Heritage sites with architectural significance have inspired visitors with awe for generations. For example, thousands of people flock to the Taj Mahal to marvel at its captivating Mughal architecture. Likewise, individuals go to Rome to view the grandeur of the Colosseum. While the high flow of tourists supports a region’s economy, the foot traffic at ancient buildings and sites creates a challenge in the preservation of historical architecture.
According to Insider Monkey’s report shared by Yahoo, over-tourism has destroyed beautiful places in the world, including the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, and Kyoto in Japan. But tourism does not have to sabotage the beauty of a place. It should leave it better and this can be achieved through sustainable tourism practices, from packing and using bamboo toothbrushes to reducing waste (litter and raw sewage) on-site. Below, we’ll explore tips to help you protect heritage architectural sites and enhance your experiences when traveling sustainability with your family, friends, or solo.
Research And Avoid Risks Affecting Heritage Sites
If you have some knowledge about heritage sites or historical structures, you’ll not only have the curiosity to learn more about it. You’ll also foster a sense of respect for the environment and want to protect it from risks that threaten its existence. For instance, say your next destination is Machu Picchu. Search threats and risks the site faces and how you can embrace sustainability to preserve the site. Since mass tourism is a threat in Machu Picchu, there’s a daily visitor limit of 3,500. Your duty is to book a visitation slot early and request a self-guided tour at no cost.
Free self-guided tours that promote architectural heritage eliminate the need to explore in large groups. The outcome: reduced pollution and erosion of a site’s ecosystem. So, check if your destination has self-guided trips available on digital devices or easy print. You could also visit architectural sites at risk of mass tourism destruction during off-season to reduce the visitor count. Something else worth knowing is each heritage building encounters unique threats besides excessive tourism. Some encounter environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and deforestation. Find out how you can prevent logging, soil erosion, or promote cultural preservation during your visit.
Be Ethical, Follow Rules
Apart from the daily limit of tourists, heritage sites have restrictions on smoking or vaping, uprooting vegetation, flying drones, and making distracting noise. Climbing monuments is prohibited as building stones can dislodge. Also, avoid touching art in historical museums because the dirt or natural oils on fingers can destroy pictographs, erase petroglyphs and rock carvings. Moreover, tourists are required to stick by the simple slogan “Leave no Trace” at architectural sites. This helps prevent litter by encouraging travelers to carry reusable bottles or cups instead of disposable ones. Even if the urge to stray from a path for immersive experiences tempts you, don’t. Crossing boundaries could interfere with the restoration of a monument or revegetation zone in the forest.
Value Craftsmanship With Sustainability In Mind
When you visit a historical landmark, buying souvenirs from local artisans is an excellent way of supporting them financially. Plus, you’ll be showing appreciation for the authentic handicrafts made in traditional style, which are a vital part of the country’s or city’s heritage. But before you grab a few pieces of souvenirs, check out if they are crafted from eco-friendly materials. Think mats, baskets, hats, or bags made from bamboo or other naturally grown fiber like rye straw, reed, and rice straw. Anything crafted using wood from endangered trees, shells from endangered hawksbill turtles, or fragile coral should not get into your shopping bag.
Be Part Of Conservation Efforts
Booking.com’s latest travel report reveals 66% of tourists want to leave places they have toured better than they found them. You can be part of this population by taking part in conservation efforts that involve community building and empowerment when visiting a place. During community empowerment programs, you’ll learn the history, culture, and traditions that surround the architectural heritage of a region. Locals feel a sense of pride sharing their culture and become more committed to preserving their historical landmarks when you visit the specific site discussed. You could also form a volunteer group with your travel companions and locals to restore a historic building. This can be achieved by reinforcing original materials, specifically stone, mud, bamboo, and ethically sourced wood, to protect the heritage site from degradation.
Sustainable travel is a booming trend, and one that travelers are embracing to help in the preservation of architectural structures with deep history, including temples, ancient ruins, monuments, and buildings. A crucial part of practicing eco-tourism at heritage sites is understanding what is destroying historical architectural structures. Then avoid the risks by choosing self-guided architecture tours and following restrictions implemented in those places. Also, be part of a community building program or form a volunteer group that helps restore historical landmarks.
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