If you have ever been to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia: then this might inspire you to return for another eco friendly holiday.

Great Keppel Island beach

$600 million eco-resort comes a step closer

BY:  ANGELA SAURINE From: News Limited Network

A $600 million eco-resort on Great Keppel Island in Queensland has come a step closer with the release of an environmental impact statement.

If the re-development is approved it will see a low-rise eco-tourism resort built over a 12 year period and will be the first major tourist development on the Great Barrier Reef in decades.

Tourism Queensland CEO said: the resort would bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars into the region and be a huge show of confidence in the future of the state’s $18 billion tourism industry.

Queensland – Shelving Beach

Developer Tower Holidays closed the original, iconic resort – which was known as a hedonistic singles party island – after buying it.

Its plans were scuttled by the Federal Government on environmental concerns three years ago and developers said government red tape was holding back investment in the industry.

Queensland’s tourism industry has struggled in the past two years following natural disasters such as the Brisbane floods, Cyclone Yasi and the Japan tsunami leading to a decline in tourists from one of the state’s biggest source markets.

More at… The Australian

I wish the Sunshine State all the luck with it’s endeavors.

The planet and it’s eco-systems are relying on more such enterprises.

Planigale maculata

The common planigale (Planigale maculata), also known as the pygmy planigale or the coastal planigale, is one of many small marsupial carnivores known as “marsupial mice” found in Australia.

I found a very interesting article on eco friendly holidays Queensland and reprinted it below.

I think you’ll find it well worth a read.

The term ecotourism was coined many years ago and the concept has gradually developed over the years. Eco travel has become more popular lately, partly thanks to the growing consumer interest in green alternatives.

Tourism can be damaging to areas when visitors do not respect their environment so a number of travel operators are looking for new ways to promote ecotourism and conservation in a number of destinations. The concept behind ecotourism aims to encourage travelers to be respectful towards their hosts and environment in general when travelling. Travelers are encouraged to get involved in conservation projects and take care not to let their presence in a region have a detrimental effect to the area or local people.

There are no fixed rules when it comes to eco tourism and eco holidays of all kinds are now available. An example of an eco holiday could be staying in some kind of off the grid facility or one where guests were encouraged to use energy and water saving devices to reduce their carbon footprint.
Others could involve visiting areas that have been the victim of a natural or man made disaster, where you can get involved by getting hands on with local conservation projects of all kinds. Eco holidays give travelers the opportunity for personal development and to develop an understanding of other cultures and customs. For a truly enriching holiday, try to get to know a place and its people in as much depth as possible.

There are a range of low impact activity eco holidays available, including adventure holidays, surfing and hiking, or alternatively you could go on an eco friendly safari holiday. When you are travelling you can assist local people to support themselves by always choosing to buy local produce and products rather than imported alternatives. This can make a real difference to communities that are finding it difficult to compete with the big tourist businesses that often often choose not to employ local people and do nothing to benefit local people. Buying imported items when on holiday does not help to support local businesses in the same way.

Many agencies providing eco trips and packages set aside a part of their profits to funding local conservation projects. This funding is hugely beneficial to the areas that receive it. It is a great feeling to depart a place you have enjoyed spending time in, knowing that you made a positive contribution during your stay.

If you are attracted to the idea of travelling in a way that respects the local people and helps to take care of the environment, then start planning your next holiday as an eco trip.

For more information visit:  Utopian Retreats and Green Traveler Blog

So, what do you think?

I hope you have found this article – Eco Friendly Holidays Queensland – informative, and you will share your own experiences below in the comment box and please take the time to click on the share button, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.

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When you start thinking where can I go for the best eco holidays, what springs to mind?

There are so many different and diverse choices to decide from, it can make your head spin.

I have listed some ideas you might like below; if you have any ideas you would like to share with us, leave your comments at the end of the post.

Two young cheetas on a mound,  Kenya

Here, we have listed out some of the best eco holidays destinations that you can visit if you are a green warrior.

