Top 5 eco-friendly destinations in the world
Sustainable travel is the new buzzword in the tourism industry. Countries across the world are upping their game to become a destination for responsible tourism while preserving and promoting the natural environment. Ecotourism is vital because it raises awareness of our unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultures while motivating tourists to learn more and protect them. Here's a list of eco-friendly countries across the world.
Norway
Norway, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, has beautiful glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains, and miles of beaches. The Norwegian government maintains its coastline and ecosystem by regulating fishing, hunting, and the oil industry. Many activities in Norway revolve around ecotourism. Tourists can immerse themselves in nature via different activities such as hiking, caving, river rafting, and dog sledding.
Iceland
Iceland is renowned for its fjords, volcanoes, natural hot springs, whale-watching opportunities, and the northern lights. The country has long been regarded as one of the most environmentally conscious in the world. Notably, Iceland harnesses natural geothermal resources for heat and energy. Further, the country also opposes ocean pollution and promotes sustainable fishing techniques.
Bhutan
Nestled in the lap of nature, Bhutan features striking Himalayan mountains and beautiful rivers. Bhutan also charges visitors a sustainable development fee to support its efforts. These funds are used to offset tourist-related carbon impact, promote community education and organic farming, and upskill tourism personnel. Notably, Bhutan became the first carbon-negative country in 2017. Reportedly, Bhutan absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands enforced a national environmental policy plan more than two decades ago and has fulfilled over 70% of its goals to cut carbon emissions and air pollution, clean up rivers and waterways, and boost waste management. Additionally, the Netherlands is one of the world's most cycle-friendly countries. It boasts over 15,000km of bike routes.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, despite being small in area, has the highest biodiversity per square kilometer of land in the world. This country in Central America has an invaluable naturalistic legacy. Costa Rica is a paradise for environmentally minded travelers, with a plethora of ecotourism activities. A fourth of the country's area has also been set aside as protected lands, national parks, and reserves.
