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A new era in air travel begins with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Joe Ascanio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:46:59 +0000

Departing from a crowd of over 12,000 employees and guests at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner marks the beginning of a flight test program that will see six airplanes flying nearly around the clock and around the globe, with the airplane’s first delivery scheduled for fourth quarter 2010.

The technologically-advanced 787 uses 20 percent less fuel than today’s airplanes of comparable size, while providing airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity and present passengers with innovations that include a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.

Another industry breakthrough on the aircraft is its lightweight quiet nacelle and thrust reverser system including its actuation system. A deeper-than-normal lip skin at the front of the nacelle greatly reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. A one-piece acoustic inner liner significantly reduces engine noise, both in the passenger cabin and airport neighborhoods.

“Today is truly a proud and historic day for the global team who has worked tirelessly to design and build the 787 Dreamliner – the first all-new jet airplane of the 21st century,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “We look forward to the upcoming flight test program and soon bringing groundbreaking levels of efficiency, technology and passenger comfort to airlines and the flying public.”

The 787 is also equipped with Goodrich-provided air data sensors, ice detectors, engine data concentrators, fuel management software and the fuel quantity indicating system.

In addition, Goodrich provides the aircraft’s proximity-sensing system as well as the integrated fuel system for the auxiliary power unit.

Other Goodrich products on board the new jet include an innovative cargo operating system; cabin attendant seating; exterior and flight deck lighting systems; integrated heated composite floor panels; and a unique flight deck entry video surveillance system designed to interface with the aircraft’s electronic flight bag system.

The aircraft will be joined in the flight test program in the coming weeks and months by five other 787s, including two that will be powered by General Electric GEnx engines.

Taking flight into the future

After a flight time of approximately three hours, the Dreamliner landed at 1:33 p.m. at Seattle’s Boeing Field.

Capts. Carriker and Neville took the airplane to an altitude of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) and an air speed of 180 knots, or about 207 miles (333 kilometers) per hour, customary on a first flight, while testing some of the airplane’s systems and structures, as on-board equipment recorded and transmitted real-time data to a flight-test team at Boeing Field.

Fifty-five customers around the world have ordered 840 787s, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.

“The Dreamliner is going to be a tremendous addition to our fleet, providing our customers with a better travel experience in the cabin and new technology that reduces our impact on the environment, increases fuel efficiency and provides cost savings,” said John Tague, president of United Airlines. “This is a great day, and we congratulate Boeing on the success of the test flight and look forward to our continued partnership with them and continued success as they bring the aircraft online.”

United recently announced it was purchasing 50 next-generation widebody aircraft, including 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

‘Climategate’ for Idiots: can we get back to reality now?

Joe Ascanio — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:02:32 +0000

A few days ago, I wrote an op-ed on the recent “Climategate” email scandal that not only lashed out at the stubborn skeptics and deniers, but also the scientific institutions purported to have committed the said “scandal”.

Here is a quick refresh of some of the things I wrote:

“The Climate Research Unit (CRU) scientists whose emails were “leaked” online made a huge mistake: being stupid. Regardless of the intent, no one, on either side of the aisle, will take them on their word again. The global warming feud is bitter and cold (that pun was slightly intended), and the actions of said scientists are entirely unacceptable. Immense pressure from an entire politically-driven industry intent on crushing their every effort is no excuse for bending the facts, or hiding them completely.

“Although I am typically the antagonist against any and all climate change deniers and/or skeptics – as they are generally either a mislead or misleading bunch devoted to greed and political gain – taken on the surface, said skeptics do have a point as well as a valid argument with regard to the statements made in these leaked emails.

“While whether or not the statements within the stolen emails were taken out of context is debatable, undeniable is the fact that their very presence has raised questions over whether or not the argument for global warming is valid.”

Now, I stand firmly with everything I wrote, especially that last sentence, but I would like to add a brief amendment in light of some recent “news” that has since hit the media.

As like many who are concerned with the plight of the world’s future in the face of climate change, I was perhaps overly assertive on placing negative blame on the scientists in question, while not having full insight into the depth of the naivete of the anti-global-warming crowd.

As it turns out, “whether or not the statements within the stolen emails were taken out of context is debatable” is now the topic of the day.

While the naysayers literally jumped at the chance to debunk all scientific study pertaining to the effects of climate change, yanking literally three sentences out of over 1,000 items of correspondence and deeming them a smoking gun, we proponents for the environmental movement side-stepped that debate entirely in a rush to defend the real science. Now, the debate is settled. At least, for the intelligent people out there. The idiots are still buying Hummers.

I won’t bore you with my own take of the evidence – as I recently came upon a brilliantly done video by way of the good folks over at EarthFirst.com (via The Huffington Post) that lays it all out completely.

Here is what they say:

“RealClimate debunked the claims, as did the Union of Concerned Scientists. DeSmogBlog smacked them down, too. But apparently, reading through all the articles that explain exactly how conspiracy theorists are wrong about the hacked emails that supposedly prove global warming to be a scam is too hard for most skeptics. So, we’d like to present this idiot-proof video: it’s easy to follow, even if you’re not the sharpest tool in the shed.”

Some highlights of the video:

Amateur skeptics took 3 sentences of “scandal” entirely out of context without understanding the scientific terminology applied. Yes, “trick” and “decline” were actual proven scientific jargon that did NOT mean what they thought it meant.
Had these amateur skeptics bothered to read (or publicize) the sentences before and after the sentences in question, they would have gotten the full story in FAVOR of scientific proof of climate change.
“Lack of warming at the moment” references last year’s solar cycle, NOT climate change effects. Again, a tidbit explained dutifully in the rest of the email.
Right wing-nuts citing the same three sentences again and again, without bothering to examine the rest of the documents for the full explanation.

At one point in the video, a climate change skeptic video-blogger smugly suggests that the use of word “decline” was suggesting the actual cooling of global temperatures. However, as evidence in the rest of the email and the subsequent studies it cited, “decline” was in reference to tree-ring data, NOT global temps.

Apparently, FOX News and Rush Limbaugh did not think that was worth sharing, and the video blogger never knew the difference.

As the video’s narrator states: “If I had little understanding of climate science, and little time to do any research, that’s probably what I would think too.”

Take a look at the video below – it is just under 10 minutes long, but I promise it is a very easy and often funny viewing.

One example of how political pressure can hurt ecotourism

Kristen Geis — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:24:46 +0000

Last week, a huge blow came down on environmental efforts in Puerto Rico. A future nature preserve, a full 3,240 acres, was taken off the agenda by the commonwealth’s governor – sparking fears in many that the land will be used for hotel resorts and other detrimental human activity.

