Let's make one thing clear from the start....Geotourism is not taking a vacation in your Geo Metro, not that there is anything wrong with that. No, what we are really talking about here is a new movement or awareness on the part of many travelers that could have far reaching affects for the travel industry. So let's define what this is all about. Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism--that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations--while allowing for enhancement that protects the character of the locale. Closely related to this is the term "ecotourism." Are they the same? Not quite. Ecotourism focuses on the ecology of an area meaning the local culture and activities that relate to the preservation and conservation of flora and fauna. The ecologically and socially conscious are attacted to this type of travel as they promote recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and finding new ways to live on the planet. So how is that different from "geotourism?" Sustainable tourism...that is the key. So what does that mean? Beyond what is stated above, it also encompasses the belief that the character of a locale must be protected. One of the principles shared by geotourism and ecotourism is that tourist revenue can promote conservation. So while the two "ism's" share some characteristics, geotourism is actually broader in scope. It extends beyond nature travel to encompass culture and history as well as environmental concerns. Today more than 154 million American adults can be described as travelers having taken at least one trip 50 miles or more, one way, away from home and/or including one night or more away from home, within the past three years. What has become evident to many in the travel industry is that consumers are seeking out uniquely different experiences when they travel, and have a set of possibly previously unspoken requirements of destinations, tour companies, lodging businesses and even transportation. What has evolved in recent times is consumer awareness and concern that destinations are morphing into homogenous places that offer like experiences. Environmental issues have evolved into more basic concerns for popular destinations such as the National Parks, which are affected by simply too many visitors. Not only are the parks sustaining irreversible environmental damage, but the quality of the visitor experience is suffering at the same time. So here is where sustainable tourism enters the picture. It seeks to preserve, and not damage, the destination through good stewardship. By applying limits and good management practices, natural habitats, scenic appeal, heritage sites and local culture can all be sustained. Geotourism adds to sustainable tourism by building on the geographical character of a place in order to emphasize its distinctiveness to the benefit of both the visitor and resident. Ok, this is all very nice, but what is the bottom line? It all sounds good, but who really benefits from all this? The simple answer is ...everybody. Communities and their residents benefit by the work they do to discover their own heritage and how to make it appealing to visitors. When the community understands the beneficial role of geotourism, it becomes an incentive for wise destination stewardship. Tourists benefit as local people develop pride and skill in showing off their locale, tourists get more out of their visit. Destination-savvy travelers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of the locale. Tourism revenues in turn raise the local perceived value of those assets. So there you have it. An increasing trend in travel that should lead to better travel experiences not only for us, but for generations to come.
About the Author
Rick is the president of Mindstream Marketing Group specializing in internet marketing. He is the founder of and main contributor to Travelteria.com, a website dedicated to the uncommon family vacation and to finding the roads less travelled.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Port Douglas - Where The Rainforest Meets The Reef
The ideal location for relaxing time out, Port Douglas is an easy-going tropical paradise with a small friendly village atmosphere and sophisticated creature comforts. The warm reef waters of the Coral Sea, the glorious palm fringed sands of Port Douglas Four Mile Beach, and the crystal clear creeks of Mossman Gorge are the place to refresh, restore and revitalise both body and mind. Seductive, balmy days slip seamlessly into tropical evenings under a canopy of clear starry skies. The sights, sounds and tastes of the tropical environment are a feast for the senses; the stunning array of nature and wildlife is awe-inspiring.
The Port Douglas region has become increasingly aware of the value and uniqueness of its natural environment over the past decade. As a result, ecotourism products which focus on the area's pristine World Heritage rainforests, marine environment and ecosystems are now a major component of the Port Douglas and Daintree tour industry. Ecotourism balances the requirements of tourism and conservation, and has been defined by Ecotourism Australia as ”ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation”.
Ecotourism in Port Douglas offers an authentic ecotourism experience. This includes interacting with the local population, learning meaningful information about the locations you visit, and leaving the lightest possible footprint on the environment as you depart. Port Douglas tour operators are firmly committed to sustainable tourism and are licensed and accredited to conduct operations in national parks and other sensitive protected areas. They have a high degree of local knowledge, employ local people, and support their local economy and community.
