Agritourism
Ecotourist's code of conduct
Family holidayEcotourist's code of conduct
The ecotourist code of conduct provides visitors with the do's and don't's of responsible ecotourism. The code is more than a general ethics guide like Leave No Trace Inc. 2000, which is distributed in U.S. national parks. In addition to limiting the negative impact of human presence on the natural habitat, the ecotourist code of conduct promotes the protection of natural and cultural heritage. The present code is inspired by the ÉcoRoute document from the Union québécoise pour la conservation de la nature. It is aimed at visitors from all backgrounds who will practice ecotourism and visit natural sites.
Guidelines for the ecotourist
1. Prepare before you leave
- Choose a business or promoter who cares about minimizing environmental impact.
- Choose a travel agency or promoter who offers an introductory session covering such topics as site and facility use and environmentally-friendly activities.
- Find out about your destination's natural habitat and its cultural values.
- Take steps to fit in with the area you're visiting.
- Don't enter areas that are off-limits to the public.
- Obey signs.
- Inform promoters, authorities or visitors of any breach of rules regarding the natural and cultural habitat.
- Move around calmly to avoid upsetting the natural environment.
- Keep at a reasonable distance from animals to avoid disturbing them.
- Never feed animals.
- Don't alter the natural habitat.
- Don't enter areas where animals are in high numbers: nesting and spawning sites, containment or hibernation areas, etc.
- Leave things where they are. This includes plants, animals, or parts thereof.
- Never purchase any animal or plant, or product made from animals or plants on the threatened or endangered list; in addition to environmental concerns, it is illegal to purchase these products.
- Carefully choose your trails and rest areas to avoid environmental degradation.
- Adopt behaviour that reduces pollution, be it chemical, biological, visual (vandalism, graffiti), olfactory or noise pollution.
- Travel in small low-impact groups.
- Be aware of how your activities affect the environment.
- Keep motorized equipment in good working order.
- Use non-polluting or low-polluting equipment.
- Choose durable, biodegradable and renewable products.
- Dispose of waste in designated trash sites.
- Promote transportation that has little or no impact on the environment.
- Appreciate the uniqueness of the people you visit.
- Respect local customs, local traditions and cultural differences.
- Be open to learning.
- Support the local economy by buying local products and services.
- Respect people's privacy and private property.
- Adapt to local culture.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