With natural fauna and other wildlife quickly becoming depleted throughout and within the world’s most beautiful tourist destinations, it is crucial that nature preserves become established in order to protect and ensure the survival of entire ecosystems, including endangered species.

However, politics tend to often stand in the way of progress.

Last week, a slated preserve creation in northeast Puerto Rico – plans for which were put in place back in 2007 as the new Northeast Ecological Corridor – was officially canceled. The 3,240 acres of coastline nestled alongside tropical forest is a prime nesting ground for endangered leatherback sea turtles.

While the government had been trying to secure the preserve’s future by buying up public lands that intersected with the planned preserve, ultimately political pressure determined its fate.

According to the governor’s office, the cancellation was based on political pressure and job creation. The establishment of a nature preserve in the area would not bolster the region’s economy as well as, say, rows of resorts and tourism attractions.

Obviously, this scares most environmentalists, as resort areas tend to negatively impact and disrupt the natural ecosystems of the surrounding areas. Construction, debris, waste and toxic materials as well as human foot-traffic all lend a hand in destroying the native environment.

On the brighter side, the governor has called for the environmental authorities to determine what of the 3,240 acres is the most sensitive in the hopes that these areas will still remain protected. However, most are concerned that, even if set aside as a smaller-scale preserve, the area will still be harmed due to human interaction.

With each new positive step toward natural and ecological preservation, the environment gains “a win”. Yet, it is often hard to sidestep the bureaucracy of political agenda. Even seemingly big wins can end in disappointment.

World’s first eco theme park, Environmentaland, debuts in Los Angeles

Kristen Geis — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:41:41 +0000

Hyped as the world’s first interactive environmental hybrid theme park and museum, Environmentaland is a project of Global Inheritance and FUEL TV. Situated in Los Angeles at the Hollywood & Highland complex, the theme park will be open daily through October 21 to play host to special events and feature various exhibits.

Environmentaland has already been featured on CNN International’s “Eco-Solutions” and E! Entertainment’s “That Morning Show”.

“FUEL TV is excited to be supporting Environmentaland,” said CJ Olivares, FUEL TV General Manager. “FUEL TV has worked with Eric Ritz and Global Inheritance on several different projects in the past and ENVIRONMENTALAND is one of the most exciting yet. It engages and educates the audience in a way that maximizes the impact of the environmental lessons it teaches. We’re excited to have people check out the project and learn something from it.”

“Playing” the part

Upon arriving at Environmentaland, visitors receive a program with a scorecard. While strolling through the many museum exhibits, visitors collect points on their cards that are then redeemed for cool items from the likes of FUEL TV, CamelBak, Loomstate, Interscope Records, Paramount, Goldenvoice, Focus Features and more.

Starting this weekend, individuals with the highest score for the day will win a 3-day festival pass to one of the major music festivals in the U.S. (Coachella, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, etc).

Inside the park, visitors can play desert mini golf, participate in a recycled paper plane toss, test their taste buds in an organic challenge, tour the eco-planetarium, generate power in the energy playground featuring the energy seesaw and more.

Environmentaland will be highlighted by the Public Displays of Affection(PDA) Concert Series, promoting public and group transportation by offering entrance by presenting a metro or bus ticket as proof the attendee used public transportation to arrive to the event. Previous PDA performers include Ladytron and The Secret Machines. Look for details on the next event to take place this October.

For more information, visit www.globalinheritance.org.

What happens when city slickers go green? Find out from a new series on Planet Green

Joe Ascanio — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:28:49 +0000

Premiering in 2010, a new primetime docu-series from the good green folks over at Planet Green turns the camera on two city dwellers who trade in their urban lifestyle to head for farmland hills.

Beekman Farm, which is the current title of the production (though it could change mid-course), explores the many struggles and benefits that come from one city couple – one former Martha Stewart Vice President, Brent Ridge, and a drag-queen-turned-ad-exec and New York Times bestselling author, Josh Kilmer-Purcell – who decide to man an estate and farm in upstate New York.

The Planet Green channel, which launched in June 2008 to become the center for people who want to understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle, has already greenlit the 10 episode series scheduled to premiere in late Spring 2010.

The couple’s goal? To revive the farm and create a new organic brand “Beekman 1802″. With a humorous yet eye-opening edge, the series aims to display how the couple’s urban skill-sets doesn’t quit cut it when it comes to wrangling pigs and making goat’s milk cheese.

“We believe that a farm can be much larger than its fences. If someone told us that we’d trade in New York City for eighty goats, two pigs, a dozen chickens and a narcissistic llama, we would have told them that they were crazy,” said Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge. “It turns out that we are.”

“Beekman Farm is an amusing look into Josh and Brent’s very unique relationship, their desire to create a business and to transform their lives. Watching it unfold in real time is hilarious and entertaining,” said Michalchyshyn (who recently bought a farm of her own!). “Brent is a quintessential type A personality with a ‘my way or the highway’ attitude while Josh is a laid back, genteel kind of guy who spends weekends on the farm but is still commuting to work in the city during the week. Their eccentric, extended friends and family dynamic reveals to viewers that trying to live the simple life isn’t so simple after all. We can’t wait to bring these charismatic new personalities to television.”

“They bought the farm. . .literally!” says co-executive producer Fenton Bailey. “From wrapping 14,000 bars organic goat milk soap to organizing a harvest festival to benefit the nearby town of Sharon Springs, Brent and Josh have their work cut out for them, 24/7.”

Beekman Farm’s executive producers include Planet Green’s SVP of Production & Development, Jeff Hasler and Executive Producer Lynn Sadofsky as well as World of Wonder’s Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey, Tom Campbell and Angela Berg.

For more information, visit www.planetgreen.com. Image courtesy of slashfood.com.

Seven billion trees are public proof of action against climate change

Joe Ascanio — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:02:18 +0000

The United Nation’s Billion Tree Campaign is a clear indicator of the public’s overwhelming desire to witness real, definitive action against climate change. The UN has just announced the campaign’s amazing feat of having planted 7 billion trees – one for every person on the planet.

For the past three years, millions of people from every walk of life throughout the world have been pitching in for the environment through tree planting. The 7 billion mark was reached with the news that the Chinese government has planted 2.6 billion trees as part of the campaign, bringing the total to 7.3 billion trees planted in 167 countries worldwide.

“Seven billion trees, seven billion commitments to action and seven billion reasons why governments should be inspired to Seal the Deal at the crucial UN climate change convention meeting in Copenhagen in less than 80 days’ time,” noted Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

“When we first launched the Billion Tree Campaign in 2006, people truly responded. At first they planted hundreds of trees, then it was thousands, and then millions – and then we reached 1 billion trees. Then we made the bold decision to issue a call for the world to plant 7 billion trees, one for each person on the planet. And our target even got exceeded: the counter now stands at 7.3 billion trees. As the Secretary-General convenes Heads of State tomorrow for the Climate Summit, there can be no more powerful sign of people’s will that we need to seal the deal in Copenhagen.”

