New ways of traveling emerge all the time, especially in times of climate emergency. One of these new features is the regenerative tourism who thinks about sustainability , on the environmental impact on destinations and offers solutions such as tree plantations, reconstruction of devastated areas and even planting corals in the sea .
THE CNN Travel&Gastronomy consulted two experts on the subject to better explain what it is, how it works and the importance of regenerative tourism — in addition to gathering tour tips.
As the name suggests, according to experts, regenerative tourism proposes the “Reconstruction of what we have destroyed so far “. “Regenerative tourism is an approach to thinking and traveling with a view to having a positive impact on the destinations we visit”, he explains. Ana Deuk sustainable tourism influencer and founder of the website Viajar Verde à CNN Travel&Gastronomy .
What is regenerative tourism?
With the philosophy of the theme inspired by the knowledge of indigenous peoples, regenerative tourism proposes that society act beyond sustainability and think — as the name itself says — about regenerating the ecosystem, placing nature at the center and in the spotlight of travel. At least, that’s what Ana Duék explains.
“After all, we clearly see that, given the major systemic crises we are experiencing, sustaining is no longer enough. But it is important to know that Regenerative Tourism is not an offshoot of sustainable tourism. On the contrary: proposes new ways of looking at the world based on systemic thinking, ancestral and natural knowledge and a careful look at destinations”, comments the specialist.
Ana also adds that regenerative tourism is “not just” reducing waste or traveling in the same way. For her, it is necessary to change the perspective and relationship with nature. “She is not here to serve us”, argues the influencer.
Global tourism contributes 8% of greenhouse gas emissions — in part due to means of transport, such as aviation, according to the tourism expert Amanda Liara Selivon from the Ekoways agency, focused on regenerative tourism. She explains that the importance of practice accompanies the effort to minimize global warming.
“The key sectors for mitigation [do aquecimento global] include energy, transport and waste management. The strategies include increasing waste recycling, improving effluent treatment, using waste to generate sustainable and natural energy and the transition to quality sustainable and collective transport systems, also to reduce carbon emissions”, he tells reporting.
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Regenerative tourism, in practice: tour tips
Regenerative tourism advocates that travelers carry out activities that benefit nature and its territories with environmental revitalization, cultural strengthening and economic equity. Examples of these habits are: forest bathing, tree planting, volunteering to rebuild devastated areas and participating in projects that protect and preserve species, people and cultures.
Little ones can also participate in the tours — it’s only worth checking the minimum age to participate in the itineraries. “It is extremely important to familiarize children with this contact with nature, especially those who live in cities”, highlights Ana.
The tour options are varied. In Australia, for example, tourists can plant “baby corals” to regenerate the region’s ecosystem. But you don’t have to go that far to participate in an ocean experience: in Coral Biofactory in Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco, visitors can develop more environmental awareness, adopt a coral or even plant seaweed in the sea.
Another program that offers regenerative tourism is the Futuri project an initiative of Conservation International (CI-Brazil), in extreme south of Bahia . In 26 days of travel, the itinerary goes through ecological trails in National Parks, visits to local communities to experience traditional practices and humpback whale sighting (if the trip takes place between June and October).
Amanda Liara Selivon also makes other recommendations for tours to CNN Travel&Gastronomy . Among the options in other territories, she suggests the Middle Juruá Extractive Reserve in Amazonas.
“This reserve is an example of how tourism can be used to support riverside communities. Visitors can participate in activities such as açaí collection and sustainable fishing, directly contributing to the local economy “, she explains to the report.
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Is sustainable tourism a market trend?
Despite being a relatively recent practice, Ana does not see regenerative tourism as a trend due to global emergencies. “Trends usually come and go. I believe that [o turismo regenerativo] need to come to stay”, he commented.
THE latest IPCC report (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) on Climate Change pointed out that, even if all countries implement climate commitments, it will not be possible to keep global warming at 1.5 ºC above pre-industrial levels.
“In other words, we need to act urgently and do much more. That’s why we need to embrace the idea of regeneration”, added Ana. “We need this regenerative approach to be embraced by the entire tourism sector governments, destinations, associations and travelers, in all travel styles and in all areas”, he concluded.
The post Regenerative tourism: new way of traveling offers coral planting in Brazil appeared first on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
