Ecotourism, ecotravel, ecolodges and just generally being "eco" have become popular tourism sales pitches. What is true ecotourism? What defines an ecolodge or an ecological company? How is the surrounding community involved? And finally, is ecotourism such a great thing anyways? It typically involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.
Ecotourism is a conceptual experience enriching those who delve into researching and understanding the environment around them. It gives us insight into our impacts as human beings, and also a greater appreciation of our own natural habitats. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. A walk through the rainforest is not eco-tourism unless that particular walk somehow benefits that environment and the people who live there. A rafting trip is only eco-tourism if it raises awareness and funds to help protect the watershed. Massive mountains, rolling hills, abundant vegetation and diverse wildlife - it is little wonder that Nepal is a popular tourist destination and the ideal location for ecotourism. In an area of 147 181 km squared the landscape of Nepal changes from lowlands towards the highest mountains in the world, this is truly a land of extreme diversity. From tropical to arctic climates, Nepal's great diversity is a real draw card. Despite its relatively small size, Nepal contains significant percentages of wildlife, such as 2.04 % of the world's flowering higher plants and 8.6 % of its birds. Nepal contains some 5833 species of gymnosperms and flowering plants with some 315 endemic species of higher plants. 847 bird species, 185 mammal species, 43 amphibian species, 100 reptile species, 656 butterfly species and 185 fresh water fish species have been identified in Nepal. Nepal's combination of stunning natural environment and strong cultural heritage, make it a truly remarkable country for the development of ecotourism. In fact, ecotourism in Nepal tends to blend with adventure tourism with the magnificent mountain peaks attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the world. Various protected areas have been established in Nepal and play a vital role in ecotourism for the country. Over 18% of Nepal's land has been assigned as National Parks and protected areas, attracting more than 50% of Nepal's tourists to at least one of these areas during their stay in Nepal. This simply demonstrates the importance of such regions for ecotourism.
So for the ultimate natural experience, try ecotourism in Nepal, it will leave you breathless.