There are ample opportunities for outdoor activities in Port Douglas, ranging from walks and safaris through the breathtaking pristine Daintree and Cape Tribulation Rainforests, horse riding, river cruises and white water rafting to swimming, diving, snorkelling, fishing and sailing on the the reef and waterways. Tours are available across the Daintree to Cape Tribulation, and further afield to the Mareeba Wetlands, the Tropical Tablelands, Cairns and Kuranda. Other local attractions include various historical sites, weekend markets, world-class restaurants, nightlife, a fruit winery, indigenous cultural experiences, 4WD safari adventures, world class golf courses, spas, aerial tours by seaplane, helicopter & hot-air balloon, and outdoor cinema and theatre.
At 140 million years old, the Daintree National Park contains the oldest living rainforest on earth. The Park is divided into three main areas, Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge. Daintree National Park lies between Mossman Gorge and the Daintree River, is known for its long stretch of lush tropical rainforest, and is home to unique bird life and crocodiles. Cape Tribulation is where tropical rainforest and coral reef meet in a scenic coastal setting north of the Daintree River. The area is home to glorious sandy beaches and mangroves environments abounding in wildlife viewing. Mossman Gorge is a steep-sided valley on the Mossman River containing lush tropical rainforest and crystal clear creeks. An excellent location for viewing birdlife and other wildlife. Guided walks visiting Aboriginal heritage sites are provided by members of the Kuku Yalanji Mossman Gorge Community.
Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Australian tourism topics such as Ayers Rock Tours, Kakadu Tours and Aboriginal Art.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Miguel_Scaccialupo
Ecotourism In Playa Del Carmen Mexico
Ecotourism in Playa Del Carmen Mexico Made Easier by Real Estate Agents
Ecotourism is becoming very popular and Mexico offers a plethora of options in its tourism industry as the country is blessed with an amazing ecological mix.
The geography of Mexico is fascinating. The country encompasses two biological kingdoms - the Neo-artic and the Neo-tropical. That means Mexico has species of plants and animals that exist in both kingdoms. This adds to Mexico's rich heritage.
Mountains, valleys, rivers, rapids, caverns, forest, jungles, deserts, lakes, volcanoes, and savannas add to the diversity. The sheer number of species of flora and fauna that inhabit this area is astonishing. One side of a mountain can be arid and barren, and the other side lush and full. Inhabitants of various regions acclimate based on the resources available. If you want to buy real estate in a particular geographic area, your local professional Playa Del Carmen real estate agent can help you find suitable properties available for sale or for lease.
One visit to the arid deserts and mountains of Northern Mexico and ecotourists quickly recognize the importance of dehydrating foods, a practical custom, still used today. Crossing the valley, mountain range and coast of Oaxaca, one realizes the value of its ancestral cultures (the Mixtec and Zapotec). Listening to the Veracruz Rivers, helps us comprehend the cheerfulness of its people and trekking through the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, reveals why the Mayas created an opening to construct their ceremonial grounds. Ecotourism is a whole new approach to tourism. It introduces a completely different appreciation and learning experience. Once you visit in a beautiful Playa Del Carmen beachfront condo you will be asking your Playa Del Carmen real estate agent to find you a retirement home.
Mexicans love their soil and they will do whatever is necessary to protect all the ecological processes of Mexico. Maintaining genetic diversity, protecting natural area helps Mexico maintain its history and heritage. Ecotourism includes excursions with safe transportation via kayak, mountain bike, jeep, or horseback. Local Mexico realtors can identify properties for sale close to popular ecotourist areas.
Specially designed expeditions, with transportation, lodging, food, permits, maps, clothing and guides that guarantee adventure within Mexico's national parks, reserves and sanctuaries are available. You can also venture out alone. Up-to-date information on protected camping sites and special permits are provided by tourism offices in each State. Your Mexico realtor can give you more information.
Ecotourism is growing in popularity. Mexico is a prime location for ecotourists primarily because of the rich diversity that exists in the country. There are few places on earth where you can experience such diversity in such close proximity. Let your Playa Del Carmen real estate agent help you make the most of your plans to explore Mexico.
