Cycle Tours Global’s Post

Today, on June 21, as we celebrate the June solstice, it's important to recognize the rich cultural heritage and seasonal celebrations of Indigenous peoples around the globe, from Inti Raymi in the Andes, which honors the sun god Inti, to We Tripantu, the Mapuche New Year celebrating nature’s renewal, and Matariki, the Māori New Year marking the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster. These observances not only celebrate cultural traditions but also emphasize the essential role of Indigenous tourism in valuing culture, revitalizing languages, protecting territories, and promoting sustainability. Indigenous tourism offers a platform for Indigenous communities to share their heritage, ensuring that their traditional knowledge leads the way in sustainable practices that benefit both communities and visitors. Real sustainable tourism must leave no one behind, making it vital that Indigenous peoples are in charge of their tourism development. By supporting Indigenous-led tourism, we contribute to cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and the recognition and appreciation of Indigenous contributions worldwide. Happy winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere and happy summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere! Let’s embrace the new cycle filled with opportunities to support and learn from Indigenous communities globally. #IndigenousTourism #CulturalCelebrations #WinterSolstice #SustainableTourism #IntiRaymi #WeTripantu #Matariki #CulturalDiversity #Sustainability

🌍🌿 Happy World Garden Day! 🌿🌍 During my recent trip to Turkiye, I was struck by the abundance of fruit trees lining the streets and public spaces. It was incredible to see people casually picking oranges for a snack as they strolled through the city. This not only enhances the beauty of the environment but also promotes a sense of community and sustainability. As we celebrate today, I can’t help but wonder: Why don’t we plant more fruit trees in our own pavements and public areas? Imagine the impact of having fresh fruit available to everyone in our cities! Let’s start a conversation about how we can make our urban spaces greener and more fruitful. What are your thoughts? 🌳🍊 #WorldGardenDay #UrbanGreening #Sustainability

Throw the used toilet paper in the trash can, not the toilet! 🧻 I've repeated this multiple times to my girls since we arrived yesterday in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Our Airbnb is located within Nosara and reminders are posted next to each toilet as well. Following the rules here, my only question is Where are the bidets?! While backpacking Southeast Asia, I rarely encountered toilet paper, but always found either a bidet or bucket of water next the the toilet with a floating cup (which I never touched, but appreciated the sight along stretches of rural Laos and Cambodia). 😅 Toilet paper production is to blame for 15% of current deforestation and consumes approximately 15 million trees each year. According to Statista, "the average volume per capita ranking in the 'Toilet Paper' segment of the tissue & hygiene paper market is lead by the #UnitedStates with 48.01 kilograms, while #Switzerland is following with 45.89 kilograms. In contrast, #India is at the bottom of the ranking with 7.38 kilograms, showing a difference of 40.63 kilograms to the United States. To keep with the Pura Vida eco-living, perhaps #CostaRica could lead the way for more large scale sustainable living practices by normalizing the use of bidets for the rest of the Americas to follow suit. 'Save the Water' signs are everywhere here reminding us to conserve earth's precious natural resources as much as possible. Although bidets also require water usage, they are still seen to be a more environmentally friendly option overall. How do you feel about bidets? Do you have one at your home? 📸 My first night arriving in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand to my first toilet paper free hostel. The On On hotel was used in the filming of The Beach, the one with Leonardo DiCaprio circa 2000 as a scene early in the movie when Leo arrives at the Khao San Road hostel. This picture was taken in 2011 and this hotel has since gone from a well-trodden Lonely Planet backpacker spot to a completely renovated 4,5 star hotel now called The Memory at On On Hotel. #Sustainability #Travel #Ecotourism #Backpacker #EducationAbroad

Merdeka Month Special: Malaysia’s Wonders 🇲🇾 Day 15: Rafflesia – The Giant Flower Today, we celebrate the Rafflesia, an extraordinary and rare flower native to Malaysia. Known for its impressive size and distinct odor, the Rafflesia is the largest single flower in the world, with some blooms reaching up to 1 meter in diameter. Key Facts About Rafflesia: • Unique Appearance: The Rafflesia is renowned for its striking appearance. It has a fleshy, reddish-brown bloom with white or yellowish spots, giving it a somewhat alien-like look. • Unusual Odor: The flower emits a strong, unpleasant smell similar to rotting flesh, which attracts flies and other pollinators necessary for its reproduction. • Rare Blooms: Rafflesia flowers are rare and bloom infrequently. Each bloom lasts only a few days before wilting, making sightings of this flower quite special. • Habitat: Rafflesia grows in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia, particularly in the states of Sabah and Sarawak. It relies on specific host vines for nourishment, as it does not have leaves or stems of its own. • Conservation Status: Many Rafflesia species are endangered due to habitat loss and deforestation. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving this unique part of Malaysia’s biodiversity. As we celebrate Merdeka Month, let’s honor the Rafflesia as a symbol of Malaysia’s rich natural heritage and commitment to preserving its extraordinary biodiversity. Saya Anak Malaysia 🇲🇾 Malaysia Boleh 💪🏽 🔔 Let’s connect, PRAVENA K, for more on Virtual Assistance, Personal Branding, and Leadership! #Rafflesia #GiantFlower #NaturalWonder #ProudMalaysian #MalaysiaMADANIJiwaMerdeka

