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10 places which show how Zambia Is eco-amazing

 Diego Delso When it comes to safaris and ecotourism, Zambia often takes a back seat to the likes of Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania. But this large country in south-central Africa is positively packed with eco treasures, and its marquis attraction is one of the planet´s most spectacular waterfalls, Victoria Falls, which it shares with Zimbabwe. In addition, there are some 20 teeming nature reserves which offer as rewarding an eco-experience as any of Zambia´s neighbors – arguably even more so,…

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7 ecotourism stars of Honduras

  HermésLeonelVega Though Costa Rica is Central America´s (and perhaps all of Latin America´s) premier star when it comes to ecotourism, there´s also an undersung but incredibly rich trove of eco treasures to be explored next door in Honduras, with lush rainforests and stunning coastlines, among other things. On the marine side – exploring the richness of the world´s second largest coral reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the islands of Roatán and Utila are better known. But here are a…

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Ecotourism in '10 of the Coolest Experiences You Can Have in Vietnam´

This scintillating southeast Asian country is renowned for its many historic temples, colonial architecture, geological wonders, fine beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine, but Vietnam also offers plenty of cool experiences - some of which are unusual, and several of which you can´t even have elsewhere. Despite years of colonialism, then war, then modernisation, there remain parts of Vietnam which remains relatively authentic, where locals make great efforts to preserve many traditions and…

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The Jewel in Puerto Rico's Eco Crown: El Yunque Rainforest

 Javier_Art_Photography The "Isle of Enchantment" offers an amazingly diverse menu of options to visitors, in capital San Juan and well beyond - history and culture, for sure, but also tasty eating, drinking, and beaching, along with memorable partying and much much more. But one side of Puerto Rico you should definitely not miss is its wealth of eco opportunities, from glowing "bioluminescent" bays to spectacular waterfalls, and most especially a large swath about an hour's drive from San…

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  • Actually the whole debate about standards and certification is a huge debate. Everybody realizes that it is good business to appear green, these days. What that actually means can be hugely different from one country to the next, depending on what sort of facilities are available. Some countries just have no facilities to recycle. The best practice is for the client to be responsible and take certain items, like plastics and spent batteries back home where they can be recycled properly. Small scale operations always have less of an impact than large operations, but then again, small groups are better than all private since resources such as transportation and fuel are shared. Involvement of local people is good, but better still if those local people are directly involved in the running of an operation and don't just work for some foreign operator. That does not always work - some people, especially tribal people have zero idea about the tourism industry and need training before they can take responsibility. Personally I donÄt think there is a hard and fast standard that can be applied to each and every situation everywhere. Each has to be evaluation in terms of its environment and what is actually possible. The green at heart will always find a way to make their operations as sustainable as possible because it is part of their nature, while those who do it for marketing purposes may comply to some degree, but also may try to find ways to cheat the system. Certification standards primarily act as marketing tools. Who is watching the watchdogs?
  • Bright green greetings to ALL-Do any of you know anything about the rating systems for eco-friendly or green hotels in the USA? (There seems to be a lot of info on everywhere but the USA.) I am headed to New England in May and I will be hitting all the states there looking for "sacred sites" from the pre-colonial times. (Think Mt. Katahdin in Maine and America’s Stonehenge in New Hampshire as examples.) I would like to evaluate green and eco-friendly hotels and dining in the New England area while I am out and add this into the overall report that I will be publishing on my column at Examiner.com on a daily basis while on the road. When I get back, I will be doing a feature on “Green New England” for magazine publication. I have one assignment from CIRCLE Magazine, but I want to go mainstream with this as well. I am in the process of putting together a book on the Sacred Sites of the USA and would like to do more wit green and eco-friendly travel. What recommendations do you have for eco-friendly places to stay in New England? Is there a rating system for hotels? Restaurants? Any guides already published which you could recommend? Thank you so much in advance if you have ideas. If you are a part of a hotel or site that would like to be evaluated, then also please let me know ASAP. I am preparing my May travel itinerary and it is starting to fill up already. You can email me privately at Branwenn@aol.com
  • Hi John,

    I can talk about what I know well: Eco friendly hotels. Since Green is the in thing nowadays, some hotels or tour operators used the word Eco without really caring and truly being green so I understand that it can be hard for the travelers to know what is truly eco friendly. That's the main reason I created my website: www.best-ecolodges.com .

    What you need to look for in a ecolodge or green hotel is the following:
    Is the hotel energy efficient ? example use of solar or wind power?
    Do they protect the environment – its flora, fauna and landscape?
    example Organic gardening practices? Recycle?
    Do they Conserve natural resources?
    example collect rain water and recycled water?
    Do they Support, respect and benefit local culture and economy?
    example, do they provide jobs to local or indigenous populations? Do they participate in ecological projects?

    And the list goes on, for more info look at http://www.best-ecolodges.com/about_us.htm

    They are some eco certifications out there but sadly I find they are often biased or "corrupted", some of them you just need to pay some money to get certified...

    I hope that helps!

    Btw: I also buy 100% recycled toilet paper, even small things can make a big difference in preserving our environment :-)

    Eve
  • What a great post, Marco!! Also love the picture. Wish I could get on a horse right now!

    One question for the group as a whole: I'm a pretty eco-conscious guy, I buy recycled toilet paper, the whole nine yards. Seems to me there are so many outfits out there selling eco-tourism, but what is eco-tourism? How do we really know how eco friendly any particular outfit is? is there any kind of "Good Housekeeping" seal of approval for eco-toursim, so the consumer can know they're going with a company that really cares about the environment?