These destinations are for you – if you are keen on protecting the environment while traveling and having fun.

Kenya

Kenya is a place that you would imagine as a vast Savannah with zebras, lions and elephants all around.

Well, you will surely find these in Kenya.

But there is a lot more to explore in this country than the wildlife. It is a destination with some exciting adventures on offer.

Kenya has more than fifty national parks and wildlife reserves, with a huge variety of animals and birds along with lush rain-forests.

In addition, there are lakes, sandy beaches, coral reefs, deserts, mountains and even snow-capped peaks, each with their own unique flora and fauna.

Image: Mountain Bongo, Kenya

Costa Rica

This country has been identified as the greenest country in the world.

It is actively eco-friendly in every way possible. This country strives to be green, right from conserving wildlife to promoting eco-tourism.

It is possibly the best example of an environment-friendly nation.

Costa Rica has beautiful black sand beaches, misty and lush green rain-forests, gushing rivers, along with a number of wildlife reserves housing some rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.

There are also a large number of resorts and hotels that are nature-friendly. This is one green destination to look out for if you wish to be sensitive to the environment and have loads of fun at the same time.

Image opposite:

Iglesia católica de Miramar. Cantón de Montes de Oro,

Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Kerala, India

This is a small state nested in the southwestern corner of India. Many call it “God’s Own Country”, a name that couldn’t be any closer to describing this heavenly destination. It is one of the most pristine locations in India, well preserved and protected.

Kerala has lush green forests and unspoiled sandy beaches. Along with this, it houses a very wide range of flora, many of them endangered.

The Lake Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to animals like wild boar, elephants and bison.

The Rajamala National Park is home to the nilgiri tahr, which is an extremely endangered species of mountain goat.

This is the place for you if you like being amidst nature and take in all its sights, smells and sounds.

Brazil (also spelled Brasil)

You may not think of Brazil when it comes to green destinations, as it is known mostly for its beach holidays.

But it now slowly emerging as a hot destination for eco-travelers,

with the government and the people adopting many environment-friendly measures.

Brazil is home to the Amazon basin, which has been recognized as having the highest concentration of biodiversity in the world. Many species in this region are yet to be documented, and many others are rare and endangered species.

Image:

Cristo Redentor, statue on Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro

Norwegian Fjords

This is a destination that not many may know of.

It is extremely remote and hidden away safely by its location as well as government regulations preserving it.

Norway is a world leader in environmental policy, and this is reflected in the way its ecology is preserved.

The Norwegian Fjords offer waters that are crystal clear and pristine, snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls.

There is a lot of wildlife here to go with this scenic and beautiful surroundings.

These are some of the top destinations that you could look at when planning your holiday if you are looking at having a good time while keeping up your role as an eco-warrior. Happy Holidaying!!!

…More at Top Eco-tourism Destinations

So there we have it, if those destinations don’t whet your appetite for adventure and travel in an environtmently eco friendly way, I can’t imagine what will.

Best eco holidays for the health of the planet, surely that is the way forward, any suggestions or comments please leave below, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.

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Conservation

Impact on Local Economies

Social and Cultural Awareness

Educational Opportunities

I think it’s time we started to give more thought to our holiday and travel activities and how it impacts on our environment.

Ecotourism holidays are definitely going to be a growth business for the future and hopefully for all our futures.

I hope you have found this article – Ecotourism Holidays – informative, and you will share your own experiences below in the comment box and please take the time to click on the share button, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.

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Green travel – Wales

Wales has decided to lead the way with in Green travel, with a bill to make it mandatory to provide routes for walkers and cyclists.

“LOOK at that my little lambs, there’s a site for sore eyes: Humans on foot, here in the welsh valleys.”
“What will they think of next?”
Image by Robb North via Flickr

A white paper proposes making it compulsory for local authorities to provide safe and integrated routes for walking and cycling.

Wales is set to become the first country in the world to make it compulsory for local authorities to provide safe and integrated routes for walking and cycling as part of an ambitious plan to boost green travel and end the hegemony of the car.

