The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, rescues orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting and the pet trade. Today, it has become Sabah's top nature-based and wildlife tourist destination. Photo courtesy of Flick/whl.travel

We’ve all visited neglected, underfunded and high-traffic tourist parks where wild and endangered animals have become almost tame. Sites such as these, where regulations are inadequately enforced, are unfortunately far too common. Visiting tour groups are frequently too large or too loud, acting in ways that threaten the local wildlife, disrupting delicate ecosystems and occasionally endangering themselves. Too often “ecotourism” is merely a catchphrase used by proprietors more interested in scoring revenue than in minimising the effects of travel and preserving native habitats.

On the sunny flip side of this is well-planned ecotourism, the kind that helps conserve many outdoor and wilderness spaces that may be a last hope for endangered species. Around the world, successful ecotourism programs are helping to spotlight animal conservation, promoting awareness and drawing dollars to the cause. Many such projects deserve far more attention than they get – which is why we should keep talking about them, spreading the word among friends or “liking” them on Facebook.

The best ecotourism initiatives also take a multi-pronged approach to establishing peaceful coexistence between the worlds of humans and beasts. Successful projects have helped two-legged outsiders understand what’s at stake in some of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, and have educated locals and visitors alike about how their actions can help preserve wild animal populations.

Beyond all this, of course, lies economic development. Well-practiced ecotourism brings a wide range of benefits to local communities and serves as a powerful incentive to support the conservation of wildlife. The best models work by linking community development with education and environmental stewardship, creating the right atmosphere for ecotours that protect endangered animals in the wild.

In light of all of this, here are some of our favourite ecotourism and endangered-species conservation programs, courtesy of the WHL Group.

Saving Orphan Orangutans in Sepilok, Northern Borneo, Malaysia

From its headquarters in Malaysian Sabah on the tropical island of Borneo, one local conservation centre has been working hard since 1964 to protect one of mankind’s closest relatives. Here in a local forest reserve is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary and boarding school for around 25 orphan orangutans.

The centre houses young primates caught during logging operations and confiscated from illegal poachers. Working in close collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Orangutan Appeal, the organisation gives the fostered orangutans the training they need to survive in the wild. Babies are given daily meals of milk and bananas and are nurtured through a buddy system, which partners them with older apes. In this way, many youngsters learn skills, including tree-climbing, that are essential for life in the forest.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre can be reached via a 45-minute flight from the city of Kota Kinabalu. At the Centre, a guided walking tour begins with a short informational video. Guests then have the chance to witness a feeding and explore the surrounding forest reserve, home to between 60 and 80 orangutans. All proceeds from the visitors’ entry fees help to run the program.

The magnificent breach of a humpback whale off the Morro de São Paulo coast of Brazil

Protecting the Humpback Whale in Morro de São Paulo, Brazil

Based in the fishing port of Caravelas in the Brazilian state of Bahia, the Instituto Baleia Jubarte works tirelessly to monitor and protect the habitats of humpback whales. The research taking place focuses on whale populations, whale behaviour and human threats to whale conservation. In the legal sphere, the institute has also been instrumental in putting a stop to offshore oil exploration during the humpback whale’s mating season.

One difficulty of studying whales stems from the amount of time they spend completely submerged. When spotted breaching, however, humpbacks put on quite a show. Weighing between 35 and 40 tons, these graceful acrobats nevertheless seem to hang in mid-air.

Humpbacks feed during the summer in polar waters off Antarctica, but when the season turns they migrate north in search of warmer seas in which to breed. From July to October, they are therefore often spotted close to the small village Morro de São Paulo, where a local whale-watching tour is run in partnership with the institute, a portion of the proceeds contributing to whale research. Each tour collects scientific information about the creatures as visitors learn more about whale migration patterns.

The country of Zambia is an important stronghold for the survival of the African lion, especially the 22,400-square-kilometre territory of Kafue National Park. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Liv Unni Sødem

Safeguarding the King of Cats in Countries Throughout Africa

Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the African lion has seen its numbers dwindle fast, plummeting by an estimated 30 percent in the last two decades alone. Some top threats to the cats include defensive killings by humans to protect their livestock, reductions in prey and loss of habitat. In the face of this, nongovernmental organisations across the African continent such as the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) are working to set responsible standards that will help in the conservation of these iconic creatures.

In Zambia, the low density of the human population combined with an immense tract of well-preserved parkland have made it a main refuge for the noble African lion. Roughly twice the size of Belgium, the territory of Kafue National Park plays host to the Kafue Lion Project, which helps to ensure the long-term sustainable management of the area by collecting information on the stability of the park’s lion populations. Such data will eventually be used in the development of a countrywide Lion Management Strategy.

Capitalising on this in a responsible fashion, many tours and experiences in Zambia now allow travellers to observe lions in their habitat. From the city of Livingstone, whl.travel local connection Wildside Tours’ lion encounter tour provides an opportunity for visitors to walk amongst the lions. For a bit more distance, a lion safari drive is a good way to watch lions hunt and play against the stunning backdrop of the nearby Dambwa Forest.

Supporting Snow Leopard Conservation in Nepal

Residing in the alpine regions of Central Asia and mountain ranges of the Himalayas, snow leopards survive in some of the world’s harshest climates. There may only be between 4,500 and 7,500 left in the world, although as solitary and elusive animals, they are famed for being difficult to count. Complicating conservation efforts are the hostile conflicts along the international borders where over a third of the animal’s territory falls.

Nepal is known to have a relatively dense snow leopard population, especially throughout the spectacular Annapurna trekking region. Due to their loss of habitat and the area’s omnipresent livestock, the cats have occasionally preyed upon villagers’ sheep and horses. To help stem the tide of retaliatory killings against snow leopards, organisations such as the WWF (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund) and the Snow Leopard Conservancy work to provide villagers with livestock insurance and other alternative income sources.

One current WWF project focuses on training villagers to set up camera traps that allow for surveying and monitor the cats. This is in additional to helping locals create treks, education initiatives, cultural shows and guided wildlife tours aimed at spotting the elusive snow leopard.

• They’re low-impact buildings that use materials repurposed or found locally, and adhere to sustainable-water and -power practices.
• They’re immersed in beautiful natural areas, which they’re committed to helping preserve, blending in to the surrounding environment, rather than interrupting it.
• They amaze guests with their comfort and elegance, even in the midst of rugged nature.

Inspired, we decided to identify five more great examples of ecolodges all from within the whl.travel network. More than just places to stay, all of these lodges are worth the extra mile it takes to reach them. They just may inspire you to plan a few days of your trip around a memorable ecolodge experience.

Barry's Place on Atauro Island, East Timor. Photo courtesy of www.barrysplaceonatauro.com

Barry’s Place on Atauro Island in East Timor

Atauro is a tiny island in East Timor, located where the East Indian Ocean meets the Arafura Sea. Here, you can plan great Atauro Island adventures like snorkelling the eye-popping coral reef just offshore, renting a bike to cycle around the island, touring by boat to nearby Baucau and even going on guided hiking excursions. For such a small island, options for fun in nature are vast.

We suggest framing your trip to the island around a stay at Barry’s Place. This special lodge boasts an attractive collection of thatch-roofed gazebos and accommodations, all constructed using local materials and labour. You’ll have a choice between sun-drenched cabins right on the beach, bungalows and tent camping.

The #1 reason to stay at Barry’s Place: you can see permaculture in practice, like the re-vegetation of plant species that are endemic to the island.

Click here to book Barry’s Place on Atauro Island.

Monkey Lodge in Panama. Photo courtesy of www.panamacity-hotels.travel

Monkey Lodge in Panama

The whimsical Monkey Lodge sits just outside of Panama City, Panama, near Soberania National Park and Gamboa Lake. It is very reachable from the city, yet far enough away to feel fully immersed in its tropical setting.

The family that operates Monkey Lodge can help you plan awesome ecotours. Join them for a trek on the Camino de Cruces, learn the basics of jungle survival or take a boat trip to nearby Monkey Island, where furry primates are sure to be spotted.

The #1 reason to stay at Monkey Lodge: in-house monkeys Lula, Papaye, and Tita will help host your stay.

Click here to book Monkey Lodge in Panama.

Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort in Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo courtesy of www.luang-prabang-hotels.com

Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort in Luang Prabang, Laos

An eco-chic addition to the Luang Prabang hotel scene, Zan Namkhan is a fusion of deep nature and lush indulgence. Set in the verdant landscape of northern Laos, it is near one all-star attraction: Elephant Village, an ecotourism initiative where visitors can bond with a group of gentle giants who have been saved from the logging industry.