About the Author
Tom Budniak operates, owns, and manages Realty Executives Mexican Caribbean here in the Playa del Carmen. His office is considered by many in the industry to be the top office in the Playa del Carmen. Tom, from Realty Executives Mexican Caribbean is a Certified Member of RMRE and MLS 4 Riviera Maya. Check out the city and email at Tom.RealtyExecutives@gmail.com, or visit www.playarealtyexecutives.com to see beautiful condos and homes listed.
Ecotourism is becoming very popular and Mexico offers a plethora of options in its tourism industry as the country is blessed with an amazing ecological mix.
The geography of Mexico is fascinating. The country encompasses two biological kingdoms - the Neo-artic and the Neo-tropical. That means Mexico has species of plants and animals that exist in both kingdoms. This adds to Mexico's rich heritage.
Mountains, valleys, rivers, rapids, caverns, forest, jungles, deserts, lakes, volcanoes, and savannas add to the diversity. The sheer number of species of flora and fauna that inhabit this area is astonishing. One side of a mountain can be arid and barren, and the other side lush and full. Inhabitants of various regions acclimate based on the resources available. If you want to buy real estate in a particular geographic area, your local professional Playa Del Carmen real estate agent can help you find suitable properties available for sale or for lease.
One visit to the arid deserts and mountains of Northern Mexico and ecotourists quickly recognize the importance of dehydrating foods, a practical custom, still used today. Crossing the valley, mountain range and coast of Oaxaca, one realizes the value of its ancestral cultures (the Mixtec and Zapotec). Listening to the Veracruz Rivers, helps us comprehend the cheerfulness of its people and trekking through the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, reveals why the Mayas created an opening to construct their ceremonial grounds. Ecotourism is a whole new approach to tourism. It introduces a completely different appreciation and learning experience. Once you visit in a beautiful Playa Del Carmen beachfront condo you will be asking your Playa Del Carmen real estate agent to find you a retirement home.
Mexicans love their soil and they will do whatever is necessary to protect all the ecological processes of Mexico. Maintaining genetic diversity, protecting natural area helps Mexico maintain its history and heritage. Ecotourism includes excursions with safe transportation via kayak, mountain bike, jeep, or horseback. Local Mexico realtors can identify properties for sale close to popular ecotourist areas.
Specially designed expeditions, with transportation, lodging, food, permits, maps, clothing and guides that guarantee adventure within Mexico's national parks, reserves and sanctuaries are available. You can also venture out alone. Up-to-date information on protected camping sites and special permits are provided by tourism offices in each State. Your Mexico realtor can give you more information.
Ecotourism is growing in popularity. Mexico is a prime location for ecotourists primarily because of the rich diversity that exists in the country. There are few places on earth where you can experience such diversity in such close proximity. Let your Playa Del Carmen real estate agent help you make the most of your plans to explore Mexico.
About the Author
Tom Budniak operates, owns, and manages Realty Executives Mexican Caribbean here in the Playa del Carmen. His office is considered by many in the industry to be the top office in the Playa del Carmen. Tom, from Realty Executives Mexican Caribbean is a Certified Member of RMRE and MLS 4 Riviera Maya. Check out the city and email at Tom.RealtyExecutives@gmail.com, or visit www.playarealtyexecutives.com to see beautiful condos and homes listed.
Costa Rica
Eco-wonderland Of Central America Is Costa Rica
More and more tourists are discovering Costa Rica, it is becoming one of Central America's eco-tourist hot spots. There are volcanoes, waterfalls, mud pools, hot springs, forests, terrific beaches and an abundance of flora and fauna, a true paradise to nature lovers. Costa Rica is home to over 1,059 different types of animals and 10,000 different types of plant life. Even though Costa Rica is all about adventure, nature and wonderful beaches, sleeping or camping on the beaches overnight is strongly discouraged. Though Costa Rica is a small country, geographically, it is one of the most diverse,biologically, on the planet.
