environment news
Environment news articles from the responsible tourism industry, including eco accreditation schemes, water resources, and tourism in protected environments.
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Maplecroft climate change list, where is at risk?
 A new Climate Change Risk report has named Somalia, Haiti, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone the most vulnerable places to climate change. Norway, Finland, Japan, Canada and New Zealand were named the countries best placed to weather the effects of climate change, while Africa hosts 22 of 28 countries at extreme risk.
Read more about the Maplecroft climate change list, where is at risk? |
2009 Trends Report: Tourists Go Responsibly
The 2009 Thomson and First Choice Trends Report has revealed that over half of British tourists prefer to book holidays through companies that display green business practices. Six out of ten people said they would opt to use travel agents and tour operators that show responsible company ethics such as employing local people, sourcing local produce and using energy-efficient accommodation.
Read more about the 2009 Trends Report: Tourists Go Responsibly |
Green Waves - How to Surf Responsibly
 There is a misconception that surfing is a nature loving, eco-friendly past time. Although surfers are nature lovers and have a great appreciation for the beaches and our ocean’s; the sport does have a negative impact on the environment.
Read more about Green Waves & How to Surf Responsibly |
Eco Architects: Trail blazing pioneers event
 This double bill at The Lexi Cinema features Daren Howarth talking about his experience in building the Brittany Groundhouse and the screening of the documentary film Garbage Warrior featuring eco architect Michael Reynolds. Daren Howarth and Adi Nortje are architectural pioneers based in Brittany, France. Their Brittany Groundhouse, which they themselves designed and built, was recently featured in the Channel 4 television series Grand Designs.
Read more about Eco Architects: Trail blazing pioneers event |
Sustainable tourism in Tanzania: The Selous Project
 In the southern part of Tanzania lies 300,000 acres of wilderness conserved and preserved by a new and exciting initiative; The Selous Project. Set within the Selous Game Reserve, the project combines conservation and luxurious travel, bringing sustainable tourism to a new level. It has been developed to move away from hunting safaris and attract tourists in a non-consumptive way that is beneficial to communities and the environment.
Read more about Sustainable tourism in Tanzania: The Selous Project |
New Zealand Government proposing to open up Ecology Walk to bikes
 The new, New Zealand Government is looking for new tourism ventures to see this country through the current recession. One initiative being looked at, is building a national cycle way throughout the country. In essence this may be a good idea, but one area being looked into is the Heaphy Track. This is a narrow and steep trail, in places, and approximately 80 kilometres, which traverses Kahurangi National Park. It is known as the ‘Ecology’ walk of the country.
Read more about New Zealand Government proposing to open up Ecology Walk to bikes |
The wilderness on our doorstep
 Majestic cataracts, steep mountain ranges, brown bears, wolf packs and sweeping forests as far as the eye can see. “You don’t have to travel far to immerse yourself in breathtaking wilderness”, says Zoltan Kun, director of the PAN Parks Foundation. With the goal of preserving Europe’s last wilderness gems, PAN Parks combines nature conservation with responsible travel. A report about this unusual “marriage”.
Read more about The Wilderness on our doorstep |
Experience Madagascar 2009
 Two new trips to Madagascar are set to play an important role in preserving and enhancing the island’s woodland resources.For the duration of each of the trips - organised by adventure travel specialists Pioneer Expeditions - the equivalent of one tree per person per day will be planted in a partnership with the operator’s agents in Madagascar and a local NGO. A similar scheme in 2008 made a significant contribution to the reforestation process, raising funds for the planting of 230,000 trees.
Read more about Experiencing Madagascar 2009 and helping an ambitious re-forestation programme |
The Future of Tourism
 Every day at responsibletravel.com, we talk to tourists and people within the tourism industry who are passionate about travel. They recognise the benefits that responsible tourism can bring to destinations, in terms of employment and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
Read more about the Future of Tourism |
Snowdonia awards its eco-friendly
This year’s winners of the Green Snowdonia Tourism Awards have been announced. With a prize fund totalling £2,000 the ceremony was held to reward and recognise businesses that are taking steps to reduce their impact on the environment.
Read more on the Green Snowdonia Tourism Awards
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New Zealand government funds sustainable tourism
New Zealand’s government has invested more than £300,000 in a nationwide project to help reduce the environmental impact of tourism. The Sustainable Tourism Advisers in Regions (STAR) Project will aid in the funding of advisors who will work alongside local tourism operators to help improve their ecological sustainability. The scheme is a direct outcome of New Zealand’s Tourism Strategy 2015.
Read more on this New Zealand sustainable tourism funding
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Locals save their own coral reefs
Non-profit organisation The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) has implemented an educational programme intended to save the world’s coral. CORAL’s Reef Leadership Network is aimed at training a selection of volunteers from local tour operators and marine parks about coral reef conservation, resource management and sustainable tourism practices.
Read more on local action to save coral reefs
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Australia expands its natural appeal
The ‘Green Cauldron’ has been added to Australia’s list of ecologically diverse destinations. The list or National Landscapes Programme is an incentive run by the federal, state and local governments and Tourism Australia aiming to promote places like Kakadu, the Red Centre, the Great Ocean Road and the Australian Alps as must-see natural attractions.
Read more on Australia expands its natural appeal
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Ethical travel destinations
The developing world's 10 best ethical destinations for 2008. During the past few years, the term "ethical travel" has entered the globe-trotter's lexicon. Ethical travel is simply mindful travel: an awareness of our impact as we explore the world. Travel is now the biggest industry on Earth but which countries should we visit? Where do we spend our money once we get there?
Read more on ethical travel destinations
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EU ecolabel for accommodation providers
The EU Ecolabel is a European standard awarded to manufacturing companies and accommodation providers for sustainable practices and environmental awareness in their businesses. There are 84 criteria in total, 37 of which are mandatory and the remainder, which are optional. This makes it easier for applicants to use measures already in place.
Read more on EU ecolabel for accommodation providers
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Tourism and water
One of the biggest issues facing humankind is how we live within the limited natural resources of our planet. While oil, food supply and climate change have dominated the headlines in recent weeks we forget about water at our peril. Access to fresh water lies at the heart of our ability to live sustainable lives and water should be central to any discussions about sustainability, food and coping with global warming.
Read more on tourism and water
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Tourism in the Galapagos Islands
Located roughly 1000 miles West of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are famed for being a prime location for viewing wildlife in an environment which has been largely undisturbed by human development. Unfortunately the popularity of this wildlife haven threatens to be its downfall, with increasing visitor numbers and conflicting interests between the conservationists, the fishing industry and an increasingly mobile domestic and international tourist market.
Read more on tourism in the Galapagos Islands
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