Zen Namkhan itself is stacked with amenities that will make you wish to stay all day and just enjoy. Dine on meals that use ingredients from the organic garden, get a massage or take a yoga or Lao cooking class – all on-site at Zen Namkhan.

The #1 reason to stay at Zen Namkhan: the lagoon-like swimming pool is one of the first eco-friendly pools in Southeast Asia.

Click here to book Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort in Luang Prabang.

Murera Springs Eco Lodge in Kenya. Photo courtesy of www.mountkenyatours-hotels.com

Murera Springs Eco Lodge in Kenya

In Kenya, a newcomer to the ecolodge scene is Murera Springs Eco Lodge, which opened its doors in 2010. Now you can be one of the first to wander around the paths connecting the 15 colourful raised cabins, nestled under a thick tree canopy near Meru National Park.

In an ambiance of thick nature and deep relaxation, many guests opt for a lazy day at the pool and bar, topped off with a cosy campfire at night. Or, they visit a local farm or embark on some prime birdwatching.

The #1 reason to stay at Murera Springs Eco Lodge: they run on 100-percent solar power.

Click here to book Murera Springs Eco Lodge.

Treetop Hotel in Champasak, Laos. Photo courtesy of www.champasak-hotels.com

Treetop Hotel near Champasak, Laos

Brace yourself for the ultimate forest canopy adventure. To reach the Treetop Hotel, you need at least three days just for the journey in Champasak province, where you traverse coffee plantations and wild semi-evergreen forests before reaching the staggering canopy walkway, which passes over a roaring waterfall.

Only then do you harness up for a flight on the zip-line. Because, the private tree houses of Treetop Hotel can only be reached by a short zip-line ride. After a day of thrills and a scrumptious meal of local food at Treetop Hotel’s camp restaurant, you’ll find yourself lulled to sleep by an orchestra of crickets.

The #1 reason to stay at Treetop Hotel: the tree houses have been built with local materials at a lofty 10 metres above the ground.

Click here to book a Treetop Explorer adventure with a stay at the Treetop Hotel.

For volcano enthusiasts, and travelers interested in geology and natural history, Hawai’i is a unique destination offering one-of-a-kind encounters with Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive volcano. At the recommendation of Annette Kaohelaulii of Hawai’i Ecotourism Association, I was fortunate to get to know one of the most reputable local ecotour providers, VolcanoDiscovery Hawai’i – the Hawai’i branch of VolcanoDiscovery, an international company offering customized volcano tours around the world – and to experience the Big Island differently: with an incredible amount of education and an eye-opening insights into the culture and history of the island.

Phil is the manager of VolcanoDiscovery Hawai'i, leading a five-person team of local specialist guides currently operating from an office in his off-grid house.

Local, Personalized and Mind-Blowing

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many destinations around the world, and one thing I’ve learned about myself through traveling is that the type of travel experiences I enjoy most is slow, local and personal. Whether I was backpacking in Europe or market-hopping in Asia, my favorite memories were always about the people from the local areas who shared with me slices of their lives.

Philip Ong, our private tour guide, offered exactly that. In addition to being an extraordinarily knowledgeable volcano specialist and passionate guide, he had the quality of a “local friend” that made the tour memorable beyond what’s included in the package. The eight-hour tour with Phil – focusing on natural and cultural interpretation and taking time to stop to contemplate and to exchange views about tourism in Hawai’i – for me made all of the rest of the days on the island more enjoyable and meaningful.

I’ll admit that, as valuable and educational as Phil’s interpretation was, I did not actually follow everything he said. A lot of scientific details about the volcanoes, which Phil was more than happy to share, repeat and elaborate on as needed, didn’t necessarily register with me (mostly because I was too amazed at the scenery or at Phil’s knowledge to try and digest a lot of information). “If you don’t remember these scientific terms, don’t worry, we’re not going to be testing you,” Phil joked, assuring me that learning in Hawai’i’s natural volcano laboratory is about finding connections with the land – in my own way, at my own pace.

Our tour was planned based on the best way to “tell the stories of past eruptions and build an understanding of how the volcano actually erupts” (from one of pre-trip email exchanges with Phil) and to allow for the opportunity to discuss ecotourism, as well as experiencing the island’s unique wonders.

What struck me most as (to use a volcanic metaphor) mind-blowing was the glimpse into the world view of native Hawaiian islanders before Western contact. The scientific methods used today to record volcanic activities were, obviously, not part of Hawaiian way of life until Western science was introduced to the islands. However, this does not mean that Hawaiians in pre-Western contact periods did not record volcanic activities; they just took a very different approach.

“Instead of measuring the movements of volcanoes, as we do today,” Phil explained, “the native Hawaiians understood and communicated the changes in volcanoes by telling stories about Pele, the mystical goddess of fire, and other volcano and island spirits.” Every incident of volcanic activity in the ancient times was recorded through tales of Pele and her expressions of passion and rage, and her dramatic (to say the least) love life. On the Hawai’i island you will see the legend very much alive, for instance the famous sibling rivalry between Pele and her sister Hi’iaka, the goddess of nature, whose desires are manifested in the eternal cycle of destruction (Pele’s rage) and rebirth (Hi’iaka restoring the forests on the land ravaged by lava and rocks).

While it’s impossible to ‘undo’ the perspectives acquired through education and experience, and I would never truly see the world through the eyes of First Hawaiians, just trying to imagine the creativity and wisdom of a world where story-telling and “making sense” of nature’s drama were one and the same thing was a mesmerizing experience.

One of the skills required for small operators like Phil is to navigate around large tour groups on cruise ship days. Most of these groups, though, tend to spend very little time at each site, simply stopping to take pictures. In comparison, Phil generously allocated time to offer in-depth interpretation and to share stories.

Opening People’s Eyes to Ecotourism

Listening to Phil, I could tell how passionate he is not only about volcanoes, natural history, geology, and Hawaiian culture, but also about the possibilities of opening people’s eyes (and perhaps changing their attitudes) to the importance of protecting this amazing island. “I understand that there’s a need for every type of tourism,” he noted, “and that we fill a specific niche.” On the tourism spectrum on the island, companies like VolcanoDiscovery Hawai’i are on one end of the extreme: very small, very local and very customized. On the other end are the very large, very corporate and very generic mass tours.

Cruise ships, on the mass end of the spectrum, are inevitably a large part of life in Hawai’i, and have profound impact on local businesses. On “cruise ship days” in Hawai’i, parking lots in national parks fill up with tourist buses and sightseeing vans, and foot traffic is much higher at all of the iconic viewpoints and pathways. Our tour day, too, was one of those days and we saw the scene familiar to many: tour bus unloads, people take pictures in front of whatever the iconic sight they’ve come to see, and hurry back to the bus to carry on with their pre-scheduled itinerary.

Phil shared his experience – as one of the ‘little guys’ among the numerous Big Island tour providers. “At first I had a negative view of those passengers who settle for a superficial experience of the island, but I’ve come to realize that these are exactly the people that we need to be working with, if we want to promote ecotourism and effect change.” Unlike someone (like me) who is already ‘sold’ on the idea of a personal, educational and low-impact interpretive tour experience, people who usually choose mass tour experiences will likely have that aha! moment and may be inspired to be a little bit more conscious about their impact – the next time they travel, or at home.

“However small the change may be,” said Phil, “that’s what we try to do, to inspire people to experience Hawai’i differently and to become more conscious about their connection to the Earth and lifestyle in general.”

Pele, fortunately, was breathing very gently and remained calm during our visit. You can feel her ‘breath’ in the air, in the form of warm volcanic steam.

Sustainability of Running a Tourism Business Sustainably

VolcanoDiscovery Hawai’i is one of the 14 companies in Hawai’i that have received the Hawai’i Ecotourism Association’s first-ever green certification program (and among them, one of the three to have achieved the highest GOLD level), recognized for their responsible use of natural and cultural resources, support for conservation and sustainability practices, and efforts to raise awareness among visitors.

Will the certification help Phil’s business? Will it help boost ecotourism in Hawai’i – which in turn would also help small operators like VolcanoDiscovery Hawai’i?

Phil is under no illusion that mass tourism would completely change its nature, nor that the politics in the state’s tourism industry (which tends to favor those with money) would revolutionize to support the ‘little guys’ any time soon. But he is also practically optimistic. By winning support of repeat customers and taking advantage of word-of-mouth referrals, his business is growing (traveler review sites such as TripAdvisor has been a great asset to the business), which shows that there is an increasing demand for local and sustainable tour experience, and that his approach focusing on story-telling and personal connections is winning the hearts of those who experience it.

