The “storm” that is COVID 19 has arrived in South Africa and by all accounts, we have weathered it better than many had predicted. I like to put this down to the resilience and fighting spirit of South African people from all walks of life. We are certainly a nation of survivors! The lengthy lockdown has not however been without severe, and in some cases, catastrophic … [Read more...]
Reopening local tourism to secure employment for many
Under lockdown level 3, many sectors have been allowed to trade or operate to some degree. However, the tourism and leisure sectors have remained closed for months, impacting on thousands of jobs and the finances and well-being of millions of South Africans. Reopening local tourism may contribute to securing employment for many, which would act as a lifeboat for vulnerable … [Read more...]
Conservation NGOs welcome the reopening of nature-based tourism
The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected almost every aspect of life as we know it. In South Africa alone, the economic effects are devastating with the GDP expected to decline by between 8% and 10% in 2020. Job losses are estimated at over a million and more than 160 000 businesses are expected to close their doors. Under Lockdown Level 3, many sectors have been allowed to … [Read more...]
Lockdown gives dive operators time to rethink sustainability
The world is at a standstill to flatten the Covid-19 curve, a pause that has been especially devastating to the travel industry. But for some marine tourism operators in Indonesia and Malaysia, the lockdown has inspired new innovations. The picturesque Ceningan Divers Resort in Bali, Indonesia—though closed for guests since March 19—has set up an online education portal … [Read more...]
Victory for nature and the rule of law in Bulgaria
The Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court suspended the execution of Pirin National Park's new management plan, which would have allowed construction in 66% and logging in 48% of the national park and World Heritage Site. WWF-Bulgaria has been fighting to prohibit new logging and construction in Pirin National Park since November 2016, activities that would endanger many … [Read more...]
Inspiring hope as SA marks Freedom Day under lockdown
Today is an important landmark in South Africa’s history; Freedom Day. To acknowledge the great sacrifices South Africans have made since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, South African Tourism has released a new television advert to inspire hope as the country marks Freedom Day under lockdown. Freedom of movement; the dignity of work; the joys of travel and experiencing … [Read more...]
COVID-19: An urgent Maasai cry for help
Avaaz has received an urgent cry for help from Nashulai, the award-winning Maasai-led nature conservancy in Kenya that our movement helped to launch. COVID-19 has devastated Nashulai, and the brave community behind this visionary conservation project are staring starvation and destitution in the face. The conservancy relies on tourism, and it's collapsed. As a result, there … [Read more...]
Residents encouraged to comment on nature reserve by-law
Cape Town residents have until Monday 16 March to comment on a draft Nature Reserves Bylaw devised and published by council. The proposed document intends to protect and preserve nature reserves in the municipal boundaries and ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors to these areas. Cape Town is an integral part of the Cape Floristic Region, with much of its unique … [Read more...]
Lion trade: the secret threat faced by SA tourism industry
Annually, thousands of tourists flock to South Africa to experience our unique wildlife. But behind this booming industry is an ugly truth, many wildlife encounters support the mistreatment of iconic species, such as lions. Tourism plays a vital role in job creation and contributed over R130-billion to the economy in 2017, about 2.9% of the total gross domestic product … [Read more...]
Fishing for plastic on Amsterdam’s canal cruises
It’s not fish they’re hunting on their cruise along one of the Dutch capital’s most famous tourist attractions — it’s plastic. With eco-tourism booming around the world, the canal cruises run by the Dutch group Plastic Whale are reeling in big business. “It’s a completely other way of visiting Amsterdam,” said Plastic Whale founder Marius Smit. “Obviously you’re on the … [Read more...]
Cheetahs introduced to Majete Wildlife Reserve after decades-long absence
Two years after cheetahs were reintroduced to Malawi, in Liwonde National Park, four individuals were safely translocated from South Africa to Majete Wildlife Reserve to form a crucial founder population and help grow the range of this vulnerable big cat. A small founder population of wild Cheetahs has been successfully translocated from South Africa to Majete Wildlife … [Read more...]
‘Flight shame’ in Sweden prompts rail-only travel movement
It has long irked me that people keep flying around as if the planet is not already right inside the climate crisis. As if they don’t care, or know, that each time they board a plane they are threatening our children’s future on this planet. At least one country is now brave enough to change the way they travel… Saddled with long, dark winters at home, Swedes have for … [Read more...]
Eco awareness leads to award recognition for Sea Point hotel
Having previously made headlines for their industry-leading water conservation efforts, the hotel is once again pioneering environmental sustainability and responsibility, having received the ECO Proud/ECO Excellent Status Award. As part of the Dream Hotels & Resorts group, The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel is the first recipient of the award after the implementation of a … [Read more...]
