Eco-tourism and Scandinavia
Eco-tourism and Scandinavia
Everyone is going eco. Finding earth-friendly vacation spots and activities in Scandinavia is not rocket science. Scandinavians love to travel and are constantly chasing sunny beaches in far away places, but there are amazing adventures waiting to be had right in their own backyards! Whether kayaking along one of the many coast lines of Scandinavia, biking, hiking, skiing, or searching out more adventurous experiences, the Nordic countries offer a smörgåsbord of opportunities on land or water, in warm weather or cold for the eco-aware traveler.
Although still a new phenomenon, ecotourism — travel that preserves the environment and promotes the welfare of local people — continues to gain momentum throughout the world. According to the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism, ecotourism “embraces the principles of sustainable tourism… and the following principles which distinguish it from the wider concept of sustainable tourism: [It] contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage; includes local and indigenous communities in its planning, development, and operation, contributing to their well-being; interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to the visitor; and lends itself better to independent travelers, as well as to organized tours for small size groups.” (www.peopleandplanet.net)
The photography of the preceding pages — developed after writer/photographer Emil Sergel’s two trips in Sweden — shows vignettes of experiences which can be destinations in themselves or enjoyed as side trips during a longer tour in any of the countries’ rich cultures.
Kayaking is an eco-friendly activity, and the Swedish west coast has plenty of beautiful and varied options. What’s so special about kayaking is the closeness to nature, and the fact that you use nothing but your own muscle strength to navigate. It’s up to the individual to decide whether to paddle amongst rocks and skerries or venture out
Everyone is going eco. Finding earth-friendly vacation spots and activities in Scandinavia is not rocket science. Scandinavians love to travel and are constantly chasing sunny beaches in far away places, but there are amazing adventures waiting to be had right in their own backyards! Whether kayaking along one of the many coast lines of Scandinavia, biking, hiking, skiing, or searching out more adventurous experiences, the Nordic countries offer a smörgåsbord of opportunities on land or water, in warm weather or cold for the eco-aware traveler.
Although still a new phenomenon, ecotourism — travel that preserves the environment and promotes the welfare of local people — continues to gain momentum throughout the world. According to the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism, ecotourism “embraces the principles of sustainable tourism… and the following principles which distinguish it from the wider concept of sustainable tourism: [It] contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage; includes local and indigenous communities in its planning, development, and operation, contributing to their well-being; interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to the visitor; and lends itself better to independent travelers, as well as to organized tours for small size groups.” (www.peopleandplanet.net)
The photography of the preceding pages — developed after writer/photographer Emil Sergel’s two trips in Sweden — shows vignettes of experiences which can be destinations in themselves or enjoyed as side trips during a longer tour in any of the countries’ rich cultures.
Kayaking is an eco-friendly activity, and the Swedish west coast has plenty of beautiful and varied options. What’s so special about kayaking is the closeness to nature, and the fact that you use nothing but your own muscle strength to navigate. It’s up to the individual to decide whether to paddle amongst rocks and skerries or venture out