His challenge now is to convert those travelers into contributors (whether they are volunteering their time, or donating money) supporting conservation. VolcanoDiscovery Hawai’i guides work on native rainforest restoration projects during the off-season, and in order for professionally-trained personal interpretative guides’ jobs to be sustainable year-round, there needs to be a way to fund their off-season work, which in turn will ensure that travelers can continue to experience Hawai’i’s living landscapes without destroying them.

The kind of personal encounter with Pele that I had, I feel, would be the only convincing that’s needed to convert any traveler into a passionate supporter.

Visiting a rainforest is a unique nature experience. During the day, these unique biomes burst with a busy buzz and bright flashes of colour. At night, the air comes alive with the shrieks and calls of the forest’s many nocturnal creatures. Cicadas drone, bats flap beneath the canopy, a monkey howls in the distance.

Amidst all this natural beauty, it’s important to tread lightly. Remember that rainforests today cover just six percent of the earth, yet they are home to an estimated 40 to 75 percent of all the world’s plants and animals, including many still just being discovered. Sadly, despite efforts to protect them, many habitats are continue to be endangered by logging and overdevelopment.

The tropical rainforest habitat is home to between 40 to 75 percent of the world’s plants and animals. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Tatters

Well-planned ecotourism is one key to rainforests’ continued survival. It places value on preservation of nature as a commercial resource. Reputable tour outfits offer employment opportunities for locals as leaders and wildlife guides, enabling them to earn their money through sustainable and environmentally responsible forms of income. Travellers’ passion for traditional culture encourages locals to continue ancient forest-friendly practices.

Before your next escape to the rainforest, do some research in advance. The right tour operator and a great local guide can help you spot wildlife and make the most of any adventure.

Get Up Close to the Real Rainforest in Corcovado, Costa Rica

Away from the crowds of much-visited Monteverde, another sort of park awaits visitors in Costa Rica. National Geographic once labelled Corcovado National Park as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” and you’d be hard pressed to prove them wrong. Accessible via Puerto Jimenez along the Osa Penninsula, the  425-square-kilometre park is one of the last places to spot jaguars in Central America. It is also home to endangered species such as the Baird’s tapir, Harpy eagle, ocelots and more. Staying overnight in the park is strongly recommended, possible in a basic, budget and rustic eco-lodge or one of several ranger stations.

The Bolaven Plateau in the Champasak Province of southern Laos is known for its many scenic waterfalls. Photo courtesy of Miranda Siu

Climb High in the Champasak Province of Laos

Well known for its collection of ancient Khmer ruins, Champasak Province of southern Laos contains a wealth of natural thrills in the form of beautiful jungles and raging waterfalls. Wildlife enthusiasts can try to spot rare and endangered species like yellow-cheeked gibbons, Asian elephants and Irrawaddy dolphins, while other adventures await thrill seekers who head high above the treetops. Two- and three-day zip line treks allow travellers to unleash their inner Tarzan in the canopy of this semi-evergreen forest.

Become Better Acquainted with the Jungle in Borneo

The tropical island of Borneo is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforest. As a nature lover’s paradise, it is also one of the last natural habitats for endangered animals such as the Bornean orangutan, Clouded leopard and several native bat species. Guided trips can be booked from cities such as Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan on the Malaysian side, or Banjarmasin on the Indonesia side.  In addition to being thrilling, night-time jungle treks are probably the best way to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Encounter a City Lost in the Jungles of Colombia

The dense jungles that constitute Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains are the historic domain of the early Tayrona civilisation. Among the ancient chiefdom’s best known archaeological sites is Ciudad Perdida (the “Lost City”), accessible via a six-day guided trek through a dense tropical forest. Hikers depart from Santa Marta, the city along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The trek includes lots of opportunities to learn about the area’s indigenous people – descendants of the Tayrona – and plenty of time for spotting wildlife such as tapirs, deer and endemic hummingbirds.

Observe Life in the Amazing Amazon of Brazil

Capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, the city of Manaus is a popular point of departure for ecotourists visiting the Amazon region.  From this gateway city, visitors can easily arrange regional cruises that visit remote communities along the Amazon River or schedule boat transfers to jungle lodges and resorts with river-view bungalows. The Brazilian Amazon famously encompasses 33 percent of all the world’s surviving tropical rainforests and its biodiversity is unparalleled. One in five of the world’s fish species is found in its waters, while the jungle itself boasts 2.5 million recorded insect species and is home to a wide collection of endangered animals like spider monkeys, jaguars and poison dart frogs. Enjoy the best of the river and the surrounding rainforest.

The port city of Manaus, Brazil, is a gateway to the incredible Amazon region. Photo by Rodolpho Emanuel

Revel in the Natural Beauty of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest

Extending for over 1,000 kilometres, Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park is the largest protected area of high-altitude montane rainforest in Africa. Nestled in the heart of one of the continent’s most biodiverse regions – the Albertine Rift – Nyungwe boasts an exotic collection of rare orchids and endemic birds, as well as a large concentration of primates. Anyone looking to track chimps, however, will need to spend some time here. For the best chance at sighting mankind’s closest relative, consider booking a guided trip in the forests of Nyungwe.

To learn more about about jungle adventures on The Travel Word, read about travellers’ hiking and trekking experiences in some of the planet’s most exciting jungles.

Colourful sea life abounds along the shores of Barbados. There are numerous ways to see it, including diving, snorkelling and underwater submarine tours. Photo courtesy of flickr/ben.ramirez

As much as Barbados exists on land, it has even more to offer in the water surrounding it. In addition to swimming, snorkelling and diving, there are numerous water tours in Barbados that introduce you to the local Caribbean sea life. A submarine tour brings you close to the colourful coral, exotic fish and colonial shipwrecks hiding just beneath the surface. And of course no Caribbean vacation is complete without a few hours to sunbathe on the deck of a boat, jumping in the water every now and then to cool down and swim with the turtles.

In order to keep the translucent waters around Barbados clear and the beaches clean, many local Barbados hotels and tour operators are committed to being environmentally friendly. Almond Beach Casuarina Hotel and Almond Beach Club and Spa, for example, are Green Globe Certified. An international organization that has helped set the standard for sustainable global tourism, Green Globe ensures that businesses meet high standards in a range of interrelated spheres, including sustainable management, social and economic stability, and cultural and environmental preservation.

The Morgan Lewis windmill stands proudly on the east coast of Barbados, overlooking the Scotland District. This former sugar plantation mill was built in the early 1700s and worked until approximately 1945. It was one of the longest-operating and best-preserved mills in the Caribbean. Photo courtesy of Barbados Tourism Authority

Many local Barbados residents – Bajans – trace their roots back to the West African slaves who were transplanted over to work on the sugar plantations. The sugar industry is still one of the primary economic forces underpinning the economy after centuries of colonial influence. Contemporary Bajan culture is rich, warm and friendly, the foundation of the strong infrastructure the island enjoys.

Native Caribbean islander Daniel Anderson of Barefoot Travel & Tours is thrilled to be offering local Bajan insight through www.barbados-hotels.travel, part of the whl.travel network.

The Sunbury Plantation House is a relic of Barbados’ colonial days. It was built around 1660 by one of the first English settlers on the island. His family’s descendants have lived for generations in the Caribbean. Photo courtesy of Barbados Tourism Authority

“I think joining whl.travel is a great opportunity for Barefoot Travel & Tours to stand out from other international tour operators since we are based in the country in which we operate,” commented Anderson. “Our knowledge of our island, culture and people cannot be matched. We know best and will always be on hand to direct and ensure that the visitor gets to enjoy every aspect of our island. They will get the opportunity to mix and mingle with the locals and take part in activities and events on the same level that a Bajan would.”

Anderson is also no stranger to the growing international push for local sustainability; he’s been adopting and cleaning Barbados beaches for years, as well as supporting local cultural events and raising funds for a Barbados Children’s Home.

The east coast of Barbados is well known for its rugged beauty. Here, Atlantic rollers break against large rocks and form beautiful mist and foam, and reefs form in small pools close to shore in the wake of the waves. This is also the location of the 'Soup Bowl,' a popular spot for surfing and the scene of an annual international competition. Photo courtesy of Barbados Tourism Authority

“I choose to join whl.travel because of the emphasis that is put into the care and development of the island and its people,” concluded Anderson. “Lots of other tour operators are not interested in the development or sustainability of the countries in which they operate. I also think whl.travel is a great medium through which Barbados can be noticed by travellers who are conscious about sustainable development.”

