Posts Tagged ‘conservation’

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Best Green Travel Guide Of 2010?

February 26th, 2010

TheGuardianGreenTravelGuide251180 Best Green Travel Guide Of 2010?

Fancy green travel inspiration for travel planning (and dreaming)?

Then you might like The Guardian Green Travel List 2010, a “list of 75 companies worldwide that have shown evidence of commitment to community, place and the environment.”  The guide is published in association with greentraveller.co.uk and supported by Forum for the Future.

Some 200+ travel and tourism companies answered an online questionnaire about their actions “to reduce carbon impact and promote water conservation, biodiversity conservation and waste management.”  A panel of travel and tourism experts studied the results and chose the final green list.

Image courtesy of The Guardian Green Travel List 2010 & ZEALANDIA

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Photo Expedition To Madagascar

February 18th, 2010

TerraIncognitaEcoToursVerreaux's Sifaka

If you’re a fan of photography holidays, Terra Incognita ECOTOURS is now offering a new Photo Expedition to Madagascar.

The adventure travel company specializes in wildlife-focused ecotours that “give travelers the chance to ‘make a difference’ while vacationing”.  This 13-day June trip is also available with an optional 4-day, post-trip extension to Anjajavy.

» Read more: Photo Expedition To Madagascar

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The Greener Staycation

February 18th, 2010

HavenGreenStaycation246864 The Greener Staycation

Fancy a greener family staycation?  If you’re living in the U.K., Haven Holidays promises green staycations closer to home.

Says Haven Holidays:

‘The staycation is here to stay.  (We) have seen a marked increase in families booking longer holidays this year. And it’s not just about saving money – it’s also about saving carbon emissions and shunning air travel in favour of a holiday closer to home.”

The company says it encourage kids to be more green-aware during their holidays.   Each of their 35 UK holiday parks have won conservation awards and many the ‘Green Tourism’ award.  Park environmental programs include  recycling, energy-saving, green activities, wildlife sessions and nature walks.

For more info, check out Haven Holidays online.

Image courtesy of Haven Holidays

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Wild-At-Heart Costa Rica

February 10th, 2010

RainforestLodgeEl-Remanso-Lodge---La-Vainilla-outside-2

Are you an adventurer or an easygoing traveler?   Whatever your pace, you’ll find adventure and relaxation at El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge, a wilderness lodge on Costa Rica’s biodiverse Osa Peninsula.

This 185-acre private reserve is tropical rainforest ideal for waterfall rappelling, zip lining, guided hikes,or relaxing on the terrace of cabins while watching monkeys swing in the trees.

The rainforest wildlife lodge is located close to Corcovado National Park, connected by a  biological corridor full of the indigenous wildlife of Costa Rica.  “By staying at El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge, visitors also help to preserve the fragile ecosystem that they encounter while experiencing the natural world in its most pristine form,” says the lodge.

The lodge’s environmental program includes:

  • Using 100% renewable energies.
  • Choosing construction materials with minimal environmental impact.
  • Preventing use of herbicides, pesticides or dangerous chemicals.
  • Managing recycling and waste.
  • Using water responsibly.
  • Incorporating biodegradable products.
  • Protecting the habitat.
  • Prohibiting walking off trails or feeding wildlife.

For more info, check out the El Remanso Lodge site.

Image courtesy of El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge

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Going Greener In The Caribbean

February 9th, 2010

TaraPenthouseBalconyh 2 1024x614 Going Greener In The Caribbean

Green Caribbean resort Bucuti Beach Resort has launched a new, eco-friendly Experience Aruba Green Package.

On the white sands of Aruba’s Eagle Beach, the 104-room boutique resort for couples features Tara Beach Suites & Spa.  Known for its sustainable tourism, Bucuti has been recognized by the Caribbean Hotel Association and the International Hotel and Restaurant Association for its environmentally responsible hotel operations.

Says Ewald Biemans, Bucuti’s owner:

“At Bucuti, we are passionate about preserving the environment so we can share Aruba’s beauty and culture with guests for years to come.  The Experience Aruba Green Package will allow guests to experience some of the island’s spectacular sights, while also learning about our history and ecology. We hope this will help our guests develop a true sense of place.”

» Read more: Going Greener In The Caribbean

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How To Be Dolphin Smart

February 2nd, 2010
7Credit-Dolphin Ecology Project-2

Photo credit: Dolphin Ecology Project

Florida program Dolphin SMART is striving to preserve wild bottlenose dolphins in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 

The program hopes to engage local tour operators who offer dolphin watching excursions to become environmental stewards.

Dolphin SMART was developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Fisheries Service, together with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the Dolphin Ecology Project.

