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Cute but they do not survive in Captivity . . . Please do not reward the Captors

2/19/2014

10 Comments

 

This photo of Heliconia Amazon River Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
I discovered this photo on TripAdvisor today . . . I was very sad as I knew that although cute sloth was destined to die a few days after the photo was taken.  The tourist was excited because sloths are not typically seen in the jungle.  But they were not aware of the fate that awaited this baby sloth. 


When I visited the Napo Lodge, our guides took the time to stress that we NOT support the locals by paying to take photos of captive animals.  Unfortunately, a little girl holding a cute baby sloth is irresistible to tourists with a camera.  One of our tour group begged to take our riverboat ashore where a little girl shouted to us . . . "Photo for a dollar!"  First our guide ignored the pleas and then the number of members of our boat joined to chorus of pleas to stop the boat.  Our guide expressed concern that we would miss seeing the Hoatzin birds as the later the time of day we arrived near their nests, the more likely we would miss seeing these rare birds.  


When our boat returned from our Hoatzin adventure down the same blackwater river we had arrived by, the pleas to return to the shore in search of a photo of a sloth increased.  Once again our guide simply shook his head no then the voices expressed disappointment for missing the rare opportunity.  Suddenly, our guide stopped the boat mid-stream and turned to face us.  He looked angry but he remained calm.  Slowly he told us that the locals venture into the jungle to capture a baby sloth. Sloths sleep up to 20 hours a day and rarely come down from the rainforest canopy.  Baby sloths cling to their mother as she hangs upside down in a tree.  The locals will often kill the mother in order to capture the baby sloth.  They send their children with the sloth since they know that tourists cannot resist the opportunity to photograph a cute local child and baby sloth.  They ask for a dollar, a pocket knife, or something of value in exchange for the photo. Unfortunately, the baby will refuse food and water . . . surviving only a few days before it dies.  If the local people discover that tourists will not buy a photo of the captive animal, they will not return to the Amazon Rainforest to capture another animal.


Remember that the the Sloth is an endangered animal and should not be exploited for the simple intention of capturing a photo for your scrapbook or blog.  Be a responsible traveler and refuse to participate in this "circle of death."

 
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Explorama Lodge & Ecotourism

2/17/2014

6 Comments

 
PictureWelcome to Explorama Lodge
Explorama Lodge is located 50 miles downstream from Iquitos, Peru on the Amazon River.  The facilities have been built consistent with the structures typical of the region.  The Amazon rainforest surrounds the lodge and the raised walkways protect the surrounding land from the impact of the tourists visiting the lodge.  During my visit to the lodge, it rained every afternoon.  The covered walkways allowed the guests to move from building to building without getting soaked. 

During my visit to the Explorama Lodge, ACTS, and the ExploraNapo Lodge I became aware of the community outreach programs supported by the revenue generated from the visitors to the lodge. Many resorts and lodges in scenic wilderness areas call themselves claim to be ecotourism providers but Explorama Lodge actually subscribes to the principles of ecotourism.  Two principles of ecotourism that I will profile in this blog post: 

  1. ­It should play an active role in conserving the natural resources which provide the visitors their experience.
  2. Ensure that the long term benefits- to the resource, to the local community, and to industry (benefits may be conservation, scientific, social, or economic). 
Explorama Lodge supports several programs that demonstrate their dedication to these ecotourism principles.

PictureA local child with clean water.
CONAPAC, the Civil Association for Conservation of the Peruvian Amazon Environment, is a Non-Government Organization formed in July 1990 in Iquitos, Peru, by a group of teachers, forestry engineers, and employees of Explorama Lodges. Registered with the Peruvian government, its purpose is the conservation of the Peruvian Amazon primary rainforest. Though the staff is small, with the help of Explorama’s staff and visitors, it serves those in the rainforest most in need of education and other tools for sustainable living.


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Explorama Lodges have set aside 4 conservation areas to ensure the rainforest is protected from deforestation and hunting.

Explorama Inn Reserve is the smallest of Explorama's protected areas, consisting of 100 hectares (250 acres) in total. Of this area, 34 hectares (85 acres) is primary or virgin rain forest, while 66 hectares is secondary rain forest, gradually returning from farm land to forested secondary growth. 

