#Regional films screening at Habitat

[worldcitiesday]

Focus on Financing sustainable urban future for all.

In 2023, the World Habitat Day, will take place under the theme Resilient urban economies. Cities as drivers of growth and recovery and World Cities Day will focus on Financing sustainable urban future for all.

Join us and organize virtual, physical and hybrid activities. We are encouraging national governments, local authorities, the private sector, and other urban practitioners to mark the day by organizing events through workshops or webinars, panel discussions and interviews. The following are suggested events that can be held.

Urban Breakfast An Urban Breakfast aims to create an inspiring dialogue to reflect on challenges facing sustainable urban development, considering the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. It can be held at any time. Urban Breakfasts focus on introducing and discussing regional urban perspectives, with the participation of key speakers from national governments, local authorities, academia, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

The Urban Journalism Academy The Urban Journalism Academy (UJA) brings together media professionals who are interested or involved in urban development. They help strengthen journalists’ capacity to analyze the overall process of urbanization by sharing with them substantive knowledge about the main issues of planning and management of cities, as well as technical expertise in urban data and indicators. The aim is to create a network of urban journalists that work together in advocating principles of the New Urban Agenda.

Raise awareness in your city or community. You can get involved by organizing an event or including the following ideas in your event to raise awarenes"s. Please feel free and post your Event and Activity here.

Event suggestions include:

Organize a discussion or debate either physical or online on how your city or community can act and contribute to a carbon-free world and climate resilience.

Organize a film screening either physical or online to bring people together in a common space and promote local creativity.

Use this occasion to publicize, reward and demonstrate tangible improvements in urban issues in your community.

Engage a well-known person or local expert to support your event to bring positive attention to World Habitat Day, World Cities Day, and Urban October as a whole.

Organize public information campaign, use local actors, musicians, or poets to create awareness of the issues affecting your city or community.

Approach local media to write articles or do radio or television pieces on the themes or organize interviews or panels policy makers, government officials, academics, journalists, other professionals, and community representatives.

Essay writing or painting competition can help create awareness of World Habitat Day and World Cities Day in schools and colleges.

Offer a university lecture or Master class on the theme of World Habitat Day or World Cities Day.

Organize a capacity building session on the theme of World Habitat Day or World Cities Day

Organize a picture exhibition on how to make your city or community carbon-free world and climate resilient.

Launch of reports and projects in relation to the theme of World Habitat Day or World Cities Day.

Organize a Video interview series on champions of carbon-free world and climate resilience.

Organize a donation drive to assist your city or community manage issues on carbon-free world and climate resilience.

Engage in a Twitter chat on the theme of World Habitat Day or World Cities Day.

Brand your Urban October event by using either the World Habitat Day or World Cities Day logo or merchandise designs, here

Promote and create a web page or a web banner on your website with information about World Habitat Day and World Cities Day.

Promote Urban October through social media – Tag your posts for Urban October with #UrbanOctober, for World Habitat Day with #WorldHabitatDay, and for World Cities Day with #WorldCitiesDay.

Find promotional material to print on: Promotional material includes logos in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, logos for T-Shirts, caps, banners, websites, and social media.

Please visit the Urban October Trello Board. This board is your one-stop destination for digital assets and relevant information on World Habitat Day and World Cities Day.

Keep in Touch After your event, please share with us the event report, photos, videos, and any material about the event, here. We will publish your event in the 2023 Urban October Report – see the 2022 Urban October Report.

[worldhabitatday]

Organize special evenings set aside to screen films with themes on urban life.

Urban Nights is a collaboration effort between UN-Habitat, Slum Film Festival, Urban Bites, Udada Festival and the Nairobi City County Government.

In 2015 “Urban October” concluded with World Cities Day on 31 October under the motto 'Designed to Live Together'.

The United Nations, national and regional governments, learning institutions, non-governmental organisations as well as private individuals have lined up a series of events to mark this year’s World Habitat Day which is being commemorated today. Celebrated on the first Monday of October every year, the purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. The main event for this year is being commemorated at the United Nations headquarters in New York where Orhan Pamuk, the 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature winner, will deliver the keynote address. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Public Spaces for All’ and it dovetails with the general theme of “Urban October” which was launched by UN-Habitat in 2014 to emphasize the world’s urban challenges and engage the international community towards the New Urban Agenda. This year’s “Urban October” will conclude with World Cities Day on 31 October under the motto ‘Designed to Live Together’. In New York, UN-Habitat, the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization, the American Institute Architects New York, UN Women, the Institute of Global Homelessness, the United Cities and Local Governments and the Permanent Mission of Grenada to the United Nations are collaborating in holding a high-level discussion, which will cover key developments in the area of public space design. In the years leading to the HABITAT III Conference, and the post 2015 development agenda solutions will be sought for the challenges, in an era of ever increasing urbanization. This event will bring together high-level experts and representatives from national and local governments, non-governmental organizations, institutes, foundations and industry, who will present case studies from around the world on public spaces. For the first time ever and in a true reflection of United Nation’s rallying call of ‘Delivering as One’, this year’s World Habitat Day will see UN-Habitat joining hands with its sister agency, UN Women. This partnership is done under the aegis of HeForShe, which is a global UN Women initiative that aims to engage men and boys, one half of humanity, in removing the social and cultural barriers that prevent the other half of humanity from achieving their potential. This partnership examines and promotes the role for men and women alike in the active creation of gender-equal public spaces for all. In Nairobi, the day will be marked with the premier of ‘Urban Nights’ which are special evenings set aside to screen films with themes on urban life at the PAWA 254 Studios in Nairobi. Started by celebrated activist journalist Boniface Mwangi, PAWA 254 is an arts hub based in Nairobi that offers workshops, training, forums and events for all artists who are creating for social impact.

