A series of blog posts about traveling consciously, with the title wander wisely with information on conscious travel and practical tips of traveling consciously. This first blog post introduces countries that have a unique approach to protecting the environment, but also looks at the challenges these countries face. Are you ready to learn something new about this world? Here are the green destinations:
Environment protection at Bhutan, the 1st carbon negative country in the world.
While many countries around the world want to achieve carbon neutrality, Bhutan is already carbon negative, which means it observes more carbon dioxide than it produces. Bhutan is the only country in the world that is carbon negative. Wow, you might think, this is a real green destination. This country’s approach is truthfully unique. As it opened up for visitors pretty late and it is for sure not a cheap country to travel to. Tourists pay a daily fee of $250. They use this fee to fund conservation and develop projects. One of the country’s government’s principles is “Happiness is more important than GDP”.
The Bhutanese faces various challenges in their concept of environmental protection and consideration for their population. Including rising crime rates due to youth unemployment.
Is Costa Rica really protecting the environment? A small country with huge biodiversity.
Another green destination that is in an exotic the environment is Costa Rica. The Latin American country received the United Nations Environment Programme’s Champions of the Earth award for policy leadership in 2019. A country with 6 % of the worlds biodiversity is driven to protect its environment. Taxes go to protect the environment, and the government pays landowners to protect old forests. Although Costa Rica seems to set a high importance on protecting its precious environment, it also has problems. The world’s third largest exporter of bananas is also the country with the world’s highest rates of pesticides per capita. This affects the environment and the health of the plantation workers and the community. Tap water has become polluted. Costa Rica uses chemicals that are banned in the EU. This puts things into perspective.
The dark side of the green country Norway. That set’s on electric vehicles.
North European countries are for riders in environment protection. The Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, are always highly praised as green destinations.
Norway wants to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. Over 80% of newly sold cars are electric. In Norway, electric cars are exempt from value-added and import taxes. Those taxes are rather high in Norway. However, with electric cars there is also a dark side.
For that, let’s travel south to the cobalt mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. More than half of the world’s cobalt comes from the DRC.
Cobalt is used in lithium-ion batteries and contributes to a higher energy density. In these mines, miners’ work, children and adults are exposed to the hazards of this work. Without proper equipment, miners earn $1 a day and suffering from chronic lung disease. For everyone who has knowledge about the Economy in African countries, it is no surprise that China owns many cobalt mines in the Congo. Already in 2009, the authorities of the two countries agreed on a cooperation in which China will get mining concessions and China will help the DRC with its infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, schools, etc.
But to come back to the issue, even though many European countries push towards electric vehicles. And even though they seem at the first glance sustainable. It is essential to look at the whole picture and face the truth. Electrical cars aren’t sustainable. Unethical labor, the high energy to produce those vehicles and the exploitation of natural resources.
Sustainability and over tourism in New Zealand
New Zealand – the land down under is focusing on a sustainable approach. They joined the Paris Agreement in 2016 and want to become net zero emissions by 2050 other than biogenic methane. This might be challenging for the island’s tourism sector. In recent years, visitors have increased in New Zealand. Mostly natural sites are getting crowded. When I was in the country back in 2016, it wasn’t easy to travel by public transportation. It was very common to rent a car and explore the beautiful landscape independently.
New Zealand started a Sustainable Tourism pilot program to tackle the challenges of reducing carbon emissions in order to protect the environment.
Does this mean fewer tourists? Potentially. As you have seen in the example of Bhutan, it is possible to reduce the numbers of tourists by setting up a high entrance fee. Nevertheless, it is probably easier for a country that opened up for foreigners pretty late and has already set a daily fee. Then for a country adapting to this fee/a new approach.
Not tackling over tourism and talking about sustainability
Near the town where I now live, there is also an over tourism problem that should be addressed. The locals are frustrated, the authorities are only interested in money (my observation). The umbrella organization for destination management has set a new strategy for its tourism sector. And sustainability is an important factor. But there’s no solution for this famous Austrian village that suffers from overcrowding every day. Protecting the environment isn’t only about the nature, but also its visitors. A high frequency of visitors challenges the environment and locals.
There should be all factors, challenges and issues considered in a holistic, sustainable approach to become a green destination. I understand that over tourism it’s a complex issue involving many authorities. With the state the village is in right now, it needs someone to take action and look out for the local population.
Green Destinations around the world got awarded at the ITB
At the ITB in Berlin, Green Destinations also presented some regions that have set initiatives for sustainable tourism development and the protection of the environment.
Two special awards went to Islas Cavinzas e Islotes Palomino – Peru, the destination received the ITB Earth Award. The challenge these regions face is the lack of control over the boats that enter the Cavinzas Islands and Palomino Islets, leading to wildlife disturbance. Registration and an entrance fee help to control visitors.
The People’s Choice Award went to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan. As the demand for tourism increased, Karakol was challenged. As the region adapted, the locals improved their skills. And the public association Destination Karakol was created. Here you can find more success stories from destinations around the world.
Sustainable development and protection of the environment at alpine villages in Europe
Be inspired by mountain villages in the Alps. Mountaineering villages are numerous villages in the Alpine region that have a strong awareness of being in harmony with nature and preserving the cultural identity of locals and guests. The motto of these villages is “less is more”. The goal is to achieve sustainable development throughout the Alpine region. These villages can be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia.
The author of the blog
Lisi is an adventurous, mostly solo traveler from Austria. She likes to travel slowly, discover underrated countries/regions, and of course, learn about cultures. She has been traveling the world and creating travel content since 2016. With a degree in tourism management and a passion for travel and cultures, she wants to tell stories that inspire her readers and help them travel more consciously.
