Aivar Ruukel has made quite a name for himself in ecotourism, particularly in his native Estonia, where he grew up in the midst of the country’s largest pristine wilderness: Soomaa. Roughly translated as ‘Land of Bogs,’ the area is now a leading destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

The stunning natural landscape of the Pacific Northwest of the United States is an ideal spawning ground for ecologically minded enterprises. If verdant forests, crystal-clear waterways and statuesque mountains don’t get you thinking about this beautiful planet of ours, it’s doubtful anything will. The region has certainly worked its magic on the eco-conscious folk at Seattle-based EverGreen Escapes.

Thailand is one of the world’s top tourist destinations – often the first port of call for Western travellers in Asia – for good reason. Consider these alternative tour options around Thailand, all able to deliver an experience that is unforgettable and possibly life-changing, not just for you, but for the communities you visit.

Where will you head when the wild calls? Where should we look for tour operators eager to join forces to make a positive impact on their surroundings through community development and environmental conservation projects? For inspiration, we turned to the Adventure Tourism Development Index.

Los Cabos, Mexico, is blessed with an enormous biodiversity, which has earned it several labels, such as The Desert of Eden. This picture was taken on Bahia de Los Sueños (Dream’s Bay), a beach located directly southwest of the city of La Paz in Baja California Sur and known for its solitude, marine wildlife, crystalline waters and white sand.