Category Archives: Sustainable Travel

Africa, Conservation, Sustainable Travel

Win 7-day Natural Habitat Adventures Kenya Safari for 2 in World Wildlife Fund Sweepstakes

You can win a 7-day/6-night safari, offered by Natural Habitat Adventures, to the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya World in a sweepstakes from the World Wildlife Fund aims to raise public awareness of conservation efforts.
You can win a 7-day/6-night safari, offered by Natural Habitat Adventures, to the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya World in a sweepstakes from the World Wildlife Fund aims to raise public awareness of conservation efforts.

You can win a 7-day/6-night safari to the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya  The World. Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Natural Habitat Adventures have just launched a sweepstakes for the safari, custom-designed by Natural Habitat Adventures for the sweepstakes and not available anywhere else. Enter by December 8; the winner will be randomly drawn in mid-December.

The week-long safari offers an immersion in East Africa’s iconic landscapes, amid some of the most prolific and diverse wildlife on the continent. The prize-winner and a guest will explore the vast savannas of the Maasai Mara in search of the fabled Big Five — elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard — and a host of other wildlife. Safari activities include classic game drives and exclusive guided bush walks on a private conservancy, with exceptional proximity to wildlife from a mobile safari camp located in a remote sector of the reserve.

The sweepstakes aims to raise public awareness of the efforts of WWF and its on-the-ground partners in Kenya who have worked together for years to protect elephants, rhinos and other wildlife by fighting illegal wildlife trade, minimizing human-wildlife conflict, and protecting critical habitat.

RULES

  • Enter the sweepstakes by visiting www.worldwildlife.org/sweepstakes and completing the sweepstakes registration form.
  • The sweepstakes begins on November 2, 2015 and ends on December 8, 2015.
  • Open to legal residents of the United States who have reached the age of majority at the time of entry.
  • The registration form requires each entrant to provide his/her full name, complete mailing address, date of birth, telephone number, and email address. All required information must be provided to enter and to be eligible to win.
  • During the sweepstakes period (November 2, 2015 – December 8, 2015), there will be a limit of one (1) entry per person. Sponsor (Natural Habitat Adventures) reserves the right to disqualify any person who submits more than a single entry.
  • No purchase necessary to enter or win.
  • Winner will be drawn at random in mid-December.

PRIZE DETAILS

  • Explore the savannas of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve via open-air 4×4 vehicles and on foot with a local Maasai guide, and spend three nights in a luxury mobile safari camp in the heart of the reserve.
  • Stay at an intimate safari camp on a private conservancy with exclusive activities that are not available in the national parks, including bush walks and night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife.
  • Opportunities to look for Africa’s Big Five—elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard— as well as a multitude of other classic African wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, cheetah, gazelle and more.
  • Grand Prize package includes: Two (2) round-trip standard economy airfare tickets to Nairobi from a major commercial airport in the United States near the winner’s primary residence; accommodations for six (6) nights in Kenya (double-occupancy room, room and tax only); economy-class airfare from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara National Reserve; meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7; services of the Natural Habitat Adventures’ professional Expedition Leaders and camp staff; airport transfers; and permit and entrance fees.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in 100 countries for over half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visitwww.worldwildlife.org to learn more and follow our news conversations on Twitter @WWFnews.

Natural Habitat Adventures is a world leader in responsible adventure travel and nature-based ecotourism. Since its founding in 1985, the company has offered eco-conscious expeditions and wildlife-focused small-group tours to the planet’s most remarkable nature destinations. Inspired and created from years of scouring the planet for the singular and extraordinary, Nat Hab’s itineraries are artfully crafted experiences that are far from “typical.” Trips are guided by professional naturalist Expedition Leaders, and Nat Hab enjoys a longstanding reputation for hiring some of the world’s best guides. Conservation is at the forefront of everything NHA does, and its philosophy is simple: tourism must work with and benefit local communities, which will in turn find value in protecting natural resources and wildlife. NHA is proud to be the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, sharing a mutual commitment to travel as a means of helping to protect the world’s wondrous natural places.  Nat Hab has donated more than $2 million to WWF and will continue to donate 1% of gross sales plus $100,000 annual through 2018 in support of WWF’s mission

 

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ecotourism, Sustainable Travel

Rivers Fiji is Finalist for 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow Award for Sustainability

 

Rivers Fiji’s mission is to enhance visitors’ and indigenous peoples' appreciation for the culture and environment through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive interaction with the people, landscape and ecosystems that make the Fijian Highlands so distinct and unique.
Rivers Fiji’s mission is to enhance visitors’ and indigenous peoples’ appreciation for the culture and environment through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive interaction with the people, landscape and ecosystems that make the Fijian Highlands so distinct and unique.

Rivers Fiji, part of the O.A.R.S. Family of Companies, has been selected by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as one of 15 finalists for its 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Considered the highest accolade for sustainability in the global travel and tourism industry, Rivers Fiji is one of only three companies in the Environment category being considered for the prestigious awards.

According to the WTTC, Rivers Fiji was selected for “protecting threatened forests and river systems” by running a low-impact commercial rafting operation in the Fijian Highlands of Viti Levu.  And though the economic support given to the region is an important aspect of Rivers Fiji’s work—they’ve created jobs and given more than $1 million back to local communities in the last 15 years—it’s the unique conservation model the company helped foster that demonstrates the full extent of their commitment to sustainable tourism.