More and more tourists are discovering Costa Rica, it is becoming one of Central America's eco-tourist hot spots. There are volcanoes, waterfalls, mud pools, hot springs, forests, terrific beaches and an abundance of flora and fauna, a true paradise to nature lovers. Costa Rica is home to over 1,059 different types of animals and 10,000 different types of plant life. Even though Costa Rica is all about adventure, nature and wonderful beaches, sleeping or camping on the beaches overnight is strongly discouraged. Though Costa Rica is a small country, geographically, it is one of the most diverse,biologically, on the planet.
The city of Liberia, Costa Rica is a great base for exploring the Guanacaste Province, full of whitewashed buildings constructed from local clay and designed in the colonial style. The Daniel Oduber International Airport is just south of the city and serves several American cities.
The protected area and World Heritage Site of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park is close to Liberia, Costa Rica and contains the dormant Cerro Von Seebach and the Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Maria volcanoes. The most recent eruption here occurred in 1998. Volcanoes are big tourist attractions in Costa Rica.
There are many hiking trails and rivers from which to explore and see over 300 species of birds, including toucanets, quetzals and eagles. Animals such as monkeys, cougars and jaguars are also resident. Costa Rica's coast offers many fantastic opportunities to catch a glimpse of migrating whales, various dolphin species, sea turtles and the endangered West Indian manatee as they swim by.
Wildlife can also be seen on a guided rowboat trip down the Corobici River. There are no rapids on this stretch of water and it is calm enough to take children along to see the monkeys, iguanas and birdlife such as heron, kingfishers, ospreys and cormorants. Scuba divers can book a diving trip, enjoying the clear, azure waters close to Liberia Costa Rica with an opportunity to see sea turtles, sharks, whales, rays and giant mantas. Instruction is available to beginners to the sport. The miles of beautiful Costa Rican coastline support an underwater ecology as diverse and spectacular as the landscape.
There are also tours to the area known as the Hacienda, a popular scenic destination nearby to Liberia, Costa Rica. There are waterfalls, volcanic mud pools and the change to go rock climbing, canyoning, horseback riding and zip lining.
There is another tour to the Buena Vista Canopy, a densely forested region where the adventurous can zip line through the treetop canopy, after instruction in safety from the guides, of course. Another thrill is in store as the participants slide down 420 meters of waterslide, the longest one on Costa Rica. Next, comes a horseback ride to the hot springs, where it's time to relax in one of the hot pools and take a turn in the outdoor sauna, made from rocks and an exhilarating mud bath.
The area is very fond of fiestas and they include the Fiestas Comunales de Liberia, which involves a mass bullfight. The El Dia de la Anexion celebrates the coming of independence of Guanacaste Province from Nicaragua in 1824 with rodeos, horseshows, marimba bands and parades.
So, whether you are a beach bum, surf nut, nature enthusiast or just someone looking to chill out and escape the world, come to Costa Rica and experience a vacation like no other. The variety of outdoor recreation activities provides endless possibilities to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Becoming an eco-wonderland, this country promises you unforgettable vacations. With its own unique take on ecotourism, Costa Rica today has emerged as one of the premier ecological vacation hotspots of the world.
If you would like to learn more about Costa Rica, check out Costa Rica, The Rich Coast
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_Santoro
Heritage Tourism, Archaeology, & Ecotourism: An Example From Lamanai In Northern Belize
Cultural tourism, public archaeology, heritage tourism, ecotourism, or whatever vocabulary you believe best describes this growing segment of the tourism sector and the field of archaeology, is made up of a global industry that has significant magnitude. The Travel Industry Association of America and Smithsonian Magazine (2003) revealed that 81% of traveling adults from the United States were considered historic/cultural travelers – a 13% increase since 1996. And according to Belize’s Immigration Department, in 2004 over half of 230,000 visitors to Belize were from the U.S., and a good portion of them certainly would be part of that 81% who consider themselves cultural travelers.
Although heritage tourism can have a negative impact on a community and its surrounding area, if it is planned, executed properly, and numerous partnerships are established it can provide many benefits including:
~ creating jobs and businesses;
~ increasing tax revenues;
~ diversifying the local economy;
~ creating opportunities for partnerships;
~ attracting visitors interested in history and preservation;
~ increasing prehistoric and historic attraction revenues;
~ preserving local traditions and culture;
~ generating local investment in historic resources;
~ building community pride in heritage;
~ and increasing awareness of the site or area’s significance.