Barbados joins a growing list of Caribbean destinations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Nevis, St. Kitts and St. Lucia.

Kyabobo (pronounced CHAY-a-bobo) may not be easy to reach, via rough roads from either the north or the south, but travellers note it is well worth the effort. Get there and you will be rewarded: chances are that you won’t cross paths with another tourist the entire time.

In Ghana, Kyabobo National Park is set against the unmistakable twin peaks knowns locally as the Breast Mountains. Photo courtesy of Leif Ryman

Covering New Terrain

Kyabobo is Ghana’s newest national park, stretching over 360 square kilometres and contiguous with Fazao National Park, just across the border in Togo. Seen from a distance, Kyabobo’s Breast Mountains, so named for the distinctive shape of two adjacent hills, are at its front door. The rest of the park is surrounded by dry plains that rise into hilly terrain covered in semi-deciduous forest.

Nkwanta is the nearest town and the gateway to Kyabobo. About four kilometres from the park headquarters, it is on the main north-south road running from the Volta region to northern Ghana in the area between Lake Volta and Togo. Since Kyabobo is really the only tourist draw in the area and well off Ghana’s tourist circuits, not many travellers make it Nkwanta. There are a couple of good reasons why, the main being how long and dusty the road is. By public transport, it can take two days to reach Nkwanta from Tamale with at least one transfer. There is also direct transportation from Accra that takes around eight hours.

Given the challenges of getting to Kyabobo, it is well worth staying a few days. Fortunately there are some good options for accommodation in the area. The Gateway and Kilimanjaro are good hotels in Nkwanta. At the park headquarters there are two nicely equipped guesthouses, each with a kitchen and bathroom, and camping sites. There are a number of other camps within the park, including a platform on top of a mountain ridge overlooking the shrine of the village of Kue.

A bridged trailhead leads the way into Ghana's Kyabobo National Park and toward a waterfall. Photo courtesy of Leif Ryman

Nature and Culture in Kyabobo

Everyone who enjoys the outdoors will find something exciting at Kyabobo, especially the network of trails for hiking, waterfalls to visit, biking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and inner tubing on the Kue River. Hiking is the best way to explore the park. While there are some great trails only a couple of hours long or day hikes to waterfalls, others span the entire park and can take several days to complete involving some solitary camping. To get a good feel for the park, try the four-hour round-trip trek to Laboum Falls. You can extend it with another hour or two of hiking to the upper falls.

During any activity, animals to be spotted in the park include elephants, leopards, buffalo, waterbuck and several primate species. Unfortunately, due to the density of the forest and the steep hilly terrain, not everyone will be lucky enough to spy much large wildlife, although there are smaller more visible species bushbuck and duikers. You can also count on seeing butterflies and birds. Recent park surveys indicate the presence of at least 500 species of butterflies and 235 birds.

The symbol for the park is the rock hyrax, which is a large and very common rodent in Ghana, sometimes called a grass cutter. Roadside merchants often sell them… in the form of kabobs. In the wild, they are often seen on rocky outcroppings within the park.

For culture buffs, surrounding the park are a number of small communities called the Hanging Villages. They are said to resemble villages in the Himalayas that hug the sides of the mountains. Some even have shrines and hikes around the villages that guests can experience after visiting and drinking local gin with the chief. They’re accessible on foot or by bicycle. Travellers can even enjoy settling into village life with an overnight homestay.

A staff guide from the Wildlife Division of Ghana in Kyabobo National Park demonstrates how a leaf can be used as a cup to drink water. Photo courtesy of Leif Ryman

An Ecotourism Future

The park represents a very interesting attempt to balance the goals of environmental protection, ecotourism and the preservation of endangered communities. It is an ongoing experiment with high stakes – the survival of the area’s natural and human environment.

Organisation at Kyabobo is still in its early stages, however, so be patient and persistent when seeking information. Right now, a new visitors’ area definitely serves as an essential part of the learning experience – you can at least count on finding brochures at the park entrance – and the proceeds help the surrounding communities.

Additionally, for the host communities, ecotourism means “improved livelihood activities” or jobs as guides, cooks and craftspeople. The income generated from the park is used for local development projects, like bringing electricity to nearby communities and providing materials for the construction of schools and toilets.

If you are looking for an active vacation to a naturally beautiful and undiscovered part of Ghana, and if you are interested in contributing to a vital and ongoing real-world learning experience, Kyabobo Park is well worth the dusty road trip it takes to get there and back.

Perhaps no other continent encompasses such a diverse collection of countries and cultures as Europe. From the beautiful forests and medieval towns of the Balkan and Baltic states to the splendid scenery of the Alps, the eternal allure of the Mediterranean and Atlantic seaboards, and the cultural heritage and stylish character of its urban spaces, Europe has an obvious appeal that attracts travellers from all around the world. In fact, more than 480 million international tourists per year have been visiting the continent lately, thanks in part to its open borders and well-established tourism infrastructure.

Given the size and scope of Europe, though, visitors often only see what’s presented on packaged travel itineraries. They never experience the plenty that awaits independent travellers who choose to explore the continent at their own pace. And for the earth-conscious, Green Path Transfers – the world’s largest, global, ground-transfer service focused on eco-friendly operators and greening the market – now offers secure, reliable and competitively priced 100-percent carbon-offset transport in key destinations in Europe and well beyond.

This Citroen Jumpy Business 2.0 HDi at the Akropolis shopping center in Vilnius, Lithuania, is one of The Beautiful Land of Nevermind's two minivans. Photo courtesy of the The Beautiful Land of Nevermind

Superb European Sights

Having launched in March 2011, Green Path Transfers quickly assumed the mantle as market leader in eco-friendly intercity and airport transfers worldwide. Catering to business and leisure travellers alike, the company offers local transport by taxi, limousine and shuttle in more than 300 destinations. For this young and rapidly growing network, a far-reaching presence in Europe – one that reaches its most exciting cities and noteworthy sights – was clearly a vital step.

“It’s great to see Green Path Transfers accessing such a diverse, interesting continent,” says Adrian Cordiner, CEO of Green Path Transfers. “We look forward to making travel easier within Europe by providing comfortable, efficient and eco-friendly transport to visitors from around the world.”

For travellers keen to discover the fashionable metropolis of Milan, the historic architecture of Rome or the resplendent artwork and canals of Venice, Green Path Transfers now offers instantly bookable and hassle-free connections throughout Italy.

Likewise, many culturally renowned capitals of Germany are easily within reach via carbon-offset transport between Frankfurt, Munich and beautiful Berlin.

Taxi Ecologico in Barcelona, Spain, has a fleet of eco-friendly vehicles, including the Opel Zafira (pictured above), which has been converted to run on compressed natural gas

For visitors who might wish to explore the vast expanse of Russia, the company offers transfers between countless cities and historic towns, from Black Sea beach resorts such as Sochi to world-famous imperial cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Many more European destinations await as part of the large and growing network of responsible local transport operators.

Going Green

For Green Path Transfers, going green means making a conscientious commitment to sustainable practices, green technology and putting travellers on the right road to a less toxic future. Focused on the growing eco-friendly sector of the ground-transportation industry, the company goes a good green step further than any other transfer company by both neutralising all of its carbon emissions with its 100-percent carbon-offset policy.

Part of Traventuria's clean 10-vehicle fleet in Bulgaria is a Mercedes Sprinter that can fit up to nine people. Photo courtesy of Traventuria

Whether you are travelling from the airport to the Hermitage Art Museum at the historic centre of St. Petersburg, heading south to Barcelona for a glimpse of some of the world’s finest architecture by Antoni Gaudí or rounding out your time with a comfortable transfer to the Polish city of Krakow, Green Path Transfers’ focus on environmental responsibility means both corporate and leisure travellers can reduce their carbon footprints without increasing their costs.

Green Path Transfers is today also pleased to help global travellers to Europe arrange environmentally responsible transport in cities and towns as wide-ranging as Athens, Greece; Bucharest, Romania; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Chisinau, Moldova; Dublin, Ireland; Paris and the French Alps; Lisbon, Portugal; Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina; Prague, Czech Republic; Sevastapol, Ukraine; Sofia, Bulgaria; Tallinn, Albania; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Vienna, Austria.

“We’re proud of the commitment that all of our local partners around the world have made toward a greener future,” adds Cordiner. “We are continually looking at ways to offer better services, cheaper prices and more eco-friendly vehicles to our customers.”

For more information on Green Path Transfers and how to book environmentally responsible transport, please visit www.greenpathtransfers.com.

