Macdonald, G. (2023, January 15). When conservation and capitalism meet: A visit to New Mexico’s Ted Turner Reserves. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/article-ted-turner-reserves/  

Can capitalism, an economic notion causing much damage to the environment, be used for good? American billionaire Ted Turner and founder of CNN has been using his fortune to help protect endangered species, alleviate climate change’s effects on the US, and has recently opened four ranches in New Mexico open for ecotourism. Turner’s ranches are mixing luxury and sustainability, which is attracting a new, usually very consumerist, clientele. His philosophy is to “save everything”, and these new investments seem to reflect that pretty well as he aims for his ranches to be environmentally friendly and zero-waste.

It is reassuring to see mega-billionaires put some effort into environmental causes and use their money for good, which is usually unheard of. Turner’s ranches not only support the local economy but also bring New Mexico more eco-tourism opportunities. These luxury ranches are obviously inaccessible to an everyday vacationer, but it hopefully encourages his fellow magnates to follow suit and expand the ecotourism industry, although it often is for purely capitalistic motives.

Achtenberg, K. (2022, August 3). Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Joining Three Other Midwest States to Build Lake Michigan EV Circuit, America’s Best Electric Vehicle Road Trip. Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2022/08/whitmer-announces-michigan-joining-three-midwest-states-build-lake-michigan-ev-circuit-americas-best-electric-vehicle-road-trip/ 

The governors of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wyoming have joined forces to create what will be known as an electric Route 66. This new approach to ecotourism is very unique, as it includes a 1,100-mile road trip route reserved for electric vehicles as well as attractions and amenities along the way. This project will bring new ecotourism locations to the Midwest as well as boost the states’ economies, and construction has already begun and is expected to be finished in the coming years. The road trip is also meant to highlight and promote small businesses along the way, favoring the local economy as well by encouraging the consumption of locally-sourced produce.

I think this project is very interesting, but also slightly confusing. I feel like this will definitely have a sustainable impact once finished but the construction sounds very costly and unsustainable. I also wonder if there really are that many electric cars in these four states to keep this going and make it a successful, meaningful project. Although it is unique and could actually be very environmentally friendly, I feel like there were other, more impactful ways the money and effort could’ve been spent.

Gagnon, H. (2022, August 23). Envisioning Justice in Ecotourism. Common Thread: Antioch University News. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://commonthread.antioch.edu/justice-in-ecotourism/ 

Ecotourism is a great way to travel but unfortunately, it can have some unethical aspects. Researchers Dr. Kelly Cerialo and Dr. Amy Lethbridge testify their findings in this article. Ecotourism is now a $270 Billion dollar industry, but many people aren’t benefiting from this money flux, many of them being Native populations. With over 500 Native tribes being federally recognized in the US, much of their land has been infringed upon due to ecotourism. The two researchers emphasize that this is also an international issue but that considering the US’ many other efforts to improve the environment, this is an issue that should be strongly addressed. 

 I believe this is an important topic to bring up when talking about ecotourism because sometimes it may seem like a perfect and flawless option for travel but that’s not always the case. Ecotourism is a good step towards sustainability but at what cost? It’s important to do good research on the locations one will be visiting because there could be issues even other than land infringement, such as unjust pay, false advertisement, and other unethical dilemmas that could damage a travel experience and the local environment.

Wittig, S. (2022, August 4). Sustainable Tourism Flagstaff. Green Living. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://greenlivingmag.com/sustainable-tourism-flagstaff/ 

Flagstaff, Arizona has become a quaint hotspot for those looking to vacation sustainably. Arizona has many ecotourism locations to offer, notably Sedona which has seen a strong peak in visits due to its popularity with influencers and celebrities. The article explains that this city has developed many different ways to promote ecotourism, from low-waste, locally-sourced dining to a blossoming arboretum. The city has also constructed a LEED building, which involves the cooperation of architects, environmental engineers, and local Native Americans to devise sustainable ways of living. Flagstaff has proven to be an affordable and earth-friendly destination for many eco-tourists. 

I really appreciate Flagstaff’s approach to rebranding itself as a good ecotourist city especially because of the wide variety of sustainable activities they offer. It spans many things from food, to wildlife, research, and even stargazing. Considering the fact that Arizona isn’t too far from California, hopefully, our state will catch up and also start developing greener cities especially because we have witnessed the effects of climate change rock the state recently.

U.S. Embassy supports inclusive economic growth and sustainable tourism in Tafilah. U.S. Embassy in Jordan. (2022, November 3). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://jo.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-supports-inclusive-economic-growth-and-sustainable-tourism-in-tafilah/

Tafilah is a region southwest of Jordan’s capital, Amman. Located in the Jordanian countryside, the governorate is known for its lush vegetation featuring olive trees, grapevines, and other native plants. This recent meeting between the US Ambassador to Jordan and the Tafilah Governor was meant to help plan out and strategize different ecotourism approaches, as well as ecological education for the local youth. The USA’s funding of these projects will help encourage ecotourism in other locations, as well as within America. This cooperation is setting a good dynamic for the encouragement of ecotourism from the US government. 

Not only is this event a sign of improving diplomatic relations between Middle Eastern nations and the US, but it is also reassuring to see international cooperation in the protection of the environment. The USA already has many ecotourism locations so using that knowledge and these resources to help other countries start veering away from conventional tourism is a promising initiative to better the overall and local environments. I think the one downside to this American influence could be the possible “westernization” of certain foreign locations, losing their cultural values for the sake of a better climate.

