Hello everyone! This is Seiya.
I participated in a seminar about tourism last week and learned about initiatives towards sustainable eco-tour. Here are some aspects of sustainability that tourism operators on Amami Oshima can focus on:
Choosing Environmentally Friendly Tools
- Carry a reusable bottle during tours.
- Use business cards made from recycled paper.
- Use sunscreen that does not contain harmful ingredients for coral reefs.
We need to start transitioning the items we use every day to more eco-friendly alternatives. In particular, we should avoid petroleum-based or disposable products. It’s also important to carefully consider whether the gear we use outdoors is harmless to nature itself.
Minimizing Stress on Animals
- Ensure wildlife observation without causing stress to animals.
- During our wildlife tours, we make an effort to use handheld lights with red light, as red light is considered less disruptive to wildlife.
Amami Oshima is home to many unique animals, and the demand for tours to observe them is growing. Since wildlife is sensitive to changes in their environment, it’s important to be mindful when observing these creatures. We are constantly exploring ways to ensure we don’t cause stress to the animals during our tours.
Supporting Local Businesses
- When stopping for meals or shopping, I visit businesses owned by locals on Amami Oshima. This helps circulate money within the local economy.
I make it a point to support locally-owned businesses not just during tours, but also in my daily life. When more people choose to shop locally, it helps sustain the island’s industries and economy.
Introduction of Electric Vehicles
- Electric vehicles are necessary for reducing CO2 emissions, and some operators have already introduced them. Although we haven’t implemented this yet, we aim to have electric vehicles in the future.
There are many other ways we can contribute to the planet. Let’s continue sharing ideas and choosing environmentally friendly practices.
Link Adventures is committed to offering sustainable eco-tours.