[delhifundos]

Habitat Indian Film Festival in Delhi

Habitat Indian Film Festival in Delhi

Date: 17-27 May 2018 Venue: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road

We are just back from Jim Corbett and after the rejuvenating holiday it is now time for another kind of celebration at visual and cerebral level. The Habitat Film Festival (HFF) has just started. It is happening during 17th to 27th May 2018 at multiple audis in India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road.

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This festivalhas been…

[humphreyrios9]

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[sciencespies]

Behold the Largest Congregation of Bald Eagles in the United States

https://sciencespies.com/nature/behold-the-largest-congregation-of-bald-eagles-in-the-united-states/

Behold the Largest Congregation of Bald Eagles in the United States

Despite pandemic-caused shutdowns and travel restrictions across Alaska, a small valley in the Southeast still expects its habitual visitors: bald eagles. In early November, thousands of the birds of prey gather in Haines, Alaska, forming one of the largest congregations in the world.

Alaskans often depict their location in the state by using their right hand as a map. With just a pointer finger and thumb extended, thumb pointing down, the Chilkat Valley—also known as the Valley of the Eagles—is where thumb meets hand on Alaska’s panhandle.

The Chilkat Valley, a peninsula saddled between glaciated mountain chains and the Chilkat and Chilkoot river systems, is nearly 75 miles north of Juneau. The valley extends from the Canadian border south, past the indigenous village of Klukwan, to the small town of Haines, originally called Deishú by Alaska Natives, or “end of the trail.” Sitting on the deepest fjord in North America, Haines (population: 2,500) can be reached by small plane or ferry from Juneau or by car from Canada. The town draws tourists seeking world-renowned heli-skiing, hiking, local brews, a thriving arts scene and, of course, bald eagle sightings.

The peak of congregation typically happens in the second week of November.

(Cindy Kassab/Getty Images)

The area is home to about 500 residential eagles that attract visitors year-round, most especially in the fall when migrating birds up the count to historic highs of 3,000. Eagles flock to the Chilkat River flats along the Haines Highway in early November for its unique hydrology. Percolating groundwater keeps late fall runs of chum and coho salmon spawning well into winter months, providing food for the birds.

“The eagles still have access to the chum (salmon) well into November and December because there is upwelling in this area that prevents the river from freezing,” says Nicole Zeiser, the Haines’ area management biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

In 1982, the State of Alaska established the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, setting aside 48,000 acres of river-bottom to protect the eagle habitat and all five species of pacific salmon found there. That same year, a Haines local formed The American Bald Eagle Foundation (ABEF) to educate visitors on the region’s unique asset. The foundation serves as both a museum and live raptor center, home to several rehabilitated bird species called “avian ambassadors.” For the last 25 years, the nonprofit has hosted an annual four-day festival around the congregation of the eagles, consisting of a speaker series on local ecology, an artist bazaar and a film screening. For the grand finale, visitors are driven up the highway to witness a rehabilitated eagle release, followed by a banquet dinner.

Due to Covid-19 risks and stringent state travel restrictions, the festival, which typically draws around 300 visiting birders, photographers and tourists from all over the world, has been canceled. But the bald eagles, of course, haven’t gotten the message—and local residents never tire of the natural phenomenon.

One of those locals is Pam Randles, a now-retired high school science teacher and naturalist guide in Haines. Randles began counting the fall eagle migration 20 years ago as part of her teaching curriculum, and can’t quit.

“I watched them for so many years, I just have to go out to look,” she admits. On an overcast afternoon in mid-October, Randles drives her rig roughly 12 miles out to the Chilkoot River on the other of the peninsula, one of three rivers spawning salmon swim up before ending in the Chilkat River. Her binoculars bounce over potholes on the passenger seat.

“The eagles were everywhere, sitting in the trees waiting for the tides to go down so they could get some fish,” Randles recounts later that day. She laughs, describing an opportunist eagle who once snatched a fisherman’s pole with pink on the line. “It’s so cool to see them.”

When they spot salmon, the birds launch from their perch in the trees beside the river and land on their prey, dragging it to the adjacent shore to feed.

(Mark Newman/Getty Images)

The best viewing area for the eagles is the pullout off the Haines Highway at Mile Post 21 (marked by signs). The peak of congregation typically coincides, not incidentally, with the festival in the second week of November. Photographers line the river bed with tripods and all-weather gear to capture eagles in flight. When they spot salmon, the birds launch from their perch in the trees beside the river and land on their prey, dragging it to the adjacent shore to feed. Often, spectators catch a confluence of ravens and magpies that swoop in to squabble for the same fish. Late-denning grizzly bears sometimes join in on the fish feast.

