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Read about the latest trend in ecotourism which has integrated itself into the traveling industry. Understand its meaning and what it entails.
In response to the recent deterioration of the Earth’s environment and climate, many attempts have been made to address issues like global warming and pollution of the air, water, and land. Amongst all of these new projects is the emergence of eco-tourism which strives to raise awareness about eco-friendly practices for traveling.
When you start eco-traveling, you start traveling sustainably. You vacation while keeping nature in mind and stay as conscious about your actions as you can. Any trip that was enjoyed while limiting the carbon footprint, maintaining the peace in the local ecosystems, and minimizing any amount of damage surely comes under the banner of Ecotourism.
As more people become a part of this phenomenon, it branches out and evolves, giving form to new kinds of trends which serve the purpose of protecting nature in their own, unique way.
Understanding Necro Tourism
Necro Tourism, or tombstone tourism, includes a more complex view of the world, where visiting certain cemeteries, battlefields, or monuments of famous historical figures is related to the exploration of death’s significance in different cultures. Some of the highly visited Necro Tourism sites include the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, Arlington cemetery in the US and the Taj Mahal in India.
In such places, a lot of different art forms, for instance Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque, can be seen which add to the beauty of
As can be expected, Necro Tourism until now has been growing steadily while relying on the historical, architectural or cultural values of these places. They are interested in the ancient tales of the past, the creative works on the headstones and the tranquil beauty of the final places. With that, more so with the current global warming trend, new responsibilities are being incorporated into this type of tourism, which has been termed as Eco-Necro Tourism.
How does “Eco” fit in?
Eco-Necro Tourism can be explained as a branch of Necro Tourism with the ecotourism principles embedded into it. So, it basically refers to the blending of eco-friendly traveling with trips to places where the dead are resting.
There are many benefits to adapting to this style:
- Environmental Preservation – Many places which are endorsed by Necro Tourism, including cemeteries, are rich reserves of bio-diversity which protect various species of flora and fauna. When travelers go to such places with nature in their minds, they are encouraged to protect the ecosystems surrounding these regions and their activities align with minimal environmental impact.
- Sustainable Site Management – Building cemeteries and burial sites also requires resources like water, energy, and more, and Eco-Necro tourists advocate for using sustainable modes of building and maintaining these sites. This includes practices like rainwater harvesting and renewable energy generation.
- Cultural Respect – Another key element of this new trend is the mutual respect between both the travelers and the local communities. Travelers need to learn more about the places they visit and strive to maintain a relationship full of respect with the people there. This fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility which makes them want to take care of their surroundings.
Challenges
Like all other varieties of tourism, Eco-Necro Tourism also has its fair set of problems. The main problem is that it is hard to strike a balance between environmental protection and tourism’s imperatives, where tourism expansion meets a more limited resource base. Furthermore, the sensitive character of such places warrants measures in place to control the nature of tourism so that burial places are not disrespected nor displeasing practices are subject to local people.
Yet, Eco-Necro Tourism presents plenty of opportunities for the locals and the tourists both. This type of tourism may contribute to the promotion of sustainable practices and thus, burial places will be preserved for future generations as well. Moreover, it can very well act as a tool for interaction amongst cultures helping people to appreciate and learn from the country’s unique practices towards death and remembrance.
Resources
- Robin Kundis Craig, & Katrina Fischer Kuh. (2024). Eco-Necro Tourism and Public Land Management: Last Chance Tourism, Ecological Grief, and the World’s Disappearing Natural Wonders. Scholarship Repository. https://ir.law.fsu.edu/lr/vol51/iss1/3/
- Morrison, R. (2024, January 22). What Is Ecotourism and Why It Matters in 2024 | Earth.org. Earth.org; Earth.org. https://earth.org/ecotourism/
- Preparing for “eco-necrotourism.” (2023). Ku.edu. https://law.ku.edu/news/article/study-details-eco-necrotourism-and-how-public-land-managers-can-address-psychological-aspects-of-disappearing-wonders
Necro-tourism: cemeteries and art ArtNatura Galicia Tour & Guiding Services. (2016). Artnaturagalicia.com. https://www.artnaturagalicia.com/en/blog/necroturismo-los-cementerios-y-el-arte
