| A Guide to Eco-Friendly Travel along the World Heritage Road LAND OF CONTRASTS Welcome to Vietnam - a country which evokes a multitude of images and emotions - a nation small in size but expansive in heart and soul. Vietnam's contrast and diversity - its many ethnic groups and its rich cultural, historical, environmental and ecological heritage - attract thousands upon thousands of tourists each year. However, it is a fragile land that has borne the brunt of human and natural disasters. Years of war, subsequent reconstruction of the country, high population growth, poverty and now the push towards rapid industrialization and a market-oriented economy have had environmental and social consequences. Tourism, too, has had some negative impact, affecting even the most distant corners of the country with its cultural and environmental foot-print. By treading softly on the country's environment and respecting its people, you can minimize your impact while gaining maximum enjoyment from your traveling experiences, and take home with you an abundance of happy memories. You will also contribute positively, by thoughtful example, to a more sustainable tourism industry in Vietnam. PROTECTING THE FUTURE Tourism, one of the planet's biggest industries, has been a major driving force behind globalization. Every corner of the planet has become a potential tourist destination, and some of the world's most fantastic environments are now nationally and internationally protected as a direct result. The idea of sustainable tourism has evolved out of concern for the negative impact of tourism. Sustainable tourism aims to protect the environment and respect local people and their cultures, whilst enhancing the socio-economic benefits of tourism. Importantly, sustainable tourism should contribute to improving the quality of life of host communities. Protecting destinations in your lifetime - so that you, your children and future generations will also have the opportunity to revisit - is a must. Here's how you can help… Getting you on side First and foremost, it is important to realize that what you do makes a difference. By being a responsible and sensitive traveler, you can raise awareness of others in the tourism sector, be they tour operators, guides or your fellow holiday-makers; be they from the country you are visiting or abroad. It doesn't cost a lot and it doesn't require a revolutionary adjustment. Small changes can add up to a significant overall positive impact. Vietnam has only comparatively recently opened up to international tourism, which is now a major foreign exchange earner. While Vietnam can learn from the experiences, both positive and negative, of other countries - you can help by showing your support for sustainable tourism. You can vote with your money, choosing to patronise hotels, airlines, resorts and tour operators who advance energy and environmental conservation and are committed to the strong principles of sustainability. You are not the only visitor to Vietnam - your impact on the environment is multiplied, a million-fold by other people every year. Every tourist and every host community will have a different concept of crowding, environmental degradation, invasion of privacy and noise, etc, and a different level of tolerance. If you are aware of being crowded, or of not enjoying your visit due to pollution or noise, then you have touched upon the carrying capacity of that area. Think of others - both tourists and hosts - and the possibility that their tolerance level may be lower than yours. Temper your expectations with reality Tourists strive to have "authentic" experiences when they travel. They want to experience "untouched paradise" or "traditional" cultures, while often expecting the same comforts as they would have at home. Fantasy often turns to disappointment when tourists arrive at their destination and find it "modernised" or "spoilt". Think about how realistic this expectation is when so many people are traveling - all with similar expectations. The truth is, cultures are rarely stagnant, but constantly changing and adapting. Development usually brings increased options for communities, be they in the form of electric pumps, plastic buckets, fluorescent lights, televisions, new concrete toilets or modern clothing. Unfortunately, when visitors no longer consider a community "authentic", tour operators are forced to move on, taking away valuable income and impacting other areas. Yet modern life in Vietnam is also fascinating! Accept that you cannot expect to preserve living culture as in a museum. Accept the people you visit as they are, whether they are wearing traditional dress or baseball caps. Culture is more than clothes, crafts and dances - dig deeper to discover the inner expression of culture and tradition. It's also worth mentioning that "exotic", "innocent", "graceful", "virginal", "pure" and other such tired stereotypes of Vietnam do not paint a realistic picture and are, in fact, demeaning in their simplicity and connotations. Remember that no society or people are perfect or pure. Each has its shortcomings and foibles, and Vietnam is no exception. LOW IMPACT TOURISM Although there are common sense ways in which you can avoid creating negative impressions and damaging the environment, it's still easy to make mistakes when you are new to a place. Here are some Vietnam-specific guidelines that, if appropriately followed, should make your trip more enjoyable and ensure that you leave behind a positive impression and only the softest of footprints. ENVIRONMENT Be an environmental ambassador Home to one-tenth of the world's mammal, bird and fish species, Vietnam has a unique environment. Scattered throughout the country are around 100 protected areas which encompass a huge variety of ecological systems that include coral reefs, islands, beaches and dunes, wetlands mountain, forests of every description, limestone landscapes and caves, river deltas and lakes. Numerous flora and fauna species are also unique to Vietnam - 40 per cent of Vietnam's plants grow nowhere else - while seven of the 12 large mammals which have been described in the last century were discovered in Vietnam. Tourism provides an economic reason for conserving natural resources and if sustainable can encourage the protection of the country's biodiversity. Helping to conserve Vietnam's precious biodiversity Many species of Vietnam's wild fauna and flora are under threat from both domestic consumption and illegal international trade. Though it may be "an experience" to try wild meat such as bear, muntjac, bat, monkey and python, ordering these foods will indicate your acceptance of these products and add to their demand.
Rubbish, waste & energy use Environmental awareness in Vietnam is generally low. You can help change this subtly by example - for instance, not dropping litter even if someone tells you it's OK to do so. By setting a quite example, practising the 3R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - and explaining the reason for your action to others, you can play a positive role in protecting the environment, natural and cultural resources of Vietnam.
Coral reefs and limestone caves Vietnam is home to a large expanse of stunning limestone landscape
Walking and trekking in natural areas Whilst walking and trekking are preferable to four wheel drives as a means of exploring national parks and other protected areas, the constant flow of tourists can still have a negative impact on the fragile ecological balance of these places. Remember that you are just one of thousands who will visit and impact an area.
As you head off on holiday, it is important to think about the main reason for your trip to Vietnam, whether it's adventure, new cuisine, history, art and culture, meeting new people or simply cultivating a golden tan. It's equally important to realise that everything you do while you're away has a consequence for somebody, or something else. Enjoying your time in Vietnam will be easy, and by following the A to G Green Guide, you'll also be doing something active towards ensuring a long-term future for both tourism and the environment. In return, you'll be rewarded with a richer traveling experience and the respect of the people of this fascinating country. THE GREEN GUIDE Accept responsibility for the environment in which you travel Be aware of your impacts on society and the environment, and try to minimise them Choose tour operators which
are more environmentally and culturally sensitive and tell Don't behave in a manner which would never be accepted at home Explain your reasons for behaving in a certain way to other tourists and those working in the tourist industry Find out and learn more about the place you visit by not taking everything you see at face value Guide others who are not as educated as yourself by setting a good example through practical actions
Courtesy: IUCN Vietnam
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