| What is Eco Tourism? |
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| Written by Site Admin | |
| Wednesday, 03 January 2007 | |
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Ecotourism is defined by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) as: ‘responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people.’ Ecotourism is a way to travel that has a minimal impact on local nature and culture and is highly focused on conserving the nature and culture of an area that the tourist has come to visit. Quite often ecotourism activities are carried out in small groups where visitors are provided with privileged insight and in-depth knowledge about issues related to nature, culture and the environment. Organised ecotourism can offer travelers an amazing experience that would be difficult or near impossible to organise independently. The term "ecotourism" originated in the early 1990’s in response to the growing interest among travelers in enriching their travel experiences through direct contact with the natural environment, living history, and local cultures. World famous ecotourism destinations include Australia, Costa Rica, Norway, Sweden, Tanzania and New Zealand. Typical ecotourism activities include; hiking and hill walking, safaris, adventure holidays, learning holidays, environmental activities, scuba diving and cultural holidays. The global ecotourism market is worth 5 billion per year. It is estimated that ecotourism will account for approximately 5% of the world tourism market between 2010 and 2024. The Greenbox is Ireland’s first ecotourism destination. A cross border initiative comprising of Counties Fermanagh, Leitrim, West Cavan, North Sligo, South Donegal and North West Monaghan. Within the Greenbox area a wide range of breaks and activities are available for environmentally conscious holiday makers. Chief attractions include; - The Kingfisher Cycling Trail - Marble Arch Geopark - Cuilcagh Mountain Park - Lough Erne - Shannon Waterways - The Western Organic Network - A vibrant arts sector - The Leitrim Sculpture Centre Greenbox in Action There are already a few green gems in the Greenbox crown which re working examples of eco-tourism in action. The Breesy Centre is a multi purpose community centre incorporating meeting/conference space, visitor accommodation and community facilities. It is operated by Cashelard Community Development Association. The project involves upgrading the existing facilities of th centre while meeting the eco standard, using local and ecological building materials. Organik Matters, a training, consultancy and organic growing business, have been funded to design and construct the Orchard Acre Barn. The Barn will be a compact multipurpose building, with both recycled and local materials, along with hemp, all used in the construction. Eco paints will also be used. Ard Nahoo Health farm is developing to become an eco holiday centre. The newly developed facility will include three eco lodges, treatment rooms, yoga studio/workshop space, and an outdoor communal bathing area. The 'osento', which will include a hot-tub, detox box, steam room and plunge pool. Building work will use wood from a sustainably managed forests, heat will come from a newly installed wood pellet stove and architectural design will be by the local Living Architecture Centre. The Capital Development Fund, supported by INTERREG IIIA and administered by Border Action and DARD, has Euro 1,162,500 . £750,000 to administer. Letters of offer have already been sent out, and approx. 50 projects will be supported in the programme. As part of the capital development programme, the GreenBox has committed over Euro 400,000 to a few flagship projects. The Irish Landmark Trust received funding to fully restore the Gate House at Colebrooke Park, a small listed property of great architectural merit; Lough Allen Adventure, an outdoor adventure centre in Ballinaglera, is constructing a new green centre, using sustainable design and renewable technologies. These include solar panels, a native timber frame structure, natural paints, sheep wool insulation and a wood burning stove. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 June 2008 ) |
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