Fired up by its slogan “Every tree counts, and we count every tree,” the campaign’s phenomenal success is a result of the participation of people of all walks of life and from every corner of the planet.

Uniting the world with one common cause

The initial goal of the Billion Tree Campaign was to support the public’s expression to the challenges of climate change as well as forest and ecosystem degradation.

The Billion Tree Campaign has since evolved into a true ‘People’s Campaign’ – more than half (52 per cent) of all the participants are private individuals.

“Above all the Billion Tree Campaign shows that the simple act of planting a tree resonates and unites the child in the slums of Africa with a president in Mexico, or a corporate CEO in Paris with UN peacekeepers in Timor-Leste,” added Steiner. “It is the kind of solidarity that now needs to be expressed at the level of all governments and heads of state between now and December in order to move economies towards a low carbon, sustainable path,” said Mr Steiner.

The tree planting has become both an inter-faith and an inter-generational activity, with the trees symbolizing connections between children and parents and bringing together people from different religious backgrounds.

“Let’s plant even more trees to celebrate this wonderful achievement, the fruit of collective action from people all over the planet,” said Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai. “By making the Billion Tree Campaign such an incredible success, people from every continent are calling their governments to truly start caring for the planet and to find unity in the fight against climate change.”

Maathai is the founder of the Kenyan Green Belt Movement as well as the Billion Tree Campaign’s co-patron.

“I have always had a strong belief in the symbolic strength of the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign and I am delighted that it has exceeded our greatest expectations, far beyond the welfare linked to replanting trees, to benefit future generations, ” said His Serene Highness Albert II, the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and Campaign co-patron.

Proof in numbers

Since last winter, China alone has planted 6.1 billion trees, of which 2.6 billion have been given to the Billion Tree Campaign, bringing the grand total number of trees planted for the campaign to 7.3 billion. The government planted 260 different species of trees in eleven provinces around China, from Inner Mongolia to Yunnan and from Shandong to Sichuan.

This milestone coincides with Global Climate Week, an event launched to mobilize global mass action around the UN high-level event on climate change – including the Global Tree Planting Drive on September 19th where people were encouraged to plant trees on every corner of the planet.

A number of other countries around the world have planted impressive numbers of trees since the campaign was launched. Countries that have planted more than a hundred million trees range from Ethiopia (with 1.4 billion trees) and Turkey (711 million trees) to Mexico (with 537 million trees) and countries including Kenya, Cuba, and Indonesia.

Around nine million trees have been planted in and around refugee camps around the globe by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The United Nations Departments of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Field Support (DFS) have also participated in the campaign, with thirteen peacekeeping missions having pledged 117,848 trees. Of this number, 33,184 trees have already taken root across various countries hosting peacekeeping missions.

The campaign, which encouraged the planting of indigenous trees appropriate to the local environments, has not only witnessed the participation and enthusiasm of UN staff, but also of the local communities in the different areas of operation.

The campaign’s universal appeal is clear from its success on social networking sites, with some 4,000 blogs adopting the cause early in the campaign.

Planting where it counts most

In addition to bringing governments to take concrete action to reforest their lands, the Billion Tree Campaign has succeeded in catalyzing tree planting from all walks of society, bringing together creative, original and pioneering initiatives around the world.

For example, one project, the Replant New Orleans Initiative, sponsored a planting of fruit trees to help breathe new life into a community struggling with the aftermath of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina.

The economic gains of tree planting are powerfully illustrated by the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative. As well as being close to planting 38 million trees in the Appalachian region, the North American organization has also devised a green job tree planting proposal to stimulate the economy of Appalachia and reap the ecological benefits of a region-wide reforestation effort.

In addition, the Campaign has mobilized groups and individuals in post-conflict areas around the world, bringing the seeds of hope to communities in Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Liberia and Somalia among others.

For more information, visit www.unep.org.

Marriott recruited by Team Earth sustainability movement

Joe Ascanio — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:48:48 +0000

The hotel mega-giant has announced its participation in Team Earth, a worldwide sustainability movement that unites individuals, businesses and non-profits in an effort to address critical environmental issues facing the world today.

Team Earth, which is represented by non-profits Conservation International, Rocky Mountain Institute and Prince’s Rainforest Project, identifies five critical issues as climate change, water, health, waste and food.

The initiative urges individual actions and presents easy solutions to ensure a more sustainable world.

“We are proud to join Team Earth, because we believe that protecting the environment is part of our mission to provide people around the world with the rewards of travel, not just today, but in the years to come,” said Bill Marriott, Chairman and CEO of Marriott International.

Last year, Marriott announced its Spirit to Preserve environmental strategy to help protect the environment and address climate change – calling for $2 million to help protect 1.4 million acres of Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Guests can also make donations.

Marriott joins other companies in the Team Earth effort, including Starbucks, Dell, Harrah’s, SC Johnson, Starbucks, and Wrigley, PepsiCo China and ePals.

“We feel strongly that a stable climate, fresh water resources, a sustainable food supply and a healthy environment are vital for our survival and we must therefore share the responsibility of taking specific actions toward the earth’s protection,” said Chairman and CEO of Conservation International Peter Seligmann.

Committed to save the world

Team Earth “recruits” individuals to save the world’s forests, a vital element in preventing climate change, by signing up for the Prince’s Rainforest Project campaign at the Team Earth beta site, www.teamearth.com. The official site will launch this coming November and will include social networking functionalities, educational content and environmental impact measuring tools.

The Prince’s Rainforest Project, established by The Prince of Wales, calls for emergency action and funding in order to achieve a fast and significant reduction in tropical deforestation by helping rainforest nations to focus instead on alternative, more environmentally friendly (low carbon) economic development activities. By signing up, Team Earth members add their voice to the many calling for urgent action to fight climate change by saving forests.

Taking it slow with sustainable dining in Napa Valley

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:15:03 +0000

Executive chef Peter Pahk of Napa Valley’s Silverado Resort has been a key factor in driving the resort’s numerous sustainable dining initiatives, including the effort to work with Slow Foods Napa and Slow Foods USA – two food organizations committed to identifying, preserving and promoting small agricultural producers and to educate the public about distinctive regional food traditions.

In it commitment as a Slow Foods member, the resort is setting an example in sustainability by procuring and serving locally grown, organic foods to guests.

“Our culture is so used to fast—fast production, shipping and eating—that we sometimes forget about the integral beauty of freshly grown and prepared foods,” said Pahk. “Our guests truly appreciate having a wide array of menu choices using locally harvested food.”

