MEDIA RELEASE: MONDAY DECEMBER 17th, 2007
Responsible rainforest retreats can help local people and conservation, says responsibletravel.com
responsibletravel.com, the world’s leading directory of specialist eco holidays, is calling on responsible travellers to help preserve the world’s rainforests.
Deforestation is currently accountable for about 20% of global annual carbon emissions. Solutions such as those discussed at the Bali Climate Care Summit last week look set to provide developing countries’ Governments with compensation for conserving their forests.
However, this potentially means very little to local communities who are reliant on nearby forests for daily firewood or the land space for crops obtained by cutting down trees.
Justin Francis, co-founder and managing director of responsibletravel.com says: “Responsible tourism that provides an income to local forest dwellers (as guides, for example) is one of the most effective ways of banging the conservation drum and providing an economic link between the trees and local people. I saw this working very well last year when I visited the Bale mountains in Ethiopia.”
Francis acknowledges the environmental dilemma and urges holidaymakers to explore our world’s forests:
“Flying contributes 2-3% of global CO2 emissions according to the Stern report. Your flight to enjoy a responsible tourism holiday in forests both contributes to global warming and provides incentives to local people for forest conservation. My advice is to try to fly less each year and to consider switching one of your holidays to visit some of the world’s wonderful forests and at the same time generate income for local communities.”
Here’s some magical rainforest holiday ideas from responsibletravel.com:
Peru eco lodge in the Amazon rainforest
Owned by the Community of Infierno and employing local people, this lodge has been built using traditional native materials (wood, palm fronds, wild cane and clay) and is ideal for a two night introduction to Amazonia´s richest rainforests. Tours and activities can be arranged.
Price from £110 per person for two nights, based on two people travelling.
Amazon rainforest holiday in Ecuador
Spend time amongst the Huaorani people of the Amazon. Currently numbering approx. 3,000 people, they continue to maintain a largely traditional lifestyle and this unique trip allows travellers to experience and explore this pristine wilderness in the company of and through the eyes of your Huaorani guides.
Prices from £1,960 for 7 days, including flights from the UK or from £1,118, excluding flights. Includes transfers, bilingual naturalist guide, accommodation on a full board basis, camping gear, entrance fee to the Huaorani community and all activities. Departs 27 January or 16 November 2008.
Kibale forest accommodation in Uganda
Go hiking, look for birds and other animals and stay in either a homestead with a local family or in a basic camp with small traditional huts and a tin roofed house. This holiday is part of the responsibletravel.com and Conservation International Community Based Tourism Programme to support and promote community based tourism ventures that offer significant conservation and development benefits to local communities.
Prices from £5 (camp) - £7 (homestead) per person per night.
Malaysia rainforest & beach holiday
Taman Negara was declared for conservation in 1938 and has become Malaysia's premier national park and the largest in the country covering over 4343 square kilometres. The resort where you will be staying overlooks the Tembeling and Tahan Rivers. Climb the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia or take a boat ride to Lata Berkoh for some swimming and fishing – this trip is tailor made to meet your needs.
Price from £1,520 for 15 days, including flights from the UK, transfers, accommodation and some meals. This trip can also be booked without flights.
Osa Peninsula Rainforest lodge, Costa Rica
This area is well known as one of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse rainforests. See sloths, eagles, toucans, parrots, jaguars, ocelots and several species of rare endemic birds. The lodge runs on 100% renewable energy sources and naturally fallen timber is used in most structures. The lodge also plants over 10,000 trees each year in the area.
From £80 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.
Notes to editors
About responsibletravel.com:
responsibletravel.com is an online travel directory - based in Brighton, England - launched in 2001 for travellers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. responsibletravel.com markets carefully pre-screened, handpicked holidays from over 265 specialist operators and over 550 accommodations.
Contact:
Krissy Pentland, PR Manager
press@responsibletravel.com
01273 648 519 or 07717 348368 |
