India has many beautiful places that make for an unforgettable travel experience. Unfortunately, even though there are several areas that are considered critical for protecting and conserving, there are not enough funds available for doing this effectively. Donating a good percentage of the proceeds from the ‘travel packages’ allows us to support important conservation projects in the country that the tourists are visiting (and whose resources they are using and enjoying). We also hope that experiencing the beauty and fragility of these places will inspire people to do their bit for preserving them. Because, as Jane Goodall said, "Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved." And understanding can only come after experiencing.
But won’t encouraging tourism harm the cause of conservation? Again, to quote Jane Goodall, "Tourism is a two-edged sword. If you have too many people coming into an area - and the ground rules are not sufficiently in favor of animals and the environment - then tourism is a disaster. However, we are beginning to see a new understanding. It is tourism that saved the gorillas during the war in Rwanda. Each side thought they were going to win and they wanted to protect the money they knew the gorillas bought in." In many instances, people living around sanctuaries will protect and defend the place against poachers and loggers because they want to protect the income that tourism brings.
To ensure that the ground rules are sufficiently in favor of animals and the environment, on our tours, we recommend Eco-minded hotels wherever possible. Eco hotels are still not as prevalent as we would like them to be, but in the absence of a true "Eco hotel", we will recommend a hotel that employs at least a few environmentally responsible practices. We will also provide you with sufficient insights on the significance of the places that you visit, and if you so desire, the issues and challenges it faces, and what can be done about it. And of course, we donate much-needed funds to critical conservation projects.
Eventually, we want to include in our travel repertoire some of the neighboring countries. Until then, come experience India, the Travel-Wisely way. |