In 1998, Rivers Fiji, with the support of O.A.R.S. president and founder, George Wendt, and a group of local entities including two villages, nine mataqali (land-owning clans), a logging company and a government organization banded together to create the Upper Navua Conservation Area (UNCA). This unlikely public-private partnership included a 25-year land lease that has protected the area’s natural assets from logging, road building or mining in the fragile river corridor.  Instead of quick money from resource extraction, the arrangement created long-term sustainability through tourism and one-day rafting trips year-round on the Upper Navua River.

Rivers Fiji also pioneered the establishment of Fiji’s first Ramsar site in 2006, which recognizes the UNCA as a wetland of international importance.  Beyond these efforts, the company has developed outreach programs in partnership with local NGO Nature Fiji to provide educational river trips that enable local communities to experience first-hand the economic, environmental, and cultural importance of where they live. By supporting both community development and environmental conservation, Rivers Fiji programs strive to set the bar for ecotourism.

“The Upper Navua is a very special place which encapsulates the possibility of what ecotourism can achieve, to actively contribute to conservation and affect positive change,” said Wendt. “In cooperation with the team at Rivers Fiji and the commitment of local community partners, this is a wonderful honor and tribute to all those who have committed their time and vision to Rivers Fiji.”

The 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow winners will be announced during the 15th WTTC Global Summit in Madrid, Spain in April 2015.

Rivers Fiji’s mission is to enhance visitors’ and indigenous peoples’ awareness of, and appreciation for the culture and environment by providing activities that promote conservation and preservation through socially responsible and environmentally sensitive interaction with the people, landscape and ecosystems that make the Fijian Highlands so distinct and unique. To learn more, visit www.riversfiji.com and watch River of Eden, a short film by National Geographic Filmmaker & Freshwater Hero, Pete McBride at www.riverofeden.com.

O.A.R.S. has been providing whitewater rafting and nature-based vacations since 1969. Over the decades the company has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport adventures, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines around the world. In 2013 Outside, America’s leading multimedia active-lifestyle brand, named O.A.R.S. one of the top two outfitters in the world in its annual Active Travel Awards recognition program.

For more information on Rivers Fiji and O.A.R.S., trip availability, reservations or a copy of our 2015 Adventures catalog call 209-736-4677 or 800-346-6277, email [email protected], or visit: http://www.oars.com/.

Follow O.A.R.S.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oars_rafting
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OARS.rafting
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/oarsweb
Blog: http://www.oars.com/blog/
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Responsible Travel, Sustainable Travel

Cities Worth Visiting Because They are ‘Green’: White House Designates 16 ‘Climate Action Champions’

Portland, Oregon: a model of a "Green City" that is a delight to explore, especially by bike. The White House has just named Portland one of 16 "Climate Action Champions" © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Portland, Oregon: a model of a “Green City” that is a delight to explore, especially by bike. The White House has just named Portland one of 16 “Climate Action Champions” © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

I made my way to Portland, Oregon, precisely because of its reputation as a Green City – I wanted to see what that was like – and so enjoyed the light rail, the trees lining main street, the walkways and bikeways along the waterfront, rebuilt and reclaimed from industrial wasteland, warehouse districts revitalized converted to pleasant residential areas (what’s not to love about a city that prides itself on “bikes, books and brews”?). There was so much to explore and so much to enjoy – biking, hiking, its world-class zoo on a hilltop.

With Congress in the clutches of Republicans who are funded by Big Oil and deny climate change, it will fall to localities to act to mitigate and even reverse the conditions which are producing global warming.

That is why it is wonderful to see Portland, Boston, Broward County – destinations we have thoroughly enjoyed exploring -among the16 communities highlighted by the Obama Administration as “Climate Action Champions.”

(Broward County is interesting because the state of Florida has basically removed incentives to power plant companies like Duke Energy to mitigate carbon emissions, and is among the states that have removed and even banned incentives for solar energy, in the so-called “Sunshine State” no less. Florida has the biggest stake in mitigating climate change, because it will be the first to be submerged under water and uninhabitable when sea levels rise because of the planet’s warming. Farewell DisneyWorld.)

These communities are not just more liveable, but also are more pleasant to visit.

Next on our itinerary: San Francisco.

16 U.S. Communities Recognized as Climate Action Champions for Leadership on Climate Change

From creating climate-smart building codes to installing green infrastructure to setting targets for reducing energy consumption, the 16 local and tribal communities selected as Climate Action Champions have considered their climate vulnerabilities and taken decisive action to cut carbon pollution and build resilience. In addition to being designated as the first cohort of Climate Action Champions, the selected communities will benefit from facilitated peer-to-peer learning and mentorship and targeted support from a range of Federal programs. Furthermore, a coordinator will be provided to each Climate Action Champion to foster coordination and communication across the Federal agencies, national organizations, and foundations in support of the Champions. The coordinator will also assist efforts to raise awareness of funding and technical assistance opportunities that are available specifically for Climate Action Champions.

