Top 10 Best Eco-Themed Destinations 2012

It is nice to be with family during the holidays but for some it can be a challenge. If you are one who embraces an eco-friendly lifestyle and wants to get away from it all or the family scene just may be a little too much this year, here are the top 10 best eco-holiday destinations in 2012 as reported by the all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization Ethical Traveler. These locations have been scored as ‘developing countries’ displaying their ability to maintain a continuing drive toward preserving the environment, positive human rights practices and creating a “sustainable, community-based tourism industry.” Best of all, by spending your money at one of these destinations it is your way of spreading your economic power. It sends a message that you desire social responsibility in lieu of environmentally irresponsible practices.

Argentina

Argentina is derived from the Latin word argentums which means silver, coined by Spanish settlers amidst rumors of silver filled mountains of which there were none. It has one of the highest ratings of human development as reported by the UNDP (UN Development Program); Supports less toxic soy farming; Is reducing glyphosate (a chemical herbicide) spraying; and Hosted ‘Argentina y Ambiente 2012’, an international congress addressing some of the world’s most challenging environmental issues.

The Bahamas

In 2011, the Bahamas banned shark fishing. This law now protects one of the most fertile and varied shark populations on the planet.

Chile

Chile ranked high amongst countries that are practicing sustainable fishery and forestry programs.

Costa Rica

This country has been noted by the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) as the “only developing country—and indeed one of only four countries in the world—to make it into the top “100-85″ scorer category”. The EPI ranks according to environmental public health and ecosystem vitality.

Dominica

Dominica vows a carbon negative policy in renewable energy by the year 2020.

Latvia

Sustainable tourism is the ability to keep a low impact on the environment and local cultures by out of country visitors. Latvia has been presented the EDEN award for maintaining this practice.

Mauritius

As of September 2011, Mauritius was recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) as having the second best air quality in the world.

Palau

Palau exhibits such enthusiasm for conservation efforts, it was chosen as a pilot for The Nature Conservancy’s Transforming Coral Reef Conservation program.

Serbia

Serbia, signed a declaration to establish a trans-boundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to protect nature and wildlife along the Mura, Drava and Danube rivers, and “signed the Protocol on Sustainable Forest Management—protecting Europe’s largest areas of old growth forests outside of Russia”. It is also developing five new hydropower plants,

Uruguay

Uruguay has been recognized for its excellent water quality and forestry protection offered to its citizens and tourists alike.

These top 10 best eco-holiday destinations are an excellent escape for the eco-conscious family, friends or solo adventurer. It offers an opportunity to make a difference while sipping a cool beverage in some of the most serene, breathtaking, picturesque locations on this great planet.