Pahk has been instrumental in a number of successful eco-programs at the resort, including an initiative to recycle food scraps and grass clippings in addition to traditional recyclables. The Silverado food scrap recycling program was a first in Napa Valley, a destination that is normally an environmental leader.

“I believe the hospitality industry was a little slow out of the starting gate when it comes to sustainability, but the industry as a whole has made up for that delay by now taking giant green steps in numerous areas,” continued Pahk. “Recycling food scraps should be a no-brainer for an industry that produces an abundance of the stuff. Turns out, it is incredibly difficult to accomplish, and it takes the commitment of a service provider as well as hotel management and an entire staff to pull it off.”

“We do everything we can to reduce waste, from buying products from local producers to offering meat and seafood that is harvested using the most sustainable practices available.”

The Silverado Resort has also implemented a Foodservice Energy Awareness Program to educate its foodservice employees to participate in energy conservation, green procurement and waste reduction. In 2001, the resort introduced an aggressive seafood policy that promoted the use of sustainable seafood and discontinued serving four species of threatened seafood.

“It didn’t happen overnight, but clearly our efforts are working,” Pahk said. “We have become more successful than I would have imagined when we started truly emphasizing sustainability years ago.”

Silverado Resort was the first resort in Napa Valley to become a member of the Chef’s Collaborative, a national network of more than 1,000 members of the food community who promote sustainable cuisine. Chef Pak also sits on the board for Sustainable Napa County, an organization that promotes sustainable business practices in the Napa Valley hospitality industry. And the resort’s operator, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, was the first U.S. hospitality company to be granted the “Chain of Custody” certification from the Marine Stewardship Council. This important certification guarantees all wild Alaska salmon menu items can be traced to their source, assuring customers that fisheries have met the Marine Stewardship Council’s stringent environmental standards.

The resort’s environmental programs extend far beyond foodservice operations. For example, guestrooms are supplied with rapidly renewable paper products, and housekeepers use sustainable cleaning solutions and separate and recycle all guestroom garbage. Additionally, the resort uses a state-of-the-art water-saving irrigation system to maintain its two championship golf courses.

For more information, visit www.silveradoresort.com.

Fairmont Hotels raises money for California parks

Joe Ascanio — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:23:37 +0000

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts consistently leads the pack as far as environmental stewardship and eco-preservation. The company’s efforts in sustainable hospitality are truly second to none and serve as a model within the industry. Keeping with this tradition, the hotel giant’s California properties are showing their support for the California State Parks Foundation’s “Save Our State Parks” campaign by providing guests the opportunity to contribute $1 dollar per room night between September 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009.

Participating properties include the Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont San Jose, Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica and the Fairmont Newport Beach.

Fairmont is helping to raise the funds to promote the campaign and boost traveler eco-awareness.

“By collectively raising much needed funds and promoting this initiative Fairmont hopes to bring traveler attention to the California State Parks Foundation and the Save Our Parks Campaign,” said Tom Klein, Regional Vice-President of Operations and General Manager of the Fairmont San Francisco. “Guests’ generous contribution of $1 per night will help protect state parks and keep them open for today and for future generations.”

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was the first major hotel chain in North America to embrace environmental stewardship in its daily operations through the implementation of its own Green Partnership Program, focusing on improvements in the areas of waste management, energy and water conservation, as well as a strong element of community outreach through local groups and partnerships.

“Investment in the preservation and protection of the state’s ecological and historical gems insures that future generations of children and adults will be able to experience the same sense of awe and serenity and education that those who currently visit the parks enjoy,” continued Klein. “Support of this initiative ensures the preservation and enhancement of California’s state parks for future generations.”

“The California State Parks offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of nature and history. Even one closing impacts the lives of Californians and global visitors alike,” said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director of Tourism Cares. “We commend our long time partners at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and their guests for their concern and action to minimize the effect of these challenging times for California State Parks.”

Tourism Cares, a non-profit public charity, works to preserve the travel experience for future generations by mobilizing the travel and tourism industry and travelers alike to give back to society through grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; through academic and service-learning scholarships for students of hospitality and tourism; and through the organization of volunteer efforts to clean up and restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation.

Puerto Rico eco-resort makes huge strides in preservation

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:30:15 +0000

Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico is heavily marketing its remarkable eco-initiatives and guest activities focused on natural preservation. The resort’s ongoing guest enhancing ecological initiatives have positioned the property as a leader in the greening of the tourism industry on the island as well as throughout the Caribbean.

Over the years, major recycling programs, water and energy conservation projects and community charity fundraisers have been major focuses for the resort. Recently, however, the property has implemented a conservation program for their untouched beach and a star gazing program with a professional astronomer for guests to enjoy.

“It is the Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico’s pleasure to share with consumers our ongoing ecological initiatives, highlighting our commitment to the environment and the well being of the community that we live in,” said Hendrick Santos, the property’s Managing Director.

Located on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, the four-star resort is about 20 minutes from San Juan, along a natural beach in the foothills of El Yunque — the only Rainforest in the U.S. National Parks System. The 486 all-suite resort is spread among 20, two-story bungalows surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and offers guests world-class dining options and expansive, award-winning pools.

The beach is unlike any other stretch of sand at a luxury resort. Untouched by bulldozers or developers of any kind, this state park is a natural sandy stretch with coral rock and sea life dotting the sea bottom, making it ideal for snorkelers and nature lovers to enjoy.

To protect the beach and its natural beauty, the Gran Melia has banned motorized water sports and ensures that the staff understands the importance of maintaining the property’s natural beach in pristine condition.

For guests who prefer a pool experience, the resort features a lagoon-style swimming pool, one of the largest in the Caribbean.

Beauty everywhere you look

Due to the resort’s secluded location far from any metropolis, the skies above are filled with stars and constellations foreign to many visitors traveling from major urban centers around the world. To showcase Rio Grande’s celestial sights, the property enlisted the help of a local astronomer, Gregory Garcia Morales, who every Saturday evening beginning at 7:30pm, provides guests with complimentary candlelit outdoor star-gazing tours, educating guests on general astronomy concepts, constellations, planets and the effects of global warming on the environment. Mr. Morales is a bilingual Puerto Rico resident who in 1985 founded the Puerto Rico Astronomy Society (Sociedad de Astronomia de Puerto Rico) and recently teamed up with NASA to develop industry projects on the island.

“Our star gazing activities have become wildly successful as an educational program, sparking unprecedented success and interest from not only our guests but local residents from the area as well,” added Santos.

For more information, check out www.gran-melia-puerto-rico.com.