A white paper launched on Wednesday morning by the Labour-led government in Cardiff will oblige Welsh councils and other authorities to identify, plan and implement walking and cycling routes, and how they can be integrated. The hope is that creating a network of safe routes will tempt people out of their vehicles.

The Welsh administration hopes the active travel (Wales) bill, if passed, will sweep aside such stagnation and deliver a change to the nation’s entire transport culture. The bill is “aimed at tackling some of the major barriers that are preventing more people from walking and cycling”, said the Welsh minister for local government, Carl Sargeant.

“This bill is not a short-term quick fix,” he said. “This is aiming to shift attitudes and change minds so that we all think about travel in a different way.”

“This is a groundbreaking move by the Welsh government that will help people get around more safely, cheaply and healthily,” said Malcolm Shepherd, the Sustrans chief executive. “People all over the UK want to cycle and walk more for everyday journeys but are held back by safety concerns. Walking and cycling are the answers to the UK’s rocketing fuel bill and expanding waistline but getting around actively must be made safer and easier across the country.”

A series of campaigns on the issue of travel in the UK, remains dominated by the car, to the detriment of the nation’s health and the environment.

According to NHS figures just 40% of men and fewer than 30% of women meet the government target of being “moderately active” for at least 2.5 hours per week.

Despite a recent increase in the popularity of cycling, only about 2% of journeys in the UK are made by bike, compared with 27% in the Netherlands.

A long-term study by Lancaster University academics last year concluded that mass cycling in Britain was extremely unlikely without investment in a joined-up network of segregated bike paths, as most people see the pursuit as too dangerous. Government efforts to get people on bikes had so far had almost no impact, it found.National cycling campaign group the CTC said the idea of the Welsh bill was excellent but it did not guarantee a transport revolution.  However, the principle is excellent.”

…More at Wales gets tough over green travel

I must say whenever I’ve visited Wales, it has always seemed to be the perfect green environment, but I must admit most of my visits have been to the North of Wales: Snowdonia, the valleys and other similar unspoilt areas I expect I must have been very lucky on my travels to Wales, because the majority of places I’ve visited in Wales, seemed to be the perfect picture postcard of green travel.

I hope you have found this article – Compulsory Green Travel, Wales – informative, and you will share your own experiences below in the comment box and please take the time to click on the share button, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.

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Follow these 6 simple Steps and you will be on the right side of being Eco-Friendly, when you are planning your vacations

Eco-friendly holidays are possible if you put in a little bit of planning before your making any decisions, so have a look at these six easy steps.

Green living and green modes of transport can they go together?

There is  an interesting post below about eco-friendly travel, that is worth your perusal; so check it out!

Eco-Friendly Travel in Style
Image by ubrayj02 via Flickr

Items you will need:    Guidebooks

Step 1:

Select a destination with good rankings in terms of environmental protection. The editorial board at the online site Ethical Travel rates highly countries including Costa Rica, Palau, Poland, Uruguay and Dominica and others on environmental protection, based on an environmental performance index developed by centers at Yale and Columbia universities.

Step 2:

Visit your library and check out as many of the guidebooks on the shelves as you can for your destination, looking especially for books published by Lonely Planet, Moon Travel Guides, Rough Guides and Bradt Publications, or independent publishers specializing in eco-friendly travel.

Step 3:

Design a trip that allows you to “fly less, stay longer,” as recommended by off-the-beaten-track guidebook writer-publishers Tony Wheeler and Mark Ellingham. This maximizes your travel time and limits your carbon footprint, the measure of greenhouse gases you produce. In general, your green transportation choices are the ones that use fewer resources, so they tend to be less expensive as well.

Step 4:

Patronize airlines that have a strong environmental agenda; see if they recycle cabin waste and offer all-electronic ticketing. Look at the average fleet age to determine if an airline uses more fuel-efficient planes; researchers at Greenopia, a green-products rating company, annually rate airlines on this variable as well as fuel consumption practices and green building design.