The 16 designated Climate Action Champions represent a diverse group of communities that are defining the frontier of ambitious climate action, and their approaches can serve as a model for other communities to follow. They are:

  • Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe (CA): The Blue Lake Rancheria, a Federally recognized tribal government, began its strategic climate action plan in 2008 and is a regional leader in strategically planning and implementing both climate resiliency and greenhouse gas reduction measures. To date, the Tribe has reduced energy consumption by 35 percent and has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2018, utilizing a range of approaches including the use of biodiesel to power public buses and aggressive energy efficiency measures.
  • Boston (MA): The City of Boston has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. The city is the first in the region to adopt Green Building Zoning, add climate resilience to the large new construction review process, and work with utilities on a regional microgrid. Additionally, Boston implemented a “Green Ribbon Commission,” which represents businesses, non-profits, and community leaders from a variety of sectors working to develop shared strategies for fighting climate change in coordination with the city’s Climate Action Plan.
  • Broward County (FL): Broward County, a member of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, a regional partnership of four counties (Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach) to advance climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 2 percent per year, reaching a 10 percent reduction target by 2020, and 80 percent by 2050.
  • Dubuque (IA): The City of Dubuque has adopted greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of 50 percent below 2003 levels by 2030. Alongside these aggressive targets, the flood prone community of Dubuque is focused on risk reduction and resilience, especially as it relates to development and redevelopment of community infrastructure.
  • Knoxville (TN): The City of Knoxville has set a short-term greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. In order to execute on that target, the city developed a planning process that engages major stakeholders, including utilities and community grassroots organizations, and formalizes efforts to integrate energy provision, utilization, procurement, waste, and urban/agricultural use into the city’s Energy and Sustainability Work Plan.
  • Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (DC, MD, and VA): The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) developed the National Capital Region Climate Change Report, demonstrating a fully integrated approach to climate change mitigation and outlining goals in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, transportation and land use, sustainability and resilience, and infrastructure. The COG is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. As a Climate Action Champion, the COG plans to establish an innovative Climate Champions Training Initiative to disseminate the Federal technical assistance and resources it receives to stakeholders across the region.
  • Mid-America Regional Council (KS and MO): The Mid-America Regional Council, a nonprofit association of city and county governments and the metropolitan planning organization for the bi-state Kansas City region, proposed the creation of a regional Resilience Working Group. Through leadership, planning, and action, the Mid-America Regional Council promotes regional cooperation and innovative solutions and seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 percent per year.
  • Minneapolis (MN): The City of Minneapolis developed the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan, which includes greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of 15 percent by 2015, 30 percent by 2025, and 80 percent by 2050. The city has partnered with two utilities, Xcel Energy and Center Point Energy, to jointly plan, market, implement, and track strategies to meet climate and energy goals.
  • Montpelier (VT): Earlier this year, the City of Montpelier launched Net Zero Montpelier, a major initiative focused on making Montpelier the first effectively carbon-neutral capital city in the country by the year 2030. The city has demonstrated its leadership and innovation in climate mitigation and resilience by creating the first energy efficiency utility and the first standard offer program, and by making a commitment to eliminate fossil fuel use across all sectors.
  • Oberlin (OH): The City of Oberlin has developed a climate change mitigation and resilience plan for power production, solid waste, and transportation, utilizing an innovative and collaborative model that includes partnerships between the town, the University, the utility, industry, and international, national, and regional non-profits. The city established aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets of 50 percent by 2015, 75 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050.
  • Portland (OR): The City of Portland is a regional leader for greenhouse gas reduction and climate change mitigation. With support from 20 agency partners, Portland’s 2015 Climate Action Plan is a strategy to put the city on a path to achieve an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels.
  • Salt Lake City (UT): Salt Lake City developed a comprehensive and well-integrated portfolio of programs and policies, including renewable energy, transportation, code revisions, water systems, and building policies as priorities. The city established a joint resolution to reduce its carbon footprint by 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, and 50 percent below 2020 levels by 2040.
  • San Francisco (CA): The city of San Francisco has established some of the most aggressive climate and sustainability targets in the nation, covering a broad range of sectors, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, water, green infrastructure, and waste. With robust goals to measure progress, San Francisco aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2017, and 40 percent by 2025.
  • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (MI): The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians demonstrates a holistic approach to climate action and preparedness through their energy strategy, emergency operations plan, integrated resource management plan, solid waste management plan, sustainable development code, and land use planning process, with ambitious goals including a net-zero energy goal. The tribe aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 percent per year.
  • Seattle (WA): Adopted in June 2013, Seattle’s Climate Action Plan focuses on city actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience while also supporting vibrant neighborhoods, economic prosperity, and social equity. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2017, and by 40 percent by 2025.
  • Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (CA): The Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) is the nation’s first local government agency created specifically to address climate change. The RCPA has committed to pursue a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels through formal partnerships, pooling resources (financial and human), and working across silos.

Today, the Administration also announced new resilience funding opportunities available to local communities across the country, including those designated as Climate Action Champions:

  • Funding for Smart Grid Technologies: DOE announced that up to $3.5 million will be available through the Resilient Electricity Delivery Infrastructure (REDI) Initiative Funding Opportunity Announcement to help communities deploy pre-commercial and commercial smart grid technologies and tools that will help decision makers and resource managers to improve the recovery of electricity delivery services in their communities. The Funding Opportunity Announcement focuses on local and tribal governments that have experienced a Presidentially Declared Major Disaster in the past 30 years.
  • Funding for Resilient Coastal Communities: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be releasing up to $15 million for a Coastal Resilience Grant Program. The program will implement activities that build the resilience of forward-looking coastal communities and nearby ecosystems with the goal of mitigating the negative impacts of extreme weather events, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions.