The Explorama Lodge Reserve has been protected by Explorama since 1964. This reserve consists of over 200 hectares, or 500 acres, of mainly high Tierra Firme, or non-flooding forest. One small section is lowland or flooded forest. The Missouri Botanical Garden has found this reserve to be one of the highest in biodiversity of trees per square hectare in any area studied by scientists to date. Adjacent to this reserve is a small community of Yagua Native Americans which have clear title to their own reserve of 1,622 hectares (4,055 acres). This property surrounds the Explorama Lodge Reserve, acting as a buffer zone to help protect the area from the continual encroachment of the ever-expanding population of river people. Explorama helped with the legal process of obtaining this reserve for the community, provided the workers and supplies necessary to cut the boundary line around the property, and to obtain the accurate measurements of the land for the Peruvian Department of Agriculture.

Explornapo. Shimigay, and Sucusari Reserve are located near the Napo River consists of 2,000 hectares, or about 5,000 acres. Adjacent to these reserves and acting as buffers are the CONAPAC Biological Reserve and a large 4,770 hectare reserve (11,925 acres) belonging to the Orejone Native American Community.

PictureLocal children at school
Since its creation in 1993, the Adopt-A-School program has grown from 10 schools to 57 communities, 98 schools, and over 4,000 teachers and students in 2010. The program will celebrate 20 years in April 2013.  Revenue generated from the tourists visiting Explorama Lodge, as well as tourist donations supports a variety of schools, from one room schools to larger schools with kindergarten, primary and secondary classrooms.  The welfare of the children is equally important so they also support a clean water program.

PictureTreatment plant under construction
Almost all children in the villages along the Amazon and Napo Rivers consume water directly from rivers, streams and ponds. During low water season, the water supply in some villages becomes very limited because beaches form, separating them from the main flow of the rivers, making available water even more contaminated. Therefore, CONAPAC initated a Clean Water Project that builds community water treatment plants.  These plants can produce potable water for small villages and significantly improve the quality of life for the people who live there. CONAPAC not only builds water treatment plants in the local communities, they conduct water workshops, monitors the treatment process, trains the water plant operators, and tests the water quality. 

You too can contribute to this on-going community project even if you cannot visit Explorama Lodge.

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Responsible Tourism: Zion Canyon Shuttle System

2/16/2014

6 Comments

 
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Anyone who has visited Zion National Park in the Spring or Summer will note the number of cars waiting to access the park.  If you have visited the park during the peak season you will have observed the difficulty in finding parking spaces located along the narrow canyon road.  

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Beginning in 2000, the National Park System implemented a free shuttle system to eliminate the over-crowding within the 6 mile loop that provides access along the narrow canyon floor. Zion National Park welcomes over 2.5 million visitors every year, most of who arrive during the months of March through October.

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Unlike many shuttle systems, visitors do not need to come to the main visitor center to board the shuttle system. The Zion Canyon Shuttle picks up at 6 locations within the town of Springdale, Utah and brings them to the Visitor Center. The visitors may then board the buses for the loop through the park after paying their admission fees to the park. Visitors may get on or off as many times as they like sightseeing at 8 key locations within the park.

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The shuttle uses “clean fuel” to minimize air pollution. During the shuttle service season, private cars are not allowed within the park.

This effort is an illustration of the integration into Springdale’s local economy and the sustainable resource use. Additionally, the web site for shuttle system goes a bit further with encouragement for responsible tourism. Check out their recommendations at their website:

http://www.nps.gov/zion/naturescience/green-travel.htm

Zion National Park is an excellent illustration of the cornerstones for fair trade and responsible tourism. 

  • Fair Working Conditions: The buses are accessible for people who are working within Zion National Park or in the town of Springdale without charge. Therefore employees do not have to drive their cars or block parking spaces that should be used by tourists visiting the area.
  • Fair Prices: Regardless of where a tourist stays within Springdale (campground or hotel), they are free to use the shuttle system at no charge.
  • Integration Into the Local Economy and Regional Development: The shuttle is not limited to within the park itself, but rather picks up and drops off tourists at numerous stops within the town of Springdale. This eliminates cars from driving from a local campground or hotel to the parking lot at the Zion National Park Visitor's Center.  It also makes it more convenient to take the shuttle bus out to the restaurants and grocery stores within Springdale.
  • Fair Trade Partnerships Between All Actors in Tourism: Since the use of the shuttle buses does not require a fee or ticket, this encourages the tourists to spend their dollars at the local businesses.  
  • Sustainable Resource Use and Environmental Justice: The shuttle buses utilize "clean fuel" this has improved the air quality in the canyon areas.  The elimination of cars and their exhaust, has not only improved air quality but has improved access to the very popular sights within the park and encouraged visitors to stop at a variety of areas within the park. This has improved the overall tourist experience for everyone visiting the park. 


