Ecoteer

Walking from Kuala Terengganu to Merabang Panjang

Sea turtles are “ambassadors of the oceans”, for conserving these animals means protecting the seas and coastal areas. The collection of nesting numbers is vital for their conservation but has never been conducted statewide in Terengganu therefore the walk will provide invaluable data which the decision makers wouldnt otherwise have. The Walk for Turtles event is a 10 day walk which will start, annually, on World Sea Turtle Day (16th June), in 2010 from Dungun to Kuala Besut, visiting every beach along the way (mainland and islands). The team will be collecting invaluable sea turtle data during the walk, visit conservation projects and give awareness talks. The data will be used to identify potential new areas for sea turtle nest conservation in Terengganu. The walk will be further extended in 2011 to cover all beaches in the State of Terengganu resulting in a thorough annual monitoring of sea turtle nesting densities. Raising awareness is the second objective of the walk with the team hosting presentations, meeting turtle conservation experts and visiting conservation projects. The event will be broadcast via the worldwide web, television and newspapers raising awareness throughout the world. The third objective of the walk is to raise RM100,000 for sea turtle conservation projects throughout Terengganu. The funds will be used to support sea turtle conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia.

To find out more walk for turtles

Day 2 – walking to Jambu Bongkok

Sea turtles are “ambassadors of the oceans”, for conserving these animals means protecting the seas and coastal areas. The collection of nesting numbers is vital for their conservation but has never been conducted statewide in Terengganu therefore the walk will provide invaluable data which the decision makers wouldnt otherwise have. The Walk for Turtles event is a 10 day walk which will start, annually, on World Sea Turtle Day (16th June), in 2010 from Dungun to Kuala Besut, visiting every beach along the way (mainland and islands). The team will be collecting invaluable sea turtle data during the walk, visit conservation projects and give awareness talks. The data will be used to identify potential new areas for sea turtle nest conservation in Terengganu. The walk will be further extended in 2011 to cover all beaches in the State of Terengganu resulting in a thorough annual monitoring of sea turtle nesting densities. Raising awareness is the second objective of the walk with the team hosting presentations, meeting turtle conservation experts and visiting conservation projects. The event will be broadcast via the worldwide web, television and newspapers raising awareness throughout the world. The third objective of the walk is to raise RM100,000 for sea turtle conservation projects throughout Terengganu. The funds will be used to support sea turtle conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia.

To find out more walk for turtles

Day 1 – Going to Tenggol island and walking to Rantau Abang

Coral bleaching

Interview with Capt Mok

Walking Tanjong Jara Resort to Rantau Abang

Sea turtles are “ambassadors of the oceans”, for conserving these animals means protecting the seas and coastal areas. The collection of nesting numbers is vital for their conservation but has never been conducted statewide in Terengganu therefore the walk will provide invaluable data which the decision makers wouldnt otherwise have. The Walk for Turtles event is a 10 day walk which will start, annually, on World Sea Turtle Day (16th June), in 2010 from Dungun to Kuala Besut, visiting every beach along the way (mainland and islands). The team will be collecting invaluable sea turtle data during the walk, visit conservation projects and give awareness talks. The data will be used to identify potential new areas for sea turtle nest conservation in Terengganu. The walk will be further extended in 2011 to cover all beaches in the State of Terengganu resulting in a thorough annual monitoring of sea turtle nesting densities. Raising awareness is the second objective of the walk with the team hosting presentations, meeting turtle conservation experts and visiting conservation projects. The event will be broadcast via the worldwide web, television and newspapers raising awareness throughout the world. The third objective of the walk is to raise RM100,000 for sea turtle conservation projects throughout Terengganu. The funds will be used to support sea turtle conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia.

