Urban Ecotourism
The term "urban ecotourism" may seem an oxymoron, but it refers to the growing practice of making all forms of tourism more sustainable, including urban travel. Sustainability doesn't end at the boundary of parks and nature preserves---simple practices can increase sustainability in cities, too.
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Environmental Stewardship
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Urban ecotourism promotes use of sustainable energy, says Planeta, along with easy-to-use public transportation systems and bike lanes that cities encourage tourists to use. Hotels that minimize waste and recycle are also part of the urban ecotourism movement.
Education
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Urban ecotourism can promote a region's biodiversity, according to Planeta. City parks can give people a glimpse of this biodiversity, igniting conservation efforts by educating residents and travelers.
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Cultural Consideration
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Ecotourism considers the well-being of humans as well as the environment and other species, as the International Ecotourism Society says. Residents and travelers should have access to natural spaces like parks, says Planeta, and tourism endeavors should respect and promote cultural activities.
Other Benefits
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By operating in high-population areas, urban ecotourism programs can provide jobs as well as funding for the city that allows it to work toward becoming "greener," according to Planeta.
Societies
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Planeta, which calls itself "the global journal of practical ecotourism," has worked to further urban ecotourism practices. The International Ecotourism Society works toward the same goals. Associations also exist on national, regional and local level in some areas.
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References
- Photo Credit city park image by Pawel Dowgiallo from Fotolia.com