6 Comments

International & Sustainable Tourism Awareness Blogs

2/9/2014

27 Comments

 

Introduction:

The following blogs have been developed by the students in my PRT 5610/6610 Social Media and International Tourism Course at the University of Utah during Spring 2014.  Please check out these blogs and feel free to leave comments and suggestions for improvement.

Human Rights & International Tourism Blogs:

  • Becca Horak: http://thebeccablog.weebly.com/
  • Katie Sikkema: http://katiesikkema.weebly.com/
  • Dylan Stokes: http://dylanhstokes.weebly.com/
  • Renee Thirkell: http://reneetravel.weebly.com

Native Cultures & International Tourism Blogs:

  • Simon Huang: http://gejianghuangtravel.weebly.com/ 
  • Casey Madsen: http://nepalculturechange.blogspot.com/
  • Raena McGlochlin: http://caribbeanlocalsfirst.weebly.com/
  • Ken Williams: http://onecoldtourist.weebly.com

Natural Disasters & International Tourism Blogs

  • Tanner Andresen: http://travelindo.weebly.com/
  • Rachel Farr: http://ifwritingwerelikefootball.blogspot.com/
  • Nate Olson: http://nateolson.weebly.com/
  • Steven Rath: http://tsunamirecoveryinjapan.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-name-is-steve-rath.html

Responsible Travel & International Tourism Blogs

  • Stuart Derman: http://www.stuartderman.com/the-digital-vagabond.html
  • Dave Forsman: http://daveforsman.weebly.com/
  • Vanessa Gregory: http://vanessagregory.weebly.com/
  • Eric Larsen: http://www.ericlarsen.weebly.com
  • Jeanette Murugui: http://jeanettemurugi.weebly.com/

Safety & International Tourism Blogs

  • Matthew Bird: http://matthewjbird.weebly.com/
  • Spencer Hackett: http://dufflebagtraveler.blogspot.com/
  • Dallas Harlan: http://mdallasharlan.weebly.com/
  • Jessica Nebecker: http://jessicanebeker.weebly.com/travel-blog-the-healthy-traveler.html

Sustainability & International Tourism Blogs

  • Kari Barnard: http://theoutbackupfront.weebly.com/
  • Tony Church: http://tonycuofutah.weebly.com/
  • Sarah Morris: http://sarahmorris.weebly.com
  • Abigail White: http://www.greensplore.weebly.com
27 Comments

Going Green Travel Tips

2/3/2014

9 Comments

 
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The most important green travel tip is to pack SMART! You will save your back and time, as well as the planet!  Here are a few suggestions that will ensure you travel SMART!


  • Start with research, planning, and sensible luggage.  Research your destination and determine the clothing needed for the climate and activities you plan to engage in during your trip. Select sensible luggage that you can lift without assistance when packed to capacity. This is essential when selecting your carry-on luggage for a flight.  How many times have you experienced a near miss from someone who cannot seem to get their heavy carry-on suitcase up into the overhead compartment.   Also, if you are flying verify the overhead compartment space dimensions.  Be sure to research by checking out TravelNerd’s carry on luggage size chart.  I have boarded many flights where there is crowd of people waiting to tag their luggage and have the ground crew load it into a storage compartment.  Of course, when the flight reaches its destination, these same people are still gathering at the door of the plane awaiting their luggage.  I find it much less of a hassle to check the bag for these flights and avoid clogging the jet way.  
  • Miniaturize when possible.  Select compact items to help save space in your luggage and save you luggage fees. Those squeezable toiletry tubes/bottles are great for packing those necessary items . . . many of which meet the TSA requirements for liquids. I love my pocket camera with an adjustable lens, compact solar battery charger, and multiple memory chips.  A bonus is the waterproof camera cover that allows me to use it in the rain or underwater. An ereader can hold your pleasure reading and games to distract you during your flight.  Additionally you can load up the ereader with  maps and travel guides for your destination.  Another bonus is the long battery life will last through most international flights.
  • Arrange your clothing and other items in your suitcase to minimize wasted space.  Roll your clothing or fold clothing in and around other items to maximize space.  I pack my socks in those little bags the newspaper is delivered in and then stuff into my shoes.  I love the "packing cubes" and compression bags to keep clean clothes free of the odors that may come from soiled clothing between destinations.  I also pack dryer sheets inside the compression bag to keep items smelling nice. Check with the lodging at your destination to see if they provide hair dryers, irons, or other items you might need.  Imagine the space you will save.
  • Right clothes for the climate and season.  For example, pack wrinkle-free, quick-dry, and color-coordinated clothes.  Plan your wardrobe for the trip and lay out the color coordinated outfits you are taking on the trip. Then begin combining items to ensure you can create a minimum of 3 to 5 outfits.  If not, leave the item at home. Research has found that women tend to wear only half of what they pack, so I always cut back by half before packing up the luggage. Please leave valuable items at home.  If you would be upset if it is lost or damaged, then leave it at home. Limit your shoes to one or two pairs of comfortable, versatile shoes. Include an extra pair of socks in your carry-on luggage that can double as slippers on an international flight.  Feet often get cold and airline blankets are not always warm enough (and may not be clean), so I use the blanket on my legs and feet.  A super soft cashmere pashmina wrap is always in my carry-on that can be used to wrap around my shoulders on a flight or walking along the beach after sunset.
  • Tuck a few reusable items in your suitcase to save time, money, and the planet! A reusable shopping bag can be tucked into an outer pocket of your suitcase.  I have found this a real lifesaver on my travels.  A lightweight but strong bag with a wide handle can double for shopping, carrying items for a day of sightseeing, or all those items that do not fit in your suitcase when you return home. An eco-friendly water bottle can be very handy on a long flight or long road trips and you can eliminate the use of plastic water bottles.  Hint:  Since TSA does not allow me to carry a bottle of water through security, I stop by a fast food provider in the airport.  After buying a last minute snack, I fill the bottle with ice and water. Even if there is not a self-service dispenser, I can usually convince a server to assist me for a tip.   Remember water is essential on long distance flights to ensure that you do not dehydrate in the dry cabin air.  

