All of us who want the world to be a place where we can fully enjoy all the good things that life has to offer must be aware that it is not enough for governments, institutions and environmental organisations to take measures, promote projects and express demands.
Our actions as "isolated" individuals also produce environmental impacts, so it is essential that citizens and visitors know and accept what our behavior should be in order to achieve a healthier environment, whatever our destination, but especially when we stay or practice tourist activities in rural areas, an environment much more sensitive to human interventions.
Ecotourism is an approach to tourism activities that prioritizes sustainability, preservation and appreciation of the environment (both natural and cultural) that welcomes travelers; where the well-being of local populations is presumed to be paramount.
General recommendations when visiting National Parks:
LISTEN, OBSERVE …AND ENJOY NATURE.
1. Place your trash in the designated containers or take it with you outside of parks or natural areas.
2. Remember not to affect the ecological balance by removing animals, plants or minerals from the park.
3. Do not buy or disturb wildlife. Do not scratch rocks or the park's infrastructure.
4. Respect the signs and use the existing paths to move around within the National Parks.
5. Do not light campfires, throw cigarette butts into vegetation, or carry flammable items. They can cause serious fires.
6. Streams are the habitat of many animals and are of great importance to humans. If you need detergent, use blue or biodegradable soap to avoid contaminating them.
7. If you visit a National Marine-Coastal Park, do not use harpoons to fish, as these cause irreparable damage to the seabed, scare away fish and kill corals.
8. Avoid anchoring boats on corals, touching them or removing them as souvenirs. These actions cause fractures that lead to bacterial infections and even death.
9. Do not throw waste into the sea. In addition to polluting beaches, it can cause serious damage to many marine species such as turtles and dolphins, as well as seabirds.
10. The use of sound devices disturbs wildlife and other visitors to the Park. PLEASE do not bring them, enjoy the sounds of nature.
11. If you are in a National Park and need additional information, go to the nearest Park Ranger station.
12. The best allies of the National Parks are their visitors. Report any irregular situation you observe to the competent authorities (Park Rangers and Environmental Police). If you wish to camp in a National Park, you must carry the permit previously issued by the respective offices.
Reasons to protect our National Parks:
1. A high percentage of the drinking water we consume comes from National Parks.
2. They represent alternative sources of sustainable development for local communities.
3. They act as large environmental lungs that absorb the pollution that affects our health and quality of life.
4. They are an example of the country's landscape and environmental diversity, making them highly attractive for national and international tourism.
5. They are reservoirs of biological diversity.
6. They are spaces for recreation and leisure for everyone.
7. They provide opportunities for scientific research into natural resources that can provide cures for many diseases.
8. They guarantee the maintenance of ecological processes.
9. They are heritage for the enjoyment of future generations.
Other safety rules when visiting national parks:
a. Check the condition of the vehicle before driving (brakes, tires, belts, lights, windshield wipers, battery, among others).
b. Avoid drinking alcohol if you are going to drive, as most accidents occur due to this.
c. Maintain a moderate speed. Respect the established limits.
d. Respect the rights of other drivers. Tailgating has caused accidents with irreversible consequences.
e. Too much sun is harmful, bring your sunscreen, especially for children.
f. Carry a first aid kit with you.
g. Remember that bonfires in inappropriate places cause irreparable damage to nature.
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