Urban ecotourism

Urban Ecotourism

The James Madison Park shelter rooftop garden, located in Madison, Wisconsin. A project of neighborhood volunteers.

Urban ecotourism is a relatively new form of ecotourism that takes place in urban settings. The concept first appeared in 1996 when the Blackstone Corporation defined it as “[...] travel and exploration within and around an urban area that offers visitors enjoyment and appreciation of the city's natural areas and cultural resources, [...] promotes the city's long-term ecological health [...] promotes sustainable local economic and community development and vitality; [...] is accessible and equitable to all”. Urban ecotourism shares the same goals for sustainability and community development as traditional ecotourism, but applies them to large cities, industrial wastelands, and post-productivist agriculture sites, as opposed to more nature-based venues for traditional ecotourism. Destinations in these locations may take the form of linear parks, farm-to-table restaurants, rewilding parks, biking and hiking trails, sustainable hotels, and rooftop gardens.

Criticism

Environmental-Gentrification

The High Line Park at 30th St. in Manhattan.

One side-effect of urban ecotourism is eco-gentrification in places with increased green-space amenities. Environmental gentrification is a process in which the improved quality of a local environment increases property values and attracts higher-income people while pushing out lower-income residents. [3] The High Line is a noted example of eco-gentrification. The High Line is located in the historically low-income neighborhood of Chelsea in New York City and was previously an abandoned railway before it became an elevated green-space walkway. Studies have been conducted as to whether the introduction of the High Line raised property values and to whom this may have benefited most. Sales prices of properties within 800 meters of the High Line were analyzed, and it was found that properties located the closest–within 80 meters–increased in value by about 35%. [4] This increase in property values points toward gentrification. [4] Noting that many lower-income residents in the area are renters and wealthier residents are property owners, the increase in property values and subsequent 68% increase in median rent between 2009–2018 time period [5] indicates that it may be more difficult for renters to remain in the area. [4] In addition, the observance that major corporations, including Facebook, Google, and Salesforce, have since opened offices in Chelsea further signifies gentrification. [4] This phenomena is not unique to the High Line, but rather a characteristic of urban ecotourism spots as a whole under certain conditions. Though this does not confirm that all urban ecotourism causes eco-gentrification, it shows that there may be negative consequences for lower-income local people.

Destinations

Eco-Hotels

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Las Vegas. LEED certified Gold.

As the sustainable travel industry continues to grow, so has the accompanying market for environmentally conscious lodging. Many hotels have gained LEED certification, which is the most widely used metric for rating the sustainability of buildings in the world. [6] In addition, many green hotel programs, labels, and standards, such as the Audubon International Green Lodging Program, Green Hotels Association, and Green Seal, have been created to better market and regulate hotels' efforts. [7] The types of operations adopted by eco-hotels include comprehensive recycling programs, composting kitchen waste, towel and sheet-saver programs, energy saving lights, less hazardous cleaning products, farm-to-table organic cuisine, and guest education. [8]

Ritz Carlton Charlotte, NC

One example of how an existing hotel has adapted their practices to become more sustainable As part of an environmental commitment, the Ritz Carlton in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina doubled the size of their rooftop garden and made all produce available to resident chefs and guests through the hotel restaurant and farmer's market. [9] The garden enhancement project impacted all food and drink menus at the hotel by providing fresher and less environmentally impactful ingredients. In addition, the hotel provides eco-tours of the property's green practices and urban gardens to guests who are interested. [9]