Here are Dolphin SMART’s 5  guidelines for observing dolphins:

  • “Stay at least 50 yards away.”
  • “Move cautiously if the dolphins display any signs of disturbance.”
  • “Always keep the boat in neutral when dolphins are near.”
  • “Refrain from swimming with, feeding or touching the dolphins.”
  • “Tell others about the Dolphin SMART program.”

For more info, check out Dolphin SMART here.

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New Global Voluntours For 2010

January 29th, 2010

PlaneterraNepal People Ghorepani kids 2 1024x768 New Global Voluntours For 2010

Voluntours worldwide are growing holiday options for green travelers.

Recently, global voluntourism specialist Planeterra announced 11 new 2010 projects and volunteer holidays in The Americas, Asia and Africa.

Founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, Planeterra is a global non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable community development through travel.

Says Richard G. Edwards, Planeterra’s Director:

“More than ever, community development, environmental and wildlife conservation projects around the world need the support of active travelers who are willing to take the time to understand what is needed and how they can help. Our programs are designed with great care so that everyone genuinely benefits while having fun learning about each other’s cultures.”

» Read more: New Global Voluntours For 2010

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Hotel Guests Greener, Says Survey

January 11th, 2010

NovotelSurveyYoga243832 2 1024x831 Hotel Guests Greener, Says Survey

Hotel guests in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji are becoming greener and cleaner, according to a new Novotel Survey.

Novotel housekeepers and other hotel staff reported on the travel habits of men and women who stay at the group’s 30 hotels and resorts in Australia, New  Zealand and Fiji.  A decade ago, the first survey was conducted.

This second Novotel survey of in-hotel habits reveals that “guests of both sexes are leaving their rooms cleaner and greener, but still ending up naked in corridors and leaving unusual objects behind in their rooms.”

Survey findings include guests are traveling with fewer bags (1 bag per male to 2.1 bags per woman); more likely to reuse towels; bringing along more laptops and making healthier food choices.  Research also indicates “an increased level of care for the environment” with 32% of guests reusing towels and some bed linen compared to 11% ten years ago.

The company says the survey also tracks and responds to trends in conferences and catering, food and beverage and guest desires.  In response to survey results, Novotel has introduced a minimum of organic and gluten-free items, a free yoga channel and in-room yoga mat.

Image courtesy of Accor Asia Pacific

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Posted in environment, hotels, news, trends

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Into The Wild Photography

January 7th, 2010
Iceland - Bird cliffs, Snaefellsnes peninsula

Photo credit: Martin Sammtleben

Are you passionate about travel photography?  Then you may be intrigued by Wild Photography Holidays which specializes in small-group photography holidays and workshops in unique locations in Iceland, northern Spain and India.

The company has just announced its new summer 2010 departures to Iceland.  Its four new Icelandic itineraries are : Southern Contrasts – Glaciers, Volcanoes & Waterfalls; Flowers and Landscapes of the East; Trails of the Deserted Fjords and Highland Exposure.

Says Geraldine Westrupp, co-owner, Wild Photography Holidays:

“Iceland’s young, raw, dramatic landscapes and superb ambient light combine to produce an incredible array of photographic opportunities that are quite simply without equal. By venturing beyond the beaten track, each of our distinctly different and well-paced holidays makes the most of Iceland’s wide open spaces and stunning natural scenery, allowing guests to capture unique images of places that few other visitors have seen.”

» Read more: Into The Wild Photography

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Posted in adventure, ecotourism, education, guided tours, photography

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Gulf Air Reducing Carbon Footprint

December 15th, 2009

GulfAir241370 2 Gulf Air Reducing Carbon Footprint

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced initiatives that are expected to reduce approximately 33,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually from its aircraft.

Says Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Samer Majali :

“What better occasion there can be than announcing our comprehensive carbon-emission reduction measures, when countries of the world have converged in Copenhagen to discuss climate change? As a responsible corporate citizen we are fully committed to this global cause and these are some of our proactive measures towards this commitment.  Besides, as a long-standing member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), we are in tune with the world body’s commitment to achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020.”

A main Gulf Air initiative is reducing fuel consumption in ways including flying a more direct route to destinations which could reduce approximately 22,600 tons of Co2 emissions annually.  Gulf Air has also lowered the amount of potable water it carries on board by 25% which will save around 1,800 tons of carbon emissions.

Further Gulf Air fuel conservation measures include reduced contingency fuel, acceleration height management and flight spare kit weight reduction that will save approximately 8300 tons of Co2 emission altogether.

The airline is also purchasing more fuel-efficient A320 Airbus aircraft which is powered by the CFM56-5B engine that reduces emissions by 200 tons per aircraft per year.

Image courtesy of Gulf Air

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Posted in airlines, environment, organic, transportation

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