    Would love to hear from you all!
  • HORSEBACK RIDING TOURS

    Get immersed and experience the essence of life, culture and nature in Italy. The tours target active travelers that want something out of the ordinary, an experience of authentic discovery and learning through Eco-sustainable Tours and Activities that sets a visit to Italy apart from other destinations. A farmer's apprentice, an expert in wine, a Traditional musician, home hosted lunches , cooking classes, horse-ride tours, hiking- you get the idea! Experience Italy like never before with an innovative series of Experiential and Eco-friendly Horseback Riding Tours that encourage visitors to discover and explore our beautiful country with no impact on the preserved natural and archeological environment while doing it.
    Let us e take you on a search for beautiful little churches, silent abandoned medieval cities, natural parks, Etruscan necropolis preserved in the intact landscapes, deserted monasteries and castle ruin, around volcanic lakes. The trails are often the same our ancient ancestors have covered over the last 3000 years.
    Enjoy the open air of the Etruscan countryside. No experience in riding is necessary. Travel on horseback leads to a deep discovery of our landscapes, historical background and people.. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a knight for a day!
    Whether at a walk, a trot or a gallop - there's nothing like a tour of Italy's Etruscan region like that atop the saddle of fine Italian horse. After all, the region has boasted an equestrian heritage since the Etruscan and the Roman times.
    Few Samples:
    Volcanic Lakes Natural Park horse-ride Tour. Lake Bracciano and Lake Martignano are two different volcanic lakes separated by a hill. Lake Bracciano has three villages and is inhabitated, Lake Martignano is smaller but its natural beauty is superior (intact, no houses, no cars). The tour will include panoramic views over the two lakes from the hilltop and a horse-ride along the beach of Lake Martignano
    Monterano Natural and Archeological horse-tour. The tour consist in a ride inside a natural park formed by a forest, Etruscan tombs, little volcanic effect in its river, an Etruscan road cut into the Tufa stone, an abandoned Medieval village on a hilltop, deserted monasteries and castle ruin with a magnificent monument, in the middle of meadows and nature, recalling Bernini, the baroque master of Rome..
    Of course, all that fresh air and sunshine makes for a hearty appetite, and the best horseback riding tours will also include plenty of opportunity to sample the regions most famous wines and regional disshes:
    Join a Home-hosted Meals with an Italian family in their farm and taste the flavors of authentic Italian home-made and fresh food which is produced right there directly by the family. Meet your hosts, warm and personable people with wonderful energy, and their innate ability to make you feel at home. They will proudly show you their private farm and olive garden before enjoying an informal family-style lunch in the panoramic terrace or inside the house.
    Try our Cooking Classes in the country kitchen of a beautiful countryside farm-house or in a private villa, in the gorgeous rolling and green hills of Rome. During 2 hours hands-on cooking lesson you will learn classic Italian cooking from a local women who will reveal you family recipes that have been passed-on through generations. These recipes are all true home cooking, and everything is done by hand. Get the apron on and go wrist-deep in dough as we explore the art of cooking in the Italian countryside. We savor the fruits of our labor during a festive lunch.
    Enjoy a typical Italian Musical aperitive with fresh and healthy Mediterranean food during accompanied by the sound of traditional Italian music played by an exclusive private musician in breath-taking spots.
    Expand your discoveries with optional experiences that can be added and customized to any tour.
    Pontuali.com has a host of innovative Experiential Activities that will excite the most discerning traveler!

    For more details, visit www.pontuali.com/marco
  • Hi Annika -- I just started working with Nature Air (www.natureair.com) in Costa Rica this year, and was recently contacted by Rob from the Green Living Project because you guys will be doing a profile on our Carbon Neutral airline. I've been working in the region for a long time, so I would be more than happy to send on some general information in advance to help you prepare. I'm sure you'll have a great time while you're here. Write back if you have any questions!

    Claire
  • Check out our new blog post on West Africa Discovery being accepted as a member of the International Coalition for Responsible Tourism. Follow this link - http://wadiscovery.blogspot.com/
    West Africa Discovery
    West Africa Discovery is a web portal aiming to raise awareness towards the ever so beautiful region of West Africa, and to share unique, unforgettab…
  • Bonaire is a great Eco destination !!

  • Gecko Villa in rural Northeast Thailand was established as a sustainable tourism initiative in the heartlands of the countryside of "Isaan", to promote responsible travel and prevent economic migration from breaking up families in the local village.
    The property has been running for nearly ten years and enjoys numerous repeat guests, underlining the fact that a responsible holiday can be an enjoyable one. Gecko Villa offers fully catered stays of two nights or more at this private pool villa and encourages guests to interact with the locals, via the Thai host family that welcomes them.
    Details of activities undertaken at the property may be seen at this Thai villa's blog.
  • "Green" wineries rising, as per AP:

    Red, white or green? Calif. wine choices expand
    1/13/10
    By TRACIE CONE
    Associated Press Writer

    "FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- Consumers of California wine easily can tell a red cabernet from a white chardonnay, and soon they will have a tool to determine whether it's green.

    Winemakers and grape growers who forgo pesticides, sow cover crops, reduce waste and energy consumption, provide workers health insurance, and are mindful of their non-farming neighbors will be able to distinguish themselves as certifiably sustainable under a new third-party audit system announced Wednesday by the Wine Institute, a public policy advocacy group."

    Full article.
    http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GREEN_WINE?SITE=TNMEM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
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