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January 10, 2007
A new beginning
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Introduction
by Clarissa Hughes
Well the New Year has dawned with great promise for the environment. Last year ecotourism went mainstream, changing from a personal preference to a major political and social issue. As Condé Nast Traveler put it, “the Green movement has arrived. Travelers are increasingly looking for options that keep the earth and its occupants in mind.”
Here in Africa you’ll see that Law and Order has prevailed and we hope that through the global groundswell against greed, environmental degradation and human and animal rights abuses that we can all work together to make Planet Earth a better place for all.
Having just finished reading the book “Ecological Intelligence” I’m more convinced than ever that human beings are in grave danger due to our dismissal of the environment. This is not only from a practical viewpoint but from a deeper spiritual level. Author Ian McCallum taps into science, psychology and, surprisingly, poetry to show that it is hubris to turn our collective back on where we came from, the natural world. Published by Africa Geographic I certainly recommend this book to anyone who’s wondered why the wilderness has the power to heal.
Many of you will be planning your holiday and if, like us, you’re concerned about making responsible choices we’ve included some guidelines to help you.
Best wishes for 2007.
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Bushmen back in the Kalahari, Botswana
Botswana’s longest running and most expensive court case has come to an end.
The court ruled that the eviction of the Bushmen from their ancestral lands inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve was 'unlawful and unconstitutional'. It also ruled that the Bushmen have the right to hunt and gather in the reserve, and should not have to apply for permits to enter it.. Survival's director Stephen Corry said, 'The court's ruling is a victory for the Bushmen and for indigenous peoples everywhere in Africa.”
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Mosi-oa-Tunya Park Latest, Victoria Falls
Environmental Council of Zambia rejects plans for a golf course and 450 chalet resort
And in another victory for the law, the Environmental Council of Zambia has rejected the plans to develop a golf course and 450 chalet resort in the National Park situated next to the World Heritage site of Victoria Falls. The proposed development was an anathema to all responsible and eco-minded tour operators such as us. Discover the rich cultural heritage of the African people and visit the Victoria Falls in Zambia, adventure capital of the world.
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Cave Dwelling Gorillas in Virunga National Park, DRC
An amazing discovery in Democratic Republic of Congo
In the war torn eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo an amazing discovery has been made. Mountain gorillas are living in caves. Much like our ancestors did, they’ve probably figured that this is the safest place to escape the notice of poachers. As the ever dwindling numbers of these great apes testify they need all the help they can get.
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Dutch billionaire leaves us a rich legacy
African Parks founder, Paul Van Vlissingen died in November.
Like Anton Rupert who founded the WWF of SA and the Peace Parks Foundation, he used his wealth to protect Africa’s wild places. In partnership with the host countries’ governments, African Parks manages commercially unviable conservation areas such as the Liuwa National Park in Zambia, the Majete National Park in Malawi, the Nech Sar and Omo parks in Ethiopia, the Dungonab and Sanganeb Marine National Parks in Sudan and the Garamba National Park in the DRC. Mr Van Vlissingen was also instrumental in the creation of the Greater Marakele National Park which combines the former Marakele National Park and the Welgevonden Nature Reserve.
Mr Van Vlissingen was also instrumental in the creation of the Greater Marakele National Park which combines the former Marakele National Park and the Welgevonden Nature Reserve.
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How to Choose Your Responsible African Holiday
eco-travel in Africa makes a difference
You’ll notice our new slogan at the top of our website pages “eco-travel in Africa makes a difference” because we strongly believe that if you choose the right holiday you can make a difference. Ensuring your holiday money goes to operations that contribute to conservation research and human development in Africa will promote the long term sustainability of the environment. As more of Africa becomes democratic it’s important that voters in those countries see real benefit from environmental protection.
To help you make an informed decision we’ve designed the following questions.
• Does the trip provide an authentic, nature-based experience of Africa's ecosystems?
• Does the trip aim to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and indigenous cultures?
• Are ecologically sensitive facilities and operations utilized?
• Confirm that the operation does not actively promote luring, taming or killing of wildlife
• Does the operator contribute to environmental research or conservation?
• Does the operator contribute to sustainable community development?
• Does the operator support Citizen Empowerment?
At ecoAfrica Travel we’ve screened operators according to these criteria and feel confident that we can offer you the best quality and most accountable of safari operations.
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Clarissa’s Tip
What can you give local people as a gift?
Many people when traveling to Africa want to know what they can bring for the local people as a gift. In the more remote parts of Africa people are not especially literate so I’ve found that magazines are a good handout. With lots of pictures and captions and short “stories” they’re much easier to read and understand than a full-length novel. They don’t rot the teeth either!
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Brangelina’s Birthplace
Brad Smit and Angelina Jolie’s firstborn.
Catapulted into the spotlight by the birth of Brad Smit and Angelina Jolie’s firstborn, Namibia is a country often overlooked by the international media – for all the right reasons. It’s a peaceful democracy with a small population of around 2 million and good infrastructure. Notably, it was the first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution. Some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip. A land of ancient deserts, vast wildlife ranges and colourful tribes people, Namibia is well worth a visit, even if you’re not a celebrity trying to get away from the paparazzi.
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Lizanne's Diary
I’m sitting on our private little porch, overlooking vistas of African wilderness...
Embraced by the coolness of our cream colored luxury canvas tent, I’m smiling about the perfection of this moment, the splendor of another African dusk, the tradition and the hope in this camp. There is an acacia on our doorstep, a pot with indigenous succulents, 1920’s style lazy chairs and a lantern with solar power at the push of a button. Later we will have dinner a silver service dinner by candlelight, our African guides joining the party for some thrilling reminiscence of the day’s game sightings, and probably a long set of answers to our animated questions. This is Africa… Karen Blixen style... read more
Lizanne Malherbe holds a Masters degree in Environmental Ethics and is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Design.
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Traveller's Feedback
Mr Peter Ward's Tailormade Safari which included a 13 day Thirstland Journey.
"Our safari was stunning and very much in-keeping with the environmental sensitivities of the animals and the landscape and Thimo our guide was simply brilliant and very, very knowledgeable, it would just not be possible to see anything like the game we saw and to travel across the vast distances on gravel roads and river beds without someone who knows their stuff. All in I was very impressed and had a wonderful time..."
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ecoQuest Status for Fundu Lagoon
Mesali Island is Pemba’s only marine sanctuary.
Fundu Lagoon is the epitome of a 'bare foot paradise' with a distinct Robinson Crusoe air in a remote and peaceful location. It has been designed for couples and groups of friends looking to escape the usual holiday crowds. Divers and watersports lovers are also catered for who are looking for a perfect combination of quality activities and some of the best diving in the world. Whatever you’re looking for, Fundu Lagoon provides a friendly, relaxed haven of peace and outstanding natural beauty.
The jewel of Pemba, Mesali Island is a highlight of everyone’s stay here at Fundu Lagoon. As Pemba’s only marine sanctuary, its protected reefs provide a home to an exceptional range of sea life. Pristine corals attract vast numbers of reef fish and animals coming in from deeper waters you might bump into manta and eagle rays, barracuda and other game fish and reef sharks.
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Travel Tip
Different Cultures.
Learn about the culture and customs of the areas you will visit before you go.
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ecoAfrica Newsletter © 2007 eocAfrica Travel.
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