FROM: www.nationaltrust.org, National Trust for Historic Preservation, October 2006.
Through emphasis on the integration of cultural education, archaeological interpretations, community health, and tourism these benefits can be accomplished.
Although the benefits are numerous and there have been obvious positive effects of heritage tourism in the Lamanai area in northern Belize, every effort must be pursued to not destroy what attracts visitors in the first place. Although today’s travelers are seeking a more authentic experience, this experience should not be contrived. A good program should find the fit among the community, the archaeological project, and tourism. There should be a healthy balance between the needs of both visitors, researchers, and local residents. Finding this balance is the challenge.
All parties must be well briefed in the importance of approaching cultural tourism in a sustainable manner; this includes education and planning for preservation and protection of prehistoric, historic, cultural, and natural resources of an area. These are irreplaceable resources and this fact needs to be stressed by and to all members including guides, archaeologists, educators, students, and individuals in the tourist industry.
As suggested by J. Carman and S. Keitumetse (Talking About Heritage & Tourism, May 2005, The Society for American Archaeology, The SAA Archaeological Record), where tourism and culture interact, communities will always be a portion of the equation and are necessary subjects for any heritage research. Realizing that culture is about differences and tourism is about the experience of the cultural differences “emphasizes that the nature of the experience should be focused on, not how cultural processes could be saved from the impact of tourism”. Certainly there is a need to be aware of “the impact of tourism” but to concentrate solely on this aspect misses the point of cultural tourism and the positive influences it can have. This impact of tourism is often viewed as a negative and sometimes is thought to destroy or modify the authenticity of an area. But one must keep in mind that culture is not pure, it is not beyond impact; very few communities or areas are beyond influence of some sort or another.
Through the coordination and forging of alliances with numerous organizations the negative side of cultural and heritage tourism as well as ecotourism can be balanced out by the positive effects of these partnerships and programs. The Lamanai Archaeological Project along with its affiliates: the local residents, archaeologists, tour operators, government officials, and non-profit organizations hope to continue to foster the positive impacts of heritage tourism in the area surrounding Lamanai, in northern Belize. We will continue to seek expertise and assistance from individuals within these organizations to further our efforts.
Laura J. Howard holds a Masters of Science degree in Anthropology with a specialization in Maya archaeology. After researching in Belize for five years after her graduate work she now splits her time between south Florida and Belize. She has been active in Belize tourism and Maya archaeology since 1996, and now has a unique ecotourism company, Beyond Touring, that focuses solely on Belize, the ancient Maya, and natural history. Beyond Touring also offers an authentic cross-cultural experience that allows clients to 'give back' to the wonderful areas they visit in Belize. The projects Beyond Touring supports aim to provide sustainable economic endeavors for local residents of Belize, specifically Indian Church Village, located in northern Belize and adjacent to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.
Belize or Travel Information: http://www.beyondtouring.com
Community Development: http://www.beyondtouring.com/Giveback/Scholarship.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_J._Howard
Although heritage tourism can have a negative impact on a community and its surrounding area, if it is planned, executed properly, and numerous partnerships are established it can provide many benefits including:
~ creating jobs and businesses;
~ increasing tax revenues;
~ diversifying the local economy;
~ creating opportunities for partnerships;
~ attracting visitors interested in history and preservation;
~ increasing prehistoric and historic attraction revenues;
~ preserving local traditions and culture;
~ generating local investment in historic resources;
~ building community pride in heritage;
~ and increasing awareness of the site or area’s significance.
FROM: www.nationaltrust.org, National Trust for Historic Preservation, October 2006.
Through emphasis on the integration of cultural education, archaeological interpretations, community health, and tourism these benefits can be accomplished.
Although the benefits are numerous and there have been obvious positive effects of heritage tourism in the Lamanai area in northern Belize, every effort must be pursued to not destroy what attracts visitors in the first place. Although today’s travelers are seeking a more authentic experience, this experience should not be contrived. A good program should find the fit among the community, the archaeological project, and tourism. There should be a healthy balance between the needs of both visitors, researchers, and local residents. Finding this balance is the challenge.