To find out more walk for turtles

15th June – the night before – walk for turtles :-)

Sea turtles are “ambassadors of the oceans”, for conserving these animals means protecting the seas and coastal areas. The collection of nesting numbers is vital for their conservation but has never been conducted statewide in Terengganu therefore the walk will provide invaluable data which the decision makers wouldnt otherwise have. The Walk for Turtles event is a 10 day walk which will start, annually, on World Sea Turtle Day (16th June), in 2010 from Dungun to Kuala Besut, visiting every beach along the way (mainland and islands). The team will be collecting invaluable sea turtle data during the walk, visit conservation projects and give awareness talks. The data will be used to identify potential new areas for sea turtle nest conservation in Terengganu. The walk will be further extended in 2011 to cover all beaches in the State of Terengganu resulting in a thorough annual monitoring of sea turtle nesting densities. Raising awareness is the second objective of the walk with the team hosting presentations, meeting turtle conservation experts and visiting conservation projects. The event will be broadcast via the worldwide web, television and newspapers raising awareness throughout the world. The third objective of the walk is to raise RM100,000 for sea turtle conservation projects throughout Terengganu. The funds will be used to support sea turtle conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia.

To find out more walk for turtles

Voluntourism – the benefits and pitfalls

A huge proportion of people who experience volunteering while on vacation are inspired to volunteer long-term, passionate advocates or donors for their own community.  This is a huge benefit of the booming voluntourism industry, one that is so often overlooked.  A voluntourism experience offers a bit of volunteering within a normal holiday, and that’s why there is a cost involved — because people are paying for a holiday, but there is also a donation to a project involved too.

The industry is growing because more and more people are seeking meaning, fulfilment and a sense of purpose in life. If this is not met in their careers and daily lives, volunteering whilst traveling is a powerful way to meet this desire.

It is important to remember voluntourism and aid work are two distinct markets, appealing to two completely different groups.  Aid programs perform an essential role, but people involved with it are long-term participants, volunteers or otherwise. Voluntourism is for people who are going on vacation who do not have the time to be involved with traditional aid programs.

Benefits of voluntourism to the host communities depend on the skills of the volunteer.  For example, doctors provide a specific need within a community while volunteers can help build libraries, schools or houses that the community could not otherwise afford.

There also need to be benefits to the individual to ensure they have a well-rounded travel experience. A responsible voluntourism provider needs to identify the best available accommodation, which has strong environmental and social responsibility credentials and guides who are trained in responsible travel principles.

Voluntourists should look for an organization that consults with the local community, and assurance that the needs of the project has been sourced by the community rather than imposed on it externally.  Their skills should be matched to a project and be put in touch with previous clients who have volunteered there before. Voluntourism can and does make a huge difference.

For example, five years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is a growing destination for people who want to help out in a variety of areas: environmental conservation, wildlife preservation, and assisting people affected by this calamity.  There is still much to be done to help renovate houses damaged by that storm or help with skills training of long-term unemployed. This is an excellent example of all the good things voluntourism can do.

But it’s almost impossible for the discerning volunteer to figure out which volunteering organizations are doing good work and which are not.

They can cost a fortune, but local communities see little of the benefits — and all volunteers are left with is a dose of cynicism. It’s a minefield out there.

The small organizations genuinely doing good on the ground are overlooked because they can’t afford to engage in mass marketing.  This is what Ecoteer seeks to rectify by giving the smaller organisations a chance to reach the masses.  However a lot of big travel companies now create volunteering opportunities, but it just doesn’t fit with what’s really needed overseas.

There are key questions that individuals need to ask before they choose a volunteering project: Are the projects needed? Are you a charity or a profit-making company? Can I see a copy of your accounts to see where the money actually goes?

There needs to be a regulatory body that assesses the validity of different organizations and keeps the industry honest. But the large travel organizations that dominate the industry are powerful and going to be dead against the idea of a regulatory body because it will make them look as ridiculous as they are behind the gloss.  But that’s what is needed — easy access to information so individuals know their time and money will be put to good use.

Voluntourism can make tangible differences but as voluntourists its our duty to research about the projects as much as possible and go with an open mind.  Bad experiences are almost always due to high expectations after glossy brochures make it seem you will save the world. When in reality the world is a cruel place.  Go with an open heart and mind and you will have a life changing experience as well as playing a small part in helping this world. Voluntourism is the way to travel.

