W.Va. Learning from Ireland’s Ecotourism Practices

Written by Todd Beane on April 25, 2008

By Todd Beane

Ecotourism and sustainable tourism are new buzz words in an industry that is taking greater notice of society’s environmental impact. Responsible travel to natural areas helps conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people. Broken down into simple terms, ecotourism is the concept that tourism revenue can promote conservation.

A team from West Virginia State University Extension and the Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute recently returned from exploring ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices in Ireland, a European pioneer of such efforts.

Ecotourism is about connecting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. It is travel which is low-impact, culturally sensitive, community-oriented, primarily nature-based, and educational. It should not only broaden people’s minds and enliven their souls, but provide a unique experience, firmly grounded in sustainable principles and practices.

The ecotourism movement is in an early stage of development in the United States, while several European countries have established award winning programs that assist small towns in generating sustainable revenue streams. In Ireland, the Greenbox serves as an ideal model.

Ireland: A European Version of West Virginia

Looking out the windows in West Virginia, we see rough hills with rocks lodged on the mountain sides, deep hollows where a little stream might run down. The northwest country side of Ireland, where we spent much of our time, is in fact the “European West Virginia.” Upon seeing their landscape, it was easy to understand why every person we met knew “Country Roads” word for word, and they feel a true affinity for our hills and our culture.

We discovered several tourism offerings that could be duplicated in West Virginia, such as archeology holidays where travelers observe ancient burial ruins; health and wellness retreats including yoga, detox, reflexology, workshops and day spa packages; organic gardening and cooking training including information and demonstrations of organic growing, farming, and hands-on cooking courses; cycling holidays for adventurous travelers to experience the extensive trail systems around lakes, rivers, passing through dense woods and country parks. An exciting cultural program called “Arts in the Greenbox” lets tourists experience museums, festivals, poetry, music, performance, and literary arts. Families wanting to see nature first hand can take part in mountain climbing, cave exploration, boat trips, water sports, and fishing. West Virginia, as well as many parts of the U.S., could easily create similar sustainable attractions.

Education Key to Ecotourism

The key to preserving our state’s historical assets and natural beauty through this new phase of tourism is education. Teaching people to both appreciate and respect West Virginia’s culture and natural beauty, this is our charge. With thorough and widespread public education, sustainable tourism will can bring lasting development to the state and minimize environmental impacts.

When developed correctly, ecotourism can support the cultural and natural elements of the state, while producing new employment opportunities and forward-thinking within the industry.

Your thoughts are welcome here.

– Beane is marketing specialist at West Virginia State University’s Gus R. Douglass Institute. See their blog.

Posted in Economy, Education, Tourism, West Virginia