Specific examples of Federal support that will be available to the winning communities include:

  • Data for Decision-Making: Champions will be provided with validated climate science, data, vulnerability assessments, and risk projection tools needed to make smart planning decisions in their communities and receive technical assistance in using the tools. This support will be provided through programs within NOAA, the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and FEMA, among other agencies.
  • Adaptation, Preparedness, and Resilience Exercises:Champions will have the opportunity to participate in FEMA-supported tabletop exercises. Participating communities will assess hazard mitigation and resilience planning already underway to prepare for extreme weather events and other effects of a changing climate.
  • Peer Network: Champions will have online and in-person access to lessons learned from the Administration’s Sustainable Communities Initiative, a $250 million investment in regions doing long-range planning for environmental, economic, and climate resilience in more than 140 communities nationwide.
  • Access to Renewable Energy Experts: DOE’s SunShot Initiative will work with Champions through two programs. First, the Solar Outreach Partnership will help Champions to accelerate solar energy adoption at the local level through a mix of educational workshops, peer-to-peer sharing opportunities, research-based reports, and online resources. Second, the Solar Technical Assistance Team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will bring together solar experts to provide Champions with unbiased information on solar policies and issues in order to facilitate the development of a market for solar photovoltaic technologies.
  • Tribal-Focused Technical Assistance: Tribal communities designated as Champions will be offered the chance to participate in the DOE Office of Indian Energy Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) program,  an in-depth technical assistance program, as well as other targeted technical assistance and capacity building programs designed to help develop energy and resiliency planning and project development support for clean energy and energy efficiency projects.
  • Resilience Partnership with Federal Facilities: Where possible, Champions will be able to participate in new preparedness pilots that are designed to pair local or tribal communities with nearby Federal facility partners to assess expected local climate impacts and develop plans to address them cooperatively. These would be modeled after two pilots that President Obama announced on July 16, in which the City of Houston is working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Johnson Space Center and the State of Colorado is working with the NREL.

Climate Education and Literacy Initiative. The Administration is also launching a new Climate Education and Literacy Initiative to help connect American students and citizens with the best available science-based information about climate change. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is hosting a roundtable at the White House today, bringing together education leaders from government, academia, philanthropies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to discuss efforts to increase student learning opportunities; equip educators with science-based information and resources; enhance climate-related professional development and training; and engage citizens through place-based and informal climate education. Today’s launch of the Initiative includes a host of exciting new commitments by Federal agencies and outside organizations to develop and deploy innovative climate education approaches aimed at educating and engaging students and citizens of all ages. Examples of these commitments include:

  • A new Federal program to train senior government executives as climate leaders;
  • A new training program by the American Meteorological Society and partners to train faculty from Minority Serving Institutions to introduce climate science courses onto their campuses;
  • An announcement by the Earth Day Network that the 2015 Earth Week will focus on climate education; and
  • Plans supported by the Will Steger Foundation for more than a dozen public forums and educator workshops across the State of Minnesota to share credible information about climate change.

More information about the Climate Education announcement can be found here.

Hampton Roads Pilot Project.The Administration also announced that a one-day exercise was offered yesterday at Old Dominion University in support of an intergovernmental pilot project created by the Hampton Roads community. The exercise was a component of the National Exercise Program Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience Exercise Series, sponsored by the White House National Security Council, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and supported by the National Exercise Division. The Hampton Roads pilot project seeks to develop a regional government- and community-wide approach to sea level rise preparedness and resilience planning that can also be used as a template for other regions. This fall, similar preparedness and resilience exercises were held in Houston, Texas, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Anchorage, Alaska.

White House Climate Action Champions Competition

“From deep droughts to fierce wildfires, severe storms to rising seas, communities across the United States are already grappling with the impacts of extreme weather and climate change. Faced with these new challenges, many cities, towns, counties, and tribes in every region of the country are stepping up to cut carbon pollution, deploy more clean energy, boost energy efficiency, and build resilience in their communities to climate impacts.

“That is why earlier this fall the White House launched the Climate Action Champions competition, to identify and recognize local climate leaders and to provide targeted Federal support to help those communities further raise their ambitions. Following a competitive process led by the Department of Energy (DOE), today the Administration is announcing 16 communities from around the country as the first cohort of Climate Action Champions.

“The Obama Administration is committed to taking decisive action to combat climate change. Just last month, to drive international discussions leading up to the 2015 climate negotiations in Paris, President Obama made an historic joint announcement with Chinese President Xi Jinping of each country’s respective targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the post-2020 period. Building on the United States’ bipartisan history of supporting financing for clean energy and climate adaptation in developing countries, the President also announced the United States’ $3 billion commitment to the Green Climate Fund.

“But international leadership begins at home, which is why the Obama Administration is continuing to partner with state and local governments, businesses, and philanthropic organizations to make progress on climate change in the United States. Building on the Administration’s work with the State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, which delivered its recommendations to the President on November 17, and the selection of the Climate Action Champions this week, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy launched a new Climate Education and Literacy Initiative, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the White House collaborated on the fourth in a series of local climate resilience exercises in Hampton Roads, Virginia.”

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Sustainable Travel

‘Shop & Share’ Event Nov 21 to Support Palm Beach Zoo

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Lilly Pulitzer shop at The Gardens Mall is supporting the Palm Beach Zoo with 10% of sales donated on sales November 21.
Lilly Pulitzer shop at The Gardens Mall is supporting the Palm Beach Zoo with 10% of sales donated on sales November 21.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Come join the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society at Lilly Pulitzer this Friday, November 21, at The Gardens Mall. Visitors will be able to shop from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with 10% of any sales to be donated to the Zoo. A few of the Zoo’s furry and feathered friends will be making guest appearances between 2 and 3:30 p.m. and between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy light refreshments.

“How can it be that shopping helps wildlife? In this case, it does!” said Andrew Aiken, president and CEO for the Zoo. “We hope that this event will inspire people to shop on behalf of wildlife, and this will give them the satisfaction of combining two loves: shopping and animals.”

