Eco-Tourism
In its simplest form, eco-tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on the appreciation of natural areas and cultural heritage, while also promoting the well-being of local communities. It is a form of tourism that is both sustainable and responsible. Its main purpose is to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment. As such, it focuses on conservation, as well as generating economic, political, and social benefits to the local community.
History of Eco-Tourism
While eco-tourism has been around since the 19th century, it gained widespread attention in the 1990s in response to growing concern over the global degradation of natural environments and the exploitation of indigenous cultures by the tourism industry. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) was formed in the same decade to support global advocacy of eco-tourism and to provide resources for its implementation.
In the 2000s, the recognition of eco-tourism as a viable and profitable sector of the tourism industry grew, and the potential for eco-tourism to make a positive contribution to communities became widely accepted. Major tourism companies began to promote “green” trips, such as low-impact visits to hospitality establishments that incorporated sustainability practices. Accommodation options designed explicitly for eco-tourists, such as eco-lodges, also became increasingly popular. The growth of eco-tourism has continued over the last decade.
In 2019, UNWTO adopted the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, which promotes responsible eco-tourism by calling for the conservation of the environment, respect for cultural heritage, and sensitive interaction with local communities. Increasingly, eco-tourism is seen as an opportunity for local and global sustainable development.
Why Eco Tourism Matters
Across the world, practising ecotourism has been considered an important endeavour to minimize environmental impact. This is because ecotourism practices help to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. It encourages people to visit natural areas and appreciate the beauty of nature, while also helping to conserve the environment. Eco-tourism also helps create jobs and economic opportunities in local communities, while providing visitors with an educational experience. Finally, eco-tourism helps to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourages people to take action to protect the environment. This will ensure that future generations experience natural destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are almost untouched by human activity.
Benefit to Environment
- Create an incentive for industrial players to promote the environment.
- Provides funding to manage, protect, and expand protected areas
- Foster a sense of environmentalism among travellers and industrial operators
- Foster positive attitudes and behaviour among local communities.
Benefits for the Community
- Ecotourism programs seek to enhance the cultural integrity of the local communities.
- Creation of economic opportunities for local communities through park fees, hospitality, and the sale of cultural souvenirs.
- Foster community socio-political stability
Examples of Eco Tourism Activities
- Bird watching: Observing and studying birds in their natural habitats.
- Whale Watching: Observing whales in their natural habitats.
- Hiking: Exploring nature trails and enjoying the scenery.
- Camping: Spending time in the outdoors and enjoying nature.
- Kayaking: Exploring Rivers and lakes in a kayak.
- Snorkelling: Exploring coral reefs and marine life.
Our Responsibility as a Tour Operator
Eco-tourism in Kenya is an increasingly popular activity for visitors to experience the unique and exotic wildlife, landscapes and culture of the African country.
Visiting Conservancies
Kenya has many national parks, reserves and other protected areas with a wide variety of animals, birds and other wildlife including the Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo. Shanjoy Tours & Safaris promotes eco-tourism activities including game viewing and bird-watching safaris, nature walks, and camping.
Promoting Local Communities
Our packages promote sustainable tourism initiatives centred on community development such as visits to community-run wildlife sanctuaries, walking trails, and educational programs. These activities provide economic empowerment to the community members, support local education institutions, and encourage the indigenous people to protect animal and plant species in their environment. Our clients also visit local villages to experience the different cultures of the country, an aspect that fosters cultural appreciation and tolerance.
