The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."
The same definition was given by the Swedish World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 1994 and The Swedish Ecotourism Association in 1996.
According to The International Ecotourism Society, this means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following principles:
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Minimize impact |
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Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect |
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Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts |
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Provide direct financial benefits for conservation |
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Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people |
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Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate |
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Support international human rights and labor agreements |
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Svea Adventures promotes sustainable travels that benefits the local regions, by making the following efforts:
• Thinking green : Many of the tour operators we work with have been certified by the Swedish Ecotourism Association as "Nature's Best", and follow a strict set of guidelines for their tours and operations.
Svea has decided not to print a brochure for the 2007 season in order to minimize our use of paper. All trip confirmations are done electronically, printed material is kept to a minimum and the office has it's on recycling station.
• Supporting the local economy : Most produce and food items are purchased locally to support local grocery stores. Most services are also purchased locally to support the local economy.
• Minimal use of gas-powered vehicles : Most trips utilize your own energy for transportation as much as possible by hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding etc and use small vans only when necessary for transportation.
• Contributing to local restoration projects : Svea Adventures is a proud member of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation and help contribute to local conservation projects in order to protect and maintain natural areas.
• Small group sizes to minimize impact : Group sizes are kept small in order to adhere to the local carrying capacity. Size typically does not exceed 10 people (except on Iceland where group size can be up to 18), on most trips in order to provide enjoyment for the participants and the least amount of impact on the areas.
• Supporting local as well as international eco tourism efforts : As a member of The International Eco Tourism Society, The Swedish Eco Tourism Society and Leave No Trace, Svea Adventures supports both local and international efforts to make the travel industry more sustainable and to think "green" rather than mass production.
We can all make a difference if we try a little harder.
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