Eco system is the system in which we live which includes the earth, the water, the sky, and the living and the non living creatures of the system. In the ecosystem the plant, animal and micro organism and the non environmental organism start functioning as the unit. There is no specific unit to measure the ecosystem, therefore it cannot be counted under the terms of the “biome” or “ecological zone” but it can not be considered as the functioning unit. Similarly, tourism means “the practice of traveling”, thus the tourism in which the ecosystem is involved is called as the Eco tourism.
“Tourism that involves the travel areas of natural and the ecological interest under the guidance of the naturalist and learning about the environment by focusing into wildlife and the promotion and the conservation of the environment”.
The International Eco tourism Society considers the eco-tourism as “responsible travel to the natural areas which conserves the environment and improvises the well being of the local people”. Eco tourism is having certain principles and they are as under:
Minimize impact
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
Provide the positive experiences and for both the visitors and hosts
Provide the financial benefits and the empowerment of the local people
The sensitivity raises to the host countries political, environmental and social climate
Support International Human Rights and labor agreements
There are many such Dos and Don’ts of the Eco tourism in India and the dos are as under:
The carry back of all the non degradable litter like empty bottles, tins, plastic bags, etc. which should not be litter the environment or to be buried.
The sanctity should be observed in the holy places and temples.
Cut noise pollution, do not listen radio, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment devices at high pitch.
There are many such things that comes under the don’ts category and they are as under:
One should not take the flora and fauna for cutting, seeds and roots. This activity is considered to be illegal specially in Himalays.
The pollutants like detergent, in streams or springs must not be used while bathing and washing.
One must not use wood as the fuel to cook the food.
One must not consume the aerated drinks such as alcohol, or drugs.
Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and is also unhealthy for the environment which must not be used.
There are certain rules that should be followed while traveling in the Eco tourism and they are as under:
Whenever the person travels to any destinations one must see the guidebooks, travel articles, histories by the local authors and one must always pay a special attention to the dress, eating behavior of the people who are staying there as it enriches the knowledge of the traveler.
The guidelines must be followed by the travelers which can be known by the eco-tour operators, guide or the local authorities.