Lilly Pulitzer at The Gardens Mall is located at 3101 PGA Blvd Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Photos from the 2013 Shop & Share — http://on.fb.me/1xfyJe5

Catalogs are printed on responsibly-sourced Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper

The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. The society advances its conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field. Its commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.

The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.

 

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Sustainable Travel, transportation, Uncategorized

Norwegian Air Flies First Flight with Biofuel, Reducing Carbon Emissions 40%

Norwegian Air has just carried out Norway’s first ever flight with biofuel. Norwegian’s flight DY631 from Bergen to Oslo took off with almost 50 percent biofuel; a flight that emits over 40 percent less than an average flight with regular fuel.

The aircraft was filled with sustainable biofuel and emitted a total of 3178 kg – or 40 grams per passenger kilometre. Older aircraft with traditional fuels emit 5786 kg, which is 74 grams per passenger kilometre on the same stretch. In other words, this flight, with 50 percent biofuel, has over 40 percent less emissions than an average flight with normal fuel.

Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Tine Sundtoft, was among the passengers on board this milestone flight together with Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos.

“At Norwegian, we are keen to make aviation more environmentally friendly. We have a clear goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent per passenger in the period 2008 to 2015. The most significant improvement is our new aircraft, and Norwegian’s fleet is among the newest and most environmentally friendly in Europe. But this is not enough. Sustainable biofuel is also an important measure. This biofuel flight from Bergen to Oslo is an important milestone in the industry’s shared commitment to make sustainable biofuel more easily available for airlines,” says Norwegian’s CEO Bjørn Kjos.

Through the development of new technologies and frameworks, Norwegian is seeking to help make aviation carbon neutral by 2050.

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded “Norwegian”, is a low-cost airline listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and third largest low cost carrier in Europe. More than 20 million passengers fly on its network per year. Norwegian has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to the US and Southeast Asia. The company has a total of 417 routes to 126 destinations and employs approximately 4,500 people in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, UK, Spain and Thailand. The company has 258 undelivered aircraft on firm order.

Norwegian was founded in 1993 and its headquarter is in Fornebu, Norway. In 2013 and 2014, Norwegian was voted Europe’s best low-cost carrier of the year by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards. Norwegian offers better leg room than most competitors, in-flight WiFi, world-class punctuality and a fleet of 100 aircraft with an average age of only 4.8 years.

 

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ecotourism, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Hotels, Sustainable Travel

mygreenglobe, showcasing eco-friendly travel entities, tops 100K views on YouTube

mygreenglobe, the YouTube channel showcasing travel entities which have achieved Green Globe Certification, has now surpassed 100,000 views.

The mygreenglobe channel is home to over 100 videos from Green Globe certified members world-wide. The clips are shot in some of the world’s most desirable travel locations, showcasing beautiful destinations in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, as well as Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

“Today’s travelers expect to be able to see all that hotels and resorts have to offer before they make their vacation choices,” Green Globe Communications Director, Bradley Cox said.” Green Globe video clips have become an extremely popular way to take a tour of our members’ properties and meet the management and staff who will greet guests and take care of them during their stay.

“Our strategy is to use videos to promote not only our members’ facilities and services, but also reveal the enormous efforts invested in preserving environments and supporting local communities. We believe this gives travelers a unique perspective into the true heart and soul of their vacation destination,” added Mr. Cox.

Exceeding 100,000 views is a major milestone for mygreenglobe, which provides Green Globe certified members the ability to communicate their sustainability achievements to global audiences every day of the year. In these short colorful clips, Green Globe members take viewers behind the scenes to meet the local people and gain an understanding of their community, culture and values.

New videos are launched every week and include a range of international destinations. The clips showcase different types of accommodation, from remote eco-luxury retreats such as The Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize to cool urban hotels including the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht. Overall mygreenglobe delivers unique access, which has proven fascinating to travelers as well as industry professionals and interested community groups.

“Having a video channel that profiles such an enormous diversity of travel options is not only good for people looking to purchase a sustainable vacation, but has been a great benefit to our Green Globe members who can show everything from practical information on room types and activities, through to communicating the personality of their hotel or resort,” concluded Mr. Cox.

To view Green Globe member videos visit mygreenglobe or enter mygreenglobe on YouTube search.

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Green Globe is also a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). For information, visit www.greenglobe.com

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ecotourism, Responsible Travel, Sustainable Travel

Planning a Quest to See Animals in Their Habitat? When You Travel is as Important as Where You Go

Wild Planet's Josh Cohen says November to June are the best months for the Thailand & Laos wildlife ecotour, spanning four national parks and including exclusive ways of bringing guests right to the wildlife.
Wild Planet’s Josh Cohen says November to June are the best months for the Thailand & Laos wildlife ecotour, spanning four national parks and including exclusive ways of bringing guests right to the wildlife.

If you are planning a quest with a goal is to see wildlife, the experts in viewing wildlife through habitat-sustaining practices underscore that when a trip is to be taken is as important as the destination itself.

Josh Cohen, founder of Wild Planet Adventures, outlines the times of year his guests can experience the most intense sightings of the wildlife they travel far to discover.

