RESPONSIBLE ECOTOURISM: The right way to see and keep nature safe

A VIDEO clip and photographs which surfaced on the Internet this week of a group of tourists and snorkellers harassing, restraining and attempting to ride on a sea turtle created an uproar among netizens and necessitated an investigation by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Parks.

What appalled netizens was not only that the tourists were engaging in the thoughtless, cruel and irresponsible act of harassing the turtle, but were encouraged to do so by the tour operator and snorkelling guide as part of their marine holiday experience. There was no regard for the safety or well-being of the turtle, in spite of the consequences that stress would have on its feeding, mating, and breeding patterns.

All too often, such instances of cruelty to wildlife are passed off by irresponsible tour operators as ecotourism. Tourists are only too happy to have a photo opportunity with restrained crocodiles, tigers, turtles, primates and dolphins in order to have their "money's worth". There are insufficient regulations on what businesses may use the label of ecotourism, despite the existence of a National Ecotourism Plan and a relatively sophisticated legal framework where wildlife and the environment are concerned. Some even argue that direct contact with animals during activities such as elephant rides, photo opportunities with captive wildlife, the feeding of wild birds and monkeys and petting zoos are important to enable tourists to get acquainted with wild animals, and thus learn to love them. This idea is not only fallacious but also harmful to the welfare of animals.

Consumers should carry out basic research on tourist destinations and tour operators before paying for services that may harm animal populations, the natural environment and the local community. A basic guide to choosing a responsible ecotourism service may include the following tips:

DO not engage in activities such as the feeding of wild birds, wild boars and macaques. Feeding wild animals causes them to lose their fear of humans, which makes it easy for them to be hunted or poached. It may also lead to a rise in aggression and human-animal conflict.

Macaques are frequently emboldened by contact with humans and end up trespassing into buildings and attacking people. Feeding animals also affects their ability to learn to forage for their own food. Human food can also pose health hazards to animals;

DO not patronise the services of companies that drive off-track to harass animals. Insist on walking to a sensitive ecological site to appreciate the flora and fauna;

DO not engage in activities, such as elephant rides or photo opportunities with tigers, wild birds, reptiles and other wild animals. Most of the animals are restrained using ropes and chains, or doped or overfed into becoming lethargic so they could be easily handled.

Animals are trained to give rides or perform tricks through beatings and cruel training methods, including by the withholding of food. Learn to appreciate wildlife as they are, and from a distance. Be happy that you have seen them in their natural environment and that your tourist dollars will help maintain their sanctuary and improve their living conditions;

CONDUCT due diligence on the destination you are about to visit. Do research and read the reviews and complaints of travellers. Some zoos, safari parks and aquariums may have directly contributed to the poaching of animals from the wild or resorted to cruel training methods. Avoid any attraction featuring performing animals. Animals performing tricks do not teach you anything about the natural history of the animal or conservation status; and,

TRUE ecotourism will take into account natural resource and waste management, provide empowerment and economic opportunities to indigenous and local communities, minimise environmental impact and foster environmental awareness. Good ecotourism practices may include activities such as beach and reef clean-ups, tree-planting, data collection and others that enable holiday-makers to make a positive difference to the sites they are visiting.

We encourage travellers and netizens to play the role of the eyes and ears of non-governmental organisations and enforcement agencies, since a boycott by a handful of individuals may not have the same impact as a public campaign to end harmful practices and prosecute offenders.

The trade in and consumption of wildlife should be reported to World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) or Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers hotline. Mistreatment of wildlife should be reported to Perhilitan and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which can then assist in investigations and lodge an official report with the Department of Veterinary Services.

Any offence involving marine life should be reported to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Parks. Responsible tourism begins with you and me.

It is hoped that the culprits in the turtle harassment video and pictures will face the maximum penalty.

Wong Ee Lynn, coordinator, Green Living Special Interest Group, Malaysian Nature Society