Ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”. Because of over tourism and climate change, this type of environmental consciousness is fast becoming a popular way for people to travel. Although it’s almost impossible to stay carbon neutral when travelling, there’s still plenty of ways to offset your impact. With extra planning, the places you visit, where you stay and what you spend your money on can be more eco-friendly. We’ve gathered a short list of the 5 best countries for ecotourism to help you plan for your next eco-friendly adventure.
1. Costa Rica
Although small in size at just 51,179 km², Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity and is one of the best countries for ecotourism on our list. In fact, the biodiversity found on the Osa peninsula in particular is unsurpassed by any similar sized region on earth. This biodiversity is supported by Costa Rica’s committed to sustainability having designated 25% of the country as conservation land.
In 2012, Costa Rica became the first Latin American country to ban hunting as a sport to help protect the country’s treasured biodiversity. Among the 19,730 square miles of protected land you’ll find 29 national parks, wildlife refuges, wetlands, forests and biological reserves. But ecotourism in Costa Rica isn’t just reserved to conservation land. Visiting Costa Rica and supporting local tours, accommodation and restaurants all helps to preserve the focus on sustainability.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand is home to a variety of ecosystems from rainforests to mountain ranges and glacial lakes. Among these ecosystems live 484 known species of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles, 39% of which are only found in New Zealand.
The country has a reputation as being clean and green for decades, in large part thanks to its 100% Pure New Zealand marketing campaign that’s been running since 1999. Having seen a negative impact from human activity, ecotourism initiatives in New Zealand aim to reduce environmental impacts and even restore it through volunteer work. Visitors to can support their sustainability mission by going on conservation tours, staying in eco hotels and enjoying the abundance of natural beauty on offer.
3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are another one of the best countries for ecotourism on our list. The Galapagos Islands are made up of 18 main islands (only 4 are inhabited) located about 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador. First declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978, with boundaries extending to the Galapagos Marine Reserve in 2001. The location at the intersection of three ocean currents makes them one of the most interesting marine ecosystems in the world having been described as “living museum and showcase of evolution’. In fact, it was this showcase of evolution in the Galapagos Islands that famously inspired Charles Darwin to write his groundbreaking book On The Origin of Species.
Must-See Places
When visiting the Galapagos Islands today, travellers need to respect carefully crafted strategies to maintain the fragile ecosystem. You need to pay an entrance fee and the number of visitors to specific sites is restricted. Additionally, luggage is inspected by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency to ensure no invasive species are being introduced that could damage the ecosystem. Considering the outstanding beauty and diversity of this area, these precautions are a small price to pay to preserve and maintain for future generations.
4. Panama
Panama is another country on list that officially protected a significant amount of land as part of its conservation efforts. They protect at least 30% of the country’s land comprising wildlife reserves, wetlands and national forest parks. The country is committed to sustainability having been designated one of only three carbon negative countries in the world, absorbing more carbon emissions than it produces.
Must-See Places
Travellers to Panama can experience and support a vast number of animal and marine species. Also deemed bird watcher paradise with more bird species than Canada and the US combined. May sure to book only with official tours operators and avoid purchasing souvenirs made from endangered animals like coral or turtle-shell jewellery. For accommodation, check out some eco-hotels in Panama to help support sustainable tourism on your adventures through this beautiful country.
5. Bhutan
Last but certainly not least on our list of best countries for ecotourism is Bhutan. Bhutan is well known as a sustainable world leader being a carbon negative country for many years now. Their carbon footprint is approx. 2.2 million tonnes of CO2 but they offset approx. 6 million tonnes annually. This offset comes from a commitment to sustainability by all Bhutan residents. Approx. 60% of the country is covered in forestry, with goals to end deforestation by 2030.
Must-See Places
Bhutan’s focus on Gross National Happiness is evident when visiting this country. Travellers can enjoy beautifully untouched and protected landscapes and wildlife in a sustainable way. The jungles of Bhutan are home to many animal species like snow leopards, bengal tigers and the endangered red panda. To the south in the forests, you can find water buffalo, elephants, one-horned rhinos and the golden langur – found only in Bhutan. Travelling sustainably and supporting national parks and conservation areas helps fund their important work. Entrance fees and donations also pay to employ knowledgeable local guides to help preserve the area for generations to come.