Check back for tips on the debate for checking your luggage versus one carry-on bag,  cruising through TSA check points, and clearing customs.
9 Comments

Save the Rhino with WWF Game

5/25/2013

6 Comments

 
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The rhino are under attack in today and they need our help.  We can help fund efforts to save the rhino and have fun at the same time.  Please check out the game for your SmartPhone . . . it is available for both the iPhone/OS system and Android system.

Allow me to share a few facts about the rhino:

Black Rhino is also known as the hook-lipped rhino. Their lip is very helpful as they are browsers, eating bushes, shrubs, and lower branches of trees.  Their scientific name is Diceros Bicomis.  It is found in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The Black Rhino is Critically Endangered with only 5,055 left today. 


The White Rhino is also known as the square-lipped rhino.  The white rhino is a grazer, eating grasses and other ground vegetation.  Their scientific name is Ceratotherium Simum.  They are found in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda,  At one time the white rhino was critically endangered with only 50 left in the wild.  Due to conservation efforts, the white rhino is now considered to be "near threatened" with 20,000 in the wild today.  

The Sumatran Rhino is also known as the hairy rhino.  The scientific name for the Sumatran Rhino is Dicerorhinus Sumatrensis.  This species of the rhino is found in Sumatra (Indonesia) and Sabah (Malaysia).  Unfortunately, is Critically Endangered with fewer than 100 left in the wild. The Sumatran Rhino species is older than any other mammal on earth.  It would be a real shame to lose this species.

Learn more at World Wildlife Fund Website with links for the Rhino Rad game at http://wwf.panda.org/how_you_can_help/games/rhino_raid/ 
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To Check or Not to Check Luggage

5/16/2013

9 Comments

 
PictureTo Check or Not to Check Luggage
I am leaving for a last minute trip to California for just 4 days and there is always the consideration, do I check or not check? My choice varies according to the purpose and length of the trip and the amount of electronics I need to take with me.  I use to always use the overhead bin, but it has become a real zoo getting even a small bag on board a flight.  Therefore, I have developed a check list for deciding whether to check versus not to check a bag when flying.  

Check a Bag:

  • Traveling for a long business or pleasure trip of 1 or more weeks . . . the longer the trip the increased need to pack more clothes. 
  • Weight or size of bag exceeds the limits for carry-on luggage.
  • Preference for personal toiletries (special shampoos, etc.) or lodging at destination will not have toiletries (i.e., safari, camping, backpacking, etc.)
  • Assigned a late boarding group . . . even if you are sitting in the front of the economy seating if you are in the Group F, those boarding passengers before you will store their roller bags in overhead bins near your seat.
  • Airplane type for one or more segments of my flights do not have adequate overhead compartment bins available. If I need to wait for my luggage to be brought to me at the gate, this eliminates the convenience and time factor of what I might save by carrying-on luggage.
  • If traveling alone and there will be a lengthy time period between flights, then I will not want to drag my carry-on luggage to and from every shop, bathroom, restaurant, or Internet Cafe in order to comply with TSA guidelines for unattended luggage.  
  • Frequent flyer status, membership, credit card used to book flight, first or business class ticket eliminates the fees for checking luggage.
  • If checking luggage, I will purchase a separate travel insurance package that covers lost or delayed luggage. Do not depend on the airline to provide compensation for delayed luggage or assist you immediately upon arrival.

