SDG Young Creator: Ecotourism: Travel with purpose

"We should try to do as little harm as possible when we travel." — Jesdaporn Pholdee.

The statement made by well-known Thai actor and environmentalist Jesdaporn Pholdee serves as a reminder that being mindful of our impact doesn’t have to diminish the travel experience. In a world where tourism is booming and the environment is in jeopardy, it's time to reconsider how we travel.

According to the UN World Tourism Organization, the travel and tourism industry accounts for about 8% of global carbon emissions, primarily from transportation, housing, and resource use (UNWTO, 2024). Thailand's Department of National Parks reports that during national holidays, visitors to some popular parks may leave 500–700 kg of trash per day, with plastic accounting for the majority of this waste.

Ecotourism is a better way to go. This type of travel promotes environmental conservation, helps the local community, and fosters cultural exchange. Instead of being mere spectators, tourists actively aid in the preservation of the sites they visit.

Think about the Chiang Mai village of Mae Kampong. By providing homestays, nature walks, and forest education, the locals embrace community-based ecotourism. The forest cover improved, income increased, and both locals and visitors began to appreciate the natural environment more (Thai Tourism Authority).

The benefits extend beyond the environment. A Stanford University study found that spending just 20 minutes in nature can dramatically reduce stress and improve mental health (Bratman et al., 2015; PNAS). Ecotourism not only preserves the environment but also promotes human well-being.

Demand is also increasing. According to Booking.com's 2024 Sustainable Travel Report, 66% of tourists worldwide were willing to pay more for environmentally friendly travel options. More than 70% of respondents reported feeling more connected to the environment after visiting a place with a conservation focus.

Let's take a different path.

Before your next trip, ask yourself: "Will this location profit from my visit?"

If the response involves sustainability, respect, or support, you've already begun your journey with a purpose.

Let's do more than simply show up and check in for the benefit of people, culture, and the environment.

Because when we protect the things we cherish, travel becomes more than just a memory. It creates a legacy.

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