All parties must be well briefed in the importance of approaching cultural tourism in a sustainable manner; this includes education and planning for preservation and protection of prehistoric, historic, cultural, and natural resources of an area. These are irreplaceable resources and this fact needs to be stressed by and to all members including guides, archaeologists, educators, students, and individuals in the tourist industry.
As suggested by J. Carman and S. Keitumetse (Talking About Heritage & Tourism, May 2005, The Society for American Archaeology, The SAA Archaeological Record), where tourism and culture interact, communities will always be a portion of the equation and are necessary subjects for any heritage research. Realizing that culture is about differences and tourism is about the experience of the cultural differences “emphasizes that the nature of the experience should be focused on, not how cultural processes could be saved from the impact of tourism”. Certainly there is a need to be aware of “the impact of tourism” but to concentrate solely on this aspect misses the point of cultural tourism and the positive influences it can have. This impact of tourism is often viewed as a negative and sometimes is thought to destroy or modify the authenticity of an area. But one must keep in mind that culture is not pure, it is not beyond impact; very few communities or areas are beyond influence of some sort or another.
Through the coordination and forging of alliances with numerous organizations the negative side of cultural and heritage tourism as well as ecotourism can be balanced out by the positive effects of these partnerships and programs. The Lamanai Archaeological Project along with its affiliates: the local residents, archaeologists, tour operators, government officials, and non-profit organizations hope to continue to foster the positive impacts of heritage tourism in the area surrounding Lamanai, in northern Belize. We will continue to seek expertise and assistance from individuals within these organizations to further our efforts.
Laura J. Howard holds a Masters of Science degree in Anthropology with a specialization in Maya archaeology. After researching in Belize for five years after her graduate work she now splits her time between south Florida and Belize. She has been active in Belize tourism and Maya archaeology since 1996, and now has a unique ecotourism company, Beyond Touring, that focuses solely on Belize, the ancient Maya, and natural history. Beyond Touring also offers an authentic cross-cultural experience that allows clients to 'give back' to the wonderful areas they visit in Belize. The projects Beyond Touring supports aim to provide sustainable economic endeavors for local residents of Belize, specifically Indian Church Village, located in northern Belize and adjacent to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.
Belize or Travel Information: http://www.beyondtouring.com
Community Development: http://www.beyondtouring.com/Giveback/Scholarship.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_J._Howard
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Langkawi: Heaven of Ecotourism and Travel Adventure
Langkawi situated just off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia comprises a group of 104 tropical islands during the low tides and 99 Island during the high tides. The main island Langkawi, is 47. 848 Hectare followed by Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Tuba while some of the others appear to be mere dots in the emerald green ocean when viewed from the air. In Langkawi a nature adventure had a true-blue naturalist as their guide. The guide's name is Irshad Mobarak. Dubbed the Jungle-wallah (Jungle-fellow) of Langkawi (http://www.junglewallah.com), he is perfect for the job as he possesses vast knowledge about Langkawi's wildlife, gleaned from years of trekking and observation of its jungles, mangroves and wildlife.
Some people think the beauty of Langkawi lies in its pristine beaches. Others like the duty-free shopping. But Irshad and his team of naturalists at Natural History Tours (http://www.wildlangkawi.com) reckon that the edge Langkawi has over places like Bali and Phuket is its jungle and wildlife. As such Irshad and his team have been actively involved in preserving Langkawi's natural environment. His social-responsible company provides real ecotourism experiences such as nature walks, birdwatching, jungle-trekking and mangrove tours in kayaks or motorized boats without the "gimmicks" activities involve. His pet peeve is the eagle-feeding sessions at the mangrove swamps of the Kilim River. While it is quite a sight to see dozens of white-bellied sea eagles and brahminy kites circling in the sky and swooping down on their food, Irshad feels it's bad for the birds. "What you're doing is habituating the eagles to take food from humans when they usually feed on fish. Now they are given chicken guts, and these are from farm-bred chickens fed with antibiotics and hormones, making it unhealthy. It may affect their bone development and the integrity of the shells of their eggs." Irshad said contaminated feed could kill a lot of birds, as each feeding attracts between 50 to 100 birds. Not only is Irshad fully acquainted with information on the wildlife in Langkawi, he is also great at handling children. His "young explorer club" is a hit for student's summer program in Malaysia and tourists traveling with their children. "The trick is not to bore them to death. You can be much more informative with adults, but with children, you need to make it more experiential. They need to touch and smell and conduct experiments."