InterContinental and National Geographic renew pledge to geotourism with extended responsible travel initiatives

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:02:33 +0000

Global hotel brand InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has extended its partnership with the National Geographic Society to include global geotourism initiatives across the globe. The partnership’s efforts are aiming to enrich the understanding of environmental and cultural responsibility among both InterContinental associates and guests worldwide.

For the remainder of 2009, over 60,000 InterContinental employees throughout the world will participate in responsible business workshops to enhance their understanding of how they can personally be involved in some of the initiatives.

InterContinental and National Geographic will also establish a responsible business advisory board, made up of senior executives from both organizations and hotel general managers.

Geotourism gaining new ground

According to National Geographic, geotourism is “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.” The partnership between InterContinental and National Geographic will harness the passion of the hotel general managers and their teams to help sustain and enhance the geographical character of destinations where InterContinental is present.

Inspired by National Geographic’s Geotourism Code of Good Practice, the hotel company has adopted five principles as a means to enhance its ongoing environmental and cultural sustainability efforts and help identify new projects. The five principles are: ensuring efforts that focus on integrity of place, destination appeal, community involvement, sharing success stories and minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

“Across all our hotels worldwide, InterContinental is committed to connecting our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination,” said Vanessa Healey, Vice President, Global Marketing, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. “We have always believed that we have a responsibility to respect the nature, heritage and communities our hotels reside in, so that future generations of travellers continue to enjoy what is unique to each destination. Working with National Geographic, we hope that our associates and our guests will be personally enriched, knowing they have played a small part in protecting and preserving all that is authentic and special about the places where we are located.”

IHG and National Geographic’s began working together in 2007 with two successful global photography competitions, where guests and readers were invited to capture and share their authentic travel experiences. In 2008, InterContinental also sponsored National Geographic’s All Roads Film Festival, which showcased inspiring films by indigenous film makers.

“CSD is dedicated to protecting the world’s distinctive places through wisely managed tourism and enlightened destination stewardship,” said Jonathan Tourtellot, Director of the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD) and creator of the geotourism concept. “We work closely with many allied organizations to develop and disseminate information on how tourism businesses, destination communities and travellers can help protect the character of these great places — their culture, natural habitats, architecture, scenery, even local cuisine. We look forward to working with InterContinental to create actionable tools that do that — locally, regionally and globally.”

Engaging with green

IHG has a new online tool called Green Engage, which helps hotel general managers manage energy consumption more effectively. In 2008, IHG also launched Innovation Hotel, an online example of what a future hotel might look like if it used new green technologies.

Guests can provide feedback on which of these they feel are important, allowing IHG to consider how they can be implemented as part of the Green Engage programme.

For more information, visit www.ihg.com/responsibility.

Two eco-minded students win Ocean Journey Scholarships to explore the Galápagos

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:48:17 +0000

Blue Ocean Institute & Lindblad Expeditions have awarded their 2nd annual Kalpana Chawla Ocean Journey Scholarship to a 17-year-old student who emigrated from Vietnam to California, and a 16 year-old from New Jersey for selflessly supporting their communities’ environmental programs.

17-year-old Khanh Nguyen of Lawndale, CA, who has actively volunteered at a non-profit coastal environmental education facility, and 16 year-old Delphine Slotten of Mendham, NJ, who started the first recycling program in her county, will embark on a Lindblad Expeditions’ voyage to the Galápagos Islands in July.

Accompanied by skilled scientists, naturalists, and researchers, the Scholarship winners will explore the unique ecosystem of the Galápagos archipelago, observing and studying the distinct wildlife that calls it home.

Since 2007, the Kalpana Chawla Ocean Journey Scholarship is awarded in honor of Kalpana Chawla, an astronaut who perished aboard the Columbia Space Shuttle in 2003. Her abiding love of the ocean and her interest in the work of Blue Ocean President and Co-Founder, Dr. Carl Safina, led her to bring Safina’s acclaimed book, Song for the Blue Ocean, on her final mission.

A year after her death, her family and friends established the Kalpana Chawla Spirit of Columbia Fund at Blue Ocean, which supports the Ocean Journey Scholarship. In honor of Chawla’s profound connection with the ocean and concern for its conservation, the scholarship is designed to introduce students who are passionate about the oceans to wonderful marine habitats they would otherwise not have the opportunity to visit.

“You can’t really become an expert unless you experience what you’re studying,” said Dr. Carl Safina, Co-Founder of Blue Ocean Institute. “For young people with dreams of entering the world of science, being in it for real is vital. With this scholarship, we are happy to give them this chance and to honor Kalpana’s adventurous, courageous spirit.”

Nguyen and Slotten will journey to the Galápagos island chain, which is located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in mid-July. In addition to observing the island’s famous inhabitants – blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, marine iguanas, tortoise, penguins and sea lions – they’ll also have an opportunity to swim, snorkel and hike through the land of Darwin.

“It’s a great pleasure to introduce young people to the world and the notion of exploration,” said Sven Lindblad, President and Founder of Lindblad Expeditions. “My own life was strongly influenced by a mentor who introduced me to the importance of conservation and I look forward to learning how this experience shapes the winners’ lives.”

Nguyen, who begins her senior year at the California Academy of Mathematics and Science this fall, is a nature lover who lives in urban Los Angeles. She volunteers at the SEA Lab, a small marine center in the area where she takes care of the marine life and gives tours of the facilities.

In addition, Nguyen runs her school’s an environmental club.

Slotten, who recently completed 10th grade at the Newark Academy in Livingston, New Jersey, has an active interest in conservation. She is actively involved in community service at a local nature preserve where she contributes to visitor education, cares for animals and conducts research on areas of the preserve

Throughout the voyage, Nguyen and Slotten will keep journals to record their daily observations, experiences, and personal thoughts. Samples of their writing will be posted on the Blue Ocean Institute website later this year.

Help protect the Belize Barrier Reef with the support of the United Nations

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:36:58 +0000

The UN Foundation has officially listed the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System as “World Heritage in Danger” due to unsustainable tourism activity.

“The preservation of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is critical to both its marine inhabitants and the local communities that depend on the site for their livelihoods,” read a statement by Erika Harms, Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Program at the United Nations Foundation. “In light of the Committee’s decision, we recommit ourselves to support long-term solutions to the conservation challenges in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage site.”

The United Nations Foundation is an advocate for the UN and a platform for connecting people, ideas, and capital to help the United Nations solve global problems. The foundation works to build partnerships, grow constituencies, mobilize resources and advocate policy changes to support the UN’s work for individual and global progress.

It focuses on, among other things, improving disaster relief, protecting diverse cultures and environments and creating a clean energy future.

Working alongside local tourism businesses and conservation organizations for the past 9 years, the UN Foundation has joined with the Belizean government as well as other UN bodies to raise awareness and build support for the conservation and protection of the Barrier Reef as well as its local communities.

