Ecotourism growth and preservation efforts are occurring on a global scale. Australia, for example, has more than 1,000 designated national parks in desert, tropical, and sub-tropical settings. Moreover, Australia’s legislature has been producing laws and policies protecting cultural heritage and natural resources for decades. Mexico is another example, offering travelers access to 18 million acres of ecological preserves, including 24 biosphere reserves and 44 national parks.
Places like Papoose Creek Lodge
But planning vacations around visits to national parks and preserves is only a small part of the ecotourism experience. Many travelers seek attractions that offer intimate, luxury accommodations and immersive cultural and environmental experiences—places like Papoose Creek Lodge.
Located in Montana’s Madison River Valley, Papoose Creek Lodge is an “ecolodge,” which means it operates in a way that preserves and sustains the environmental and cultural integrity of its surroundings and that of the local community.
“What we do in ecotourism is bring in cash flow and equity, providing an economic alternative to parceling up the landscape,” says Roger Lang, owner of Papoose Creek Lodge. “I don’t want to show up in the Madison Valley and find out that it looks like Aspen, Colo., with a bunch of condos, white picket fences, and chopped-up landscapes.” Lang wanted to be sure this didn’t happen, so he purchased the surrounding 25,000 acres that now make up Sun Ranch. Lodge guests have complete access to this undeveloped landscape, where they can go horseback riding, fly fishing, canoeing, or take a more hands-on approach participating in a predator management program keeping wolves away from the ranch’s cattle.
While local conservation efforts like those at Papoose Creek are positive contributions, industry professionals are acknowledging the pollution created through travel to ecotourism destinations. In response, owners like Lang have their own carbon offset programs. “When people travel from Alabama or England to come to Papoose Creek, they take an airline, which is a massive polluter and contributor to global warming,” Lang explains.
“We try to offset this through our relationship with places like India and South America where we work with organizations to plant trees on a commensurate level for carbon absorption.”
Airlines go ‘green’
Some airlines are also working to make travel a little greener. Delta Airlines recently announced that it will offer voluntary offset charges to passengers. With an additional $5.50 for round-trip domestic flights and $11 for international trips, Delta will purchase trees and fund environmental outreach programs.
Travelers can even purchase their own carbon offsets through groups like Sustainable Travel International. Their MyClimate carbon offset program features a website equipped with a greenhouse gas calculator that gives travelers an idea of how much carbon their purchase will offset. The money from this program funds environmental projects and research.
All things considered, the ecotourism industry has evolved into one of the world’s largest collaborative efforts. “You have to realize that you’re not alone,” Lang says. “We’re all integrated into the world and, as an owner in the industry, I hope that ecotourism shows humanity at large that appreciating local diversity and your surrounding environment is the key to conservation in the end.”