Elephants in the marshes of the Amboseli National Park - Kenya © ALTITUDE/Arthus-Bertrand Yann Poisoned chalices One often means well when one gives a loved one a gift. But beware, as many souvenirs are made out of wild protected species such as coral, ivory and turtle scales and it is illegal to trade them. It might not seem very serious but this is the third largest form of international trafficking after drugs and software. And it is a real threat to biodiversity. So remember the ecotourism motto: “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints” |
880 million tourists travelled the world in 2009. In 2009, 880 million tourists travelled all over the planet. But rather than squeezing onto a crowded beach, some of them chose to go and spend a week in Bolivia living with Indian tribes and share the beauty of the Amazon rainforest with them. Others discovered the amazing African wildlife during a photo safari in Botswana. Ecotourism, as it is called, is a form of responsible tourism which allows people to take part in preserving the environment and local populations’ well-being whilst enjoying their holidays. The money spent by tourists thus creates jobs and improves the situation of the host communities and the local economy. And contrarily to preconceived notions, an ecotourism service does not necessarily cost more than a similar “classical” tourist offer of the same standard, and it leaves you with unforgettable memories. |
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