Ecotourism is earning more recognition among travelers as environmental campaigns stress the significance of maintaining the environment as is after every tour. Ecotourism also encourages thinking about the environment especially around UNESCO Heritage Sites. Here are five great ecotourism trips travelers could plan for this 2017.

Alaska's almost-eternal winter has its share of wildlife such as penguins, brown bears, sea otters, sea lions and bald eagles. Most tourist groups would encourage travelers to help preserve the natural habitat of these animals by preventing global warming. Seeing the beauty of Alaska -- especially if well-timed with the Aurora Borealis -- definitely encourages the preservation of the environment.

The Barbadian government has made efforts to strictly implement sustainability and the preservation of its long coastlines -- the premier destination of many tourists especially during the summer season. Encouraging messages in many resorts and bars raise awareness of how travelers can help preserve the environment. According to Green Global Travel -- citing Ecotourism Expert Jeff Greenwald -- Barbados is a great place of political progress.

According to Shermans Travel, the Amazon is known as the "Lungs of Our planet" producing 20 percent of breathable oxygen through its rich rain forest and other plant life. As a natural habitat, the Amazon has thousands of varieties of animal life, from mammals, birds, and reptiles. Being on the site itself for a few days will give travelers perspective about the importance of the Amazons and the world's oxygen production.

Australian Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a great slope for skiers but has hikes that feature amazing plantlife. Australian Koalas and hundreds of other species live on top of these slopes. Travelers can also enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking and even horseback riding high in the mountains.

In Africa is the beautiful wildlife surrounding deserts living in rainforests and hidden lakes in the many oasis of Botswana. No safaris here except observation of elephant herds, white rhinos and chacma baboons in well-guarded sanctuaries. Resorts are naturally environmentally-friendly, meaning less technology and a guaranteed connection to nature.