Happy Camping

Ecotourism For Conservation

An important leisure activity is recreation. It has a rejuvenating effect on one’s body and mind. This is important for healthy living amidst the stressful modern life. Some of the recreational activities that are popular these days are skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, sky diving, hang gliding, canyoning, rock climbing, adventure tourism, backpacking, ecotourism and motor sport. Traveling to the pristine, but fragile, areas is ecotourism. There are two ways ecotourism is practiced. Appreciating nature and learning from its varied life forms as well as the cultures that are embedded in nature is one kind of ecotourism. This requires a deep sensitivity and social consciousness. Reflection on the ecological impact of human activities on nature while appreciating nature is central to it. That is why this is also called responsible ecotourism. The second type of ecotourism has commercial interest at its heart where nature preserves is just another commodity for profit making. Unfortunately, ecotourism continues to be dominated by this category of enterprise.

Ecotourism that does not have ecology and local cultures as its central concern is indiscriminate in the way they conduct themselves. Ecology is nothing but a tool for them to market in order to attract tourists. The rich natural habitat becomes the location for constructing modern luxurious hotels, lodges and resorts with all the trappings of the modern wasteful lifestyle. Neither respect nor conservation for nature is in their agenda. The result is the fast deterioration of the surrounding ecology and degradation of the nature. Better infrastructure and more tourists mean more waste generation and pollution. Nature gets trampled in the process. Neither are the tourists mainly concerned about the impact of the luxury they enjoy on the surrounding ecology. And all this happens in the name of ecotourism.

In contrast to this type of tourism is the responsible ecotourism which is typically carried out singly or in small groups. They carry with them as little as possible and only just their survival needs. These include first aid kit, flashlight, utensils, personal care products and map amongst others. The most important is the camping tent and the sleeping bag. Camping tents come in different sizes suited for different seasons. There are camping tents manufactured by many companies such as MSR Hubba Hubba Tent and Marmot Aeros Tent, and many more designs from Black Diamond, Eureka, Kelty and Sierra.

Camping is usually associated with responsible tourism because the negative aspects of tourism are minimal. There is much attention given to energy efficiency, recycling, water conservation and economic benefits to local communities.

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Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack The Wilderness 55/Scout3400 is perfectly sized for youth and the light backpacker. Complete with adjustable height shoulder straps, a rainfly compartment and rainfly, the Wilderness 55/Scout3400 also features a padded water bladder pocket. Two side zippered pockets, side and front mesh pockets, and a top zippered pocket provide plenty of room for smaller accessories. A top-loading main compartment…

TETON Sports Summit 1500 Ultralight Internal Frame Backpack (22.5x 11x 9, Orange) $57.29 This hydration-ready daypack fits a 2.5-liter bladder (not included) and has left and right ports and clips for drinking tube. With six pockets, two pouches, slide storage, and gear loops, the Summit1500 stores everything you need for an overnight or full-day trip. Front map pocket has storm-proof zipper and water-resistant liner. Compression straps cover side pouches to keep water bottles or long…

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High Sierra Swerve Backpack $54.99 With it’s distinctive swerve design and padded computer sleeve, this pack has the great style and hold-everything functionality that lets you go your own way….

High Sierra Loop Backpack $70.00 • Multi-compartment design.• Dedicated MP3 player pocket with headphone port.• Attach gear with monster hook and bottom straps.• Two side mesh beverage compartments.• Hanging accessory pocket.• Premium organizer compartment with multiple pockets and a key fob.• Yoke-style, S-Shaped Vapel™ Mesh padded backpack straps with Suspension System and integrated grab handle.• Comfortable back pan…

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ful Unisex Adult Overton Backpack $39.99 Go everywhere, take everything. The Overton Backpack lugs all your heavy gear, reading material and more, while keeping small stuff like pens, cell phone and sunglasses conveniently organized. Use the vertical board to carry your skateboard hands-free when you feel like trekking. Either way, you’ll travel in total comfort and ultimate style. Black, lime, purple or orange. Features include a MP3 po…

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