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What is eco tourism? Well, the definition of eco tourism is defined
as “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment
and improves the well-being of local people.” according to The
International Ecotourism Society (TIES).
There are many different definitions of the word and this can make it hard to fully grasp how to be an eco tourist. We at the thailandecoportal.com prefer the word Sustainable or Responsible Travel. So how do you travel responsibly? Well, it is impossible for us to be completely in balance with nature and the surrounding communities we will visit when traveling, however we can try to be as responsible as possible. As a traveler or tourist we have a certain impact on the areas we travel to even if we don’t notice it. We can limit the effects of our arrival and we can have a beneficial effect to the environment, surrounding communities and their economy.
By sticking as closely as possible to a few guidelines or codes of conduct we can minimize our impact on the environment, local culture and impose a beneficial effect from our travel in Thailand.
Our Codes Of Conduct For Thailand
1. Remove your shoes before entering a Thai home. It is considered rude and unclean to keep your shoes on inside the house. This especially applies for Temples and religious buildings where there are images of the Buddha or the Royal Family.
2. Do NOT say anything disrespectful or anything that may offend the Royal Family. The Royal Family and especially the King are held in very high regard by all Thai’s, to speak out against them would be extremely offensive to the Thai population and can land you in serious trouble.
3. Never point your feet towards or turn your back to images of the Buddha, Monks, Nuns and images of the Royal Family. The feet are seen as unclean and to point your feet at anyone is impolite. This also applies when travelling in public transport, so don't put your feet on the seat in front of you.
4. Also never touch or pat anyone on the head. The head is a sacred part of the body, as the bottom of your feet are seen as unclean the top of your head is seen as your purest part and also where your soul resides, to touch another persons head would cause serious offence.
How to be Green in Thailand’s National Parks
1. The same as you would in your own home or garden, DO NOT litter. Whatever
you take into a national park, make sure you take it out with you when you leave.
Cigarette butts, and food packaging along with plastic and glass bottles are an
example of what NOT to leave in the park.
2. Check before lighting fires, many parks prohibit the lighting of fires as this can cause wide spread forest fire. If you are allowed to light a fire, be sure to make it in the appropriate place and away from overhanging trees and branches. When you are finished, make sure the fire is completely out and the ground where you made it is returned to how it was before you arrived, this includes disposing of ash and debris from the fire.
3. It is illegal to take polystyrene packaging into Thailand’s National Parks. You can get bio-degradable packaging from national park offices before entering.
4. Always check in at the National Park head office before entering the park and be sure to let them know when you have returned.
5. Stick to the trails provided, apart from getting lost straying from the trail can damage potentially sensitive plants and disturb animals.
6. If you are not sure, you can hire the services of a local trained guide who will be able to show you the most interesting sites and will also be able to give you much more information on local beliefs and traditional life which the the guide books won't have.
7. Never attempt to chase or catch any wildlife, for starters wild animals bite and it can also stress and reduce their energy levels which are necessary for foraging and finding food.
8. Do not pick flowers or plants. There are many rare and also potentially poisonous plants in Thailand’s forests and they can be harmful to humans.
9. Do not drive motorcycles or cars along national park trails, this adds to erosion of the paths and also scares the wildlife which may be in the area.
10. Finally, the old quote of “take only photos, leave only footprints” still rings true but maybe it is better to add “leave only incentives to preserve!”
Modes of transport and travel in Thailand
Thailand offers various ways to get around, train, bus, passenger boat are all available at very reasonable prices. Air travel is also easy to arrange however if you wish to minimize your carbon print then air travel should be kept to a minimum. Try to stay in one place for longer periods rather than make many short journeys and use joint transfers and public transport where possible.
To ensure you are traveling as responsibly and efficiently as possible it is both advisable and fun to use Thailand’s public transport services. Why not make the journey part of the fun? There is also the added bonus that it is cheap!!
If you really want a cheap journey then why not cycle its great exercise, fantastic views and a good work out!!