Irshad, who's especially love birds, said Langkawi has recorded 190 species of birds, including brown winged kingfisher, black hooded oriole and mountain hawk eagle. The mountain hawk eagle which can be identified by its very pronounced crest with two feathers can only be found in Langkawi and Irshad has recorded 3 different individual here. The relatively small and cut-off habitat of an island like Langkawi allows for many of its flora and fauna to evolve into unique species over thousands of years. But it also possessed a danger of Habitat-fragmentations. One of Irshad ongoing project is planting figs trees closer to the road so the canopy on either side of the road will meet and become close enough for animals to cross over. "This is one way to counter the negative effects of habitat fragmentations and we hope to see the results in 10 years," Irshad said. Visitor can also get involve in this program by purchasing trees and plant it during their visit to Langkawi (http://www.treesfornature.com)
Who is the Jungle-Wallah of Langkawi? In the 80s, the Negri Sembilan-born Irshad was a decathlete and rugby player employed by a major bank institution. He worked for five years with the bank in Kuala Lumpur, only to discover the corporate world was simply not his cup of tea. The turning point in his life came during a vacation in Tioman Island between 1981 and 1982. He realized that what he really wanted was to be closer to nature.
"So I quit my job, traveled and bummed around for a couple of years," said Irshad, and then he found Langkawi. The island's beauty and mystique inspired him to embark on his own study of its ecosystems. "I saw the potential for nature-related work. I got a job as recreation manager at Datai and at the same time was involved in conservation work," he said. Soon, a new position was created for him, that of a Resident-naturalist. And today, after 19 years, he is so well-versed in the subject, he is considered an expert. He has trained many individual who is now employed by other hotels as their own Resident-naturalist and some of them work as independent nature guides. Irshad considered himself very lucky because his work, his hobby and his passion are all fused into one. He also believes that taking care of the natural environment is an integral part of being a steward of the Earth. He is recently won DiGi Amazing Malaysians Award 2007, an award for Malaysians who were nominated by the public for their passion and dedication in heritage conservation.
About the Author
Khairul Syahir writes for commercial, informational and educational purposes and has written articles on various topics.
http://www.treesfornature.com
http://www.wildlangkawi.com
http://www.junglewallah.com
Some people think the beauty of Langkawi lies in its pristine beaches. Others like the duty-free shopping. But Irshad and his team of naturalists at Natural History Tours (http://www.wildlangkawi.com) reckon that the edge Langkawi has over places like Bali and Phuket is its jungle and wildlife. As such Irshad and his team have been actively involved in preserving Langkawi's natural environment. His social-responsible company provides real ecotourism experiences such as nature walks, birdwatching, jungle-trekking and mangrove tours in kayaks or motorized boats without the "gimmicks" activities involve. His pet peeve is the eagle-feeding sessions at the mangrove swamps of the Kilim River. While it is quite a sight to see dozens of white-bellied sea eagles and brahminy kites circling in the sky and swooping down on their food, Irshad feels it's bad for the birds. "What you're doing is habituating the eagles to take food from humans when they usually feed on fish. Now they are given chicken guts, and these are from farm-bred chickens fed with antibiotics and hormones, making it unhealthy. It may affect their bone development and the integrity of the shells of their eggs." Irshad said contaminated feed could kill a lot of birds, as each feeding attracts between 50 to 100 birds. Not only is Irshad fully acquainted with information on the wildlife in Langkawi, he is also great at handling children. His "young explorer club" is a hit for student's summer program in Malaysia and tourists traveling with their children. "The trick is not to bore them to death. You can be much more informative with adults, but with children, you need to make it more experiential. They need to touch and smell and conduct experiments."
