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As the globe's population increases and people use more and more of the Earth's resources, it is critical that tourists enjoy their holiday locations in a less destructive manner. In the past couple of decades, the ecotourism philosophy has gained in popularity, giving travelers some excellent choices for vacation stops while promoting conservation of natural and cultural resources. This is true whether visiting Australia, Javea, Spain or anywhere else.

One of the priorities for this type of travel is to avoid additional concrete jungles, with their polluted streams and their wildlife nowhere to be found. Environmentally responsible travel can contribute to stopping the increase of these types of holiday destinations, and in the process, the natural world may regain some of its original beauty.

One of the most exciting things about the success of ecotourism is that some of the remote and beautiful places of the world can become holiday destinations without fear of destroying the local culture. While some of these locations remained secret, those cultures survived. But travelers increasingly want to see these unique sites so care must be taken to allow travelers to experience new regions without destroying the environment or the social structure.

Ecotourism supporters urge vacation travelers to go in a new direction, seeing some parts of the world as ideal for responsible holidays. One example is Kenya's astonishing natural beauty, now a priority for the country's Greenbelt movement. Started by W. Maathai, a Nobel laureate, this groundbreaking effort focuses on environmental conservation as well as preservation of wildlife. Such ecotourism efforts help preserve natural resources and cultural life that are precariously balanced with the survival of human beings.

Such projects have improved the welfare of local populations, in an economic sense as well as in a cultural sense. Ecotourism of this type carefully uses local resources and highlights the culture of the communities, while preserving them for the future. Visitors generally find lodging in buildings that are designed to fit into, not take from, the environment, then immerse themselves in the local culture.

This process is meant to educate travelers as well as provide a new type of enjoyment. Game-watching, rather than game hunting, may be on the list of activities, along with studying locally grown edible plants and trees to learn how indigenous people use these resources.

An increasing number of ecotourism projects are found worldwide, excellent examples of sustainable growth in the economy. For example, the Community Baboon Sanctuary in Brazil and the Overseas Cooperative Assistance project in Indonesia have enjoyed much success, impacting local populations in a very positive way. Madagascar's Berenty Reserve provides yet another great example of positive impact. Feeding the wildlife and preserving their natural habitat has become a preferred holiday activity for a growing number of travelers. In another ecotourism success story, the local women in Ecuador sustain cultural heritage by relearning and promoting traditional crafts. This cultural conservation effort is providing new financial support.

Of course, it is still important to provide more exposure for these success stories. However, travelers who experience one of these unique locations find sufficient proof that ecotourism works. As the ecotourism philosophy gains momentum, travelers will be helping to preserve wildlife and conserve the many unique habitats of the world. The doomsday philosophy can be replaced by the idea of sustainable holiday travel.