subject: Grand Canyon River Rafting Provides Unique Eco-tourism Experience For Visitors [print this page] When the term "eco-tourism" was first published in 1987, it meant traveling to a relatively undisturbed natural area with the specific purpose of studying and admiring its scenery, plant and wildlife, and unique cultural manifestations. With that core definition in mind, the term is now also associated with a growing trend in travel that focuses on low-impact adventures and aims to educate visitors about the unique environs they explore. A Grand Canyon river rafting expedition delivers, like any other grand eco-tour in the world, an intimate outdoor experience you won't find anywhere else.
While this part of the world is more fortunate than many, since most of the flora and fauna are not endangered, a large human presence in nature is always potentially destructive, so the area is highly protected. Going on a Grand Canyon rafting adventure often involves an emphasis on preservation of the area. In Northern Arizona the environmental movement has focused on keeping water and land pristine, which river rafting exemplifies. Paddle trips have a minimal impact on the land and guide companies have teamed up to offer several responsible travel options.
Each company is different, or course, but most attempt to keep groups small, a sustainable practice that has less impact on natural surroundings. In addition, the Grand Canyon park system allows each person just one rafting trip annually to limit the number of visitors to the bottom of the canyon. Most outfitters also participate in recycling programs and require their guests the same opportunity by suggesting solutions to reduce their environmental footprint.
Recently, food too has gotten a lot of attention from nature enthusiasts, and in response, many companies provide menus with items that are sustainably and locally produced. If you wish to learn more about how to minimize your impact, several non-profit organizations like Leave No Trace provide invaluable information for travelers in all regions.
A variety of trips down the 277 miles of the canyon's river corridor await river rafters, providing an intimate glimpse of 250 different bird species and stunning views of rock faces up to a mile high. Expeditions typically go from 7 to 18 days, but all types can be found. Some even incorporate yoga and diet-specific meals of vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Others offer hybrid trips that employ motors for all or part of the journey.
These adventures you can take part in today have been made possible by years of dedication from The Grand Canyon National Park, which has maintained and preserved the beauty of this national treasure. They have done so with the help of The Grand Canyon Association (GCA), which joined forces with them in 1932. Today they support the educational goals of the National Park Service, promote research, fund acquisitions for the park's research library, lead trips through the Grand Canyon Field Institute, and sponsor lectures on Grand Canyon topics in Flagstaff, Prescott, and Glendale.
by: Stephen Daniels
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