Ecotourism in Seychelles the resort destination for your vacation.

Why Ecotourism?
The concept of ecotourism holidays emerged from the nature based holiday market over the past 20 years or so. Thoughtful nature lovers and tour companies became concerned to ensure that their holidays were not putting environments and species at risk. A question of the not killing the goose that lays the golden egg really.
 
Over time a greater emphasis was placed on the impacts of tourism on local people as well as environments and species. While this was in part an overdue recognition of tourisms impacts on local communities it also acknowledged that the survival of habitats and species is mostly in local peoples hands, and that they need to be able to derive real benefits from their environments if they are to be conserved.
 
There is not one universally accepted definition of Eco tourism but one of the most widely quoted is that of The International Eco tourism Society -
 
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.
 
Sadly many unscrupulous businesses exploited the trend by 'greenwashing' their products. Media headlines such as 'ecotourist or ecoterrorist' reflected the growing concern that companies were attracting larger number of tourists to fragile ecosystems with little or no regard for local people or the environment.
 
While attention needs to be drawn to these businesses, and they need to change their practices, it is worth remembering that mass tourism accounts for far greater negative social and environmental impacts than Ecotourists, and that this generally receives far less publicity than the relatively small numbers of misguided 'eco tourism' companies.
 
Responsible travel and responsible tourism is different from Eco tourism in that it acknowledges that any form of tourism – and not just tourism to natural areas – can help improve tourism for the benefit of tourists, local people, and the environment.
 
Eco-Tourism of the Seychelles
Where else in the world can you sit on a protected beach, witness the nesting of turtles, walk among sweet-scented tropical gardens and admire the breeding sites of rare endemic birds?
 
In order to protect the natural wonders of the Seychelles, there are regulations governing visits to specific reserves and other protected areas, which ensure that the beautiful but fragile ecosystems remain intact.
 
Tourists visiting the Seychelles are invited to be eco-friendly and thus the islands are gaining worldwide recognition as an environmentally friendly destination and one of the pioneers of eco-tourism.
 
Making the most of nature's treasures...
 
With expert advice available in so many forms, it is entirely up to the individual to decide whether to go it alone or explore under professional supervision.
 
Land
Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette all have a wide selection of walks available, while trail guide booklets - available at the Tourist Information Office in Victoria - give helpful indications as to the flora and fauna to be discovered along the way.
 
However, for those really wishing to get the most out of their outing, tour guides are on hand and highly recommended.
 
Best time to go: Climate ideal year round, though May – Sept best for walking and mountain hiking, as conditions are drier and less humid.
 
Sea
The Marine National Parks of Ste. Anne, Baie Ternay and Port Launay on Mahé, Curieuse near Praslin and Ile Cocos near La Digue all provide an ideal introduction to the underwater treasures of the inner islands.
 
Amongst the most spectacular sightings reported by divers are those of the plankton-eating whale sharks, which can reach a length of over 10 metres. Often seen spotted in these waters, particularly during August and September, some dive centres even organise special trips so that visitors can swim with these friendly giants of the sea.
 
An experience of a lifetime not to be missed!