In the beautiful region of Wayanad in Kerala, India, where dense jungle carpets the rolling mountains in the Western Ghats, lies a magical hidden gem. The quiet village of Thrikkaipetta in the heart of this breathtaking region is a beacon for community spirit and an inspiration for ethical tourism.

The ‘Bamboo Village’ of Thrikkaipetta, in the beautiful Wayanad region of Kerala, India. Photo courtesy of Kabani.org

Rural Wayanad’s delightful climate and rich biodiversity make it a vastly agricultural population (almost 50 percent of the inhabitants rely on farming for income). Like many places across the globe, farming here has been hit by financial strain due to declining market prices for crops. This problem has resulted in devastating problems for the Wayanad farming community, and very sadly resulted in suicides.

The community here, proud of their land and culture, have created a cooperative that generates additional income for farmers, empowers local people through job creation and provides ethical tourism opportunities.

Thrikkaipetta’s Bamboo Village was initiated by local people who are passionate about improving life for the community. It is a community-led bamboo nursery, using the resultant materials to create traditional crafts, food products, for environmental protection and as a tourism attraction. Visiting their bamboo workshop is like stepping into Santa’s grotto! It is incredible to see so many local people employed, busy creating a huge selection of products.

Many travellers are interested in helping the local farmers to plant rice in the fields. Photo courtesy of Kabani.org

As the Bamboo Village has gone from strength to strength, it became clear that the tourism offer here could be expanded and provide an even greater opportunity for additional income. Local responsible tourism campaigning NGO, Kabani, has partnered with the Bamboo Village’s management, Uravu, and the groups pulled together their expertise on agricultural life and how best develop a tourist infrastructure that would offer enriching tourist experiences and improve the lives of local people.

Today tourists from across the globe can come and enjoy the Bamboo Village’s ethical homestays. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil location with a friendly local family, feast on traditional home cooked food and fruits from their homestay’s plantation. Guests can also join an eye-opening village tour, learning about the diverse crops growing locally and participating in cultural exchange events.

A group of tribal artists demonstrate the traditional tribal art form 'Vattakali,' an intricate form of dance. Photo courtesy of Kabani.org

In addition to the unique learning experiences, guests can rest assured that 50 percent of the money paid for their cozy homestay is being reinvested into the community they have enjoyed getting to know. This money is helping to develop a community fund that provides crucial training for villagers (such as organic farming and healthy living education), youth projects and sustainable tourism development.

Blair Coburn from the UK recently stayed with a family in the Bamboo Village. “The opportunity to stay with a local family was a privilege. It was fantastic to know that my stay not only helped my wonderful hosts, but was helping to support the wider community through their training and development fund. I particularly enjoyed getting to shop for unique bamboo products, they made wonderful gifts to take home, and at the same time buying them has directly helped the women who made them.”

We’re compelled to ask: What is tourism in its worst form, environmentally? Even in its best form, can the cost to the earth of tourism ever really be offset?

These are the questions that drive the staff at the WHL Group, the largest local-travel company in the world. With decades of combined experience in the sustainable travel and tourism industry, our insight into the issues is impressive.

And here are our answers to the question “What is tourism’s greatest threat to the environment?”

Tourism poses a threat to the environment when local communities scramble to meet the inflated expectations of uninformed vacationers. Photo courtesy of flickr/vallartavelas

“I think the biggest threat tourism poses to the environment – beyond carbon emissions and natural resource wasting – is when people travel to a new country, a new city or a new community without an understanding of that area’s social and economic life. it’s when people travel to parts of the world where the currency is weaker simply because it’s ‘cheaper,’ bringing with them expectations of luxuries, resorts and vacation, and without thinking critically about how their expectations impact the local community and its necessity to meet those expectations in order to generate business.”
~ Jenna Makowski, Content Editor, whl.travel

In places like Vietnam, environmental consideration takes a back seat to economic growth. The tourism sector is a perfect example of that. Photo courtesy of flickr/staminajim

“One of the most noticeable threats to the environment is the construction of new mega resorts along undisturbed coastal areas. It’s a hard thing to stop, especially in some developing countries like Vietnam, where consideration for the environment takes a distant second place to growth as a priority. A good example is the once-untouched China Beach near Hoi An in central Vietnam, which is a developers paradise and now a construction site of luxury resorts. Unfortunately, tourism will continue to drive this sort of development at even more secluded locations around the world.”
~ Luke Ford, CEO, Gunyah

While on a tour of the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, I was struck by not only the exploitation of the local people, but also by the disrespect shown to the lake. This vital water resource is already in great jeopardy. This was the saddest tour I have ever been on. Photo courtesy of Maureen Valentine

“The pressure that tourism puts on already unstable local resources in many developing nations is the largest threat for the future of those destinations, combined with the pressure on lacking infrastructure systems like sewage and transport. Many destinations are in short supply of energy, water and food (which tourists generally take the best of). It is a real challenge as a tourist to truly tread lightly in vulnerable destinations.”
~ Maureen Valentine, Director, Hotel Link Solutions

“Tourism can be a powerful destructive force, particularly in the hands of those looking for short term gain. When ecologically sensitive areas are not well managed, the results can be dire. Although tourists are becoming more aware of their negative impact, few will actively try to reduce it unless prompted to do so. The rules of travel should be set by the destinations themselves. They need to lead the way by declaring what is and isn’t acceptable and then sticking to it. Tourists will respect natural attractions more if it’s clear that the local communities hold them in high regard.”
~ Jen Aston, Director, whl.travel Africa regional office

Carbon-neutral local transport like horseback riding is one way to address emissions from travel. For inevitable flights, surprisingly affordable carbon-offset programs are in place. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Young

“I think there are numerous tourism-initiated environmental threats, but perhaps the most pervasive is air travel and its associated emissions. Air travel has facilitated the growing accessibility of previously remote destinations, much to the delight of travellers and the chagrin of environmentalists and locals. The problem is that air travel isn’t going away. No matter how many travellers engage in slow travel and make the effort to travel by anything but planes, air travel remains the most time-efficient and generally most feasible mode of transportation. Also, non-air travel isn’t always environmentally friendly either.

Walking the fine line between use and exploitation in Boracay, Philippines, an eagle is kept strapped to a branch so tourists can take their holiday photo. They can have it on their shoulders for as long as they want, and of course, should give a small donation to keep the business alive. Photo courtesy of Andre Franchini

So what to do when there’s no easy answer? Do the best you can. We can’t always travel emission-free, like by horse or kayak, but we can at least travel carbon-neutral. Personally, I strive to travel as close to carbon-neutral as possible. I do this by purchasing Gold Standard carbon-offset credits, which go to support low-carbon projects all over the world. I’ve written more about it in my blog. The good news is that purchasing carbon offsets isn’t as costly as most people think. My five-ish hour flight to Panama and back was offset for about Canadian $40. It’s a small price to pay for having access to the magnificent places we can fly to.”
~ Lindsay Young , Digital Marketing Specialist, Urban Adventures

“The biggest threat is not only that tourism can damage the local environment and its species, but also that it inadvertently exploits natural resources as a tourist attraction. It comes down to mindset and striking a delicate balance. Since some practices are culturally accepted and have been part of local community traditions for centuries, the work to change the way people see their natural resources and empower them to capitalise on their home’s natural endowments through tourism (without exploiting them) is not an easy task.”
~ André Franchini, CEO, Hotel Link Solutions

This question reminded me of a visit to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) in central Australia. Our Aboriginal guide appealed to us not to climb the rock, reminding us that doing so is as disgraceful and disrespectful to Aboriginal culture as climbing the altar at Saint Peter’s in Rome would be in Catholicism. Travellers’ defiance of the host culture’s preferences is now affecting the rock and the environment around it.

This is just one example of many in which visitors come with neither foreknowledge nor sensitivity enough to appreciate (and respect) the unique qualities of a place, both natural and manmade. It’s a process that includes, in the search for adventure, travellers’ pursuit of off-the-beaten-path destinations that are perhaps not entirely suitable as tourism attractions.

A universal travel ethic that includes education about cultural literacy is essential to sustainability. It means travellers police themselves, but also put a brake on irresponsible tourism destination development by host cultures trying to cash in on travellers’ ignrorance.
~ Ethan Gelber, Chief Communications Officer, WHL Group

Thousands of limestone karsts and islands draw tons of visitors to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. But mangroves and seagrass beds have been cleared out to make room for tourist boats. What will be left for tourists of the future to see? Photo courtesy of Ashley Hiemenz

“Rapid growth in tourism has been staggering in many developing nations, where it is often the case that natural attractions serve as the main draw for travellers. When tourism in these ecologically sensitive areas is unregulated, the environment can be severely damaged, and development can ultimately destroy tourists’ main incentive to visit.”
~ Ashley Hiemenz Product Manager, Gunyah

Profit-driven overdevelopment for tourism can harm delicate ecosystems like beaches, wetlands, and rain forests.

