🍒 Ecotourism in the Amazon | USA Today

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As with any tour, ask how many people will be part of the tour and what experiences will be offered. However, this simplicity shouldn't dissuade the ecotourist. Being an ecotraveler in the Amazon can be a rewarding experience, but taking a few precautions is advisable. If you prefer a laid-back self-guided vacation over a structured plan, make sure the itinerary matches your tastes. Accommodations may not be air-conditioned or offer hot water. The Association for Environmental and Cultural Preservation of Silves created Aldeia dos Lagos in Brazil to replace the nonsustainable fishing practices of the people of the area. It is suggested that travelers become "activists" and get involved in the conservation of the areas they plan to visit. Photo Credits.{/INSERTKEYS}{/PARAGRAPH} The Amazon region gets about 9 feet of rain annually, but rainy seasons and local ecosystems may vary, so it's important to know the best time to visit and what to pack. Although some luxury accommodations may be available, many businesses offer arrangements that fit into the local eco-system. Sleeping arrangements may range from beds made from recycled materials to hammocks. Although certifications and training have not been standardized throughout the region, several international organizations have been developed to bring the industry together. Ecotourism in Panama. According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism can be defined as sustainable tourism that focuses on education about the local environment and people while providing income and unity for the local inhabitants. Ecotourism was not widely practiced in the Amazon until the last decade or so. Ask whether the tour focuses on education or adventure and what steps are taken for sustainability of the region. Ecotourism in Ecuador. The range of amenities available on an Amazon ecotour varies greatly. More than 20 percent of the Amazon has already been destroyed, and thousands of species of animals, plants and insects are now extinct. Photo: Amazon Milky Treefrog image by Reisbegeleider. Wildlife may not only be plentiful but dangerous as well. The Rio Blanco Project in Ecuador provides ecotourists with a glimpse into indigenous life, and local guides offer tours into the rain forest. Food is typically locally grown and caught to provide the traveler with a one-of-a-kind experience while supporting local growth. Poisonous snakes are not uncommon, and wild boar and large cats can also be dangerous when surprised or provoked. Usually, hosts do everything possible to make their visitors comfortable. The most diverse eco-system on the planet, the Amazon rain forest, is also one of the most endangered. About the Author. Asking questions of the tour operators is essential to gain a feel for the business and its level of commitment to the eco-system. Local people, particularly the indigenous, began to look for ways to replace more destructive forms of income, such as invasive farming practices and oil and ore removal. Ecotourism became an outlet not only to retain and increase income for locals but to educate outsiders as well. Ecotourism allows adventurous travelers to experience the largest rain forest in the world and take part in its revitalization. Study the area you will be visiting on your ecotour. The relatively new trend of ecotourism seeks to help maintain the natural environment of the Amazon and protect the remaining life. Catherine Rayburn-Trobaugh has been a writer and college writing professor since She has written for international companies, published numerous feature articles in the "Wilmington News-Journal," and won writing contests for her poetry and fiction. The organization focuses on educating visitors about local foods and lifestyle as well as how the Amazon impacts the rest of the world. Tours may focus on bird- and animal-watching or plant education. {PARAGRAPH}{INSERTKEYS}The four-layered ecosystem of the Amazon rain forest supports more than half the world's species. Understanding the areas and the environment can help the ecotraveler have an enjoyable and educational trip. Ecotourism is not all the same, and the industry is far from standardized. Ecotourism in the Amazon Travel Tips. The growing industry of ecotourism in the Amazon lets travelers get an insider's view of this vast and lush landscape.