BORNEO: March to October is the best viewing window for The Ultimate “Weird and Wonderful Wildlife” Safari that combines rainforest hiking and eco-responsible river cruises. Prolific & Likely wildlife sightings include Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Gibbon, Macaques, Langurs, Pygmy Elephant, Bearded Pig, over 620 bird species. “Weird and Wonderful” animal sightings may include the color-changing Flying Frog, Flying Lemur and Draco Lizard. Rare or Endangered (possible sightings) include Tarsier and Slow Loris (both primates), Marble Cat, Clouded Leopard, Bornean Rhinoceros, Sun Bear, and the Paradise Gliding Tree Snake and Lung-less Frog. This 10-day program is from $5,998 per person, double occupancy (exclusive of domestic flights) for a minimum of four. See: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=borneo&trip=weird-wonderful-wildlife-12-day-borneo&tab=1

INDIA & NEPAL: November to April are preferred months for Untamed India & Nepal 19-Day Wildlife Safari that embraces national parks in two countries. Prolific & Likely wildlife sightings include Macaque, Langur and Rhesus Monkeys, Elephants, Rhinoceros, Wild Buffaloes, Muntjac, Chital, Nilgai Bluebuck Antelope, Sambar Deer, Mongoose, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Otter, Wild Boar, Tigers, Leopards, reptiles and 450 Bird species. Rare or Endangered (possible sightings) include Fishing, Jungle and Desert Cat, Chinkara, Desert Fox and Cobras. The per person double occupancy rate is from $6,998 (minimum six). See: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=india&trip=untamed-india-nepal-19-day-wildlife-safari

THAILAND & LAOS: November to June are the best months for Thailand & Laos Ultimate Wildlife 15-Day EcoTour spanning more than four national parks and including exclusive ways of bringing guests right to the wildlife. Prolific & Likely wildlife sightings include up to 13 primate species, Elephants, Civets, Braking and Sambar Deer, Monitor Lizards and Birds. Rare or Endangered (possible sightings) include Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Gaur, Serow, Malaysian Sun and Asiatic Bear, Flying Fox, Giant Porcupine, Slow Loris and Flying Draco Lizard. The per person double rate is from $4,498 (minimum four). See: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=thailand&trip=ultimate-wildlife-15-day-eco-tour-thailand&tab=1

COSTA RICA: Think December to May and again July (Veranito season) for the Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife 14-Day EcoTour spanning 12 distinct ecological zones. Prolific & Likely wildlife sightings include Squirrel Monkeys, Tamandua (Anteater), Kinkajou, Agouti, Dolphins, Tayra, Peccaries (collared and white-lipped), Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, Walking Sticks, Eyelash Pit Viper, Fer-de-lance, Leaf-Cutter Ants, and such birds as Resplendent Quetzals, Scarlet Macaws, Lovely Coatings, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis, Green Honeycreepers, Roseate Spoonbill, Woodstorks, Crested Caracara, Purple Gallinule, Northern Jacanas, and Great Curassow. Rare or Endangered (possible sightings) include Jaguar and other cats, Tapir, Porcupine, Silky Anteater, Grey Fox, Olingo, Paca, Grison, Caiman, Fleishman’s Glass Frogs (see-through), Leatherback Turtles, Green Turtles, Hercules Beetles and more. The per person, double rate (minimum four) is from $4,798. See: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=costa-rica&trip=ultimate-wildlife-14-day-eco-tour-costa-rica

PANAMA: December to July are the best months for a Panama Ultimate Wildlife 10-Day EcoTour that combines rain and cloud forest experiences with the sea. Prolific & Likely wildlife sightings include Howler, White-faced Capuchin and Squirrel Monkeys, Three- and Two-toed Sloth, Coatimundi, Bats, Kinkajou, Agouti, Tayra, Peccaries (Collared and White-lipped), Dolphins, Crocodiles, Blue Morpho Butterflies, Basilisk (Jesus Christ lizards), Poison Arrow and Red-eyed Tree Frogs, Walking Sticks, Sea Turtles, Fer-de-Lance, Leaf-cutter Ants and 600 species of birds. Rare or Endangered (possible sightings) may include Jaguar and other Cats, Tapir, Porcupine, Silky Anteater, Grey Fox, Olingo, Paca, Grison, Fleishman’s Glass Frogs (see-through), Leatherback and Green Turtles and more. The per person double rate is from $3,998. See http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=panama&trip=ultimate-wildlife-10-day-eco-tour-panama

BRAZIL: The best time for spotting wildlife here is July to October on a program called Jaguar’s Trail: Pantanal to Amazon 15-Day Adventure. Cohen calls this “our most value-packed itinerary” featuring wildlife safaris by jeep, boat and foot in three different regions of the Pantanal and a remote area of the Amazon. Cohen also reports, “We average spotting1.5 jaguars per day, and sometimes as many as 7!” Prolific & Likely wildlife sightings include Bown Capuchin, Black Howler, Duski Titi, White-Whiskered Spider, Gold & Black and Red-Handed Howler Monkey, Black-Tailed, Silvery and Emilia’s Marmoset, Giant and Neotropical Otter, Black and Spectacled Caiman, Collared and White-Lipped Peccary, Marsh, Red Brocket and Brown Brocket Deer, Brazilian Rabbit, Brazilian Porcupine, Short-Tailed Possum, Jaguar, Brazilian Tapir, South American Coati. Rare or Endangered (possible sightings) may include Bare Ear Marmoset, Feline Night and Red-Nosed Bearded Saki Monkey, Emilae’s Marmoset, Harpy Eagle, Ocelot, Puma, Azara’s Agouti, Punare, Colocolo. The per person double rate is from $7,198 (minimum six). See http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=brazil&trip=jaguars-trail-pantanal-amazon-15-day