Step 5:

Book a stay in a hotel or resort that follows environmentally sustainable practices such as water conservation, native plant landscaping and reduced solid waste. Hotels that adopt the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria work to follow such practices.

Step 6:

Support vendors — tour operators and cruise liners as well as airlines, hotels and resorts — that advance energy conservation, recycling and good water and air quality, recommends the American Society of Travel Agents in its “Ten Commandments on Eco-Tourism.” Whether on safari in Kenya, fishing in Alaska, hiking in Hawaii or bird watching in Brazil, examine vendors’ policies on trash disposal, vehicle or vessel fuel efficiency, and whether they “leave no trace behind” after a visit to a pristine area.

More at How to Plan Eco-Friendly Travel

These little guys here, are depending on us to start doing the right thing!

If we all play our part in keeping travel companies and organisations on their toes, it will begin to have a beneficial impact on our environment.

If you have enjoyed this article, – please sign up on the form above to keep posted – on this ever changing subject, and remember we need to encourage everybody we meet to to work at being more eco-friendly, our planet is depending on us!

I hope you have found this article – Eco-Friendly Holidays – informative, and you will share your own experiences below in the comment box and please take the time to click on the share button, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.

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Let’s hope for great things to come out of this years conference, ecotourism is definitely one of the buzz-words you hear more and more frequently in the green communities and forums online.

International Ecotourism Conference – Kenya

International Ecotourism Conference & Sustainable Tourism

by Kate Berrisford on March 29, 2013 in Green travel & tourism, Sustainable production & consumption

The seventh annual Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), organized by The International Ecotourism Society, will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 24-27 September 2013.

With a strong focus on highlighting and promoting ecotourism‘s role in sustainable development, the ESTC13 aims to strengthen the industry’s commitment to the recent UN resolution, “Promotion of Ecotourism for Poverty Eradication and Environment Protection”, which recognizes ecotourism’s positive impact on sustainable community development efforts.

The conference program will feature ideas, opportunities and solutions for the tourism industry to support conserving natural areas, alleviating poverty, empowering women, enhancing education, and improving the health and well-being of local communities.

Zebra

In a significant acknowledgment of tourism as a tool for promoting sustainable development, this milestone resolution stressing ecotourism’s role in the fight against poverty and the protection of the environment was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly on 21 December 2012,” states Luigi Cabrini, UNWTO’s Director for Sustainable Development of Tourism.

Sponsored by a record 105 delegations, the resolution draws on the recommendations contained in a substantive report prepared by UNWTO, with contributions from over 50 States and several other organizations, and calls on governments to promote investments in ecotourism, such as micro-credit initiatives for the poor, a recommendation contained also in the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (RIO+20).

The development of ecotourism, within the framework of sustainable tourism, can have a positive impact on income generation, job creation and education, and thus on the fighting against poverty and hunger, protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development, contributing to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, concludes Luigi Cabrini.

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) collaboration with UNWTO and our partners in Kenya and East Africa enhances the ability to provide a unique ESTC experience this September,” says Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair, TIES Board of Directors. “The ESTC13 will be an opportunity to learn first-hand how businesses and destinations are utilizing tourism to support sustainable development at local to global levels.

The tourism industry is increasingly being recognized as an important player in contributing to the world’s sustainable development goals which focus on conservation and communities. 

In honor of the UN International Year of Water Cooperation and of World Tourism Day to be celebrated on 27 September on the theme of “Tourism and Water – Protecting Our Common Future”, the ESTC13 program will also highlight the opportunities for tourism to promote sustainable water management, support education and cooperation around issues related to water, and improve access to safe drinking water in communities around the world.

The conference is co-hosted by the Kenya Tourist Board and Ecotourism Kenya and in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Full article … greenafricadirectory.org

I hope you have found this article – International Ecotourism Conference – informative, and you will share your own experiences below in the comment box and please take the time to click on the share button, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.