Seven separate pieces of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System were inscribed as a serial World Heritage site in 1996, comprising 370 square miles that include 450 cayes and 3 atolls. The site is part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest in the world behind only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and boasts 500 different species of fish and 65 species of coral.

With the new “World Heritage in Danger” designation, the foundation hopes to encourage tourism – crucial to the economic well-being of the region - that highlights the “unique natural value of the site and support the government in its efforts to create a framework to preserve the site, support sustainable tourism in and around the site, and empower local communities to improve their livelihoods.”

The Foundation is working diligently to promote throughout the international community the idea that the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, as well as ecosystems like it, “belong to all of us, and it is vital to protect these sites and their natural and cultural heritage.”

For more information, visit www.UNFoundation.org

LIVEH20: Water Woodstock for Peace, Health & Sustainability

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:37:21 +0000

Streaming live over the Internet in HD video on June 19-21, 2009, LIVE H2O, Concert for the Living Water, is aiming to inspire and interactively engage scientists, recording artists, religious leaders, spiritualists, and audiences worldwide to environmental activism honoring water for its myriad physical and metaphysical properties. LIVE H2O’s mission is to advance peace, health, and sustainable resources, including abundant pure drinking Water for people everywhere.

Already dubbed the “High Tech Worldwide Woodstock,” the history making event applies multi-media Internet technologies to fully engage audiences interactively.

Hosted in over a dozen countries simultaneously from Japan to Jerusalem, LIVE H2O is history’s first grassroots organized environmental initiative engaging audiences interactively over the Internet using HD video broadcasting technology to raise awareness about growing concerns about shortages of the “Universal Solvent.”

Southern California alone hosts four venues to accommodate the rising tide of celebrities and Grammy Award winners volunteering to perform during the 72-hour celebration. Ten broadcasting channels initially planned have been doubled this week to support the growing international demand for LIVEH2O.tv programming. In response, LIVEH2O.org has created LIVEH2O.tv for people everywhere to be “edutained” interactively online.

Mixing science, sound and consciousness

“LIVE H2O is where science meets consciousness,” explains Sheri Thomas, a Los Angeles marketing executive. “The plan includes a vibrational experiment using music, water, and positive intention.”

Special instrument tunings based on newly emerging “hydrosonic” science and mathematical proofs fundamental to physics and theology, will be used to advance remedial strategies to planet wide urgencies.

More than 70 sponsors have joined to help fund and promote the event, including OxySilver.com, a revolutionary “green” alternative to risky vaccinations and antibiotics increasingly polluting drinking water worldwide.

For more information go to: www.LIVEH2O.org.

Teen nature and wildlife adventures in Costa Rica

admin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:53:58 +0000

Wilderness Ventures , the oldest and most experienced adventure travel program for young people, offers domestic and international programs that teach teens valuable life lessons like a sense of environmental responsibility and new leadership skills. Their Service Adventure to Costa Rica’s Savegre Valley gives teenagers an opportunity to be immersed in the Costa Rican culture while participating in humanitarian projects and spending time in the great outdoors.

This Costa Rican community service exploration is an exciting combination of diverse adventure travel and stimulating cultural immersion in an unspoiled tropical paradise of pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and a rainbow of colorful flowers and birds. Teens who participate earn 60 hours of community service while building a rural school in a cloud forest, teaching local school children English, and restoring nesting habitat for endangered sea turtles. Participants experience the beauty of this peaceful country by sea kayaking a palm-laden coastline, rafting a jungle river, and soaring through the forest on a zip line.

“Parents have let us know exactly how changed their students are when they arrive home,” said Gabby Kouchacji, a Service Program Coordinator with Wilderness Ventures. “A newfound sense of responsibility towards the environment coupled with a drive to help others from a different background comes from the time we spend serving the people and ecology of Costa Rica. Like any Wilderness Ventures expedition, the teens that participate in our program develop essential peer leadership and teamwork skills as a result of living with new friends for three weeks.”

For the service portions of the trip, teens stay in a remote village in the Savegre Valley at a campsite built exclusively for Wilderness Ventures. Whether they are playing soccer with young children or putting a much-needed ceiling on the school while practicing Spanish, their minds are challenged as they seek to understand a life that by American standards is much less privileged. In addition to interacting with the local communities, outdoor adventure is central to this experience. Teens will experience things like rafting for two days on the famous Pacuare River, lounging in natural hot springs, seeing a volcano up close and personal, and kayaking past flocks of scarlet macaws and howler monkeys.

“When teenagers engage in volunteer activities, they feel empowered and are inspired to change the world around them,” said Gabby Kouchacji. “For many young people, the pressures to succeed and be liked by their peers can often impair their motivation to grasp a broader view on their environment. Through cultural experiences like these, they are taught humility and compassion for others, and can be transformed into young adults with a drive to change the world.”

For more information about Wilderness Ventures and their domestic service programs for youths, visit www.wildernessventures.com.

Carbonfund.org’s new Louisiana reforestation project fights to reduce global warming emissions

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:37:26 +0000

Carbonfund.org’s Tensas National Wildlife Refuge Reforestation Project in Louisiana has become the first reforestation carbon offset project in North America to achieve dual validation by the Rainforest Alliance to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) as well as the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards with Gold Distinction.

Over 600,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions will be sequestered from the atmosphere throughout the lifetime of the project, which encompasses approximately 1,870 acres in northeastern Louisiana, about 220 miles from New Orleans and 65 miles from Jackson, Miss. This region, known as the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, was once covered in dense forests, but now supports less than 20 percent of its original 22 million forested acres. Decades of land conversion to agriculture for corn, sugarcane and cotton left the remaining forested area highly fragmented.

The project helps restore the area’s native bottomland hardwood forests and wetland habitat. The Tensas National Wildlife Refuge is home to an estimated 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Among these species are the Florida Panther and Louisiana Black Bear.

“Carbonfund.org’s first-ever CCB Gold and VCS dual validation project is a major milestone for the carbon offset industry, making Tensas among the highest quality, scientifically validated carbon reduction projects in the world,” said Carbonfund.org President Eric Carlson. “Deforestation is responsible for about 25% of global warming, meaning reforestation and forest preservation are critical solutions to solving global warming. By providing the highest quality offsets through projects such as Tensas, Carbonfund.org is enabling individuals, businesses and organizations to take responsibility for their carbon footprint, and reduce and offset their climate impact.”

The Rainforest Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization with a climate initiative to validate and verify carbon offset projects, provided third-party validation that the project meets the two standards.