PERU: March to October are the preferred months for a program called Ultimate Wildlife Amazon & Machu Picchu 13-day Adventure including both Tambopata Biosphere Reserve and the remote Manu Biosphere Reserve. Prolific & Likely wildlife sightings include Brown Capuchin, Squirrel, Dusty Headed Titi, Red Howler, Spider, Night and Wooly Monkey; Saddleback Tamarin, Macaws in all hues, Toucan, Capybara, Giant River Otter, Tyra, Brown Agouti, Sloth, Pygmy Marmoset, Emperor Tamarin, Monk Saki and Tapir. Rare or Endangered (possible sightings) may include Goeldi’s Monkey, Jaguar, Jaguarundi, Puma, Ocelot, Bush Dog, Harpy Eagle, Silky and Giant Anteater. The per person double rate is from $5,498 (minimum four). See: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=peru&trip=ultimate-wildlife-amazon-machu-picchu-13-day

ZAMBIA: July to October are preferred months for an Ultimate Wildlife 18-Day Safari in one of Africa’s least crowded and most wildlife-rich destinations. Prolific & Likely wildlife sightings include African Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Southern Giraffe, Plains (Burchell’s) Zebra, Roan, Sable, Bushbuck, Common Duiker, Impala, Puku, Greater Kudu, Warthog, Bush Pig, Aardvark, Banded Mongoose, Slender Mongoose, White-Tailed Mongoose, Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Side-striped Jackal, African Civet, Large-Spotted Genet, Cheetah, Leopard, Wild Dog, Honey Badger, Vervet (Green) Monkey, Yellow Baboon, Rodents, Shrews Reptiles and Birds. Rare or Endangered (possible sightings) include Grysbok, Steenbok, Suni, Tsessebe, Crawshay’s Zebra, Hartebeest, Black Rhino, Aardwolf, Bat-eared Fox, Tree Hyrax, Mongoose (Dwarf, Bushy-Tailed, Selous, Marsh Mongoose, Meller’s) Temminck’s Pangolin, Striped Polecat (Zorilla), Serval, Caracal, African Wild Cat, Small-spotted Genet, Black-Backed Jackal, Chacma Baboon, Samango (Blue) Monkey, Maloney’s Monkey, Night Ape and more. The per person double rate is from $13,998 (exclusive of domestic flights at $2,198 per person). See: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=zambia&trip=ultimate-wildlife-18-day-safari-zambia

In April 2014 Wild Planet Adventures received its fifth “Worlds’ 50 Best Trips” award from the editors of National Geographic Traveler for its “On the Jaguar’s Trail; from the Pantanal to the Amazon” wildlife safari in Brazil.

For detailed itineraries and booking information, visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/, email [email protected] or call 1.800.990.4376.

Follow Wild Planet Adventures:

Facebook:     http://www.facebook.com/mywildplanet

Twitter:         @WildPlanetAdv

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Sustainable Travel, transportation

Eurail Pass holders save up to 40% on European ferry crossings with Grimaldi Lines Partnership

Grimaldi Lines and Eurail have augmented their partnership, offering Eurail Pass travelers even deeper discounts on ferry crossings between Spain, Greece, Sicily and Sardinia.

Eurail’s benefit partner Grimaldi Lines offers a 20% discount on ferry crossings and a 10% discount on accommodation supplements such as Pullman seats, berths and cabins to Eurail Pass travelers who purchase a Eurail Pass on or after this date. These discounts apply to standard as well as special fares such as advanced booking offers. The discounts are also applicable in the off-season, providing even more value for money by saving 40% when booking ship passages between September 15 and December 21, 2104. Eurail Pass travelers can make reservations and redeem these special discounts via Grimaldiˈs Contact Centers and at its points of sales in Italy and Spain. For more information, please visit www.grimaldi-lines.com.

In addition, Eurail travelers can find detailed information about the Grimaldi Lines discounts on the Rail Planner App. This free and off-line app is available from the App Store or Google Play, providing travelers with valuable information such as a complete list of Eurail Pass benefits by country, a European railway timetable and more. For further details, visit: http://www.eurailgroup.org/railplanner

Grimaldi Lines, owned by the Grimaldi Group, is one of Europe’s leading shipping companies, offering ferry services to the most popular tourism destinations in the Mediterranean region. Grimaldi Lines connections are synonymous with convenience, comfort and safety, while its Cruise Roma and Cruise Barcelona routes, servicing Sardinia and Spain, offer facilities and services similar to those of cruise ships.

Eurail offers four types of Eurail Passes as part of its product portfolio to those residing outside of Europe: the Eurail Global Pass valid in 24 member countries, Eurail Select Pass, Eurail Regional Pass and Eurail One Country Pass. Eurail Passes are available from a worldwide network of Authorized Sales Agents.  Please visit: www.eurailgroup.org/eurail-vendors.

 

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Resorts, Sustainable Travel, US Travel

Bromley works with Efficiency Vermont to Bring Energy Efficient Snowmaking Upgrades; Implement Snowmaking Energy Index

Bromley Mountain took advantage of incentives from Efficiency Vermont to introduce more efficient snowmaking system, and in partnership with Efficiency Vermont, plans to install the first Snowmaking Energy Index (SEI) in the US © 2014 Dave Leiberman/news-photos-features.com
Bromley Mountain took advantage of incentives from Efficiency Vermont to introduce a more efficient snowmaking system, and plans to install the first Snowmaking Energy Index in the US © 2014 Dave Leiberman/news-photos-features.com

This winter season, Bromley Mountain, Vermont, is adding 74 brand new high efficiency HKD tower guns, complete with hoses, and scrapping our 59 remaining energy-hog ground guns. The 100% efficient equipment eliminates the need to rent diesel powered air compressors (a first in Bromley snowmaking history!) and adds permanent tower gun coverage to four trails. One of the reasons Bromley was able to scrap the ground guns was Efficiency Vermont, which offered a new incentive for Vermont Ski Resorts (more on the statewide initiative here) last spring. “Get rid of all your inefficient guns, and receive really, really, REALLY good incentives to purchase new, state of the art high efficiency equipment.”