Carry-on Bag Only:

  • Traveling for a short business trip of 3-4 days. 
  • If traveling for an international or longer trip and I want to pack a change of clothes in case my checked luggage is lost or delayed.
  • Minimal number of clothes & shoes needed.
  • Weight or size of carry-on bag falls within the size requirements for carry-on luggage. 
  • Need to save time by avoiding the luggage carousel and connecting with ground transportation in order to meet a scheduled appointment.
  • Hotel at destination has shampoos & other toiletries that might be needed. (If I do plan to pack any liquids, the bottle must not exceed 3 ounces and all bottles must fit within a sandwich bag.)
  • Guaranteed early boarding or Priority Seating to ensure that you have access to the overhead bin near your seat.
  • Verified that the airplane type for each segment of my flights have adequate overhead compartment bins available.  Yes, you can Gate Check your carry-on, but this eliminates the time saved by not checking a bag.
  • Verify that I can lift the carry-on bag over my head to place in the overhead compartment.  I should never expect someone to help me load or retrieve my luggage.
  • Avoid luggage fees for checking luggage . . . just make sure that you do not exceed weight or size limits.
  • Returning from an international destination where I may be buying items that are fragile or valuable, then I will want to pack these items in a carry-on for the return trip. (Check out a folding carry-on bag to pack for extra space enroute.)
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An example of a folding carry-on bag that can be packed for use enroute or on the return flight.
A folding carry-on bag is a great space saving and time saving item to use on extended international flights. Even if I am checking luggage, if I may need a carry-on bag during an international trip then I always pack a folding carry-on bag.  I tend to enjoy shopping for unique gifts . . . not the typical T-shirt but wonderful treasures that will evoke memories for many years to come.  Yes, you can always buy a cheap bag at a store at your destination but I tend to think this is a waste of our world's resources.  Be responsible and do what you can to avoid excessive waste.
9 Comments

Save the Rhinos

4/26/2013

5 Comments

 
The final project in my PRT 5610/6610 International Tourism course required the students to create an infographic or video to conclude the public awareness campaign.  I would like to share with you one video created by Sean McKenna.  I commend him for his adventure into the world of video.  Check it out right here or on YouTube.com . . . 
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Creating Infographics to Promote Awareness

4/17/2013

6 Comments

 
Earth Day 2013 logo
What are you doing to save the earth?
Earth day 2013 is just a little over 4 days away.  The date coincides with the last day of my International Tourism course, so I wanted to ensure that we made one last attempt to generate awareness for each of the issues my students have been working on this semester. The last assignment will be the creation of an infographic.  

In preparation for the last assignment, I prepared an outline for the students regarding the creation of an infographic. First, I created an infographic focused on Saving the Clouded Leopard. Second, I demonstrated how to make an infographic using Piktochart.com . . . Check it out below and let me know how you might improve it. 


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6 Comments

Stop the Trafficking of Humans

4/10/2013

6 Comments

 
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I love this photo . . . we need to ensure that people know that human slavery continues to exist. We need to stop the trafficking of human beings, particularly children.
Trafficking in Human Beings and Human Slavery not only exists today, it has increased 18% between 2008 and 2010.  Due to the illegal nature of the activity it is difficult to obtain accurate statistics, but it is estimated nearly 21 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking (2012 statistics from the International Labor Organization). 


Please check out this video entitled "One woman's story of the horrors of human trafficking" features Somaly Mam. When Somaly was sold into slavery when she was just 12 years old.  Unfortunately, her grandfather sold her into a series of "owners" who forced her to work in brothels in Southeast Asia.  When tourists visit many of the areas in Southeast Asia they engage in prostitution falsely believing that the people working in these brothels do so willingly.  You can be part of the solution by NOT participating in these types of activities.  
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    Author: Linda Ralston

    This blog is authored by Dr. Linda Ralston with the intent of educating tourists on how to be responsible and sustainable in their travel experiences. Check out the latest news with the Resort Manager's News . . . a free paper updated daily.

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