Caribbean Ecotourism: How Can You Give Back to the Region?
You may have heard the term ecotourism in relation to your travels. Vacations involve lots of activities that affect the environment. With an annual average of 30 million visitors to the Caribbean, there is a high risk of overuse and pollution of the natural environment.
The cause of this risk can include watersport activities, beach lounging, land and sea tours, and hotel waste due to the operation. With so much happening, there is a following requirement for preventive controls. This is where ecotourism comes into the picture.
When visiting the beaches of the Caribbean be sure to pick up after yourself before leaving.
What Is Ecotourism?
Ecotourism is defined by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."
While many individual Caribbean governments and organizations are putting legislation in place to encourage ecotourism. Here are a few ways you can travel responsibly to reduce the impact of your vacation on the Caribbean islands and surrounding areas.
Booking Accommodation From Eco-friendly and Socially Responsible Brands
Hotels and tourism depend heavily on the local communities and environment to operate. Because of this, ethical hotel development and sustainable tourism practices—which link social, cultural, and economic aspects—are essential for the preservation of culture and the support of social and economic stability of the local community.
A beach that needs a little TLC. Everyone that travels can make a difference.
You can be part of ecotourism by booking hotels and accommodations that are ethical in their operation and actively giving back to the host island. These ethical activities can include “Green Globe certification” and sponsorships for cultural and education programs.
You can also do some research for conservationist programs directed by the hotel in your planned destination such as coral reef conservation, turtle watching, and environmental clean-ups. These are good indications of ethical hotel brands.
By directing your preference to more ecotourism-oriented hoteliers, you become part of the driving force that will encourage other hotels to join the movement to keep their clientele.
Volunteer Vacations
The name defines itself. You can subscribe to a vacation where most of the activities will be about contributing positively to the environment and local communities. Some describe volunteer vacations as adding purpose to your travel where you can help local communities and marine ecosystems while being exposed to a variety of fascinating environments, people, and cultures.
There are several volunteer programs across the Caribbean region to consider. These programs will charge a weekly fee which includes food, accommodation, and transfers. The activities can include tree planting, land, and marine clean-ups, animal shelter work, medical volunteering, and school programs.
Such programs include “International Volunteer HQ” and “Volunteer World”, which operate in Jamaica, Belize, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. You can use websites such as gooverseas.com to find volunteer vacations in your next destination.
Be sure to dispose of your surgical face masks when traveling to the Caribbean. “Plastic masks take 450 years to decompose in nature” according to the director of Thermal Compaction Group in Cardiff UK, a healthcare solutions company working to reduce the environmental impact of plastic masks.
Mindful Vacation Practices
Ecotourism is not only about making a major change or devoting your tropical vacation to make a difference. You can be part of the movement by making changes to how you vacation. For instance, don't litter when lounging on the wonderful, white beaches and while exploring the island during excursions.
Do not take pieces of marine life as trinkets when snorkeling or admiring coral reefs. Eating at local eateries and purchasing locally-made souvenirs directly support the region's economy.