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Today, I have discovered somewhere completely fascinating, Gavi in Kerala, India.

This has gone straight on to my list of places to visit before I die..!

Gavi is situated at the easternmost extreme of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala and is situated 3400 ft above the mean sea level, 28 kms south west of Vandiperiyar, a town in N.H 220 the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai, which itself is 14 kms from Kumily,near Thekkady.

Spread Across The Beauty Of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi Is A Quiet, Beautiful And Pristine Forest Haven. It Is At The Eastern Extreme Of The Pathanamthitta District.

These Evergreen Forests Are Abundant With Magnificent Wildlife Including The Tiger, Elephants, Leopards, Bears, Indian Gaur, Sambar, Barking & Mouse Deers, Lion Tailed Macaque, Other Varieties Of Monkeys, Nilgiri Marten – And A Lot More.

Gavi Eco-Tourism a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation has caught the attention of tourists, mostly from European countries.

Eco tourism – Gavi Kerala – Malabar Giant Squirrel
By Rakesh Kumar Dogra ([1]) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Below is an interesting article I curated from the Arabian Gazette, link to full article at bottom of the post.

Gavi Ecotourism – The Wilderness Beckons
Posted by Husna Mohammad    / February 13, 2013

Eco-tourism has become one of the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry.

Those with a penchant for natural environments and exploring these areas are avid Eco-tourists. The International Eco tourism Society (TIES) in 1990, defines eco-tourism  as “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”

Ecotourism must be able to educate those who venture for it, about the magnificence and fragility of nature and its conservation.

Gavi, comes under the Periyar Tiger Reserve and National Park jurisdiction,and is one of the most protected and sought after eco-tourism spots in Kerala,  India.

Lion Tailed Macaque
By Socrammm (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Still untouched by consumerist  human activity, Gavi  is an Eco tourist’s delight.

The government has taken extreme measures to make sure that the fragility of the eco-system is not disturbed by recent tourist interest.

The guides on treks and safaris are local tribals or Sri Lankan Tamils who have migrated and settled in the region,and who are used to the ways of the forest.

Thus the local community also benefit from  Eco-tourism economy in the area, as they impart their wisdom to the visitors.

The lush green of the Western Ghats, is described as one of the hottest biodiversity hot-spots in Asia, and looks like green velvet covering the hillside against the clear blue skies.

“For a city junkie, this is pure soul detoxification.”

Perhaps nature has a way of healing you, in ways nothing else can.

The Periyar River courses through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and looks quite majestic. The river is the lifeline of states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, providing water to millions and in recent years has been the point of conflict between the two states.

It runs through the rainforests of the Periyar Reserve . It is believed that it is here that wild animals come to take respite from the prying eyes of humans.

The beautiful village of Gavi is situated at 3399 ft above sea level  in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Although, one can hardly call it a village, as there is just one department store, a small run down coffee shop/restaurant, a dozen houses and one school.

The village is in the midst of the abundant rain forest where humans and wild animals live in complete harmony.

As you can see – Eco Tourism – Gavi Kerala – is a part of the world well worth your attention.

The government stance on eco tourism – Gavi Kerala, is no disturbance to the biodiversity in the region and thus Tourism is limited.

They allow only 150 visitors per day  to the Reserve.

Complete article at… http://arabiangazette.com/gavi-eco-tourism-wilderness-beckons-20130210/

I hope you have found this article – Eco tourism – Gavi Kerala – informative, and you will share your own experiences below in the comment box and please take the time to click on the share button, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.

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Here at the Daily Green Post we are always on the lookout for articles on Eco-tourism and eco-friendly travel. We like to highlight the destinations where the people of their own locality are trying to make a difference to their environment.

If you hear or read of items that you think may be of interest, similar to the City of Pascagoula – Magnolia birding pier, please let us know. This particular article appeared in the Sun Herald.

