With eco-conscious travel becoming an important topic of conversation, we explore different ways to see wildlife in the most ethical way possible
Eco-conscious travelling
Preserving our planet is at the centre of our attention these days, with many of us aware of how our habits are affecting our flora and fauna through excessive greenhouse gas emissions and the degradation of land and biodiversity loss.
It is only natural that we start thinking about how we travel, including our carbon footprint and the experiences we are choosing to have.
But I want to cuddle a koala
Having a personal encounter with wildlife is on many people’s bucket list. Who hasn’t dreamed of cuddling with a koala, swimming with sharks, or riding an elephant? But with an alarming number of reports denouncing places that either abuse animals or change the animal’s behaviour for the sake of tourism, it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate.
Contrary to what some may believe, banning wildlife tourism altogether is not the solution. Boycotting it will not only affect local communities financially, as many rely on these tourist experiences for income, but it may also put the animals at risk of being mistreated or worse, killed. Eco-conscious wildlife tourism is vital in helping threatened species thrive, and the important thing is to choose an operator that will respect the wild animals’ space and educate tourists on the conservation efforts.
Here we explore ways to still have these magical encounters in the most eco-conscious and ethical way possible.
Gorillas
Some endangered species, such as gorillas, may not survive without tourism. The number of mountain gorillas in Rwanda has dwindled over the years due to poaching, as the largest primate on earth is revered for its meat and its so-called healing properties.
Over time, trekking tours such as EcoTours have helped turn saving gorillas into a more profitable business than hunting them, with the money going back to conservation efforts.
While both Rwanda and Uganda are popular gorilla trekking destinations, Rwanda seems to be a favourite due to better infrastructure, easier terrain, more luxury lodges and a higher chance of seeing other wildlife on the trek.
See also: Jeremy Jauncey's 9 Amazing Travel Experiences For Animal Lovers