Why on earth build an office far from the road, surrounded by fields? For me, it was in part practical. I wanted to remain in sight of some of the challenges we're trying to overcome. Farmers within 50m of our desks still burn their fields, and use copious amounts of fertiliser and pesticide - degrading the soil and the biodiversity their crops depend on. They struggle with low yields, damaging rainstorms, commodity price fluctuations, pests, and water shortages and a hundred other things they have little to no control over. Farmers are constantly weighing their options, trying to guess the future based on past performance, but struggling to do so in a world where the economic and climate numbers make little sense. Here in the fields also are clues of some of the wider challenges. Irrigation ditches are often clogged with discarded plastic (most often single use plastics from food and water bottles) that ultimately end up on Indonesia's reefs and beaches, while not far away, urban development is inexorably, plot by plot, converting the remaining patches of forests on the island into housing developments and villas, financed by the wealthy for quick profits. But perhaps most importantly, here too are the early signs of a revolt - small but purposeful steps towards less damaging and more restorative ways of doing things. Farmers moving towards regenerative models of producing rice, that can slowly release them from the need to spend vast sums on chemical inputs, village level recycling and repurposing schemes, biogas digesters, and Miyawaki forests, and black soldier fly composting schemes, and biochar and many more ideas being piloted and practiced within walking distance of our door (we don't actually have a door)... Underpinning all of this perhaps is a felt sense, particularly real on an island that is bending under the strain of rampant tourism, that we've stepped out of balance with nature. Bali remains deeply spiritual, and this particularly beautiful brand of spirituality is intrinsically connected to nature at its core. During our opening melaspas ceremony recently, captured in the video below, I was again reminded of the value of Bali's traditional knowledge systems and spiritual beliefs, and the power of our cultural systems in general, as a force for innovation, reinvention and restoration. These systems deserve more than just respect - they also have a lot to teach us about how to find new pathways forward. For this reason, as well as many others, we're extraordinarily fortunate to be the temporary stewards of the little corner of Bali that terratai now calls home...

Cities are often heat islands – but they don't have to be. Green cities, with lots of trees, parcs, green roofs and fronts are not only cooler, they also manage water better, are safer and benefit our physical and mental health. 🌳 🔍 Take a closer look Zabok, Croatia, one of our signatory cities that has successfully implemented a tree-planting project through our Policy Support Facility. Faced with extreme heat and droughts, the city has strategically planted trees along bike paths and urban spaces. Thanks to these efforts, Zabok has protected its urban areas from excessive heat, thus fostering urban biodiversity. Find out more in our PSF Final Report 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eibagZ2n As Zabok, it's time to make your city greener, for your wellbeing and #ForOurPlanet 🌿

The rice terraces in the western Yunnan province of China are a beautiful example of ancient agricultural engineering and cultural heritage. This sustainable farming method has been practised in China for nearly 1,500 years and covers some 20,000 hectares of land. Carved into the steep slopes of the Ailao Mountains, these terraces form intricate patterns that cascade down the hillsides like giant staircases. During the growing season, the terraces are transformed into a patchwork of vibrant green rice paddies, creating a picturesque landscape that attracts visitors from around the world. ANCIENT FARMING TRADITIONS The terraces have been cultivated by the Hani ethnic minority for more than a thousand years. The Hani, also known in some regions as the Akha people, is one of the many ethnic groups that inhabit the mountainous regions of southwestern China. This ancient farming tradition, passed down from generation to generation, reflects the ingenuity and resilience of the Hani people in adapting to the mountainous terrain of the region. The terraces are a testament to their intimate knowledge of the land and their sustainable agricultural practices. The shaping of the landscape to create flat, level terraces is a remarkable feat of engineering. The Hani use a sophisticated system of irrigation methods to control the flow of water from the mountain streams to the rice paddies below. This ingenious system allows them to cultivate rice at high altitudes where traditional farming methods would be impractical. As with many indigenous people around the world, the Hani have a deep spiritual connection to the land and consider the terraces to be sacred. They celebrate their connection to the land through traditional festivals, rituals, and ceremonies that pay homage to the rice terraces and the bounty they provide. TOURISM The rice terraces of western Yunnan have become popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors who come to admire the scenery, learn about the Hani culture, and experience the rural way of life. Several villages in the region, such as Yuanyang and Longshuba, offer accommodations, restaurants, and cultural performances for visitors to enjoy. Every destination has a story… #exploretheworld #travel #tourism #sustainability Photo: 'Rice Terraces 3ab, Western Yunnan Province, China, 2012' - from BURTYNSKY Extraction / Abstraction Exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, London.