Butler, D. (2022, March 11). Ecotourism in Indian country. Florida Seminole Tourism. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://floridaseminoletourism.com/ecotourism-in-indian-country/ 

Florida is home to vast marshlands and swamps in a region known as the Everglades. Before European colonizers settled there and gained control of the area, local native populations thrived in the land. Nowadays, ecotourism and sustainable excursions have become quite popular in native Floridian land. Ecotourism in this region helps not only protect the ecosystems present but also respects native customs and traditions regarding respect towards the earth. When visiting a new place it is easy to forget that it is not only a travel destination but also a population’s home and sacred land.  

I think it is very nice that the sustainable industry in native Floridian land works with the local populations to help preserve their home while allowing others to discover and appreciate them. I went to the Everglades a while ago and found it very interesting. I learned about the local populations and the villages they would build entirely atop water or small islands. It’s important to realize that land is not the same without its population, and a population is not the same without its land. Preserving the environment is crucial to preventing cultural and ecosystem loss.

Galloway, L. (2022, May 17). Palau’s world-first ‘good traveller’ incentive. BBC Travel. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220517-palaus-world-first-good-traveller-incentive 

Palau is a very small country made up of 340 islands scattered across the Pacific ocean with less than 20,000 residents. Despite their size, the local government enacted the Palau Pledge in late 2017 which makes tourists promise they will protect the islands while staying in the country. The coasts surrounding the Palauan islands are swarming with diverse marine life thanks to their National Marine Sanctuary which forbids any type of extraction in 500,000 sq km of ocean. Many hotels and businesses in Palau truly value ecotourism and do not “greenwash” their image so as to attract tourists. 

Because of Palau’s size and location, the ocean’s rising levels pose a huge threat to the local population. Palau is estimated to be submerged by 2100 due to the melting ice caps which is why it is so important for the world to become more conscious of global warming. Ecotourism is one way to do it, but unfortunately, it will not be enough. I find this article very interesting, and also quite sad and unfair that it’s always the countries that pollute the least who suffer the most.

Why Southeast Asia needs to embrace sustainable tourism. SEADS. (2022, April 13). Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://seads.adb.org/solutions/why-southeast-asia-needs-embrace-sustainable-tourism 

Indonesia is a huge country and receives up to 16 million tourists yearly, excluding the years when COVID-19 was very severe in the country. During the pandemic, Indonesia’s government has been rethinking its approach to tourism, leaning towards more sustainable approaches. Indonesia’s government has been encouraging community-based tourism, their goal is to get more tourists to visit smaller villages so as to support local culture and appreciate the more rural environments of Indonesia. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, the Minister of Tourism, has also urged hotels to avoid massive buffets so as to prevent food waste, especially during the pandemic. 

I really like how this article brings up food waste as an environmental issue. Wasting food is a huge issue in the world, we overproduce and then waste so much of what is harvested. I also find it very nice that the government is promoting ecotourism in underrated areas of Indonesia, that way, the local cultures, and natural landscapes can be appreciated. Considering Indonesia is a big country made up of many different environments, islands, populations, and cultures ecotourism helps protect all parts of the country.

New Rewilding Europe travel company to boost nature-based tourism impact. Rewilding Europe. (2022, August 2). Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://rewildingeurope.com/news/new-rewilding-europe-travel-company-to-boost-nature-based-tourism-impact/ 

As climate change becomes a more and more pressing issue, a lot of travelers are turning to ecotourism opportunities for their next trip. Travel companies that cater to these interests have popped up all over the world but more recently in Europe, Rewilding Europe Travel has become a popular choice. They offer trips all over the continent and focus on exploring the local environments and minimizing the impact that tourism has on nature. Their mentality is to offer quality experiences while protecting and respecting the landscapes. 

I am from Europe and spent a lot of my life there, France to be specific. I am really glad to see that people are starting to be more conscious of the mark they leave on earth every time they travel because I have seen first-hand the effects tourism has on our cities and land; for example, the Lascaux caves being damaged repeatedly. This company’s ecotourism approach will help protect wildlife, ecosystems, and also help reduce pollution from transport.

Peters, M. (2022, March 7). Why Botswana is a model for ecotourism around the world. Good  Nature Travel Blog | Stories are made on adventures. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://www.nathab.com/blog/botswana-ecotourism/ 

Botswana is a small landlocked country in the south of Africa. Although relatively small, it has a lot to offer. It’s a beautiful country that has magnificent landscapes and does not lack national parks, as many are made to protect Botswana’s population of African elephants, the biggest in the world. These parks are part of the country’s incentive toward ecotourism. In 2002, the Botswanan government established a National Ecotourism Strategy which was made to help preserve the local ecosystems and native wildlife. The Thlokomela Wildlife Trust helps fund these sanctuaries and other preservation projects by working with ecotourism companies.

Botswana’s approach to ecotourism is quite good in my opinion. They manage to fund their economy through tourism all while helping preserve their country’s ecosystems. The money that comes in from ecotourism helps maintain the sanctuaries and boost the economy. The way their ecotourism system is organized also helps protect the environment and support endangered species. In a continent where poaching is unfortunately very common and a great danger to local wildlife, Botswana’s policies and protection measures are admirable.