“It’s hard not to notice the physical impacts of mass-market tourism and the destructive influence it can have on local environments. Poor development decisions such as extensive building on beaches or bulldozing over wetlands create irreversible damage here on planet earth and the big players who make these irresponsible decisions need to be held accountable. I’d say corporate greed is the most immediate threat to the environment, which is why it’s so important to get involved. It’s up to travellers like us to supply the checks and balances: write to your government or join a local non-profit to advocate for better and more sustainable land uses.”
~ Laurel Angrist , Editor, The Travel Word

“I think there are a lot of tourism’s threats that impact our planet negatively, but the good news is that each of us can help to reduce them and do our bits for the environment. Litter, for example. In Latvia there is a project driven by voluntary participation to keep our environment tidy, bring people together and see results. It’s called “The Big Clean-up.” Last April there were around 150,000 participants in 1,354 cleanup locations across the whole country. Hopefully this year (30th April) the turnout will be even better as this project has become very popular in Latvia. Foreigners, visitors and travellers welcome!
~ Anda Cirule, Director, whl.travel Europe and the Middle East regional office

"We need to change our demand so that the developers change what they supply. We need to demand sustainability as a standard." Photo courtesy of flickr/Jeff Croft

“In addition to the threats posed by the carbon emissions generated by international air travel, perhaps the most significant concern is the impact that opportunistic development has on destinations. We all love visiting beautiful places and we want those places to be as accessible to as many people as possible and for them to be cheap for us to visit. We’ve created the demand, so it’s hypocritical for us then to decry the developers who slap up blocks of apartments on stretches of pristine coastline. We wanted to see it and we didn’t want to pay much to go there.

What we need to realise is that sustainability has a cost attached to it, but also that sustainability is an inherently good thing – easily worth its price. It’s cheap to eat junk food all the time, but you don’t do it because it ruins your body! We need to change our demand so that the developers change what they supply. We need to demand sustainability as a standard.
~ Paul Tavner , Developer, The Travel Word

“In my experience the biggest problem is short-term thinking and greed. Although it’s not a problem confined to tourism, the best evidence of this in the tourism space is mass tourism, where the natural environment plays second fiddle to ‘development’ and ‘growth.’ The irony is that the very beauty of the place, which was the essence of why people came in the first place, is rapidly degraded, leaving a wasteland (culturally and environmentally) that is no longer of value to either the locals or the tourists.

As a model for tourism I like what is happening in Bhutan. Here the government has taken a measured view and wants to ensure tourism is run sustainably. Numbers of tourists are limited, tourism development is tightly controlled and an enormous effort is placed on win-win-win outcomes – for tourists, for local communities and for the environment. At the core of this is a belief that growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a poor measure for development’ and instead the country has focused on Gross Domestic Happiness (GDH). Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley of Bhutan is leading the way in defining a new economic paradigm.”
~ Len Cordiner, CEO, WHL Group

“In my opinion, the greatest threat provided by tourism to the environment is the lack of planning. When a tourism activity takes place without planning is when it becomes more dangerous to the environment and the local communities. There are several examples of this – resorts and tourist complexes of gigantic proportions that are completely changing the way of life in local communities. The lack of planning causes the misuse of resources, whether natural or human.”
~ Wallace Faria, Director, whl.travel Americas regional office

“For a country like the Philippines, where poverty is rampant and environmental policies aren’t implemented, tourism’s biggest threat to the environment is tourism itself. One immediate effect is trash. Oftentimes the local government gets so excited about the new influx of tourists (i.e. money) that the environment is ignored. The crowds arrive before systems are in place. In Boracay, for example, the island is developing faster than it can manage, which has lead to waste-management problems and depletion of the shoreline. Tourism also means an increase in demand for resources – more fish will have to be caught, more goods need to be delivered.

It’s always difficult to find that balance between opportunity and environment. What to do? Look at examples of success. In the simple town of Donsol, Sorsogon, whale-shark poaching was successfully converted into whale-shark watching, and what used to be a poor fishing village is now a thriving ecotourism destination visited by thousands every summer. And although they now take very good care of the gentle giants, their numbers have still depleted over the last 20 years. It is a constant battle for environmental conservation and proper environmental education.”
~ Mika Santos, Director, whl.travel Asia and the Pacific regional office

Emperor Shark Fin Soup: Local delicacy or endangered species? Photo courtesy of flikr/avlxyz

“I believe sheer weight of numbers of visitors is the biggest problem. With the explosion of budget airlines and a desire for people to visit ever more destinations, many places seem to struggle with issues such as rubbish, sewage, etc. People wishing to try local ‘delicacies,’ many of which are endangered, is also a concern.”
~ Adrian Cordiner, CEO, Green Path Transfers

As I saw during my year of tourism studies in Mallorca, Spain, cut-rate mass-tourism to beaches like Magaluf takes its toll on the landscape. Photo courtesy of flickr/lloydi

“I think the biggest environmental problem with global tourism is distribution. Cut-rate mass-travel such as Caribbean cruises and all-inclusive resorts tend to concentrate a lion’s share of international tourism in just a few destinations. For these mass-visited hot spots, the problems of land use and the stress on local infrastructure can turn the blessing of tourism into a curse. Places get loved to death.

For travellers, the challenge is creativity. Rather than looking for Walmart-style low prices and hot deals to sandy beaches, think a little more outside the box about where to go. With more and more of the world opening up to international tourism, it’s more possible than ever to find great new places where you can contribute to healthy local growth without overwhelming the natural environment.”
~ Cynthia Ord, Newsletter Editor, The Travel Word

“Almost there!” he bellows down the trail at us. He’s smiling and doesn’t seem at all winded by the last few hours of trudging through thick vegetation and brush, during which he expertly pointed out a slithering snake, sweet-smelling lemongrass and a weird, edible nut. The trail we’ve been following – when there has actually been sign of a trail – has recently grown wider into a dirt road, hopefully an indication we’re almost to the top of the mountain and the local village where we will spend the night.

A group of 12 trekkers marches toward a hill-tribe village in northern Thailand. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas

I hear a low rumbling noise that gets louder and louder until a motorcycle comes roaring up the trail carrying two Thai boys who look about 15. They weave around me and stop when they get to Ti, who greets them joyfully. After a minute, the motorcycle takes off again and I notice bags of what looks like groceries strapped to its back.

“Think that’s our dinner?” jokes my fiancé, who has joined me on this adventure.

“The villagers drive motorcycles up and down the mountain?” is my surprised response. I’m aware they need to get around; I just assumed it was rare and via foot or animal. I’m more curious than ever to see this mountain-top village. We round a few more bends and arrive.

The village is more massive than I expected. Faded wood huts with thatched roofs, most on stilts, dot the landscape. As I walk around I notice a cluster of animals; puppies, pigs, chickens and roosters all abuzz amongst the overgrown grass and dirt paths winding between the huts. Joining them are a dozen young children, running around laughing, the setting sun dancing off their eyes as it creates a hazy glow over the mountains in the distance.

With glowing mountain views like this one, a northern Thailand trekking experience can seem staged for tourists. But the wild landscapes were here long before the treks. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas

The children are barefoot, but look well fed and dressed. Another motorcycle whizzes by and the children chase it, giggling. It stops next to an empty lot where a low-slung volleyball net is strung and teenage boys, their western-looking clothes rustling lightly in the low breeze, are hitting a soccer ball over it with their feet. I wonder if they’re wearing hand-me-downs from visitors or if the money from tours actually covers the costs of such clothes.

I look around at the motorcycles, the well-dressed children and the minimalist huts and find myself wondering if it’s all an act. Do they head back down the mountain after we’re all asleep? Is this just a well-produced illusion for tourists? Then I notice a woman hanging up laundry and I pass what looks like a bare-bones general store. This definitely is a lived-in – and by all appearances happy – village.

Later, after the sun has set and a chill sets in, Ti regales us with stories. We’re huddled around a blazing bonfire adjacent to a long room we trekkers will be sleeping in. The bonfire is the only heat we’re going to have the luxury of experiencing tonight.