Other new and exciting happenings in the Bromley snowmaking world include: Collaborating with HKD to develop a new design for a portable tower gun. One side-effect to surrendering the ground guns is a loss of flexibility in gun placement for tricky spots, steep spots, spots the tower guns just don’t go. In order to maintain portable options, 6 of the new tower guns will be just 6’ tall, mounted on a stable tri-pod (instead of a sled, like other portable tower guns) with specially developed nozzles to allow moisture coming out of these shorter guns the appropriate “hang-time” necessary for making good quality snow with tower guns.

Is it possible to further maximize efficiency? In partnership with Efficiency Vermont, Vermont’s Sun Mountain plans to find out by installing the first Snowmaking Energy Index (SEI) in the United States this winter. This system will allow Bromley’s snowmakers to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of its snowmaking system in real time, giving its team the ability to adjust variables allowing for maximum output, best quality snow and lowest energy consumption possible at all times.

Bromley is also the first resort in Vermont to install an Intelli-Flow Controller, giving the option to increase snow output by maximizing available air from the compressors based on real time environmental factors. For greater detail on snowmaking improvements, check Bromley’s snowmaking blog.

Meanwhile, Bromley is making it easier to get into skiing and snowboarding

This season’s Start Fun, Start Free events have been set for December 21, 2014, January 19, 2015 and March 15, 2015, when up to 75 guests, ages 6 and up can enjoy a day on snow, free of charge. Registrants will receive an all-day Learning Zone lift ticket, an all-day Rental of ski or snowboard equipment, and instruction in the Learning Zone from 10:30am until noon. Call 802/824/5522 to pre-register.

Following the “free” theme, Bromley is introducing the Super Duper Ski Package, partnering its Kidsrule Mountain Camps program with Elan skis. This $599 package includes 6 Kidsrule lessons, a free pair of Elan Starr skis with Quick Trick bindings, a coupon for great deals on boots, poles and accessories, plus a Bromley Season Pass! (The Season Pass isn’t new… since Kidsrule’s inception in 2011/12, every child that completes 6 Kidsrule lessons receives a full Season Pass.) The package saves $223 on lessons alone, the free skis retail for about $220, plus the value of a season pass (check bromley.com for the current rates). Limited packages available; click here for full details.

Bromley Mountain is located at 3984 Vermont Route 11, Peru, Vermont, six miles east of Manchester. For information, visit bromley.com, 802-824-5522.

See:

BROMLEY MOUNTAIN, CELEBRATING 75th ANNIVERSARY, STILL PINNACLE OF ‘CLASSIC VERMONT’ SKIING FOR FAMILIES

 

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National Parks, Sustainable Travel

Fire Island National Seashore’s Wilderness Boardwalk Trail Restored; Events Mark 50th Anniversary of Wilderness Act

On Tuesday, September 2, the National Park Service and Congressman Timothy Bishop celebrated the recent restoration of Fire Island National Seashore’s wilderness boardwalk trail. The ¼-mile boardwalk replaces one destroyed during Hurricane Sandy and provides access to New York State’s only federally designated wilderness.

“The restoration of the wilderness boardwalk on Fire Island is an important step forward in our efforts as a community to fully recover from Superstorm Sandy,” said Congressman Tim Bishop. “In its 50 year history, the Fire Island National Seashore has provided a place for families to spend quality time together while exploring one of Long Island’s most beautiful areas. The restoration of this boardwalk will help to ensure that legacy continues.”

“The federal funds secured by Congressman Bishop made it possible to restore one of Fire Island’s most popular boardwalk in time for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act and for Fire Island National Seashore’s own 50th anniversary,” said Seashore Superintendent Chris Soller.

The $273,000 project was completed in April with federal storm recovery funds and visitation has increased since it was completed.

“People come to Fire Island’s wilderness for a unique and peaceful experience and this boardwalk enhances that experience,” said Soller.

“The new wilderness boardwalk was designed to be more sustainable,” said Seashore Facility Manager James Dunphy. Although Hurricane Sandy destroyed 2,500 feet of boardwalk in the wilderness area, Dunphy said “the storm gave the National Park Service the opportunity to reconsider its location.” The new boardwalk was built with composite lumber made from recycled materials and relocated inland to the site of a former boardwalk to allow for greater protection from future storms.

The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness is accessible year-round, with parking available at the adjacent Smith Point County Park.

The Seashore will host “Wilderness Weekend” on September 6 and 7 with special programs to highlight Fire Island’s wilderness and the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

Wilderness Weekend events include: “Walk in Wilderness,” “Junior Ranger Wilderness Explorer,” and a “Leave No Trace Workshop.”

“Songs of Wilderness,” an exhibit featuring artwork inspired by Fire Island’s wilderness by mixed-media artist David Adams will be on display at the Wilderness Visitor Center through October 13.

The Seashore will continue to host special programming at the Fire Island Wilderness throughout its year-long 50th anniversary celebration starting mid-September.

Fire Island National Seashore encompasses 26 miles of ocean and bay shoreline, lush backdunes, maritime forests and residential communities on Fire Island, a barrier island situated south of Long Island, New York. Fire Island’s dynamic coastal landscape is home to a diversity of plants and wildlife and offers a retreat from nearby metropolitan New York. For more information visit www.nps.gov/fiis.

 

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