Shaping a Sustainable Future Together
- By:
Rebecca Braak
As an avid traveler and advocate for responsible tourism, I am constantly seeking out ways to make a positive impact while exploring the world. With Rebecca Adventure Travel leading the B Corp movement in Ecuador’s travel industry, I am committed to balancing People, Planet, and Profit. This is how my team and I ensure that the places we visit are left better than we found them.
How Travel Can Be Responsible
When evaluating sustainability in travel, it’s essential to recognize the difference between being a tourist and being a traveler. Tourists often consume resources without regard for their impact, staying in all-inclusive resorts that overlook local communities and environmental preservation.
Travelers are mindful and seek to respect nature and engage directly with local culture. They take home valuable lessons about conservation and cultural traditions, becoming ambassadors for sustainable travel. By embracing the role of a traveler, we can make a meaningful difference in the places we visit.
Guest participating in a tree planting initiative in the Galapagos Islands, contributing to environmental conservation.
Sustainability Goes Beyond Carbon Emissions
In a time when the environmental impact of planes and other transports is a topic of concern, it’s important to recognize that travel can also be a force for good, benefiting local communities and conservation efforts. While it’s true that transportation covering large distances contributes to carbon emissions, the positive impacts of travel can be profound, particularly when it supports sustainable development. When evaluating whether to hop on a plane or cruise, we must weigh the carbon impact against the social and environmental benefits generated.
One region that exemplifies the power of responsible travel is Latin America. By choosing to travel here, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact that tourism can have on both social and environmental fronts. From job creation to the preservation of cultural traditions, travel in Latin America has the potential to transform lives and protect natural wonders.
Our team visiting an indigenous community on the Arajuno River in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
When I traveled to the Ecuadorian Amazon, I was amazed by the responsible eco-lodges that dotted the rainforest. They play a crucial role in protecting vast areas from threats such as oil drilling, illegal mining, and illegal logging. Additionally, these lodges provide fair wages to native families, reducing the need to engage in environmentally damaging jobs or migrate to large cities. and supports the next generation.
But the impact of responsible travel goes beyond environmental conservation. By choosing to work with local guides, family-owned accommodations, and local craftsmen, I was able to support rural communities and contribute to their sustainable development. This investment in local economies empowers the next generation to carry on the legacy of their ancestors, thus aiding in cultural conservancy.
Using Travel as a Force for Good
Supporting community development goes beyond direct employment. Take our Sponsor a School initiative. For 300 children aged 4-15, we provide opportunities to access books, learn English, enjoy due celebrations, and dream big about their future. These efforts create a ripple effect, empowering communities and shaping future generations toward a commitment to conservation.
To further encourage mindful travel, we are developing an initiative called Huella Positiva, which offers complete transparency regarding the contributions of each traveler. Every excursion meticulously outlines the local guides who benefit, the cozy family-owned hotels that serve as accommodations, and the invaluable aid extended to the local children. This way, travelers can see the direct impact of their choices.
Kari, our Operations Manager, sharing with the kids at Antonio de Ulloa School in Puembo.
When planning your next trip, I urge you to consider the positive and negative impacts of your travel choices. Will you support the development and education of local communities? Are you open to learning from the country you visit and becoming an ambassador for purposeful travel? By making mindful choices, we can use travel as a force for good, creating a positive impact far beyond the carbon footprint.
Responsible travel is not just a buzzword; it is a mindset and a commitment to leaving the world in a better state than we found it. By supporting local communities, preserving cultural traditions, and protecting the environment, we can harness the power of travel to create a sustainable world. Let’s be mindful travelers, eager to learn, share, and make a difference wherever we go.
Did you like this blog? You might also like:
- Sustainable Tourism Is Transcendental to Rebecca Adventure Travel
- Tourism as a Force for Good in Colombia
- Regenerative Travel in Latin America