Magnolia Birding Pier adds more Eco-tourism to Pascagoula

By CHRISTINA STEUBE — csteube@sunherald.com

PASCAGOULA — The Magnolia Birding Pier in Pascagoula opens opportunities for ecotourism and

City of Pascagoula
Mississippi Kite

economic development, city officials said during its ribbon-cutting Friday afternoon.

The city’s recreation director, Darcie Crew, said the $300,000 project has been planned for the last four years, from the time an application was submitted for the grant to the time of completion.

The pier was funded by the Coastal Impact Assistance Program through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Crew said the project took D&D Construction longer to complete than the original 90-day construction period because of material delays from Hurricane Isaac, but the completed project adds to the city.

“It creates walk-ability and access to coastal environments,” Crew said. “It provides opportunities for birding and eco-tourism.

” Pascagoula Mayor Robbie Maxwell recognizes Pascagoula is a coastal city that is drawing tourism and the new project gives the city another touring site.

Mark LaSalle, director of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, is an advocate of using the river, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states, as a base of ecotourism.

“It’s about using the natural resources we have — this wonderful river — to promote ecotourism,” LaSalle said. “We need places like this birding pier and others like it to enjoy the nature that we want to experience.

” The Magnolia Birding Pier connects several historic sites in Pascagoula, including the Historic Pathway, Historic Pascagoula Bike Trail and the Pascagoula River Blueway.

Read more here: Magnolia Birding Pier adds more ecotourism to Pascagoula – SunHerald.com

City of Pascagoula – Blue Geese and Snow Geese

I hope you have found this article – City Of Pascagoula, Mississippi – Magnolia Birding Pier – informative, and you will share your own experiences below in the comment box and please take the time to click on the share button, many thanks; see more articles on The Daily Green Post home page.

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Did you know that, Bhutan aims to be first 100% organic nation? More of that later, first a little information for the traveller who might like to consider – Bhutan Tourism.

Bhutan Tourism – Tshechuground

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by China.

Bhutan is separated from the nearby country of Nepal to the west by the Indian state of Sikkim, and from Bangladesh to the south by the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal.

Bhutan existed as a patchwork of minor warring fiefdoms until the early 17th century, when the area was unified by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who fled religious persecution in Tibet and cultivated a separate Bhutanese identity.

In the early 20th century, Bhutan came into contact with the British Empire, after which Bhutan continued strong bilateral relations with India upon its independence.

Bhutan Tourism – Bhutan Fields
By Eli Shany ??? ??? (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons

In 2006, Business Week rated Bhutan the happiest country in Asia and the eighth-happiest in the world, based on a global survey.

Bhutan’s landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north, with some peaks exceeding 7,000 metres (23,000 ft).

The state religion is Vajrayana Buddhism, and the population of 691,141 is predominantly Buddhist, with Hinduism the second-largest religion.

The capital and largest city is Thimphu.

Bhutan Tourism – Thimphu city
By juandazeng (originally posted to Flickr as city in the valley) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

In 2008, Bhutan made the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy, holding its first general election.Bhutan is a member of the United Nations and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC); it hosted the sixteenth SAARC summit in April 2010.The total area of the country has been reported as 38,394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi) since 2002.For more in depth reading on Bhutan see… wikipedia

From Bhutan Tourism to Bhutan’s aims to becoming the first 100% organic nation.

According to an article I read in the AFP; The Kingdom of Bhutan intends to become the  first 100% organic nation!

The monastery Taktsan “Tiger lair” on Himalayan slopes in Bhutan, 3500 meters above sea level
By Hou092 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Young Girls of Bhutan – Happy!
By RadioFreeBarton (Flickr: Portrait, Jongkhar village) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Look it up in Google there are literally 100’s of articles written about happiness in the kingdom of Bhutan!

“Staggering!”

Apparently, the focus in Bhutan is on defending the environment and protecting ones mental health.

It uses a model of measuring it’s development by studying, – ‘gross national happiness’ as opposed to ‘gross domestic product’ and it has even been debated at the United Nations, and been given a public backing by the UK and France, imagine the UK and France actively agreeing on something.

