Embracing environmental consciousness through ‘ Ecotourism’

ENTC encourages tourists, emaswati to immerse themselves in nature

GREEN travelling is the new normal! Environmental consciousness and responsibility have increased ecotourism and more tourists, globally and in Eswatini, are embracing nature.

Though ecotourism may seem like a farfetched concept, more people are falling in love with embracing flora and fauna, in their travels. According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is now defined as responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.

The society revealed that in the past 10 years, travellers have become more environmentally conscious and socially responsible, looking for travel experiences that reflect their morals.

The Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) has come out to encourage tourists and emaswati to embrace ecotourism, so as to observe and foster sustainability.

The ENTC is responsible for the conservation of the Eswatini’s natural and cultural heritage as mandated by the National Trust Commission Act No. 9 of 1972; amended by the King’s Order in Council of 1973. The ENTC carries out its mandate through the proclamation and management of national parks and reserves, national museums and monuments.

The entity is an independent statutory body and a government parastatal, operating at present under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment Affairs.

When sought for comment, ENTC Marketing Officer Nkosinathi Mkhonto said they had observed an increase in ecotourism.

“We observed the increase during the Covid-19 era and post-covid-19. We have seen a huge increase in the number of people visiting our establishment,” said Mkhonto.

The marketing officer further stated that the ENTC is taking significant steps to ensure that tourists are embracing ecotourism.

“Through various initiatives and campaigns, ENTC is promoting sustainable practices that encourage visitors to respect and appreciate the natural environment they are visiting. This includes educating tourists about the importance of conservation, promoting low-impact activities, and partnering with local communities to provide authentic cultural experiences.”

“We do this by emphasising the preservation of natural resources and the well-being of local communities, ENTC is inspiring tourists to adopt responsible travel behaviours and actively contribute to the preservation of fragile ecosystems around the world (sic),” said Mkhonto.

According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism principles:

Minimise physical, social, behavioural, and psychological impacts.

Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.

Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.

Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.