During the time when the world shutdown at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic we saw some spectacular changes in our world. For the first time in a very long time the people of India could see the Himalayan mountains, where before they were blocked by smog. Wildlife were finding their ways back out of hiding and people became more aware of our impact on the world.
Moving ahead we want to hold onto those few positives we gleaned from this awful pandemic. To try to stop the emergence of more diseases caused 100% by us through deforestation, urbanization, species diversity loss and climate impacts.
Some destinations around the world have been taking a stand on the environment and climate change for decades and some are just getting started. If you are looking to visit some of these sustainable destinations, these are my top 5 picks.
Bhutan
Not only does Bhutan measure it’s prosperity through the happiness of its people, they are also showing the world how sustainable living is possible. Bhutan is considered the worlds only carbon-negative country. That’s kind of a big deal.
Bhutan only recently opened up its country to tourists in 1974 and with 60% of its landmass mandated to remain forest, there is a lot of beauty to explore. From the beginning Bhutan has followed a sustainable tourism model that is high value, low volume as a way to maintain the countries culture and reduce environmental impact.
Bhutan not only has a perfect tourism model, but the country has a huge draw for adventure travelers. With various tour companies offering rock climbing, white water rafting and trekking there is literally something for every explorer.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has recently become a global leader in sustainability. The UN even named it the UN Champion of the Earth in 2019 because of their role in fighting climate change. Costa Rica produces 93% of its energy through renewable resources and conserves 30% of its national territory.
This wasn’t always the case. Not that long ago the forest cover went from 75% to 21% thanks to a governing body that felt that “unproductive land” like forests should be converted to productive land for agriculture. It didn’t take long for them to realize that this model wasn’t sustainable. The ground was losing it’s fertility, the water was becoming polluted and non-potable and the people of Costa Rica were suffering. They needed to make a change in a big way.
So, the government began supporting sustainable programs, creating National Parks, encouraging organic farming, and promoting ecotourism. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with an incredible diversity of flora and fauna (did I mention they have sloths?).
With the creation of the Certification of Sustainable Tourism, the people of Costa Rica are taking steps to encourage businesses to change to a more sustainable business model. Now tourists can see the seal of approval when choosing companies they utilize during their trip. The goal of the certification is to have businesses implement widespread use of recycled materials, proper disposal and treatment of waste, implementation of water and energy saving devices, conservation and expansion of Costa Rican forests and better information management systems.
Pretty great isn’t it?
Switzerland
Switzerland has landed on the list of top 5 most sustainable countries multiple years in a row. This country has incredible forests and stunning nature that is worth preserving.
There are many ways that Switzerland is leading the pack in sustainable initiatives, from having the most sustainable city in the world (as voted in 2016) to protecting climate refugees, those who have been displaced due to climate change and global warming creating more vicious natural disasters.
If you are looking to experience nature Switzerland is home to the oldest and wildest National Park in Europe and they are looking to create more green spaces. They even have “volunteer mountain cleaners” that collect trash left behind by thoughtless tourists.
One option for a unique stay, according to one Frommers article, is on a Swiss farm. It tends to be more budget friendly, closer to nature, and offers a bit more meaning to your visit than the traditional hotel stay.
Denmark
Denmark is another country that makes the top 5 list of most sustainable countries every year. For the Danes sustainability means renewable energy, water management, waste recycling and green transportation.
Samso Island in the middle of Denmark became 100% sustainable back in 2007, with the use of renewable energy and implementation of re-using all waste.
If you are looking for the best in sustainable tourism, look for the green key symbol when choosing where to stay and places to dine. Because Denmark is known as the biking country, make sure to take advantage and see Denmark through slow travel.
Iceland
Iceland is another one of those countries where 100% of its electricity and 70% of the total energy consumption comes from renewable energy sources. They also boast sustainable farming and fishing practices and most of their vegetables are grown in geothermally heated greenhouses.
Iceland is not a budget location, but it is top in ecotourism. You can rent an electric car to tour the country and stay in unique places that use only renewable energy. Not to mention that it has some of the most intensely beautiful nature anywhere in the world.
Concluding Thoughts
No matter which country you choose to visit it doesn’t hurt to check into their ecotourism and sustainability initiatives. Many countries are now heading in that direction and trying to promote change to a more environment centric lifestyle. But if you are heading anywhere this year and want the best of the best, these 5 will not disappoint.