21st-century transport is set against a traditional wood hut, reminding us that this is a very real village and not a tourist display. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas

A local woman, dressed in a long gold and red robe, enters our bonfire circle from the darkness beyond the hut (there is no electricity here). I look at her in surprise. Her outfit is so different from the ones I saw on the playing children and teenagers earlier this evening. She murmurs something in Ti’s ear and he nods before turning to us.

“Anyone want a Thai massage?” he asks. “200 baht,” which is roughly US$6.50.

My fiancé and I – and six other trekkers – excitedly raise our hands.

We head into the long room and climb onto our mosquito net–covered cots. Teenage girls, also dressed in robes, join us and begin massaging us over our clothing. It was relaxing, although these girls aren’t anywhere close to being professional masseuses. It’s just another useful (and clever) way for them to make some money through tourism.

Trekking in northern Thailand is a great way to enjoy the local environment's natural wonders while benefitting local villages along the way. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas

As we leave the village the next morning, passing by a one-room schoolhouse, it is clear this is every bit an authentic mountaintop village – just not exactly what I expected. The villagers appear to have found a way to embrace the 21st century and make a living without having to leave their serene home up here where the air is crisp. From the trekkers they get what is most likely much-needed income and, in turn, trekkers such as myself get to share their beautiful mountains and home. The community’s peaceful existence is maintained through this low-impact form of village tourism, preserving the beauty of the river- and waterfall-filled environment, the habitat of wildlife such as the elephants I see along the way.

As I set off back down the mountain to where an afternoon of whitewater thrills on bamboo rafts awaits us, rows of bright green mountains fill the distance for miles and local children’s laughter follows me down the trail. To me, visiting this community is a remarkable experience, unlike any I’ve ever had. I hope it has helped to protect the little village and the majesty of its surroundings.

To experience overnight treks to the hill-tribe villages of northern Thailand, contact the whl.travel local connection in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

privileged to be able to share it with you.

Responsible travel has taken a huge leap forward today, as a team of scientists working at CERN -

in Switzerland – have announced that they are ready to release a working prototype of a teleporter

later this year. You can see a demonstration of the technology below:

For far too long, travelling the world has meant relying on costly and unsustainable air travel

operators to transport us to our destinations. Now, with the introduction of this new technology

our ability to travel freely and easily has taken a huge leap forward.

Looking forward, this technology will allow us to visit any destination in the world, without having to

stop and worry about our carbon footprint. We couldn’t be more excited!

Before the US Civil War, while Abraham Lincoln was still just a US state representative ignorant of the great occasions to which he would rise, he uttered a remarkably prescient maxim: “The true rule in determining to embrace or reject any thing is not whether it have any evil in it, but whether it have more of evil than of good.”

I begin with this – something unimpeachably wise from someone irreproachably sagacious – in an attempt to ground what follows. You see, over many moons I have read and pondered your (my fellow travel scribes’) articles, blog posts and comments. Sadly, with each passing day, I shake my head and wonder how you’ve not read the writing on the wall: the travel terrain has changed, so why haven’t you?

Photo courtesy of Flickr/Johnnia Utah

Vision Is Not Seeing Things As They Are, but As They Will Be

Most mainstream newspapers and magazines today give periodic lip service to the evolution of travel, acknowledging that more and more travellers consider themselves ‘ecotourists,’ but not really giving their readers enough to feed their ethical penchants. Hamstrung by shrinking budgets, market-deaf advertisers and cumbersome bureaucracy, major travel media look like they’re being outpaced by the industry they’re supposed to support.

So why aren’t you, the new generation of penmen and -women, stepping into an expanding vacuum? Why aren’t more of you – buttressed by blogging skills and vocal in your frustrated desire to be recognised for your craft – helping to drive the kind of change that positions you as leaders? More nimble, more imaginative, more bold and less reliant on traditional revenue sources, you have little stopping you.

As one of the rank and file, I wouldn’t dare to guess at or pass judgment on your individual motivations as writers. And yet, banking on substantial personal experience, I feel justified in a Lincolnesque examination of the evil-good balance of advocating for the fastest-growing but most rough-trod parcel of the travel terrain and of wondering aloud why so many of you (travel writers in general, but bloggers in particular) appear to be shrinking from a perfect storm of a challenge.

What We See Is Mainly What We Look for

Here’s what I see: an alternative marketplace that’s got many niche names: ecotourism, responsible travel, sustainable travel, local travel, slow travel, community-based tourism, geotourism, green travel, pro-poor tourism, conscious travel, ethical travel etc.

This travel space continues to be alternative to the mainstream traffic of consumers who plan and shop for holidays guided principally by bucket lists and budget. That being said, high-minded considerations – worries about carbon emissions, ‘economic leakage,’ ‘cultural flattening’ and the like – are now increasingly asserting themselves as powerful motivators too. As early as 2007, Condé Nast Traveler‘s “The Power of Travel” focus on “the impact of tourism on communities and the planet” revealed a whopping 74% of respondents who thought “that hotels should be responsible for helping alleviate poverty in their own communities.” This is just a small fraction of the 7% of the international travel market in 2007 that the UN World Tourism Organisation attributed to ecotourism, a number that has increased significantly since then. We’re beholding the mainstreaming of the fringe.

Photo courtesy of Anne Flickr/Wangalachi/CIMMYT

What We Fight Against Defines Us As Clearly As All We Embrace

As I consider shifting travel trends, though, what has surprised me most is the lacklustre endorsement for change from travel media. Catherine Mack wrote meaningfully about this last month. “After a plethora of responsible tourism conferences, conventions and codes of practice, so many travel writers, not just travellers, still think it is amusing that our industry is ‘responsible’ for so much damage,” she lamented. So do I. I also wonder why.

Now, I’m sure the proliferation of travel monikers has lent to confusion about what it all means. It may even have lent to some degree of exhaustion. There’s already a small but important weight of accountability (and sometimes culpability) associated with the cluttered mix of mindful compound-noun travel styles, but does “The lack of a precise, commonly agreed definition of ‘ecotourism’… cause… misunderstanding, argument and debate,” as Ron Mader asks in an essay about tourism definitions? Why else would each new entrant into the space feel compelled to come up with a new banner, right?

I nevertheless keep coming back to the same thought. Does the majority of travel writers and editors just not get it? Or not care? In a LinkedIn comment left in response to Catherine Mack’s post, one reader is understanding about the mix of priorities that influence travellers and travel providers, but he has no sympathy for the media. “They would only be interested in the reality TV show ‘I’m a Responsible Celebrity on Holiday, Get me out of here.’ ” Another reader derides “smug media apathy.”

“We Buy Things We Don’t Need, with Money We Don’t Have, to Impress People We Don’t Like” – Dave Ramsey

Not surprisingly, the circle-jerk of blame in the travel media space can be impressive. I try to avoid it, which means I am ignorant both of what powers it and of how to neuter it when it grows too rabid. Looking in from the outsider ranks, I see writers criticising editors criticising advertisers criticising PR firms criticising travel suppliers criticising tourist boards criticising what writers write. Working in such conditions, the pool of writers – a glowing (and growing!) cadre of exceptions notwithstanding – seems fundamentally ill-equipped to drive change.

Photo courtesy of Flickr/McKay Savage

Far too many of them behave like angry miners clawing at a passing flash of blood diamond. Do they not care about morality or changing consumer interests? Perhaps not. A writer I won’t embarrass by name once told me “I write for today’s traveler, not tomorrow’s,” which struck me as fundamentally wrong-footed. Everyone’s stuck in an engine coughing on dirty oil that soils the clean whenever it’s added.

We Only Grow When We Step Outside Our Comfort Zone

If your comfort zone is exclusively surf, sand and sun in an air-conditioned, gated, foreign-owned resort that imports the foods you eat at home and staff who look like you, it’s time to expand your horizons. At a time of global warming, widespread economic and political upheaval, and irremediable cultural extinction, should you really be devoting energy to the promotion of bad practices and sorry stereotypes? Why do I even have to ask that question?

I’ve never yet heard a legitimate argument against being responsible when you travel. Burlap sheets and grass dinners are no more likely with ethical operators than they are with any others. And objecting to the sustainable use of resources or equitable sharing of profits with local providers would be like lobbying against kindness. By Lincoln’s standards, then, responsible travel is more of good than of evil, something to be embraced. Dipping your quill in support of it should also be a no-brainer.

“We Must Hang Together, Gentlemen… Else, We Shall Most Assuredly Hang Separately” – Benjamin Franklin

If ever there was a man who was unafraid to try something new, it was Franklin. However, while he was always ready to go out on a limb by himself, he was also a convinced collaborator, banking (sometimes literally) on the shared wisdom and foresight of his colleagues.

