New Research: Elephants and People can Benefit from Ecotourism

New research shows that elephant numbers increase when more ecotourists visit the areas with elephant populations. This is in stark contrast to trophy hunting which can have devastating effects on elephant herds. Monitoring the elephants of Mapungubwe Ensuring the long-term survival of elephants is not simply a matter of setting aside protected conservation areas and working to keep them ecologically […]

Africa Presents United Front and Calls for Action at COP22

MARRAKECH, Morocco, — The 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) kick-started Monday, 7 November in Marrakesh (Morocco). A collaborative partnership between the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) established the Africa […]

Explore and help Save the Everglades

The Everglades is the largest and most important freshwater, subtropical peat wetland in North America. The Everglades consists of sawgrass prairies, mangrove and cypress swamps, pinelands, and hardwood hammocks, as well as marine and estuarine environments. The varying water depths, diverse habitat types, and abundant food across the Everglades attract large populations of wading birds and threatened and endangered species, […]

Sri Lanka Unpacked: the Jewel of the Indian Ocean

And so I begin to describe something that transcends words. I do not think anyone predicted what a magical experience this tour would be. Hats off to Cynthia and Larry for discovering such kind and inspirational, yet slightly crazy Sri Lankans. And then, accommodating us all through periods of various emotions, heartbreak, uncontrollable laughter and episodes of bad dancing during […]

Jaguars and Giant Anteaters in the Pantanal of Brazil

The Pantanal is the largest freshwater wetland in the world. Just how big is it? Well, put it this way, if England and Wales were suddenly transplanted to the heart of this wetland complex in southwestern Brazil, everyone in both of those countries would be getting their feet wet. The Pantanal is also one of the last major wilderness areas […]

Putting the “Green” in Green River Festival

Jim Olsen admits that the Green River Festival – named by USA Today, the New York Times and Rolling Stone as one of the best festivals in the U.S. last year – had humble beginnings. “It was a half-assed country fest,” says festival director Olsen of the first festival in 1986, which took place at Greenfield Community College, outside the […]

Flamingos and bird-filled marshes in southern France

This title might sound like some eco-fantasy since the French are historically known for making delicacies out of various wild bird species but it’s as true as baguettes in a Parisian bakery. The bird-rich marshes of the Camargue in the southern part of the country amply demonstrate that conservation of wildlife has come a long way in France. The “Camargue” […]

America’s greenest city: Portland, Oregon

The residents of Portland, Oregon have been longtime proponents of the “DYI” or “do it yourself” philosophy which adheres to the idea of making things rather than buying them. Recycling, reusing, bike riding, and other eco-friendly activities and endeavors also fit nicely into this self-reliant, no waste creed and have helped this northwestern city become recognized as the most eco-friendly […]

Swing through the trees with the greatest of ease in Costa Rica

Sometimes there’s a place that is so amazing you can’t take it all in from the ground. You’ve got to see it from the sky. That’s where Titi Canopy Tours comes in. You’ll be flying high when you take a Titi Canopy Tours zip line tour. Experience primary and secondary rainforest canopy in a unique way, with your feet dangling, […]