What is an Ecolodge? What is 'close-to-nature' accommodation?
Ecolodges usually strive to have rather strict requirments. Although not always met to the letter they should try to care for nature. All the requirements for lodgings to qualify as ecolodges are listed in the International Eco-Lodge Guidelines. According these Guidelines (1999), the lodging must have the following features:
Ecolodges usually strive to have rather strict requirments. Although not always met to the letter they should try to care for nature. All the requirements for lodgings to qualify as ecolodges are listed in the International Eco-Lodge Guidelines. According these Guidelines (1999), the lodging must have the following features:
- Situated close to a natural area and in a rural or natural area that is not significantly impacted by pollution, traffic, noise, or urban development
- Employ systems that safeguard the environment against pollution and degradation
- Frequently employ energy-saving systems and, in some cases, renewable energy technologies
- Employ or have access to nature interpretation guides who have received biological training or who have extensive local knowledge of the natural habitats
- Inform guests and visitors about the local biology, offer books, posters, maps, photographs, orientation presentations, and other informational materials
- Assist in educating guests, staff, and visitors about the importance and value of a healthy ecosystem, as well as describing how to enjoy the area without negatively impacting it
- Benefit the local economy and demonstrate that ecotourism is a more sustainable way to earn money in the long run than destroying or modifying habitats for short-term gain.
Sometimes it is hard to define ecolodge, the "eco" aspect requires great care for the environment and the local community (i.e. can it be environmentally friendly to the core?). And yes, perhaps most ecolodges are rather exclusive and elitist projects. So, I will use a broader term here, that may not satisfy all above criteria; I present the idea of "Close-to-nature Accommodation" or CNA.
CNA may differ from the Ecolodge because it may not be in a position to provide a more "eco" sustainability, thus it may not fulfill some of the criteria above. But it usually shares all the criteria, a good CNA nature lodge is an Ecolodge. A CNA (like an Ecolodge) is almost always located in a remote area or in an near a natural area, usually near or within an areas that has remarkalbe biodiversity attractions (nature). A key point is access to nature and wildlife watching of all forms; this is what ultimately defines a true CNA/nature lodge. The situation and circumstances are such to allow visitors to truly connect with the surrounding nature or to other biodiversity attractions; attraction of outstanding interest (near natural ecosystems, parks, trails) and often providing wildlife viewing opportunities. It may not provide facilities (nature trails, feeders etc) that most famous ecolodges have, but often it does. It may or may not be labled as eco-friendly or nature-oriented but often it is. Sometimes its just a good place to stay near exceptional wildllife and biodiversity attractions. It is not always upscale; sometimes its proprietors may not even be aware that the CNA is located near or within such an important biodiversity (or wildlife watching) attraction. So the CNA idea, is more fluid, it is similar but not identical to the Ecolodge concept.
The CNA concept is broader than the Ecolodge concept. It may usually not be an upscale market establishement or specialized in any way. Emphasis on closeness and degree of quality of biodiversity attractions is paramount. We sincerely hope all CNAs can graduate to Ecolodge status. But first we would like to simply locate and evaluate some CNAs or Great Nature Lodges of the World. I will present some in upcomming posts.
