"If you can't bin it, bag it"
A beautiful campaign thoughtfully designed to change behaviour around rubbish disposal in Fiji. Be more like Kasikasi the hermit crab and take your trash with you in a bag when there are no bins in sight. Together, we can all keep Fiji clean.
👏 🇫🇯 SrishtiBrentAnaseiniAshwina
🌟 Discover the Majestic Hornbill: A Symbol of Malaysia and Sarawak! 🦅
Did you know that the hornbill bird holds a special significance in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak? These magnificent birds are not only a breathtaking sight but also play a crucial role in the cultural heritage and biodiversity of the region. To enhance your experience, consider obtaining relevant insurance protection for your travels and activities.
🦅 A Cultural Icon 🌏
In many indigenous cultures of Malaysia, especially among the Dayak communities in Sarawak, the hornbill is celebrated as a symbol of strength, loyalty, and the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. The hornbill frequently appears in traditional art, folklore, and rituals, representing the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Its striking appearance and unique behaviors make it a cherished emblem of Malaysia's natural heritage.
🌳 A Biodiversity Treasure 🦜
Hornbills play a vital role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers, contributing to the health of forests. Their presence signifies a thriving environment, making them an essential part of Malaysia's rich biodiversity. Observing these incredible birds in their natural habitat serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect our wildlife and ecosystems.
🏞️ Experience Hornbills Up Close at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park 🌿
If you're eager to see these magnificent creatures up close, visit the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park! As one of the largest free-flight aviaries in the world, the park provides a unique opportunity to observe hornbills and many other exotic birds in a lush, natural setting. It’s an ideal outing for nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in Malaysia's avian wonders.
Let’s celebrate the beauty and significance of the hornbill in Malaysia and Sarawak! Have you had the chance to see these incredible birds in person? Ensure your travel insurance covers cultural excursions to protect your investment in these enriching experiences. Be sure to check if your travel insurance includes coverage for any potential accidents or incidents during your visit. Consider wildlife insurance if you plan to engage in activities that involve close encounters with nature.
#Hornbill#Malaysia#Sarawak#Birds#Conservation#KualaLumpur#BirdPark#Nature#CulturalHeritage#ExploreMalaysia#TravelInsurance
The presence of active fishing boats in local harbors is a boon for Danish tourism, according to a research study from the University of Copenhagen. Indeed, the value of Denmark's commercial fishery shouldn't just be measured by its catch, but by its amenity value and the indirect income it nets local communities as well. The researchers believe that their study calls for a fine-tuning of legislation with regards to who is allowed to own fishing quotas.
#travel#tourism
Green Tracks, Sustainability in Tourism: Sustainability and environmental consciousness are critical to people’s lives and well-being.
However, for businesses, they provide an opportunity to drive transformation and innovation.
As tourism booms, the industry faces the challenge of balancing growth with self-sufficiency.
Here’s how Namibia is paving the way for a greener future, one innovative step at a time:
Namibia is commitment to conservation is enshrined in the constitution, making it the first country in Africa to do so.
Additionally, this is evident in its extensive network of national parks and conservancies.
The Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, is home to a host of species, including endangered species.
This park, along with others, like the Namib-Naukluft Park and Skeleton Coast Park, plays a crucial role in protecting Namibia’s biodiversity.
Other initiatives include the Namibian Coast Conservation and Management (NAcoma) project, which focuses on preserving the unique coastal biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, the Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) programme empowers communities to manage their natural resources sustainably, fostering both conservation and economic benefits.
Projects like the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and the N/a’an ku sê Foundation have also been pivotal, combining wildlife research, habitat restoration, and community education to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and ensure the survival of endangered species.
Filled up … The innovative technique used to build Etosha King Nehale and The Desert Grace.
Community Involvement and Benefits
Sustainability in Namibian tourism extends beyond environmental conservation to include significant community involvement.
Community-based tourism projects, such as those in the Zambezi region through living museums, empower local communities by providing them with ownership and management roles.
This approach not only creates jobs, but also fosters a sense of pride and responsibility towards conservation.
The success of Namibia’s communal conservancies, where local communities manage and benefit directly from wildlife resources, is proof of the yielding power of this model.
According to the annual State of Community Conservation (SOCC) report, a joint publication from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFC) and the Namibian Association of Support Organisations (NACSO), these conservancies cover nearly 40% of the country and have significantly improved livelihoods while ensuring sustainable wildlife management.
Eco-friendly Practices
From sustainable lodges and camps, such as those operated by Gondwana Collection Namibia, properties like The Desert Grace and Etosha King Nehale were developed utilising an innovative environmentally friendly construction technology.
The main buildings were…
Nowadays, people consume unconsciously, without appreciating the abundance of resources or considering the consequences of exploiting nature unethically.
In most Third World countries, in fact there is zero water waste treatment despite regulations, so all the chemicals used in bathrooms and kitchens go straight into rivers and oceans, destroying marine life and coral reefs.
