Posted on Monday, 28 October 2024

Looking to enjoy nature while having a minimal impact on the environment? Here are five of the most exciting eco-tourism destinations for 2025.

An increasing number of us want to enjoy a nature-based holiday while having minimal – or ideally zero – impact on the environment.

According to the IUCN Red List, more than 45,300 species of plants and creatures are under threat of extinction. This includes 43% of amphibians, 37% of sharks and 36% of reef-building corals.

There are three major anthropogenic (i.e. caused by people) threats:

• Overhunting or overharvesting
• The introduction of non-native species (and the diseases they can carry)
• The degradation or loss of habitat

It follows, then, that a genuine eco-tourism holiday would ensure that all three of these threats are at the very least not increased, and at best, in some way diminished.

Greenwashing

If you're planning an eco-tourism getaway, it's important to ensure your holiday will genuinely help the environment in some way.

Sadly, a minority of travel providers engage in "greenwashing" – a process whereby an activity is publicised as being environmentally friendly, but actually isn't, or at least not to the degree advertised.

Identifying a genuine eco-tourism destination does, therefore, require a little research.

Plane Confusing

For the truly green-minded, it's impossible not to consider the impact that reaching your eco-destination might have on the environment – especially if you're travelling by plane. However, air travel only accounts for 2.5% of total emissions, while aircraft have become twice as efficient as 30 years ago – meaning they use half the energy they once did.

That said, it’s wise to choose an airline with solid green credentials.

With this in mind, Sustainability Magazine has ranked the top 10 most sustainable airlines, with United Airlines coming first, followed by Delta, JetBlue, Alaska, and British Airways. These airlines have pledged to switch to ever more fuel-efficient aircraft and to reach carbon net zero in the coming years.

And of course, choosing a destination closer to the UK will further reduce the impact of airline carbon emissions.

5 Top Eco-Tourism Destinations 2025

Iceland

Few countries have harnessed the power of nature more effectively than Iceland – and they've done so while enhancing the environment, rather than harming it.

The Scandinavian island nation has reduced its carbon footprint with its geothermal energy supply, as well as its focus on sustainable fishing, its anti-pollution efforts, and its emphasis on eco-friendly travel.

Iceland boasts some incredible scenery, including volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs and glaciers.

Hiking is one of the main activities enjoyed here – that and soaking in hot springs heated by the Earth's core, both of which have negligible impact on the environment, while allowing you to immerse yourself in the nation's incredible natural surroundings.

Norway

Another eco-friendly destination close to home is Norway, which boasts some of the most dazzling and pristine natural environments on the planet.

Hike glaciers, sail down fjords, climb mountains and explore forests. Add biking, kayaking and wildlife watching on stunning islands like Svalbard and the Lofoten Islands, and it's easy to see why Norway is a nature lover's paradise.

Norway is also a world leader in renewable energy, with 90% of its electricity generated by hydropower and wind. These impressive efforts go some way to offset Norway's position as the world's 13th biggest crude oil producer.

Many cruises to Norway depart from the UK and are a great way to see the nation’s incredible coast.

Costa Rica

This stunning Central American nation has a long-standing commitment to the environment, and as such is a world leader in the eco-tourism segment.

Numerous environmentally friendly accommodation options and activities make it easy for visitors to minimise their environmental footprint. And around 25% of the entire country has been set aside as national parks, wildlife refuges and nature reserves.

Whether you choose kayaking around steamy mangroves, zip-lining through the verdant rainforests, or enjoying a spot of bird watching, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’re having fun without harming your surroundings.

Portugal

Portugal boasts various eco-friendly travel experiences, most notably in the Azores, a stunning island group in the Atlantic with a strong focus on renewable energy and conservation.

The Portuguese mainland also offers green-minded travel options, including the village of Comporta, which is loved for its relaxed lifestyle, surfing opportunities, fresh fish restaurants and chic boutiques.

New Zealand

Like Costa Rica, New Zealand has also set aside a large portion of its land for conservation purposes. Its national parks include a dazzling array of mountains, glaciers, forests and beaches.

And like Norway, New Zealand has a very well-developed renewable sector.

Popular activities include hiking, kayaking and whale spotting.

Just make sure you don’t accidentally bring any non-native produce into the country – NZ authorities are very strict on anything that could disrupt the local ecosystem, dishing out instant $400 fines to offenders!

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