The environmental protection organization, Earth Island Institute, compiles a report each year of the 10 Most Ethical Travel Destinations in undeveloped counties.
This report comes after careful analysis of all developing countries throughout the world with special attention on practices regarding environmental preservation and sustainability as well as human rights. The report allows tourists to use their dollars as votes, supporting the countries that step up their policies and practices.
Although many aspects of ethical travel were weighed in the deciding on the final ten countries, three stood out in regards to their high achievements in sustainability practices on the 2012 list. These destinations are Costa Rica, Chile, and Serbia.
Even though it’s still a developing country, Cost Rica scored in the top “100-85″ category for the Environmental Policy Index (EPI). Only three other countries in the world fell into this category, and Cost Rica was the only third world destination to achieve the distinction.
Chile, another Latin American country, made the list as well, standing out for environmental practices. Although not as high as Cost Rica, this country came out with especially high scores in regards to sustainable forestry and fishing.
One other success in the environmental realm was shown to be Serbia. This eastern European nation is making impressive bounds towards a sustainable future. The country is developing five hydro-power plants that will bring clean, renewable energy. In addition, the country has signed a declaration to protect wildlife and nature along several rivers. Serbia also recently signed a protocol that will protect the largest old growth forests around Russia.
These three countries, along with the other winners, were announced last week at the Commonwealth Club in California. The list is a great aid for tourists who want to change the world with their economic clout.
