Ecotourism guidelines

There are certain guidelines ecotour operators and nature guides go by to develop and maintain a sustainable ecotourism business. Here are guidelines suggested by Orchids & Egrets Ecotours:

1. Provide money and other tangible support for developing parks' services and managing natural resources.
   
   
2. Link commercial tourism to local conservation programs.
   
   
3. Develop sustainable tourist facilities that minimize environmental damage.
   
   
4. Help repair the damage done by others.
   
   
5. Promote ecological research and rescue programs.
   
   
6. Arrange and promote meaningful contact between tourists and local people.
   
   
7. Support indigenous people/businesses by buying local goods and services.

Other guidelines would add to promote the desire in ecotourists to learn about the natural area, to engage the tour guide in direct interaction with ecotourists and to reduce pollution and recycle within the company (even in offices).

When traveling through Florida's natural areas, you can help preserve them by following a few guidelines yourself:

1. Stay on trails. Don't wander into the brush or onto the prairie; the trails are there for a reason. Leaving the pathway, you might unknowingly disturb wildlife habitat, or endangered or threatened plant communities. Besides, if you stay on the trail, you won't get lost!
   
   
2. Reduce, reuse and recycle. The same idea that works at home, work and school works when you're in natural areas. Think of ways you can cut down on waste. For example, instead of taking all those plastic forks and paper plates when you go camping or picnicking, use items that you can wash and reuse. Also, don't use up more of anything than you need, especially water.
   
   
3. Put waste where it belongs: in a trash can. Because you followed tip #2, you don't have much waste left, but what you do have should go in a trash can. Wherever there's also a recyclables can, use it. And don't leave food out for animals, like raccoons, to eat.
   
   
4. Learn about the flora and fauna of the area you're visiting. Your knowledge will lead to a greater appreciation and respect for what Florida has. Learning about the world around us is fun, and it can be as easy as taking along a field guide.
   
   
5. Leave plants, animals, rocks, logs, etc. alone. That flower may be the most unusual you've ever seen, and that little critter may look really cute, but they're not there for you to pick or to pet. You're in their home. Wild animals are wild, and they need their space. Give animals plenty of room when viewing them. As for the plants, the animals and insects need them. And that log or rock you come across may be someone's home.
   
   
6. Whenever you can, walk, skate or bike and leave your vehicle turned off. Park your car, save some gas and spare everyone the emissions. Enjoy the beauty of the park up close.
   
   
7. Follow directions given by signs and rangers. Both kinds of directions are for your protection and for the protection of the natural area you visit.
   
   
8. Try to visit parks in their off season, when possible. You'll not only avoid the crowds on your visit; you'll make the in-season crowds in the natural areas that much smaller, reducing negative impact. Plus, you'll see things you might not normally see, like juvenile birds, for example.
   
   
9. Support parks, forests and preserves. As a visitor, your entrance fee helps pay to maintain and improve the area. But you also can become a park member or join the many “Friends Of” groups. For example, there's the Friends of Florida State Parks (call 904-878-6177) and many individual state and county parks that would appreciate your membership.
   
   
10. Be a good example for others; spread the word about responsible ecotourism. When your family, friends and neighbors hear about your trips to natural areas, they might want to go, too. Point them to areas of special interest to you, and be sure to tell them these great tips!

Back to the Florida Guide to Nature Travel, Ecotourism and Outdoors Adventures