Save the Whales - Ecotourism Style!
December 8th, 2006 by William Im
Ecotourism is certainly not a new concept to the world. In case you’re not familiar with it, it’s simply an initiative taken by hotels, travel resorts, and other tourism related services that benefits local groups by using environmentally friendly measures, and helping build their community and economy while still allowing businesses to profit. As global awareness of environmental dangers and threats has increased over the past several years, ecotourism has been tremendously successful. However, here’s something I found that’s a bit unique.
Particularly in the chilly country of Iceland, ecotourism had been taking a unique turn for the better. Although everyone tends to joke about the classic cause of saving the whales, Iceland has turned the once intangible task of whale watching into a visually stunning phenomenon that tourists can view. Success has followed, resulting in $8.5 million in revenue, after 12 whale watching companies have been established.
Saddening, however, is a new development in Iceland. The government has implemented a new scientific research program in which already 38 minke whales were captured. Even worse, the government plans to permit full-scale commercial whaling, which could seriously cripple the already fragile population of whales.
The Greenpeace International Group has called activists to action, urging them to take part
in the pledge challenge, supporting them in their fight to disallow commercial whaling. Check out their website here, if you’re passionate!
Hopefully, their fight will not be in vain, and international travelers everywhere will be able to enjoy an amazing experience of whale-watching while supporting the growing ecotourism movement in the future.