“Independent external validation provides the market with assurances that this project meets high-quality environmental and social standards,” said Jeff Hayward, Climate Initiative Manager for the Rainforest Alliance. “Buyers looking for reliable carbon offset programs should make sure their programs have been validated by a third-party.”

VCS validation ensures that the project is designed to deliver real, additional, measurable and permanent carbon offsets. Because the land in the Tensas Project has been deforested and fragmented for over 50 years prior to the project, it is considered an afforestation-type project.

“We are delighted that this robust project restoring native forest is the first to be validated against the CCB Standards in North America,” said Joanna Durbin, Director of the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance. “The Tensas Project is a great addition to the growing worldwide portfolio of multiple-benefit forest carbon projects using the standard.”

Over 100 projects globally are currently being designed to meet the CCB Standards and the Tensas Project is now the seventh project to complete the rigorous validation process. Gold status is awarded to projects providing exceptional benefits. Learn more about the VCS and CCB standards at www.v-c-s.org and www.climate-standards.org.

Among the Tensas Project’s major supporters are Carbonfund.org Partners Dell, JetBlue and Volkswagen (VW). “Volkswagen is extremely pleased to learn the Project has achieved dual validation,” said Laura Soave, General Manager of Marketing for Volkswagen of America. “We’re very proud of our partnership with Carbonfund.org and our commitment to offset carbon emissions and reduce our carbon footprint, ensuring a cleaner environment for generations to come.”

“At JetBlue, it is important for us to align our environmental initiatives with our customers, our crewmembers and the communities we serve,” remarked Icema Gibbs, Director – Corporate Social Responsibility, JetBlue Airways. “We were diligent when developing our carbon offset portfolio and are proud to support the Tensas Project. We are glad to be part of such an important milestone with our partners at Carbonfund.org.”

Director of Sustainable Business Tod Arbogast of Dell said, “Tensas is among the world’s most sustainable forests including trees funded by Dell customers through our Plant a Tree for Me and Plant a Forest for Me programs. This certification demonstrates the strict standards to which our partners adhere when planting customer-funded trees.” Dell was the first global technology company to help customers offset the emissions associated with electricity used to power their computers through its Plant a Tree for Me program.

About Carbonfund.org

Carbonfund.org is the leading nonprofit carbon offset and climate solutions organization, making it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact. Carbon offsets enable individuals and businesses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions they are responsible for in their everyday lives by supporting third-party verified renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects where they are most cost effective. Carbonfund.org has over 400,000 individual supporters and works with over 1,000 business and nonprofit partners including Discovery, Motorola, Amtrak, Volkswagen, Dell, JetBlue, Orbitz and Staples. Visit www.carbonfund.org.

About Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization working to conserve biodiversity and transform the way people grow crops, harvest wood and host travelers. Through its climate initiative, the Rainforest Alliance has validated and verified forest carbon projects in Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, England, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela and Indonesia, and is currently working with projects in over 20 countries. For more information on the Rainforest Alliance, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org.

Protests in Scotland bring airport runway to a halt

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:21:15 +0000

Nine young protesters from the climate action group Plane Stupid have caused a shut down of Scotland’s Aberdeen Airport by setting up a golf course on the taxiway, surrounding themselves with fortified security fencing, while another group are occupying the roof of the terminal building and have unfurled a banner reading, “Nae Trump Games with Climate Change”. The group is protesting the controversial new golf course by Donald Trump.

The group intends to maintain its blockade for as long as possible to prevent the release of thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

The activists entered the runway by cutting the fence and scaled the roof climbing ladders. Dressed as Donald Trump, sporting wigs and golfing attire, with crazy golf clubs and balls, the group are ‘putting’ on the tarmac. The banner on the fencing erected by the group reads “Plane Stupid Scotland Golf Open 2009”.

Donald Trump is supporting the expansion of Aberdeen airport, due mainly to his company’s plans for a new golf course; a new development consisting of 2,000 acres of over 1,000 homes and vacation rentals, a 450-bedroom hotel and two golf courses.

“We have been failed by the generation of Donald Trump and Alex Salmond,” says one of the activists on the taxiway, Jonny Agnew, 22, from Edinburgh. “Despite a catalog of scientific reports warning them that they can’t keep on with aviation growth – even if that hinders their ability to jet in for a weekend of golf – they continue with disregard for all of us, who will end up dealing with the impacts of the climate crisis. The reality is that our generation’s future is vanishing so that people like Donald Trump and his super-rich friends can jet into Aberdeen for a round of golf. The expansion of this airport just cannot go ahead.”

Another Plane Stupid activisit, 24 year old Tilly Gifford from Glasgow, said: “Alex Salmond wants to let the Spanish shareholders of BAA, Donald Trump and his super-rich American friends concrete over Scotland and its efforts to stop runaway climate change. Arctic ice is melting, the sea is already rising and experts warn the world’s rainforests could collapse. Our generation is already starting to feel these impacts as the warming kicks in so it’s obvious that it’s going to need to be us that urgently puts the brakes on expanding unnecessary airports.”

The campaigners chose to close Aberdeen after the Scottish government gave its backing to the expansion of capacity at the airport by 1.5 million passengers by 2015. Aviation is Britain’s fastest growing source of emissions, already amounting to at least 13% of the UK’s climate emissions.

With plans in the Scottish government’s ‘National Planning Framework’ for growth at Scottish airports including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen – as well as Heathrow and Stansted – experts from the Tyndall Centre for climate research say aviation policy alone will scupper any chance the UK has of hitting its climate targets.

“We’re here to say it cannot happen, and our generation won’t let it happen,” says 25 year old Dan Glass, a community worker from Glasgow. “The scientists tell us we’ve got seven years to make emissions peak then drop, and if we fail, the people on this runway and their entire generation, and our children, willl live with the consequences. That’s why we’re doing this.”

Hawaii funds 25 natural resource community projects

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:44:07 +0000

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, with guidance from its Natural Resources Advisory Group (NRAG), has selected 25 community-based projects throughout the state to receive funding in 2009 through its Natural Resources Program.

“Along with our host culture, Hawaii’s natural environment is an essential element of Hawaii’s tourism product,” said Lloyd Unebasami, HTA interim president and chief executive officer and chief administrative officer. “While marketing will continue to be an important focus for HTA in 2009, we will continue to support those strategic initiatives that strive to enhance and diversify Hawaii’s tourism product for our visitors and residents.”

The programs and projects selected address the goal and objectives identified in the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 (TSP) for the Natural Resources initiative. The objectives include: exploring innovative means to repair, maintain and improve Hawaii’s natural resources; raising awareness among all stakeholders about the responsible use of natural resources; increasing collaboration among government agencies, the visitor industry, and the community; and reviewing and enforcing rules and developing certification programs for commercial operations in natural resource areas.