Irshad, who's especially love birds, said Langkawi has recorded 190 species of birds, including brown winged kingfisher, black hooded oriole and mountain hawk eagle. The mountain hawk eagle which can be identified by its very pronounced crest with two feathers can only be found in Langkawi and Irshad has recorded 3 different individual here. The relatively small and cut-off habitat of an island like Langkawi allows for many of its flora and fauna to evolve into unique species over thousands of years. But it also possessed a danger of Habitat-fragmentations. One of Irshad ongoing project is planting figs trees closer to the road so the canopy on either side of the road will meet and become close enough for animals to cross over. "This is one way to counter the negative effects of habitat fragmentations and we hope to see the results in 10 years," Irshad said. Visitor can also get involve in this program by purchasing trees and plant it during their visit to Langkawi (http://www.treesfornature.com)
Who is the Jungle-Wallah of Langkawi? In the 80s, the Negri Sembilan-born Irshad was a decathlete and rugby player employed by a major bank institution. He worked for five years with the bank in Kuala Lumpur, only to discover the corporate world was simply not his cup of tea. The turning point in his life came during a vacation in Tioman Island between 1981 and 1982. He realized that what he really wanted was to be closer to nature.
"So I quit my job, traveled and bummed around for a couple of years," said Irshad, and then he found Langkawi. The island's beauty and mystique inspired him to embark on his own study of its ecosystems. "I saw the potential for nature-related work. I got a job as recreation manager at Datai and at the same time was involved in conservation work," he said. Soon, a new position was created for him, that of a Resident-naturalist. And today, after 19 years, he is so well-versed in the subject, he is considered an expert. He has trained many individual who is now employed by other hotels as their own Resident-naturalist and some of them work as independent nature guides. Irshad considered himself very lucky because his work, his hobby and his passion are all fused into one. He also believes that taking care of the natural environment is an integral part of being a steward of the Earth. He is recently won DiGi Amazing Malaysians Award 2007, an award for Malaysians who were nominated by the public for their passion and dedication in heritage conservation.
About the Author
Khairul Syahir writes for commercial, informational and educational purposes and has written articles on various topics.
http://www.treesfornature.com
http://www.wildlangkawi.com
http://www.junglewallah.com
Experience Adventure Tourism
Another term for you to get excited about! Adventure tourism is a type of niche tourism involving exploration or travel to remote areas, where one is about to experience the unexpected. Rapidly growing, adventure tourism experiences great competition from other outdoor industry types of tourism, but the most important feature, or what is referred to as its unique selling point, is the fact it offers to those seeking unusual vacating times, a radically different perspective from the typical beach resort vacation.
With thousands of active vacation specialists, adventure tourism is the fastest-growing sector of tourism and a worldwide trend for adventure travel outfitters. Recommending a variety of trips to countless adventure destinations, from Alaska to Patagonia and beyond, adventure tourism can help you add that extra "spice" to your annual vacation holidays and enjoy the pleasures associated with ranch-based horseback riding, cycling through a wine country, or floating through the deepest canyons of Earth.
Through a variety of different organizations and with experts' assistance, interested individuals can enjoy how it feels for example to be a member of an adventure camp community, the satisfaction one enjoys while following the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the eco-spiritual adventure in the Himalayan Mountains, or learning a foreign language while volunteering for the rebuilt of a village in Central America. The choices and destinations are endless and the only thing you will most certainly need is to follow the advice of professional adventure guides and to be open to experiences that will increase your understanding of the world we live in and will make you less subversive to your child's future choices in life.
These special vacation services are usually offered to small groups of people, who have a lust for life and a curiosity for culture and wish to explore adventure tourism's immense capabilities and immerse in the addictive world of adventure travel. Although some tend to confuse adventure tourism with that of extreme tourism -also known as shock tourism- which involves traveling to dangerous destinations or the participation to dangerous events, the adrenaline rush one experiences as an adventurous tourist, is of a lower risk level. Its greater difference is the degree of engagement and professionalism. Thus, before you decide to accept an interesting invitation from that old friend of yours who has disappeared once backpacking in South America, you should better examine the specifics of the amazingly low cost deal he or she offers. Wilderness is not something one should take lightly, especially when it might cost your own life.
Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Outdoors, Recreation, and Food
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathon_Hardcastle
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)