5 tips to be a responsible traveler
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM LOOKS FOR A BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR NEEDS AND THE LONG-TERM CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
A responsible traveler
Mexico receives around 45 million tourists a year. We all want to spend a well-deserved vacation but for many places in our country, high seasons are synonymous with negative effects on natural areas.
What can we do to be responsible travelers?
Responsible tourism seeks a balance between your needs and the long-term conservation of the natural environment. It is to understand that each action, even while on vacation, has an impact on the present and the future of the planet.
5 Tips to be a responsible traveler
1.Respect biodiversity. Do not touch or remove animals from the sea.
It is very common to want to take shells from the beach. Although it seems that there are many and that a few will not make a difference, remember that these shells are little houses for animals that need them to survive. Even though they don’t end up being houses, the minerals in the shell help balance the micro-organisms in the sea. The animals are beautiful, and it causes a lot of emotion when we see a sea star, a coral, a seahorse or a small fish. Admire them but do not touch or remove them from their habitat.
2. Try to stay in accommodations that respect nature.
When you are choosing where to stay on your vacation, look for places that are aware of their natural surroundings. Hotels that respect and regenerate the environment instead of destroying and polluting.
3. Use biodegradable sunscreen and avoid entering water bodies with makeup, creams or gel
One of the greatest enemies of reefs and marine flora and fauna is the sunscreen. The synthetic substances that are part of its ingredient list are toxic to corals. Also avoid entering water bodies with makeup, gel, creams or any other that may come off your skin. These end up contaminating and sickening marine biodiversity.
4. Be very, very, very careful with the reefs if you are diving or snorkeling.
The reefs that you see by participating in any of these activities can take up to 300 years to grow to what they are today. It is very common for them to suffer from impacts by kayaks, boats or fins. We know that most of the time it is not with the intention of hurting them, but now that you are a responsible traveler, use extra caution when you see them.
5. Leave the places you visit cleaner than you found them.
Unfortunately, plastic and inorganic garbage have become part of the landscapes. Wherever you are, try to take the time to pick up some trash and obviously take care of yours. Avoid using single-use plastics. Bring your water bottle to stay hydrated.
Take care of, know and admire your destiny, always taking into account your actions and thinking about their impact. Absolutely everything has a socio-environmental footprint. Only you decide if you want to leave a negative or positive footprint.
Fuente: read.luv.it/como-ser-un-viajero-responsable-vacaciones-semana-santa-2021-playa-turismo-sustentable-ecoturism/
Escrita por: María Fernanda Leduc