Sustayn is designed to present the most useful recommendations for environmentally friendly approaches and items. We update links when possible, but note that links can be broken and pricing, where noted, can be subject to change.
51 comments
Appreciate you sharing, great article post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
You completed a few good points there. I did a search on the matter and found the majority of people will have the same opinion with your blog.Feel free to visit my blog post: weed indoorshave
metformin recall warnings for metformin metformin recall 2020 list
When I originally commented I clicked the „Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and noweach time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.Is there any way you can remove me from that service?Thanks!
It?s hard to find experienced people for this topic, but you sound like youknow what you?re talking about! ThanksAlso visit my blog post – Coastal Hemp CBD Reviews
Im thankful for the blog.Really thank you! Much obliged.
I appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
Great, thanks for sharing this blog post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Enjoyed every bit of your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Enjoyed every bit of your post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Thanks a lot for the article.Thanks Again. Want more.
There’s noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made sure good points in options also.
Im obliged for the blog post.Much thanks again.
This post presents clear idea in support of the new users of blogging, that genuinely how to do running a blog.
Hi colleagues, its impressive piece of writing concerning tutoringand completely defined, keep it up all the time.
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how regarding unexpected feelings.
What¦s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other customers like its helped me. Good job.
I liқe the valuable info you provide in уour articlеs.I’lⅼ bookmark your blog and cһeck again here frequently.I’m quite sure I will learn many neѡ stuff right here!Best of luck for the next!
nolvadex generic name nolvadex pharmacy tamoxifen night sweats
Enjoyed studying this, very good stuff, appreciate it. “Curiosity killed the cat, but for a while I was a suspect.” by Steven Wright.
Excellent way of describing, and good post to take data on the topicof my presentation subject matter, which i am goingto present in university.
Thanks a lot for the blog.Much thanks again. Great.
This post is actually a nice one it helps new net viewers, who are wishing for blogging.
modalert 200 modalert online modalert review
I used to be suggested this blog via my cousin. I’m not certain whether or not this post is written by way of him as no one else recognize such precise about my difficulty.You are incredible! Thanks!
Merely wanna state that this is invaluable,Thanks for taking your time to write this.Have a look at my blog: xajm168.com
chloroquine phosphate tablets aralen medication hydroxycloroquine
Normally I do not learn post on blogs, however I would like to saythat this write-up very pressured me to try and do it!Your writing style has been surprised me.Thank you, very great article.
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I absolutely loved every little bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to check out new things you post…
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It’s the little changes which will make the greatestchanges. Many thanks for sharing!
Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
I haven’t checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may I am getting that kind of information written in such an ideal means? I’ve a undertaking that I am just now operating on, and I have been on the glance out for such info.
I must point out my admiration for your kindness for those people who really want guidance on this important area of interest. Your very own commitment to passing the solution all through turned out to be pretty invaluable and has in every case enabled professionals just like me to get to their dreams. Your new informative help entails this much a person like me and even more to my office colleagues. Many thanks; from all of us.
I’m now not certain the place you’re getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend a while finding out much more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.
I’d have to test with you here. Which isn’t something I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a put up that may make people think. Additionally, thanks for allowing me to remark!
Normally I do not learn article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to check out and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, very nice post.
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have developed some nice methods and we are looking to trade strategies with others, please shoot me an email if interested.
Thanks for the article, can you make it so I receive an email sent to me when you publish a fresh update?
As a Newbie, I am always exploring online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you
certainly like your website but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What an ideal web-site.
It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I am satisfied that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
I loved your article post.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Im grateful for the article.Thanks Again. Will read on…
I think this is a real great blog article.
Fantastic post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
ciprofloxacin hcl precautions ciprofloxacin injectable veterinary effects of ciprofloxacin
Major thankies for the article. Much obliged.
I cannot thank you enough for the blog.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Thanks-a-mundo for the article post.Really thank you! Will read on…