What is Eco-Tourism?

Here at La Leyenda ECO-TOURS, we are often asked the following questions:

• What is Eco-tourism?

  …and of course,

• What makes you ECO?

They’re great questions, and since the phrase “ECO” seems to be popping up everywhere, we thought we would shed some light on this topic.

Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism, short for ecological tourism, was first coined by Héctor Ceballos Lascuráin in 1983. It is a form of sustainable travel that emphasizes responsible, low-impact exploration of natural environments, conservation of biodiversity, and the promotion of local cultures and awareness. Unlike traditional tourism, which often contributes to environmental degradation and cultural disruption, eco-tourism seeks to minimize its impact while fostering a much deeper understanding, appreciation and connection to the Earth's ecosystems.

In delicate natural environments such as the coral reef and mangrove systems here in Mahahual Costa Maya, eco-tourism is a clear and urgent necessity. And, by directing sustainable tourism towards fragile ecosystems, authorities and communities are incentivized to preserve these areas, recognizing the economic value tied to their natural beauty. When this approach is managed responsibly, it can contribute to the protection of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Nurse shark in coral reef system of Mahahual.

Key characteristics of eco-tourism include:

1. Environmental Conservation

   • Eco-tourism prioritizes the preservation of natural habitats, ecosystems, and wildlife. This is at the top of the list. La Leyenda ECO-TOURS and our travelers work to minimize our impact on the environment, respecting the delicate balance and fragility of ecosystems. The areas we explore and techniques and equipment we use all have minimal impact as a focus.

2. Sustainability

   • Sustainable practices are at the core of eco-tourism. This includes the use of eco-friendly accommodations, responsible waste management, and low-impact transportation options to reduce the carbon footprint of travel.

   • This is still true for activities that require motorized watercraft. Size and number of motors, motors with less fuel consumption, proper maintenance, speed, and precise areas of operation are all considerations we make at La Leyenda ECO-TOURS.

3. Community Involvement

   • Local communities play a crucial role in eco-tourism. Sustainable travel seeks to empower local communities economically and socially. This involves creating opportunities for local businesses, respecting cultural traditions, and involving communities in decision-making processes related to tourism. If we can work together with local communities, then conservation becomes a communal activity.

4. Education and Interpretation

   • Eco-tourism incorporates educational components, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues. We love to provide travelers with information about the ecosystems we are visiting during our snorkeling tours. With better understanding, we feel there is a deeper connection with the environment, which encourages a sense of responsibility and respect for nature. Experiencing nature firsthand on our snorkeling tours prompts a connection that textbooks and documentaries can’t quite capture. This awareness, in turn, translates into a greater commitment to sustainable practices back home.

5. Low-Impact Activities

   • Eco-tourism promotes activities that have minimal impact on the environment. Reducing single-use plastics by providing reusable alternatives, implementing waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and training staff and guests on how to experience the local environment without disturbing or damaging flora or fauna.

   • At La Leyenda ECO-TOURS, we provide reusable cups, bowls and watercoolers rather than bottled waters which end up as trash on our beaches. On our snorkeling and fishing tours, we also make sure to collect any trash/plastic found in the ocean and routinely participate in beach cleanup to remove trash and sargassum from our shores in Mahahual.

   • We encourage the use of SPF swimwear and reef-safe sunscreens which do not damage coral species.

6. Certifications and Standards

   • To distinguish genuine eco-tourism practices, various certifications and standards have been developed. These certifications ensure that tour operators adhere to specific environmental and social criteria. La Leyenda ECO-TOURS is one of only two tourism agencies in Mahahual which have such certifications.

7. Responsible Wildlife Viewing

   • Eco-tourism emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing practices, discouraging activities that could disturb or harm animals. This includes maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding interactions that could alter the natural behavior of wildlife. We do not touch animals or allow our visitors to remove articles from the coral reef. Also, proper explanation and use of equipment ensures that we don’t inadvertantly harm coral or other wildlife.

   • Glass-bottom boats here in Mahahual are an example of what NOT to do. These boats operate in shallow waters directly over coral structures and sea turtle feeding sites, allowing motors to disturb and possibly damage wildlife, all while providing guests with zero interaction with the local environment. The proper method for visiting these delicate areas is by snorkeling, where experienced captains will keep boats on precise paths away from coral and other marine animals.

Eco-tourism is not just a type of travel; it's a philosophy about achieving a harmonious balance between exploration, conservation, and community well-being. We hope eco-tourism continues to gain prominence, appealing to travelers who are increasingly conscious of their environmental and social impact, which is exactly what we do at La Leyenda ECO-TOURS here in Mahahual Costa Maya.

Feel free to contact us with any questions, or to find out how you can implement more sustainable practices in your tourism operations or upcoming travel experiences. If you’re coming for a visit to Mahahual, join us for an experience!