Conserving wildlife while travelling Post Covid-19
Travel is very different post Covid-19. Now the time for us to think again about responsible tourism. We need to be more careful to protect our historical and natural habitat. To support wildlife conservation in India we should educate our team members as well as travelers. At Contes Asia we strictly follow responsible travel guidelines, here are some points that we as a travel company follow while travel:
- Avoid Animal tourism
Post Covid-19 it is essential for travel that involves seeing animals from some distance. You should avoid ride, hug or have a selfie. Although there is much debate as to the impact of riding different animals like elephants in India. We recommend seeing animals in a way in which you have your space, and they have theirs.
- Buy Wildlife Tours
As we know that there will be more crowds in cities once the travelling will start. We should avoid buying cheap travel packages from small tour agents. If travel company/Agents are not following and promoting the sustainable tourism at destination we should avoid purchasing any travel package. Sometimes we need to save a few pennies on our travels but activities involving wildlife is not the place to do it. Not only are training, quality equipment, and highly qualified Nature guides expensive, but you also get luxurious stay far away from hustle bustle of city life. Support the local community and wildlife animals by staying in the TOFTigers pug rated stay.
- Don’t leave your Footprints
This covers the usual being responsible with your trash and avoiding plastic use completely at the place you travel. At glamping / camping sites in the wild waste water from showers often goes straight into the earth. Consider going organic- for the animals. We suggest filter water bottles (Watergo or Lifestraw) to our every traveler so they do not need to purchase plastic water bottles each time they want to drink water.
- Boycott Animal Souvenirs.
It goes without saying that any souvenirs or products containing animal parts should be left well alone. Avoid purchasing things made form leather of animals.
- Respect the Nature & culture
Perhaps the most important part – viewing wildlife especially endangered species like rhino in North East India or Tigers in Sundarban, comes with a responsibility to respect them. And the local community you are visiting. Keeping silent, following instructions given by your Nature guide, and wearing subtle tones that blend in to your environment are part of the deal. For every picture we capture we try and take at least one memory with our naked eyes too. Try not to flush your cameras light into animal’s eyes.