HTA’s Natural Resources Program began in 2002 in response to a legislative mandate that the HTA provide at least US$1 million annually to support efforts to manage, improve, and protect Hawaii’s natural environment and areas frequented by visitors. The HTA has allocated US$2 million to its 2009 Natural Resources Program.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawaii tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs.

For more information, please visit http://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/.

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Condé Nast selects pioneering eco-retreat as a leader in social responsibility

admin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:04:44 +0000

(Fregate.com) – Condé Nast Traveler (US) has named Frégate Island Private a finalist in the magazine’s 2008 World Savers Awards. Frégate Island Private is one of 38 companies worldwide selected as a leader in social responsibility in the magazine’s September issue.

17 judges reviewed 142 applications and rated how applicants exercise social responsibility in five key areas: poverty alleviation, cultural and/or environmental preservation, education, wildlife conservation, and health. 38 finalists were named, and the final winners were determined by compiling the judges’ overall rankings.

The finalists was recognised at the World Savers Awards ceremony on September 23rd, at the second annual Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress in New York City.

“These finalists are prime examples of how the world’s hotels, airlines, cruise lines and tour operators can inspire their peers to improve our world,” said deputy editor for special projects Dorinda Elliott. “The efforts by these World Savers, from building schools and furnishing much-needed medical supplies to restocking wildlife reserves and dispensing micro-loans, are models for the entire travel industry.”

“We are honored to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler for the work we do,” said chairman Marc Aeberhard. “It is our determined commitment to share the results of our experiences – the hits and the misses that we encounter on a daily basis – with the rest of the world, so that the results of our work may be a contribution to a better future for our planet.”

The original luxury eco-hideaway, Frégate Island Private is located in the Seychelles, in the midst of the Indian Ocean. Exemplary preservation, protection and nurturing of the island’s unique natural environment, and the utmost in exclusivity for guests, are the central principles at Frégate; abundant fresh produce from the island’s plantations forms the basis of the culinary and spa concepts; while a resident ecologist coordinates ongoing work towards the seamless integration of resort operations into the conservation and protection of the island’s natural ‘Garden of Eden’ environment.

About Frégate Island Private
Four degrees south of the equator, Frégate is an island of outstanding natural beauty; giant granite boulders rise from the powdery white sand of seven beaches, protected by granite barriers.

Construction of the resort was subject to strict regulations to safeguard the environment and the preservation and protection of the island’s unique flora and fauna continues to be amongst Frégate’s main priorities. With no more than 40 guests at any one time, guests are invited to experience the rare treat of luxury, security and seclusion within the natural beauty of a tropical island setting.

Frégate is home to a wild herd of more than 400 Aldabra Giant Tortoises, one of only three wild-roaming populations left in the Seychelles. Lucky guests may even witness a turtle laying her eggs in the sand, or the spectacle of up to 60 newly hatched baby turtles disappearing into the Indian Ocean at full moon. The Hawksbill turtle and Green turtle, both critically endangered, are also frequent visitors to the shores of the island for nesting and egg-laying.

Frégate has many varied and fascinating indigenous insects, in particular two species that are exclusively endemic to the island: the flightless Giant Tenebrionid beetle and the Enid snail.

The island’s only native mammal is the ‘Flying Fox’, which survives solely on fruit, found in abundance in Frégate’s lush tropical forests amongst species ranging from the rare Coco de Mer palm to the giant Banyan Tree.

For more information, visit www.fregate.com.

Nature-based enterprises help rural poor adapt to eco-threats

admin — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:10:07 +0000

(UNEP) – Three-quarters of the 2.6 billion people who live on less that $2 a day are dependent upon local natural resources for their livelihoods. Threats such as climate change and ecosystem degradation are beginning to strain those livelihoods, and it will be necessary to shape development strategies that build resilience against such threats and ensure stable and prosperous communities.

World Resources 2008: Roots of Resilience – released here today as part of the IUCN World Conservation Congress – closely examines existing community-based efforts. The report argues that properly fostered nature-based enterprises can improve rural livelihoods and, in the process, create resilience to economic, social, and environmental threats.

Achim Steiner, under-secretary general and executive director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said, “Poverty will never be made history unless we invest in more intelligent management of the world’s nature-based assets. There are now countless models and case studies of how ecosystems can be managed to boost rural livelihoods and incomes while meeting the goal of environmental sustainability.

“Mainstreaming and making these models and blueprints more commonplace and widespread is now a matter of great urgency in a world challenged by climate change, in a world where we are pushing, if not pushing past the regenerative limits of the planet’s life support systems,” Steiner added.

Roots of Resilience concludes that expanding the scale of already successful models requires an emphasis on three critical elements:

Ownership: A groundwork of good governance must both transfer to the poor legal authority over local resources and elicit local demand for better management of resources.

Capacity: Local communities must have the ability to manage ecosystems competently, carry out ecosystem-based enterprises, and distribute the income from these enterprises fairly.

Connection: Establishing adaptive networks that connect and strengthen nature-based enterprises will give them the ability to adapt, learn, link to markets, and mature into businesses that can sustain themselves and enter the economic mainstream.

“Local communities clearly have an interest to sustain the ecosystems on which they depend,” added Manish Bapna, executive vice president, World Resources Institute (WRI). “But all too often, they face a disabling, not an enabling environment. Governments and donors have a crucial role to play in constructing the right policies and institutions necessary to protect ecosystems and grow the wealth and resilience of the poor.”

One of dozens of examples from the report is an effort in Bangladesh to help villagers sustainably manage fisheries and wetlands. Before the program was implemented fishing was difficult, waterfowl had been eliminated and fierce competition for fishing rights had disrupted the lives of villagers that depended on the ecosystem for their income. Once the pilot program was implemented, however, villagers were granted new fishing rights that included responsibility for managing the fisheries. They were also trained to manage fisheries and supported with micro-loans to start new businesses. The results, over the past eight years, included a reversal of the degraded bird and fish habitat, a 140 percent increase in fish catches, and a 33 percent rise in local income.

The report includes recommendations for national governments, donors, and the private sector to help create enabling environments that nurture rural enterprises and the resilience that can come with their growth.

“The international community must fast-track this model to the center stage of development policy. By doing so, countries can bring a new level of commitment and creativity to the poverty- and environment-related Millennium Development Goals,” said Veerle Vandeweerd, director of the Environment and Energy Group at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

World Bank President Robert Zoellick writes in the foreword to the report, “Increased resilience must be part of the response to the risks of climate change. The efforts that foster resilience chart the first steps on the path out of poverty.”

World Resources 2008 is a joint effort produced by WRI, UNEP, UNDP and the World Bank. It is free to download at the WRI Website.