Ecotrekking presentation i give to the course participants.

1. Arjun Kr. Limbu
Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP)

2. Topics
• Ecotourism & its Principles , EcoDestinations
• Travel & Volunteer Types
• What is and Necessity of eco guides/leaders?
• Responsibility -Environment and –Local Community Benefits.
• Environment: Carbon Offsetting/Renewable energy/ Go green
• Equipping Essential Skills

3. What is Ecotourism?
The International Ecotourism Society.
“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment
and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990)

4. Principles of Ecotourism:
 Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities,
and sustainable travel. This means that those who
implement and participate in ecotourism activities
should follow the following ecotourism principles:
 Minimize impact.
 Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
 Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
 Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
 Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local
people.
 Raise sensitivity to host countries' political,
environmental, and social climate.

5. Ecodestinations
 Ecodestination ( what it covers?)
 Emerging trend worldwide.
 Ecotourism-> eco-tourists -> eco-destinations -> Eco-
leaders/guides (Necessity)
WE SHOULD BE!!
 Learn to engage tourists and provide a professional,
enjoyable experience
• Develop leadership, presentation and customer service
skills
• On-site and off-site training, mentoring and ongoing
support

6. Travel Types
 BackPacking Abroad
 Birdwatching
 Canoeing
 Climbing
 Cooking
 Eco Tours
 Ecology
 Environmental Studies
 Heritage Tourism
 Hiking
 Homestay
 Kayaking (River)
 Language Immersion
 Mountaineering
 Native Culture Studies
 Nature Tours
 Rafting
 RainForest Tours
 Scuba
 Trekking
 Volunteering

7. VOLUNTEER TYPES
 What is Volunteering?
 Adult Education Biological Research Community Development Computer Training
 Conservation Cooking Culture Cutting Wood
 Eco-tourism Economic Development Education English Teaching
 Environment Grassroots Organization Health Education Historic Preservation
 Literacy Minority Groups Natural Resources Popular Education
 Primary Education Recreation Reforestation Research
 Self Help Small Business Development Teaching Tourism
 Trail Building Tree Planting Volunteer Management Wildlife Surveying
 Youth Youth Development
 Typical Volunteer
Independent, energetic and patient self starter who likes to work with people from other cultures and
countries.

8. Eco guides/leaders
Characteristics
 1. Authentic
 2. Environmentally responsible
 3. Professional eco-tourism experience.
4. Know & act “Green – Jobs/ Economy”
 - Suggestive, Interpretive, encouraging, flexible,
Proactive, Nature Lover, Environment activitist,
Reading habits.
 -Well knowledge on NP, PA, Geography,
Population, Geology, Physiography, Plant &
Animals, Animal products ban, Plant medicines,
Geo-tourism.
Your Specialization on (Bird Watching)- Camera,

9. Environment
 Flying Responsibly
Your flight can be the most polluting
aspect of your travel. It is estimated
that air traffic accounts for 10% of
greenhouse gases worldwide. ( -> G.
W)
 Carbon Management
Sources of carbon
 Renewable Energy ?

10. Global Warming

12. Local Benefits
 Most voluntourists were aged 20-39
 traveling for over a week while devoting 40-
80% of their trip to volunteering.
 interest in traveling to South & Central
America, Africa and Asia to volunteer. They
were motivated by their interest in
environmental conservation, community
tourism projects and community
development.

22. Recommendation
 Energy saving tips
-suggesting guests-to turn off lights
-Rechargeable batteries
-use public transportation -walking, bicycling
-save water
 Reducing carbon
-Live in Solar-panel used hotels
 Community Benefits
-Encourage to buy local products
 Wildlife & Tourism
habitat, animal behavior, fotography.