Ecoteer Team

Volunteer abroad

Top 5 Ecotourism destinations

Since the last few years, there has been growing awareness about the environment and sustainability, thanks to massive campaigns against global warming. This is slowly changing the trends in choice of destinations for holidaying too. There is a growing demand among travelers for destinations that are eco-friendly. You may feel that there are limited options for you to choose from. But fact is, there are countless such destinations all over the globe that are worth visiting.

Top 5 eco-tourism destinations for 2010
Here, we have listed out some of the top 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.

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.

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. To go along with this, there are a number of resorts and hotels that use eco-friendly resources. Almost as much as eighty five percent of the electricity used in homes comes from renewable sources. So if you are an environment and wildlife enthusiast, this is the place to be.

Kenya:
Kenya is a place that you would imagine as 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 to boast. You will find all this in a superbly diverse ecosystem, most of which has been well-maintained and preserved. This destination is for you if you love variety and would like to take frequent safaris in thick jungles.

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. If you are looking for some fun and adventure, this place also offers you a chance to go biking and hiking across the rugged terrain if the fjord. You can also get a glimpse of age-old traditions in small fishing villages that are scattered all over the region.

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!!!

Ecoteer ecotourism and responsible travel

Volunteer during the World Cup

As we all know the World Cup is being held in South Africa this month.  But football is not the only thing in South Africa this year.  Read on to find out more about the volunteer opportunities Ecoteer offers in South Africa.

Humanitarian work in Tzaneen

The project is a humanitarian organization serving vulnerable, poor and orphaned children and their families in a holistic way. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work in all five main human need areas and experience the fulfilling and content feeling of changing someones destiny.

GBP150 per week

http://www.ecoteer.com/placements/placements.php?func=view&placementid=398&orgID=4930

Monkey around near the Kruger national park

This Centre has rescued primates from all over the world and currently cares for over 70 Common Marmosets, Black eared Marmosets, Common Squirrel Monkeys, Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys, Tamarins and Mona Monkeys at our South African monkey sanctuary. Based in South Africa, we have enjoyed the company of volunteer workers from the USA, UK, The Netherlands, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand.

Just GBP150 per week.

http://www.ecoteer.com/placements/placements.php?func=view&placementid=251&orgID=1084

Volunteer at this eco-camp in South Africa

We are a small, (2.5ha), fledgling, tourist resort, situated alongside near pristine sub-tropical riverine forest in Morgan Bay a small coastal resort just north of East London and immediately south of the transkei, South Africa. Our main asset is the riverine forest, trees, plants, birdlife and tranquility.

They offer free accommodation – just pay for your food!

http://www.ecoteer.com/placements/placements.php?func=view&placementid=171&orgID=761

Help in the rural areas of South Africa

This is a rural South African Non Profitable Organization based in Tsweleni, in the heart of the Wild Coast. We are dedicated to the youngest, aged between 3 to 7 years old pre-school students, and the elders living in the rural former Transkei.  Our aim is to improve health, living and learning conditions in our poverty stricken rural areas, through creative awareness, education and local empowerment.

GBP130 per week

http://www.ecoteer.com/placements/placements.php?func=view&placementid=186&orgID=776

Daniel

Volunteer abroad in ecotourism

Worst coral bleaching event on record!

I’m volunteering at a Thai University, and have been studying corals for several months now. Naturally, when the opportunity came to go to the Andaman Sea for field work, I jumped at the chance. We were going to survey the extent of what we initially thought to be a local coral bleaching event, and although I knew it would not be pretty, I had seen a few bleached corals before, and wasn’t expecting a shock. My expectations could not have been further from the harsh, stark white reality. Looking from the boat into the crystal clear waters around Ko Adang, it was obvious from the surface that the corals, usually rich tapestry of mixed purple, green, browns, yellows and blues, were all startlingly pale. Closer inspection on SCUBA revealed that almost 100% of corals were affected. Some were bleached only partially, with pale hints of their previous colour or small patches that were less severely affected, but most were all over a brilliant glaring white. Giant clams, anemones, soft corals and zooanthids were all also affected.

