"En la selva negra la hormiga no quiere ver que le destruyan su selva negra."Finally - I have the chance to write my first book! Deep breath. And I have a chance to write my second book almost simultaneously. When it rains, it pours. This summer John Muir Publications asked me to write two new books for their "Adventures in Nature" series, which currently includes volumes on Guatemala, Belize and Costa Rica.
- Mana
I am writing the Mexico and Honduras volumes and have wisely asked James Gollin, award-winning photographer and a darn good writer, to co-author the Honduras guide. We had been in touch the past year via email communications initiated via the Environment and Latin American (ELAN) listserver, and when we met in La Ceiba last spring, we each thought the other would be an older, nerdier, overweight guy (an impression with no basis in fact!)
While researching these books, I will continue publishing El Planeta Platica and hosting the Eco Travels in the Americas website - it's becoming an increasingly valuable and respected forum that brings together academics, tour operators and travelers themselves.
The website (http://www.planeta.com/) is receiving new praise and recognition from environmental groups, travel organizations and publications. Whatever form these words take (in print, via email or on the web), it's important to note that the mission of this journal is the same - to encourage and promote environmental cooperation in the Americas. One path is ecotourism - which brings me to the point of this editorial.
One of the most urgent needs in "ecotourism" is not the sale of natural destinations - or more likely, the hotels nearby - but the education of the traveler. If you're going to spend hard-earned income on a journey, it's important to travel wisely. Know what to expect and what others expect of you. That said - the journey is often a difficult one. There are no books on environmental travel in Mexico and there are only a few books at all on Honduras.
It's up to our leaders, especially within the official agencies that promote tourism, to increase the educational aspects of their campaigns. Multiple destinations need to be promoted in Honduras, not just as the country which boasts Copan and the Bay Islands. Likewise, Mexico needs to provide the info that will allow individual travelers to enjoy the natural wonders contained within its borders.
How do you get where the wild things are? Ask.
Successful ecotourism demands a chain of cooperation, from local communities and regions to national and international support. It also requires we ask hard-hitting questions, such as how tourism supports environmental conservation and whether the infrastructure is environment-friendly. I believe we are all on a learning curve, and more importantly, we can help each other find the answers.
Vaya con Dios.
Ron Mader hosts the Planeta.com website and writes frequently on Latin American issues. He is available for speaking engagements and workshops.
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