the last tribal peoples on earth, as well as to the highest number of species of plants and animals. It is interesting to note that scientists have determined that more than 70 percent of all plants and animals exist on 1.4 percent of

the earth’s land surface; these are the biodiversity hotspots on our planet. It is no coincidence that in many of these hotspots tourism is also growing most rapidly, as more and more people seek out pristine natural areas and exotic adven-

What we found was that the world’s most precious natural areas, from Southeast Asia to South Africa and beyond, represent the last frontier not only of rare and endangered plants and animals, but

What’s in a name?

There are many names for travel choices that are good for the environment and for local peoples. Modern Traveler asked Costas Christ to tell us how he defines the terms.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL_ This is the umbrella term that incorporates both ecotourism and sustainable tourism.

ECOTOURISM_ In 1991, at the first board meeting of The International Ecotourism Society, we met in an old farmhouse outside of Washington, D.C., and bandied around what would become the first definition of ecotourism, which still holds true today: “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the wellbeing of local peoples.”

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM_ The idea behind sustainable tourism is to take these same principles and practices of environmental and social benefits and bring them right into the mainstream tourism industry itself. It includes environmentally sensitive operations, direct and tangible benefits to local communities, and enhancing the cultural and natural heritage of the destination — all while providing a profitable business model for owners and shareholders.

NATURE-BASED TOURISM_ On its own, this is simply travel that focuses on natural areas. Only when nature-based tourism is directly linked to protecting nature in the areas visited, while also contributing benefits to local people who live in and around these natural areas, does it transform itself into ecotourism.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL_ Adventure travel involves nature tourism but with a kick — kayaking, biking, zip-lines, whitewater rafting, back-country skiing, mountain climbing, trekking, sailing, canyoning, camel riding, you name it. For adventure travel to be responsible, it must help conserve the environment and improve the wellbeing of local peoples.

of millions of people struggling for basic survival and in danger of losing their cultural diversity amid the ever-increasing growth of tourism in their homeland. This discovery made more urgent the need for tourism to develop in a responsible and sustainable way, and indeed we have seen great strides in this endeavor in recent years, most notably in the promotion of ecotourism. But travelers are still confused as to what ecotourism really is. To begin with, ecotourism and nature travel are not the same thing. Ecotourism is really a set of principles and practices based upon three key things: environmental sustainability, protection of nature and supporting the wellbeing of local peoples. When nature and adventure travel adopt these three principles and practices, they are then transformed into responsible tourism.

And that is where we

all come into the picture, because our own travel choices do make a difference. More of today’s travelers are searching for active and adventure travel in places that still retain their traditional character and authenticity, while at the same time making sure their visit has a positive benefit to the local peoples and their natural resources. Today’s enlightened explorers want to have a great trip while staying in the best lodges, eating delicious food, and having wonderful experiences — but not at the expense of the environment and cultural traditions.

So how do we ensure that not only do we receive something on our next trip — that vacation of a lifetime — but that we also give something back when we travel? When you begin to plan your next holiday, whether it is trekking in the Himalayas or snorkeling in the Caribbean, ask questions about the

company’s responsible travel practices. If you are going on a wildlife safari, does the outfitter support conservation efforts in the destination? If you are visiting historical monuments or archaeological sites, does the tour operator support any organizations that help to protect these cultural treasures? Does the company you travel with employ local people to make sure that the economic benefits of tourism are helping to sustain the wellbeing of local communities? Do they follow green travel practices in their day-to-day operations, from recycling at the home office to leave-no-trace hiking on the trail?

Once you have made good choices in booking your trip, then let travel give you its unexpected gift, the chance meeting, that special moment. Allow it to test your limits and learn about yourself through the eyes of others you meet