Alarmed at what we had seen, we contacted people over a wider area and my fields at Ecoteer informed me that Malaysia has also suffered severe bleaching. It seems that the entire Indian Ocean has been affected, from Mauritius right across South East Asia to Papua new Guinea. There are even predictions that this event, caused by an extended spell of calm, warm weather conditions, may be even worse than the widespread mass coral bleaching of 1998 which is the worst on record. Both 1998 and 2010 are El ninio year’s, where prolonged hot weather creates stressful conditions for marine life. In response to the stress, corals eject their symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae, which give them their bright colours. They then appear ‘bleached’ and have transparent tissues, leaving the white skeleton clearly visible. However the zooxanthellae give corals part of the energy they require to survive, and without them the corals soon die.

We do not expect our bleached reefs to be able to survive much longer. Unless the temperature cools quickly, all that we can do is monitor any recovery. But perhaps we can give the reefs a helping hand… by working with local communities as a ‘coral dating service’ to help enable the few surviving colonies connect with one another when they are able to spawn again! Re-growing coral reefs is a slow process though, and ultimately reducing our carbon emissions to stop the trend of increasingly severe and frequent El nino event is the only hope for recovery of our precious coral reefs.

If you have bleaching reports, or would like more information on what can be done please contact Cat Wilding at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. cat.wilding@hotmail.co.uk

volunteer abroad

Walk for Turtles

Sea turtles are “ambassadors of the oceans”, for conserving these animals means protecting the seas and coastal areas. The collection of nesting numbers is vital for their conservation but has never been conducted statewide in Terengganu therefore the walk will provide invaluable data which the decision makers wouldnt otherwise have.
The Walk for Turtles event (organised by Ecoteer and Help Our Penyu) is a 10 day walk which will start, annually, on World Sea Turtle Day (16th June), in 2010 from Dungun to Kuala Besut, visiting every beach along the way (mainland and islands). The team will be collecting invaluable sea turtle track and body pit data during the walk, visit conservation projects and give awareness talks. The data will be used to identify potential new areas for sea turtle nest conservation in Terengganu. The walk will be further extended in 2011 to cover all beaches in the State of Terengganu resulting in a thorough annual monitoring of sea turtle nesting densities. Raising awareness is the second objective of the walk with the team hosting presentations, meeting turtle conservation experts and visiting conservation projects. The event will be broadcast via the worldwide web, television and newspapers raising awareness throughout the world. The third objective of the walk is to raise RM100,000 for sea turtle conservation projects throughout Terengganu. The funds will be used to support sea turtle conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia.

Please follow us via our facebook group and twitter to get latest video blogs and tweets.

You may donate to the turtles of Terengganu through Ecoteer

What is sustainable tourism?

Many people have told me they are just so confused with all the different names for tourism.  One of the most common is what is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism is simply tourism which has minimal impact on the location you visit.  Sustainable tourism could be in a city just as it much as in a pristine environment.  The best way to describe it is to look at the financial meltdown of Europe.  People, banks and now governments have borrowed more money than they can pay back – is that sustainable?  Could that last forever?  As we have seen the answer is no.  Linking this to tourism if you exploited the environment or mistreated people would that last forever?? The answer is no.

So how to make sure your holiday is sustainable?

1)      Ask about the facilities environmental and social policy;

2)      Pay money direct to the facilities rather than buying through an agent;

3)      Ensure you visit the local villagers and if you like their products buy direct from them;

These are just three ways to ensure your holiday is more sustainable, for more information the best website we have found is http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/

Ecoteer has just got their licence to sell tour packages and will start to sell only true sustainable holidays.  The website is www.ecoteerresponsibletravel.com

Daniel

Volunteer Abroad