Current Situation
It is difficult to know if there is regulation of the term 'ecotourism' as well as what a foundation/association/company needs to do to fall into the category of 'eco-travel'. However, there is a non-profit association that represents the private sector of the "incoming tourism industry in South Africa" (which is a large group) called the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), they are "dedicated to providing and maintaining the highest possible standards in the tourism industry within South Africa." (SATSA, 2007) SATSA is focused on the accountability, integrity, and quality control of the tourism industry in South Africa as well as with the companies and associations they are connected to. In addition to SATSA, the website responsibletravel.com partnered with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine have established the Responsible Tourism Awards. The goal of the award is to "recognize individuals, companies and organizations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation." (www.responsibletourismawards.com, 2001)
One foundation that has won numerous awards in the name of ecotourism and travel is Conservation Corporation Africa (CCA) (CCA, 2002), which is a privately funded organization and is the "leading African safari company" operating in five countries in Africa with one of its most popular destinations being South Africa. (CCA, 2002) They promote restoration of land and encourage biodiversity. Conservation Corporation Africa not only brings an economic benefit to the countries they are established in, they also bring awareness to the local communities through building and upgrading schools and classrooms, they helped to fund a 24-hour clinic in Mduku, South Africa with also a six bed prenatal facility so expectant mothers can stay nearby, and to spread awareness about HIV and AIDS the foundation distributes about 200,000 condoms a year.
For many communities it is difficult to obtain clean water and they must travel long distances to get it. It is often done by carrying "20 liter water containers on the head" which leads to "spinal, neck and other physical injuries especially to children." (BEST, 2001) So, in order to save time and energy and future injury CCAfrica has donated around 1,200 'hippo rollers' which are rollers that "roll 90 liters of water along the ground." (BEST, 2001) Conservation Corporation Africa works to not only bring awareness to international travelers, but also works to improve the lives of those living in the communities and areas they operate in. Conservation Corporation Africa is the ideal foundation for ecotourism; they promote travel to the region, educate travelers, promote restoration, and most of all bring a higher standard of living to the communities they are involved in by creating jobs and using the local economy.
Another foundation that appears to conduct responsible ecotourism in South Africa is BAOBAB - Alternative Roots to Travel, it is a "UK-based specialist eco-tour operator" that is part of the short list of tour operators to have won the Responsible Tourism Award (2004). (Baobab, 2007) The founders of Baobab know that travel and tourism can have a huge impact, especially economically on Developing countries, but with that, they also know that tourism has the potential to cause irreversible damage on the environment and local communities. Their goal is to provide an "experience of a lifetime" to specific African destinations by practicing a form of sustainable tourism that does not have a negative impact on the environment or the local communities; it instead benefits the local economy and people because it "provides alternative employment and income opportunities" while appreciating and observing nature. (Baobab,2007) When traveling with Baobab, they avoid the resorts that are made for tourists, but as an alternative introduce travelers to the local people, nature, and culture so the "people can learn about their cultures and traditions." (Baobab, 2007)
Read more about this topic: Ecotourism In South Africa
Famous quotes containing the words current and/or situation:
“What in fact have I achieved, however much it may seem? Bits and pieces ... trivialities. But here they won’t tolerate anything else, or anything more. If I wanted to take one step in advance of the current views and opinions of the day, that would put paid to any power I have. Do you know what we are ... those of us who count as pillars of society? We are society’s tools, neither more nor less.”
—Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906)
“[T]here is no situation so deplorable ... as that of a gentlewoman in real poverty.... Birth, family, and education become misfortunes when we cannot attain some means of supporting ourselves in the station they throw us into. Our friends and former acquaintances look on it as a disgrace to own us.... If we were to attempt getting our living by any trade, people in that station would think we were endeavoring to take their bread out of their mouths.”
—Sarah Fielding (1710–1768)