If each one of us we were asked if we know how to protect nature, we would all answer "Yes" immediately. Why? Because we try to keep the green spaces clean, we avoid uprooting plant species, we try not to interfere with the animals' lives. But when you travel, do you do anything about it? Maybe the answer wouldn't be the same. Then we came to the conclusion that "Protecting nature" goes much further ...

 It may sound cliché, but caring for and preserving nature is in everyone's hands, in our attitudes and behaviors, but it is not as easy a task as it may seem. In addition to each other's actions and the individual commitment we acquire by protecting our closest natural environments, it is also important to remember that any type of human activity has an impact, however small, on natural ecosystems.

Have you heard about the butterfly effect? This explanation of the chaos theory suggests that a small action can have a great impact on your environment. That would imply that the habits we incorporate during our routine and on our trips will have a considerable effect on it.

 


 “Study nature, love nature, approach nature. It will never let you down ”- Frank Lloyd Wright / Photo: Daytours4u

 

 Today October 18th, as every year since 1972, the world celebrates Nature Protection Day, when from exile in Madrid the former president of Argentina, Juan Domingo Perón, addressed a letter to the then Secretary General of the Organization of Nations United (UN) highlighting the imperative need to seek the protection of nature.

 Today more than ever, after more than 40 years during these times where our ecological footprint exceeds the planet's ability to regenerate what is consumed, the protection of nature becomes an essential priority.

 

Alarming facts

  •  70% of the earth's surface is covered with water, but 97% of seawater is not suitable for human consumption. The demand for water grows and is expected to increase to 55% by 2050.
  • The global temperature increased by 1ºC between 1880 and 2015. However, the rise is not the same everywhere: it increases on the continents and at the poles. The last three decades have been the hottest since 1850.
  • In the last 25 years, the sea level has risen twice the expected rate, according to data from the National Academy of Sciences in the United States.
  • According to a study by the University of British Columbia in Canada, one third of marine species are at risk from climate change.
  • According to data from the World Bank, every 1 degree Celsius that increases the world temperature, there will be a 6% drop in the yield of wheat crops around the world and 10% in rice crops.
  • It is estimated that 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the loss of forests. The phenomenon of deforestation advances at a rate of 13 million hectares each year.

 

 It is not mandatory that only the government and large companies worry about protecting the environment. While it is true that its measures and policies directly and proportionally affect ecosystems, we can all participate in nature conservation. We are connected to natural resources with each other and the world faces a growing threat of unsustainable practices. The main challenge that is presented to us is how to preserve and conserve nature to achieve sustainable development.

 

 "Conservation is a cause that has no end. There is no time when we can say that our work is over" - Rachel Carson / Photo: Daytours4u

  

What to do and how to help

  • Say yes to recycling: Try to buy reusable and biodegradable products as much as possible. Everything can be recycled! And if not, we can at least give it two or three uses. 
  • Get ready to reduce! Reduce water and electricity consumption: When the work is finished, turn off the PC, disconnect the electronic devices and turn off the light. In this way we save energy (and money). 
  • Green, always green: Plant trees and make the planet green. In the markets, vegetables at our grasp are grown with chemicals and pesticides. Therefore, it is better to plant vegetables and eat organic foods.

 

 Travel Tip: The Caiçara Cultural Tour in Paraty gives you the opportunity to take a guided tour to get to know the culture and its spectacular natural environment.

 

"Nature does not ask us to keep it for her, but for our future generations" - Mohith Agadi Photo: Daytours4u

 

These tips are ideal to apply in our day to day, but what happens during the holidays? Going on a trip does not have to be an excuse to stop worrying about our surroundings. On the contrary, it is when we are most attentive. In Daytours4u we have been implementing these tips and the results have been positive. Will you join us ?

 

 Travel Tip: Enjoy the incredible Sustainable Tour in Buenos Aires, interact with its people and get to know the famous neighborhood of La Boca!

 

Tips for the Eco-Traveler

  • Visit protected destinations or World Heritage sites and include any visits or activities related to conservation projects. This will continue to generate revenue for these projects. 
  • Travel light, limit your luggage. By not having many things in your suitcase, you can better enjoy your vacation, and reduce the amount of waste at the destination. 
  • Before traveling, research and learn as much as possible about your destination. It is important to know their natural resources, culture, customs of the area, and if there is any environmental risk. 
  • Use reputable local tour operators, preferably those that contribute to environmental conservation.
  • Choose a nature-friendly accommodation but don't be fooled by a hotel that claims to be ecotourist. You should ask: Do they have an environmental policy? Have you implemented energy and water saving measures? Do they contribute to local conservation efforts and support local communities?
  • Choose your food wisely when on vacation. Whenever possible, buy food from the area that is in season.
  •  Never buy souvenirs made from endangered species. This includes turtles, coral reef, among many others. Avoid taking plants or seeds back home from your trip.

 

Travel Tip: Take the spectacular Chayrama Tour at Tayrona Park in Colombia and get to know the archeological ruins of Tayrona Park, before stopping to rest on the beaches of Cabo San Juan. 

 

Nature is everywhere...

 The eccentric and agitated society in which we live makes us believe that nature has something to do with virgin forests and unattainable places, that nature is always "out there", but no, it turns out that nature is present in all aspects of our life, from the air we breathe, food and water to the sources of inspiration and the spaces that sustain us, nature is everywhere.

 As you can see, traveling is not just knowing a destination, it is becoming a guest of a culture, a landscape, an environment and being open to knowing, respecting and learning about it. And as good guests will always be welcome, we invite you to join our #GuestOfHonor campaign where every Sunday we share advice, tips, and recommendations for you to become a star visitor. You will see how you can enrich the world, while you enrich yourself traveling!

  

 "Nature is not a place to visit. It's home" - Gary Sherman Snyder / Photo: Daytours4u

 

Don't forget to explore South America's best natural attractions that preserve the continent's and the world's biodiversity with Daytours4u and live the best destinations nature has to offer!

 


 

By: Nathaly Bosch, venezuelan, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Web Content Editor for Daytours4u.