Japanese concept of authentic eco-tourism
Published on: Monday, October 20, 2014
KOTA KINABALU: The Japanese have laid down the concept of authentic eco-tourism, focusing solely on local produce rather than imported goods in supporting local communities. Japan Ecolodge Association Executive Director, Masaru Takayama, said Japanese eco-tourism operators had stressed the consumption of local products, rather than imports, despite prices possibly being higher. "Consumers can go and buy imported goods and look cool, but what actually you are paying for is oil. Oil (fuel) that has been used to transport the goods into your country," he said during the Eighth Edition of Asia Pacific Eco-tourism Conference 2014, here. ADVERTISEMENT He said authentic eco-tourism must stick to what the local produce could offer, adding not only does it support the local conservation but also save on energy. Elaborating his point, Masayama broke down the amount of energy used in the consumption of 200ml of vegetable oil, saying that huge amounts are used in the process, from processing, manufacturing, transportation, shopping, storage, cooking, dishwashing to rubbish disposal. Talking on inbound tourism, Masayama suggested tour operators make their visitors think about the amount of carbon emission they emit heading to their country and when travelling inbound. Citing his travel from Osaka to Kota Kinabalu, he said his flight here had contributed a total of 14.03 tonnes of emission for making the 46,685km journey. ADVERTISEMENT He went on saying that for the purpose of flying all five presenters to the conference, here, the conference had contributed 46 years worth of carbon emission. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Takayama said in his many travels to many different nations, he had met many groups claiming to practise eco-tourism, but not all practiced 100 per cent conservation.
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Based on the Japanese interpretation, there are eight elements in authentic eco-tourism, namely travel to natural areas, minimise impacts, build environmental awareness, provide direct financial benefits for conservation, respect towards local cultures, sensitive to the local environment and social climate and support human rights and labour agreements.