This causes species death and, as a consequence, the risk of resource shortages at some point. Experts project fishless oceans by 2050.
Waters pollution is alarming to marine life & supply chain balance, not to mention whale hunting and overfishing. Do you consume and pollute mindfully? Do you care at all about this issue? Did you know about all this? - most people prefer to live with their eyes closed, without giving back to nature, and just consume. What do you do to give back to nature each day?
NOT a good day to be a fin whale 😪 🐋
Iceland confirms fin whaling can go ahead this year and gives quota of 128 whales .. AND Japan confirms it will add 69 fin whales to its kill list on top of the minke, sei and Bryde's whales it already hunts.
It's like a whaling time warp.
Commercial whaling is inherently cruel and economically bankrupt.
The Icelandic government's decision to allow the needless slaughter of fin whales to continue puts Iceland’s reputation in jeopardy and threatens the ecotourism industry in this unique country. Last year, all whaling was suspended on cruelty grounds and the last whaling company, Hvalur hf, was given a chance to clean up its act. Yet the latest studies show they’ve failed to do so. There is clearly no way to kill a whale at sea without inflicting unthinkable cruelty.
Meanwhile, Iceland is a place where whales are being enjoyed through responsible whale watching, an ecotourism industry richly benefiting Icelanders and hundreds of coastal communities worldwide, including also in Japan.
Japanese taxpayers continue to foot the bill of their government's folly, with the bankrupt whaling industry only kept afloat by government subsidies, now also to hunt fin whales, while government freezers sit full of fin whale meat previously imported from Iceland.
You couldn't make up the absurdity of it all. The unfathomable in pursuit of the inedible.
ifaw will continue to work with committed leaders in Iceland, and beyond, to secure a permanent end to whaling.
Protecting Hikkaduwa’s Gentle Giants:
A Call for Responsible Tourism
Hikkaduwa’s Turtle Bay is one of Sri Lanka’s natural treasures, offering a glimpse of marine life that captures the hearts of both locals and visitors. However, the treatment of these magnificent creatures has recently come under scrutiny, with reports of tourists stressing turtles by blocking their paths, holding them up for photos, and even screaming and jumping in their presence. This kind of behavior not only harms the turtles but also jeopardizes the delicate balance of our marine ecosystem.
As Sri Lankans, we take immense pride in sharing the beauty of our country’s wildlife with the world. However, this privilege comes with the responsibility to ensure that these treasures are protected for future generations. It is deeply disheartening to hear of incidents where the very creatures that symbolize our island’s natural beauty are subjected to distress due to ignorance and lack of awareness.
The Role of Stakeholders in Promoting Conservation
Tourism stakeholders, including hotels and local businesses, have a vital role in promoting ethical tourism and conservation. Properties such as those belonging to the Cinnamon Hotels group could play a significant role by educating their guests and visitors about responsible wildlife interactions. Signage, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with conservation organizations can go a long way in creating a culture of respect for nature.
The Need for Better Awareness
Most tourists are unaware of the harm caused by their actions. Holding a turtle out of the water for a photo or blocking its path may seem harmless, but these actions can stress the animals, making them more vulnerable to illness and even reducing their chances of survival. Education is the key to changing behavior. Initiatives such as guided tours with marine experts or information boards at key locations could help bridge the knowledge gap.
Collaborating for Change
Conservation is a collective effort. Government bodies, NGOs, hotels, and tour operators must come together to establish clear guidelines for wildlife interaction. Enforcement of these guidelines, along with consistent awareness campaigns, can ensure that tourism supports conservation rather than harming it.
A Personal Commitment
As an advocate for sustainability and conservation, I am committed to reaching out to relevant stakeholders to advocate for stronger protective measures for Hikkaduwa’s turtles. Your voices, like those of concerned visitors, are instrumental in driving change. Together, we can ensure that Sri Lanka remains a haven for its wildlife while continuing to share its beauty responsibly with the world.
Let’s work toward a future where our turtles thrive in peace, free from harm, and serve as a lasting symbol of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
#Conservation#HikkaduwaTurtles#ResponsibleTourism#SriLanka#WildlifeProtection#Sustainability#MarineEcosystem
UNCONTROLLABLE TOURISM !! & DESTRUCTIVE IMPACT
IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN ??
Uncontrollable tourism can lead to significant environmental, social, and economic issues. Here’s a structured approach to address and mitigate the destructive impacts of excessive tourism:
Identify Affected Areas: Determine the locations and communities most impacted by uncontrolled tourism.
Understand the Impacts: Analyze the specific environmental, social, and economic consequences, such as habitat destruction, pollution, cultural erosion, and infrastructure strain.
Set Objectives: Define what successful management of tourism would look like (e.g., sustainable visitor numbers, preserved ecosystems, enhanced local benefits).
