Louisiana's Eco-Tourism
Eco-tourism means experiencing all the beauty of nature while leaving as little mark as possible. We want to balance experience and treading lighting, and the oil spill that happened several years ago hurt this balance. Louisiana wants to protect and preserve nature, as it is a part of our way of life – in the amazing cuisines we love to eat and the outdoor adventures we love to take part in.
Immediate action helped to contain the damage, and you can still experience the natural beauty of Louisiana’s coast through nature-based, eco-tourism activities such as fishing, and kayaking or paddling.
Louisiana’s Eco-Tourism Opportunities
Louisiana has 20 national wildlife refuges, and several more state parks – meaning there are plenty of eco-tourism opportunities! Both locals and out-of-state visitors can enjoy miles and miles of biking and hiking trails. You can also enjoy exploring and birding!
Louisiana also has long canoe trails, and the unique, local flora and fauna provide great outdoor opportunities that everyone can enjoy.
Throughout all of Louisiana, especially along the coast, there are tons of eco-tourism activities – from walking and biking on trails, charter fishing, recreational fishing, swamp tours, birding opportunities, and so much more. Louisiana is home to more than half the birds that reside in North America throughout the year and even has bird species visiting all the way from South and Central America.
There has also been a resurgence of agri-tourism. Many of the small communities are driving their local economies with local agriculture, and new eco-tourism opportunities are popping up, including tours of working farms and food businesses.
Cultural Opportunities
One of the greatest benefits of augmenting Louisiana’s eco-tourism opportunities is the rich diversity of cultures that comes with it. Many of the people that live along the coast have been threatened by storms and erosion, but have adapted well to their ever-changing coastline.
Boat charters, local fishermen, swamp people, and the local communities help promote tourism and the need for the conservation of Louisiana’s natural resources. Many of the communities along the coast have held onto the traditions of the local culture that’s unique to the state – leading local eco-tourism efforts to make the most out of enhancing that culture.
Outdoor Activities
Studies have shown that about every 4 out of 10 Americans enjoy some kind of outdoor recreational activity. In Louisiana, it is at least that number, if not higher. Did you know that nearly one million people hunt or fish in Louisiana each year? Louisiana has a direct influx of over $1.5 billion every year, which increases the local and statewide jobs and improves upon many of the businesses that support the fishing and hunting industries.
Some of the best saltwater fishing in the world is located here, on Louisiana’s coastline! Here you can find fishing charters, paddling tours, recreational fishing spots, along with annual events and festivals. So what are you waiting for? Come visit Louisiana! And if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, come fishing with me at Whiskey Bayou Charters in St. Bernard Parish. My passion for fishing goes back to my childhood years, and nothing would make me happier than to see you catching fish on a charter with me!