How to Travel Sustainably in Vanuatu
Vanuatu, an archipelago nation in the South Pacific, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. However, like many popular tourist destinations, it faces challenges related to sustainability and preserving its unique environment and culture. As travellers, it’s important to explore this breathtaking destination responsibly, ensuring that our presence contributes positively to the local communities and ecosystems. Here are some tips on how to travel sustainably in Vanuatu.
Stay in Eco-friendly Resorts
Stay in Eco-friendly Resorts
By choosing eco-friendly accommodation, you can ensure your travels have a positive impact on the environment. They use renewable energy and promote conservation. Eratap Beach Resort is a luxury eco-resort located on the main island of Efate. The resort is committed to environmental sustainability and offers guests a chance to stay in eco-friendly villas. The resort uses solar power, rainwater harvesting, local sourcing, and composting toilets to reduce its carbon footprint. Enjoy a magical holiday in paradise, whilst practising responsible tourism.
Eat Sustainably
Eat Sustainably
Vanuatu produces some incredibly delicious food. Ensure the food you’re eating is locally sourced. In this way, the food travels fewer miles to get to your plate. Dine at restaurants serving traditional cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients and avoid cheap offshore imports. Eating local not only tastes fresh and vibrant, but it’s also better for your body.
Walk More, Drive Less
Walk More, Drive Less
Walking is not only an invigorating experience when you’re in paradise, but also a way of reducing emissions from vehicles and a way of exploring your surroundings in a more immersive way. Hiking trails offer unforgettable experiences. Explore protected areas such as national parks and marine reserves, where you can participate in guided hikes. If you need to get around by vehicle, choose a shuttle or bus rather than a taxi.
Support Local Artisans
Support Local Artisans
Buying handmade goods from local artists helps the economy in Vanuatu. You also contribute to community development and have a more authentic and enriching travel experience. By choosing to invest in handcrafts rather than mass-produced alternatives, you help to reduce carbon emissions, waste, and pollution. Your purchase also helps the locals to keep doing what they love to do which, in turn, provides purpose and happiness, maintaining the title as the Isle of Smiles.
Volunteer
Volunteer
Marine debris and plastics can negatively impact the otherwise pristine waters of Vanuatu. Projects may involve activities such as coral reef monitoring, sea turtle conservation, mangrove restoration, and reforestation efforts. Volunteers can participate in beach cleanups, data collection, and community outreach, working alongside local experts and community members to achieve conservation goals. Reach out to Not-for-profits through their websites or social media channels to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Some well-known organisations include the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society (VESS), the Vanuatu Environmental Advocacy and Legal Support (VEALS), and the Vanuatu Environment Unit.
Reduce Your Travel Footprint
Reduce Your Travel Footprint
Vanuatu’s pristine natural environment is a major drawcard for travellers, from lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls to vibrant coral reefs and pristine beaches. To minimise your environmental impact, practice responsible tourism habits such as reducing plastic waste, using reef-safe sunscreen, conserving water and energy, and avoiding activities that harm fragile ecosystems. When exploring nature, stick to designated trails, refrain from disturbing wildlife and leave no trace of your visit behind. Keep Vanuatu beautiful!
Getting to Vanuatu
Let’s explore Vanuatu with a mindset of conservation and appreciation, preserving its natural and cultural treasures for future travellers to enjoy. At My Vanuatu, we offer perfectly packaged deals to help you step lightly on Vanuatu. For more details, contact your friendly My Vanuatu Expert today!
Tags: Culture, Efate, Things to do, Travel Sustainably, Vanuatu
Categories : Travel
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