Healthy Ecosystems, Happy People
Stay tuned for our the launching of our toolkit for best practices in creating educational ecotourism experiences.
- Emphasize what ocean resources makes your location unique
- Run programs that are safe for guests and help protect the environment they explore
- Help guides create outlines to foster a more educational, meaningful, and authentic experiences for guests
- Impact based initiatives for marine conservation and sustainability to protect resources and include in marketing.
Above are some examples ideas that the toolkit will provide guidance on
Let us know if there something missing that you are interested in!
Ecotourism as Transformative Travel
How do you leave guests with experiences that leave lasting memories and positively impacts their lives after the trip?
Leave it to nature.
Leave it to nature.
•Learning: marine education leaves a lasting deeper appreciation and wonder for nature that goes beyond simple observation.
•Voluntourism: even small voluntourism actions help people leave knowing their trip had a positive impact on the environment and community, and may inspire further actions at home.
•Connecting: experiencing nature can bring people closer to each other, whether with their families or friends, or within local communities
•Exploring: outdoor adventures challenge people to explore new areas and get out of their physical comfort zone
•Voluntourism: even small voluntourism actions help people leave knowing their trip had a positive impact on the environment and community, and may inspire further actions at home.
•Connecting: experiencing nature can bring people closer to each other, whether with their families or friends, or within local communities
•Exploring: outdoor adventures challenge people to explore new areas and get out of their physical comfort zone
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Shoreline protection
Coral reefs help attenuate wave energy off shore, and mangrove roots close to shore. Intricate mangrove roots also help hold sediments along the shoreline together, and help maintain water clarity for good snorkeling.
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Essential Habitat
Mangroves, coral reefs, and salt marshes provide shelter for many species of invertebrates, fish, and birds. They also often serve as nurseries for important fisheries species.
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Tourism
Healthy corals provide structure for the amazing fish and wildlife snorkelers and divers travel to see. Mangrove forests also provide good sites for bird watching, snorkeling, and kayaking. These natural systems provide tourism revenue and support jobs in local communities.
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Combating Climate Change
Mangroves help to recycle carbon dioxide, protect against tropical storm damage, compete with sea level rise, and provide alternative habitat for corals experiencing coral bleaching.
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