*Develop Sustainable Tourism Strategies
*Capacity Limits (Establish and enforce visitor capacity limits for sensitive areas to prevent overuse)
*Zoning and Regulation (Implement zoning laws and regulations to protect critical habitats and cultural sites)
*Sustainable Infrastructure (Invest in eco-friendly infrastructure such as waste management systems, public transportation, and renewable energy sources)
*Visitor Management Systems (To regulate and monitor tourist activities and movements)
*Education and Awareness
*Enforce Laws to protect ecosystem and minimize carbon footprint
*Economic Diversification (Alternative *Livelihoods, Promote local products and services to tourists, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the community)
By taking a comprehensive and inclusive approach, it’s possible to mitigate the negative impacts of uncontrollable tourism and promote sustainable practices that protect natural and cultural resources while benefiting local communities.
Above all "Intention to bring positive change" | "नीयत" सकारात्मक बदलाव लाने का इरादा
#ecosystem#himalayas#rivers#biodiversity#carbonfootprint#sustainabletourism #
Fishing boats in the harbour haul tourists into the hotel - University of Copenhagen (Københavns Universitet): FISHERY AND TOURISM The presence of active fishing boats in local harbours is a boon for Danish tourism, according to a research study from the University of Copenhagen. Indeed, the value of Denmark’s commercial fishery shouldn’t just be measured by its catch, but by its amenity value and the indirect income it nets local communities as well. The researchers believe that their study calls for a fine-tuning of legislation with regards to who is allowed to own fishing quotas.
https://lnkd.in/e-fEnrwf
Rhino Deaths and Water Pollution Cripple Lake Chivero Tourism
John Cassim
Some tourism operators at Lake Chivero, located 30km southwest of Harare, are alarmed by the recent sewer poisoning of the lake's water. Some are even considering relocating their businesses to more suitable environments.
This follows the tragic deaths of four white rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, several goats, cattle and thousands of fish, over the past week. These animals perished after consuming water contaminated with cyanobacteria.
In response to the rhino deaths, the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and its partners have relocated the remaining rhinos. While this move aims to protect the endangered species, it has had a significant negative impact on the tourism sector, as affected operators have disclosed.
"We used to attract visitors who came to see the rhinos and enjoy scenic cruises along the shoreline. Now, the lake is polluted, noisy, and unpleasant. I'm seriously considering relocating my business, as this environment is no longer suitable for conservation and showcasing the beauty of Zimbabwe.
The situation has deteriorated to a point reminiscent of Bangkok," said Gary Stafford, founder and owner of Kuimbashiri, in an interview with ConserveZim.
According to Gary, the rhinos were introduced at the lake in the 1970s as a conservation effort. A few died a few years ago although the cause was never pointed to sewer poisoning.
“We know it's the algae in the water, but nothing was done by the authorities especially City of Harare. We've been talking about the wetlands and without these wetlands, there's absolutely no reason why visitors should come to Chivero now,” Gary added.
“Cyanobacteria is caused by water pollution," ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo was quoted having said by the AFP.
Cyanobacteria is said to be useful for the production of oxygen but can also be harmful to humans and animals. Adverse health effects may range from a mild skin rash to serious illness or in death.
"Meanwhile pollution keeps increasing in Lake Chivero where the Harare city council is depositing raw sewage," Farawo added.
White rhinos are listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature authority as a "near threatened" species, with the population growing after near-extinction in the late 19th century. There are about 10,080 in Africa, it says.
The black rhino is listed as critically endangered, with only around 3,140 remaining in the world.
In the most recent figures from ZimParks, Zimbabwe had just 496 black rhinos and 374 white rhinos in 2017.
Its black rhino population in the 1970s was about 3,500, the largest in the world, according to ZimParks.
The rhinos are important to the Lake Chivero ecosystem, such that each year a “Chivero Rhino Run” is conducted to raise awareness and fund raise for their protection.
September 27th was World Tourism Day!
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave a mark behind, however small. And in return, life - travel - leaves marks on you."
Anthony Bourdain
As humans, we have an innate desire to explore. Travel can be a way to learn through cultural immersion, nature can improve our mental health, and exploration can lead to knowledge and understanding. Here in Whitefish, we are fortunate to live in one of the world's most beautiful natural environments, and with the gift of nature comes the added responsibility of managing tourism to protect and preserve our way of life and our wild spaces.
Over the last 10 years, tourism management has evolved to include managing and strategically building beneficial tourism for our communities rather than simply building visitor numbers. Organizations, like Explore Whitefish, are tasked with managing the effects of short-term rentals, remote workers, travel for selfies, increased air accessibility, and so much more. In fact, our travel environment now includes over 12 billion smartphones and 1.4 billion new global travelers.
As we recognize World Tourism Day, we'd like to thank Explore Whitefish's Board of Directors and our member businesses who have helped fund and steer our work toward stewardship to protect our close-knit community and authenticity.
https://lnkd.in/gizcfS6R
Chief Marketing Officer at Tourism Fiji
5moVinaka team, so proud of this important campaign’