Celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May) with a holiday that helps conserve endangered species, the places they live and the environment you share with them
The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity to increase awareness of the importance of biodiversity. But what does this mean and how can you celebrate it? On a local level you might volunteer for a beach clean up, go to a gig as part of the Forestry Commission’s Live Music 2010 or turn your hand to beekeeping at home. But when it comes to holidaying doing the right thing for the natural environment can be confusing - is it okay to swim with captive dolphins, is it okay to have my photo taken cuddling a panda and what about those beautiful shells as souvenirs? While these are definitely NOT acceptable ways to interact with wildlife responsibletravel.com does have hundreds of ways you can responsibly get close to wildlife on holiday. For detailed answers and advice read our tips for animal welfare issues on responsibletravel.com. responsibletravel.com recognises that conservation is about more than saving animals - it is about maintaining habitats and changing opinions. Animals are primarily endangered by the actions of people, from deforestation to pollution and hunting. Wildlife tourism can have a huge role to play in stopping detrimental activities by increasing awareness and encouraging people to relish rather than ravish the natural environment. When you consider that nature-based tourism in Africa generates approximately the same amount of revenue as farming, forestry and fisheries combined then wildlife tourism done right is the perfect celebration. Here are just a few suggestions: Turtle conservation in Western Australia:
This new voluntourism experience on the Kimberley coast is a mixture of adventure and science: Robinson Crusoe meets David Attenborough. By day, you can enjoy the remote coastline where red earth runs into white sand and turquoise waters, a wilderness untouched except for the low impact Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat. Each evening you will work alongside a local scientist to measure and tag the iconic flatback turtles. Duties include helping to collect DNA samples as well as observing and recording data on nesting behaviour. With Australian flatbacks still listed as ‘Data Deficient” internationally by the IUCN Red List, the actions of this project go a long way in assisting to fill in the information gaps for this species.
Observing orangutans in the wild is often on peoples ‘things to do before you die’ list, and with good reason. Watching orangutans can be a magical experience and one you will never forget. With the many threats to orangutans including deforestation and habitat destruction for palm oil plantations, it’s more important than ever to make sure that orangutan tourism is committed to the conservation of these great apes. All our tour operators abide by a code of conduct and this particular Borneo project was both Highly Commended in the Responsible Tourism Awards 2009 and consistently receives 5 star reviews from returning travellers The project cares for 250 orangutans, and engages the local community by employing local guides, drivers, animal keepers and accommodation owners.
Swimming with dolphins is the activity we most want to do before we die, according to a BBC survey in 2003. This day tour in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, 40 minutes south of Perth, allows you to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. Established 21 years ago, it is believed to be the first operation in the world to successfully befriend a group of dolphins without the use of food or without taking the dolphins away from their natural habitat. You might see mothers’ nursing calves, dolphins hunting on the backs of stingrays, males competing for the attention of females, or even drift amongst groups that are ‘sleeping.
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most ecologically diverse areas on the planet and a must for any wildlife enthusiast. With a huge variety of birds including the Waved Albatross and Blue-footed Booby and mammals including the Galapagos Sea Lion, Giant Tortoise and Marine Iguana, a visit to this unique ecosystem is an experience of a lifetime. The Galapagos was the first natural site to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The 13 islands and their surrounding waters are also a protected National Park, and a Biological Marine Reserve. Strict regulations govern all tourist activities and are rigidly enforced and tourist numbers are restricted. This trip is aboard a motor yacht in a small group with expert guides.
Fortune has brought one of the most biodiverse reefs in the world close to the shore. Ningaloo is a fringing reef, meaning you can be swimming amongst the 500 species of fish and 250 coral species found there, just yards from the beach. It is also one of the best places on earth to swim with whale sharks (March- June), the largest fish in the ocean. Stay in an exclusive wilderness camp hidden in the sand dunes on the edge of the reef. Each tent offers luxury linen and fine food and wine with solar power and rigorous water management to create ‘wild bush luxury’ with a minimal ecological footprint.
