I like to visit National Parks, Forest Preserves, Woods, Canyons, etc. During my last trip, I felt like everything (trees, water, and air) was telling me to leave them alone and not to interfere with the ambience of their territory. Some energy made me realize that I was intruding in their space. That trip left me contemplating the effects of visiting so-called Nature sites.
Hotels, resorts, shops, gas stations, parking, trails, overlook areas, etc. are built to make these places safe and convenient for tourists. This construction leads to the destruction of some natural areas. Food consumption in these areas leads to garbage and sewage accumulation.
Simple walking on trails crushes many plants and insects. Animals, which live there either leave or move deeper. The flow of water may change. There is noise, air, and water pollution.** Serene Places do not remain serene anymore.**
I heard that acquisition of some areas as a nature preserve or national park involves forceful displacement of native people. They have to leave their habitats, ancestral places, sacred places and move to a new place far away from the original home. Some of the traditions and cultural practices die because of this. Local authenticity becomes extinct.
Of course, responsible tourism is better than non-ecofriendly tourism but is avoiding it altogether the best? Is it wise to go to these places just to check out bucket list items or take pictures and brag about travel?
Dr. Bharti Raizada