My understanding is that it plans to remove artificial chemicals from farming within the next ten years. Hoping to become 100% organic within the next decade.

I will watch with interest, I just hope it is possible.

It’s quite amazing what’s going on in this world of ours, tiny kingdoms like Bhutan showing the road ahead; whatever next!

Bhutan Paro Dzong at night
By Steve Evans [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Containing monasteries and administrative offices, dzongs are usually set in commanding positions on hilltops or at the confluence of rivers.

I hope you have found this small insight into ‘Bhutan tourism’ of interest and you will make time to comment below and click the share buttons to spread the word, many thanks.

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Gamelan Jegog

Jegog is a form of gamelan music indigenous to Bali, Indonesia played on instruments made of bamboo.

The tradition of jegog is centered in Jembrana, a region in Western Bali.

In recent years jegog has started to become popular in other regions of Bali with a few groups being established in central Bali to entertain tourists.

More at… Wikipedia

I discovered an interesting article in The Australian about a family who are fulfilling their dreams in Bali, Indonesia.

They wanted to create eco friendly resorts and Bali became their choice to try and impliment their dream.

Here is an excerpt from the article, I hope you enjoy it.

Eco friendly resorts in Bali offers sustainability and affordable style.

Dreamland Beach (Bali, Indonesia)

A FEW years ago, Johnny Blundstone from Noosa on the Queensland Sunshine Coast felt the urge to completely change his lifestyle.

As a veteran waiter, he had the perfect blend of understated attention and knowledge of his craft.

Then, with wife Cath and young son Huey, he trucked off to the outback for as long as it might take for a new life plan to emerge.

Under the stars at Kakadu, they found themselves sharing a campfire with Norm and Linda vant Hoff, Australians of Russian and Dutch extraction who had started a small resort, based on sustainable living, in the wet mountain jungle of central Bali.

If the Blundstones were looking for a radical lifestyle change, then Bali could be it.

Traditional Dance
in Ubud, Bali

They flew over for a look at the vant Hoffs’ Sarinbuana Eco Lodge, in the shadow of Mount Batukaru.

Blundstone told his hosts that while he admired what they were doing, it had now been done.

But Norm vant Hoff responded that the more people running eco friendly sustainable businesses there, the better it would be “for all of us”.

Mini, the lodge’s smiling chef, said she and her husband, Agung, had a large plot of family land a few kilometres down the valley, if the Blundstones were interested.

They shook hands on a deal that evening!

In 2010 they opened with a restaurant, small office and four one and two-bedroom cottages scattered along the rice terraces, with pristine spring water streaming under the entire property to nourish the land and grow crops to feed the guests.

The biggest single investment for their eco friendly resorts was not an infinity pool but a pelton-wheel hydro-electric generator to power most of the resort from the adjacent waterfall.

The resort became the first in Bali to generate its own power; by the end of next year, the Blundstones aim to be totally off the grid.

People keen on eco friendly resorts and ecotourism seek them out online, and there are enough of them for Bali Eco Stay to have achieved an average 60 per cent occupancy after just 18 months.

The water supply is from a spring near the edge of the property, and it creates a natural swimming pool, below which the waterfall provides the power.

The bungalows are of coconut timber and bamboo in traditional style, one side open to the view across the terraces to the coast.

There is no television, and the only music is the gurgling of the water below and the distant sounds of gamelan music from nearby villages.

Checklist:
BALI ECO STAY: Kanciana Village, Gunung Salak, Tabanan, Bali.

GETTING THERE: Allow two hours from Denpasar airport or 90 minutes from Seminyak. The resort will arrange comfortable transport both ways.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: None.

BRICKBATS: The last half hour of the drive up the mountain is dreadful. Bring padding.

BOUQUETS: The Blundstones and their staff make you feel instantly at home.

More at… The Australian

What a brilliant success story, maybe with a little bit of luck I might be able to visit their oasis in their secluded spot of paradise, one day… I hope so!

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