Now, I’m no Franklin, but I do believe that travel writers (especially bloggers) are in a unique position today:

* We could add oomph to the fair travel crusade by giving consumers what they want and, just as critically, rejecting what is wrong with irresponsible travel.

* We could join forces with the mass of industry stakeholders who are making meaningful decisions about where they work and how best to present it to visitors.

* We could stabilise the unsteady responsible travel stool by adding media – the missing third leg – to those above and finally propelling the travel industry into the next generation.

What do you think?

There are many examples of outright cynicism when it comes to development – such as  shoe-horning blocks of poorly constructed hotel rooms into a beautiful stretch of coastline in an attempt to make a quick buck. But, quite often, development is something that gets thrust upon a destination in an an attempt to forestall the impact of booming popularity. In these cases, unfortunately, there simply isn’t time to handle it in a responsible manner.

Such was the case with the Italian town of Cortona. Forced into the limelight as a result of a book (Under the Tuscan Sun) that was adapted into a Hollywood movie, Cortona went from being a beautiful quiet backwater to a hugely in-demand tourist hotspot. It happened practically overnight.

While the sudden rush of tourist dollars was a welcome boon to the local economy, things began to change very rapidly. The town had to adapt to cope with the crowds, the types of jobs available shifted dramatically and the very character of the place began to be affected.

The creative team behind the upcoming film ‘The Genius of a Place‘ – a title taken from the works of Alexander Pope – noticed the change that was taking place in Cortona and set out to document it. While steps are being taken to mitigate against the damage being done to this particular destination, it serves as an example for other towns likely to be affected by similar issues.

While we agree that the residents of places like Cortona have a responsibility to protect the beauty and uniqueness of their home, it’s far from easy to do so. Financial pressures are an unavoidable fact of life.

That’s why we agree with the filmmakers that there is a real onus on us as travellers to ensure that we experience a destination in a responsible manner, whenever possible.

If we want to share in the beauty, we should also share the burden of maintaining that quality, or else pretty soon there won’t be anything left to enjoy.

How can you do the same – slow down your own adventures? Well, start by choosing just one place to visit and commit to getting to know it well. Then rent an apartment, lodge or guesthouses with weekly or monthly deals.

Need help getting your imagination racing? Here are a five excellent slow-travel lodging ideas.

Art Lodge, Isla Gobernadora, Panama. Photo courtesy of Art Lodge

Art Lodge in Gobernadora Island, Panama

Isla Gobernadora is located off the Pacific cost of central Panama at the mouth of the Golfo de Montijo, an important wetland predictably called the Humedal Golfo de Montijo. It’s within sight of the famous wave of Santa Catalina and the wonders lying beneath the waters of Coiba National Park. Most importantly, it’s where you will find a special place called Art Lodge.

The owners of Art Lodge, Valerie and Yves, have built an island paradise where you immediately feel at home. As both Valerie and Yves are French artists, the facilities and layout of the lands reflect their love of creativity. Everything is unique – each bungalow has its own character and artistic flair – constructed using local supplies, recycling materials and even incorporating smooth driftwoods from the beach into the designs.

The Art Lodge helps you slow down by changing your rhythm. Isla Gobernadora is a place where people still prefer the relaxed pace of the island life. You tap into it by participating in handicrafts workshops, going fishing or discovering the island and its surroundings. This small idyll has no cars or roads – just footpaths worn into place by generations of locals keeping things as simple as possible.

Check out Art Lodge on Gobernadora Island, Panama

Kiansom Villa in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Photo courtesy of Kiansom Villa

Kiansom Villa in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Snuggled into the lush green of Sabah on Malaysian Borneo is an ideal place for slow travellers in search of tranquillity. One perfect spot is Kiansom Villa, a self-catering holiday home with fully furnished and spacious rooms large enough for up to six people. A kitchenette makes home cooking possible, as does a convenient local market for the purchase of fresh ingredients.

Our advice is to book for at least a week and take your time with all that there is around the villa. Visit the Mari-mari Cultural Village – a reminder of the ancient indigenous tribal era – a mere five minutes’ drive from Kiansom. Set aside a full day for Manukan Island, a haven part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and just 20 minutes by boat from Jesselton Point, Kota Kinabalu. You can arrange for island hopping, snorkelling, diving or pure relaxation.

On a drive into the hinterland of scenic hills and paddy fields, stop by at the village of Pekan Nabalu to savour local fruits in season. Visit the Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site and make your way to Poring Hot Springs, famous for its sulphur baths, canopy walkway, butterfly farm, orchid conservation centre and tropical gardens, as well as the Kipungit and Langanan waterfalls.

Check out Kiansom Villa in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Herceg Etno Selo in Medjugorje, Bosnia. Photo courtesy of Herceg Etno Selo

Herceg Etno Selo Village in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Visit a bygone era just outside of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Opened just four years ago, Herceg Etno Selo was built to help travellers step back to a time when life was simpler and slower. To get oriented, follow the stepping-stone paths through the 15 buildings built using age-old masonry techniques and arranged to create a sense of community.

Inside your own village house, you’ll find handcrafted mahogany furniture and warm, soft lighting. The favourite common area is the restaurant, which is located at the heart of the village. Here you can enjoy a real taste of rural Bosnia pulled from a menu of local food and wine, including famous varieties like Zilavka and Blatina.

This assembly of traditional-style houses feels like a village also because of an emphasis on culture. The amphitheatre – another favourite common area – hosts regularly scheduled local shows and events. You’ll even find an ethnography museum with great insight into the country’s past. Shoppers can browse in the village shop, which stocks traditional masonry tools and artefacts.

Check out Herceg Etno Selo near Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bua Lodge in Malawi. Photo courtesy of Bua Lodge

Bua River Lodge in Malawi

The newly opened Bua River Lodge is all about mood – good ones and slow ones. Built with repurposed safari tents on the bank of the Bua River, it is illuminated at night with paraffin lanterns and solar-powered lamps, which means there are no noisy generators and, at dinner, the ambiance is truly magical. When you’re looking out over the river, every night is a good night, but full moons are particularly magical.

The lodge is superbly located in the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve of Malawi. In fact, it is the first permanent accommodation to be built within the reserve.

As extra incentive to go slow and stay longer, the lodge offers a discount for stays of three days or longer. We urge you to take advantage of it and let the enchantment seep in. You’re going to need to take your time here – leisure activities include fishing, bird watching and walking safaris.

Check out Bua River Lodge in Malawi

River View Bungalows in Vang Vieng, Laos. Photo courtesy of River View Bungalows

River View Bungalows in Vang Vieng, Laos

Get comfortable and slow down in Laos by staying in a unique and elegant stilted guesthouse built on an island right in the middle of the Saysong River near Vang Vieng.

Called the River View Bungalows, they are a family-owned business inspired by Mr Southchai Chanthavong, a young entrepreneur with a passion for Laos and its tourism industry. Southchai studied accounting and English in Vientiane before returning to his hometown of Vang Vieng to live his dream of building the River View Bungalows, an internet cafe and the Saysong Guesthouse.

Given the abundance of activities around Vang Vieng, especially the ever-popular river tubing trips that launch from the tubing station nearby, you’ll need at least a week here. Act fast for slow travel savings, though. Until April 11 (2012), get 10% off your stay at the River View Bungalows by booking online in advance.

Check out River View Bungalows near Vang Vieng, Laos

This relationship evolved into the gradual development of the island and, as waves of colonists made themselves at home, the reliance on and importance of the ocean for supplies and communication continued to grow.

Mauritius continues to enjoy many benefits from its position of relative isolation – including its reputation as a place of exceptional peace and tranquillity – but perhaps the most appreciated gifts of the sea – at least by visitors – are the island’s kilometres of beautiful beaches.

Resorts, such as the one pictured above (the Shanti Maurice A Nira), really make the most of the incredible white sands and turquoise gradients that characterise Mauritian beaches. The resort goes to great lengths to operate in harmony with its surroundings and serves to complement – rather than compete with – the natural beauty of its location. Built using natural materials, the Shanti blends into the landscape perfectly.

Balance with nature is of serious importance to Mauritians. The history of their island is closely associated with one of the most infamous species losses in history. During a period of less than a hundred years, the native Dodo bird was hunted to extinction by colonial sailors and has since become an emblem of mankind’s callousness toward the natural world.

By remembering the mistakes of the past, we are able to look toward a more sustainable future. Resorts, such as the Shanti, are helping to ensure that no more of the precious natural gifts bestowed upon Mauritius go the way of the Dodo.