
Protection and Preservation; with an increase in numbers of people wanting to visit rainforests, coral reefs and other natural environments (the demand), the is the necessity for local communities to maintain them in order to supply a service. A farmer who can earn extra money by giving rainforest tours will think twice about cutting down the forest to grow more plants.
Alternate employment: combining all of these aspects into tourism allows new employment opportunities. We already know that 1 in 12 people are employed in tourism sector; with environmental focused aspects. Wildlife reserves and marine park areas can provide opportunities for new employment, green tours, ecotourism and management opportunities for locals
So. Now that we know a little about tourism and its relationship with the environment. Let’s take a look at how we can be a little more green in our travels!
Responsible tourism is different to ‘ecotourism’. Which can be described
Ecotourism is: "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." (TIES, 1990)
I
Ecotourism is a growing industry, with more and more volunteer, conservation and ‘eco-resorts’ opening up all the time.
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Ecotourism is a buzz word, often used to attract people to the location, but when you arrive there are so many things out of place that you’d never consider it to be eco. Though there are loads of eco projects and resorts out there too
Responsible tourism is about you, as a tourist or traveller, it is about you and how you choose to enjoy your time away, whether it is relaxing, adventuring, activity packed or partying. Your attitude is what makes responsible travel possible
Why?
Experience things you miss when following the masses on a package holiday. Meet new and amazing people, taste different foods, getting away from your typical and immerse yourself in the culture of the country you visit. Understand their way of life and gain a new appreciation and perspective on life and the way you live.
Future Generations – Want your kids or kid’s kids to be able to experience the world, cultures and variety our planet has? Then we need to consider how to make it last. Responsible Travel enables long term sustainable management of tourist areas for the future. Protecting the well-being of communities and enviroments!
Respect – Understand that everyone is different and actions you may find commonplace in Europe or the US to be unsual or rude. SO often in the news you hear of people discussing immigrants or visitors behaviour being out of place and unacceptable.
Giving back – learn and appreciate the world to the full extent, open your mind and heart and contribute to nature and the communities you visit. Achieve a sense of well-being through responsible travel as well as relaxation!
Don’t just dive in and trust a website or go for the cheapest.
Being responsible can sometimes cost more, but you are paying for proper waste management and eco-support within a resort/package.
Also, “eco” is that buzzword that resorts will state on their sites to get more bookings. They know more and more people are attracted to it, so if they start recycling bins, they will claim they are eco. Do your research, check all reviews and descriptions.
You can even contact local projects or organisations to see if they can help or recommend anywhere!
Emissions and Climate Change – we all know about it. But rarely do anything about it!
Take fewer holidays annually, but make the ones you do go on longer and more fulfilling. This will reduce the number of flights you take and also give you a much better appreciation for the country you visit.
Always look for green options. Airbus have designed the most efficient airplane out there, so consider that when you are choosing your flights! Difficult to consider anything except prices, but you can now offset your carbon emissions for each flight too.
Transport. A big one for anyone visiting a country. If possible, try to avoid taxi and especially car rental. Public buses, trains and tuk-tuk rides all give you a new insight to local culture whilst helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Not to mention bicycles and walking! Best way to explore so many places (cities, villages and countrysides)
Overpacking isn’t just a case of putting too much stuff in your luggage, it is a case of putting unnecessary stuff in there!
Obviously, different vacations or travels require different outfits. You couldn’t take the same luggage to Malaysia as you would to Iceland. But pack smart and you will cut down on the amount of stuff you have to lug around with you!
If you need lots of outfits for dinners or daytimes, pick items of clothing that can interchange and create multiple outfits.
Make 8 items create 26 unique outfits.
Reduced weight means less energy required to carry it!
Eatin local food reduces the high costs of making and transporting non-local foods (in asia, cheese, pasta, etc). Also helps to provide financial sustenance to the local community
Guides – by choosing a local guide you will benefit the local community (Financially) and also get an improved experience. Locals know their environment better than anyone, so it is worth it if you take them up!
Transport- local taxi drivers, buses, tuk-tuks all have expert knowledge and can help you avoid expensive car rental services. Give you a new sight of the area
Water – many countries have water shortages and limit the amount of water they use. Tourists are less conscious of this, especially when coming from a more affluent country. Take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and take a reusable water bottle to fill up with boiled or filtered water! Overuse of water supplies can make it even harder for locals to get by.
Support – tourism through the local communities can support financially through handcraft souvenirs, eating at restaurants and employment. Tourism is only sustainable when locals are protected. Try to avoid large chains where money is taken away, instead choose smaller, family run options!
Every country has different ways to act, talk, behave, dress and even eat. So be prepared for this and get yourself stuck in with the local way of life.
Respect their culture and follow their rules to avoid insulting the locals. Not just the people, but the natural environment as well. Follow the local rules and guidelines for interacting and behaviour in all areas.
In some places, the clothes you wear are important too, whilst no one expects you to dress in full Malay outfits here, it is important to remember than in some cultures, women are expected to keep covered up, so if you visit these areas, make sure you don’t embarrass yourself or the locals by walking around in a bikini!
Language – another factor that changes across individual countries as well as internationally. Take the time to learn a few words and try and speak it with the locals. They won’t expect perfection, but by trying you show you care and are not another tourist speaking loudly and slowly! Terimah Kasih – Thank you
Selamat Pagi – Good Morning
Jumpah Lagi – See you Later
Respect is important and nature deserves it too. It is a big part of our lives and often drives a lot of tourist activities and holidays (coral – scuba/snorkel; grasslands – safari; jungle – trekking). So it is important to realise how you can stay responsible whilst on these holidays!
Feeding Animals – This one is often something encouraged by local tour guides but is one we should try to avoid. Feeding is unnatural and can change behaviour of wildlife. It can also make them more aggressive and demanding for food if it becomes habit or routine. Not to mention a lot of food we feed animals (bread to fish) is unnatural and can make them sick or even die!
Riding wildlife – this is obviously limited to larger species, and is common in Asia to find Elephant rides. Elephants go through a torturous training regime before they start working, they are stabbed, beaten and forced into submission. Encourage responsible and sustainable wildlife tourism by observations only. .Contact with wildlife is unnecessary and unnatural! If your guide encourages it, you can always try to explain to them. They often encourage because they think it is what people want.
Beaten path – backpackers and travellers often try to get off the beaten track to experience new things. But in nature terms, it is better to stay on it! Trampling is a big issue in many places. By exploring off the path, you expand the area of damage we do when we walk, crushing and killing plants, increasing soil erosion and encouraging others to do the same!
Litter – always take it home with you. It isn’t natural in our world so we need to make sure we dispose of it properly!