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Among today's discerning travellers, "eco-tourism" is regarded of high potential value and therefore, from many enterprises used as a marketing tool. The meaning of the word derives from "ecological friendly tourism" and is not protected in any way like other fashionable words in today's aggressive advertising language.  
   
Interpretation by scientists differ, but most of them agree to the following:  
   
Trekking and hiking for wildlife, bird watching and orchids at Khao Sok, Khaosok, Khao Luang, Khao Yai, Thale Noi, Khao Nor Chuchi, Kaeng Krachan, Thale Ban and Tarutao Island in Thailand   Eco-tourism is socially and environmentally friendly tourism, that should look for the economic well-being of the local residents. Non-government organisations should create a partnership with the locals, so that they can benefit from the tourism, that comes into their community. The saying Think globally, act locally ! has become well-known already and clearly shows, that the local community should be respected and nothing should be done without their support.
     
Trekking and hiking for wildlife, bird watching and orchids at Khao Sok, Khaosok, Khao Luang, Khao Yai, Thale Noi, Khao Nor Chuchi, Kaeng Krachan, Thale Ban and Tarutao Island in Thailand   Some scientists emphasise on education and conservation. They see eco-tourism as nature-based, that involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable. They request hotels to use ecologically friendly quality products, use recycled equipment, reduce garbage and tour operators to encourage sustainable practices.
     
Trekking and hiking for wildlife, bird watching and orchids at Khao Sok, Khaosok, Khao Luang, Khao Yai, Thale Noi, Khao Nor Chuchi, Kaeng Krachan, Thale Ban and Tarutao Island in Thailand   Education should not end with teaching the guides, but should also involve the media, travel agents and consumers. Education should include: geology, flora, fauna, weather, history and the interpretation (Why is it so?) Especially the educational side is often hampered by lack of suitable courses, lack of time and the fact, that some locals do not see the tour guide job as a career.
     
Trekking and hiking for wildlife, bird watching and orchids at Khao Sok, Khaosok, Khao Luang, Khao Yai, Thale Noi, Khao Nor Chuchi, Kaeng Krachan, Thale Ban and Tarutao Island in Thailand   Sustainable tourism implies increased investment to maintain the cultural or natural resources on which the tourism is based. This can be planting of trees, garbage collecting, maintenance of nature trails or information centres at historical sites. But it could be also the education of the local community, so that they understand the value of the environment and start to protect it rather than to use it.
 
 
While some tour operators currently use the word "eco" to describe special tours they offer, or even their complete programme, we do not feel, that we can say "yes" to all above interpretations and decided not to follow this fashion. Anyhow, we are trying our best to involve local residents, who provide guidance or accommodation close to places, that we visit during our tours, provide the best possible education to visitors and leave the natural and cultural places we are visiting, as we found them or even cleaner by collecting the garbage of other visitors.  
   
 
 
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Updated: 2010-12-08

 

 

 

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