🌍 Celebrating International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies: Breathe Fresh, Explore More! 🌿 Today (7th September), the world unites to celebrate the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, which is designated by the United Nations General Assembly. It is a reminder of the precious resource we all depend on – clean air – and the importance of protecting it for future generations. At YESD Travel - Authentic Vietnam, we are passionate about sustainable travel, and some beautiful regions to experience fresh air and breathtaking views can be mentioned such as Ha Giang and Pu Luong. In Ha Giang, the air quality is currently exellent – perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, motorbiking, and immersing yourself in stunning natural beauty. Pu Luong is also renowned for its clean, fresh air, thanks to its remote location and lush greenery. But while these regions enjoy clean, pristine air, some urban cities face a different reality. In Hanoi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) often reaches “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or worse. Recently, the AQI hit 103, meaning children, older adults, and those with respiratory issues face health risks. Similarly, Ho Chi Minh City also struggles with pollution, with AQI levels frequently classified as “Moderate” to "Unhealthy". 🚦 It is clear that protecting clean air isn’t just vital for Ha Giang and Pu Luong but also for cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. At YESD, we are committed to sustainable tourism that promotes environmental responsibility and reduces pollution everywhere. Join us in celebrating clean air and take action today – for both the mountains and the cities. Together, we can protect the environment and preserve the air we breathe. Let’s breathe easy and protect the air we all share—today and for future generations. 🌿 #YESDVietnam #InternationalDayofCleanAirforBlueSkies #HaGiang #Puluong #Vietnam #SustainableTourism _____________________________________ YESD SOCIAL ENTERPRISE ☎️ +84 903 493 391 💌 info@yesd.org 🌐 yesd.org

Why Bumthang Valley is often referred to as the "Switzerland of Bhutan"? Alpine Landscape: Bumthang's lush valleys, rolling green hills, and picturesque landscapes resemble the idyllic scenery found in Switzerland. Forests and Pastures: The valley is characterized by its dense forests, meadows, and grazing lands, which are reminiscent of the Swiss countryside. Temperate Climate: Bumthang enjoys a cool, temperate climate similar to many parts of Switzerland. The pleasant weather contributes to its comparison with the Swiss climate. Farming Practices: The valley is known for its productive agricultural land, which is used for growing crops like buckwheat and apples, and for dairy farming. This mirrors the agricultural practices found in Switzerland, known for its fertile land and dairy production. Charming Villages: The traditional Bhutanese houses in Bumthang, with their unique architecture and neatly maintained appearance, give the valley a quaint, village-like charm that is often associated with Swiss villages. Attractive Destination: Like Switzerland, Bumthang is a major tourist destination known for its scenic treks, historical sites, and cultural richness. The well-preserved natural environment and the hospitality of the local people enhance its appeal as a destination akin to Switzerland. The combination of these factors contributes to Bumthang Valley being affectionately termed the "Switzerland of Bhutan." Asia Valleys Tours & Travels - "The Best, Trusted, Reliable, Professional and Certified Travel Company in Bhutan" #bumthang #bumthangvalley #asiavalleystravels #Bhutan #bhutan #bhutanese #bhutan🇧🇹 #bhutantravel #bhutandiaries #bhutantrip #bhutantravel #bhutantourism

Though often hailed as a bustling metropolis, Singapore is also one of the greenest cities in the world. We have created a network of infrastructure that allows our diverse flora and fauna to traverse the urban landscape. Wildlife, in particular, benefit from the ecological connectivity that NParks has worked to enhance over the years. A comprehensive blueprint of island-wide animal crossings has been developed to allow animals to safely move from one green space to the next. More information on ecological connectivity: https://go.gov.sg/yt-ne-ec With various Nature Ways lining our streets and through ecological bridges (like Eco-Link@BKE), aerial rope bridges, culverts, and colugo poles, these initiatives aid in creating a conducive environment where nature and wildlife can continue to thrive. Read more on Eco-Link@BKE here: https://go.gov.sg/ecolink Currently, there are 49 nature ways in Singapore, and they stretch 190 km in total. As part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to transform Singapore into a City in Nature, we aim to make every road a Nature Way. For more information on Nature Ways: https://lnkd.in/eEKuTJ4G #NParks #NParksBuzz #CityInNature #CityInNatureSG #EcologicalConnectivity