The average high count of eagles is about 1,000 birds a year, counted from the ground, Randles says. That number is higher when aerial surveying is used, but plane data over the last 20 years is less consistent. The all-time high was in 2000, when Randles documented just shy of 3,000 birds. From 2009 to 2015, Randles’ counts averaged between 700 and 900 eagles.

The number of eagles in an area correlates with the abundance of fish, Randles says. In recent years, poor salmon returns in some stocks, or groups of salmon specific to certain areas, have meant a decline in eagles. This year, the Chilkat stock of chum failed to meet the healthy population estimate, or “escapement goal,” set by state biologists. State biologists measure the health of chum by counting those that come through a fish wheel on the Chilkat River, eight miles outside of Haines along the highway, then extrapolating from that number a goal population size.

Chum salmon missed their escapement goal range for 2020 significantly, by more than 50,000 fish, Zeiser says. She added that chum numbers across the state were a bust this year. State and federal agencies aren’t sure why this happened, though evidence points to environmental factors, such as poor ocean survival from fluctuating ocean temperatures or a lack of prey.

With less chum around, Zeiser says the eagles will have a harder time catching fish. Still, she’s confident the birds will survive one way or another. Missing the escapement goal one year is not a huge concern; falling short of it year after year is when it becomes an issue, according to the biologist. In 2017, the Board of Fisheries labeled the Chilkat king salmon a “stock of concern” after five years of diminishing returns. Since, more rigorous management has been put in place, contributing to a slight rebound in the stock.

“There are some coho salmon that also hang out and spawn in this area,” Zeiser says. “There should be something around for the eagles to eat, and if not, I’m sure they would adapt and eat a different food source to survive.”

Percolating groundwater keeps late fall runs of chum and coho salmon spawning well into winter months, providing food for the birds.

(Hegi1968/Getty Images)

When Tony Strong sips his coffee each morning from his home facing downriver on the Chilkat in Klukwan, he sees a host of animals who, like him, are indigenous to the land. Strong is Alaska Native Tlingit, a member of the Eagle-Wolf clan.

“When I see a large group of eagles, I’m seeing— emotionally—part of my family,” Strong says.

In the ancient village of Klukwan, salmon has provided sustenance as a primary source of protein for indigenous people for thousands of years. “This year has been worse than others,” Strong says of the fishing season. “Last year, you’d catch up to 100 [salmon] in one day.”

Typically, the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival’s eagle release takes place within the village, while a local group performs traditional Tlingit dances on the bank of the Chilkat River. Admission to the festival not only helps fund the foundation, but the influx of visitors helps support Klukwan’s museum, the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, which in turn helps preserve traditional knowledge and important clan regalia.

Klukwan sealed itself off from outside entry in March to protect village elders from Covid-19 infection. While the American Bald Eagle Foundation will remain open to visitors who follow state protocols and arrive in Haines, director Cheryl McRoberts urges would-be festivalgoers to hang on until next year.

Until then, locals in the Chilkat Valley are enjoying the eagles all to themselves.

“They’re starting to accumulate on the trees next to my house,” says Strong, who goes on to talk about the natural world around him. “We share this home with the eagles and with the ravens. They’re our neighbors. I am happy that people recognize our home as the home of the eagles, as well.”

#Nature

[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/new-in-orlando-in-2020/

What's New in Orlando in 2020

New Attractions In Orlando in 2020

In the ever-expanding world of Orlando attractions, we have so much to look forward to in 2020. New rides, new attractions, new thrills, new shows, new eats.

So much to do and so little time!

Here's a Run Down of What's New in Orlando in 2020

New Attractions in Disney World:

Walt Disney World is currently undergoing its most significant growth period of the last two decades. So much is coming our way in the next few years.

Hollywood Studios

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The first ever Disney ride-through attraction that features Mickey & Minnie Mouse. You'll be right inside a Mickey cartoon taking a fun-filled adventure where “Mouse rules apply”. Anything can happen! Opening: March 4th 2020

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant

Toy Story Land is getting a brand new rootin’, tootin’ rodeo right in Andy’s backyard!. This immersive restaurant will provide a unique and fun, family friendly dining experience. Andy has created a new rodeo arena using some of his favorite toys, games, and play sets. Opening: 2020 - no date yet

Mickey Shorts Theater

An original short film in the style of the Disney Channel series “Mickey Mouse”. This will also feature a new photo-opportunity. The theater will feature fun Mickey Mouse-themed seating. Open: March 2020

New at Epcot

Epcot is going through a complete transformation and there a TON of stuff going on! Below is what's happening in 2020, but see our guide for a full rundown of all new experiences at Epcot.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue

This brand new fast-casual restaurant will be located at The American Adventure pavilion. Diners will find a classic American backyard barbecue offering home-style craft brews. Opening: Very soon!

Beauty & The Beast Sing-Along

Take part in this twist on a tale as old as time. This brand new singalong features narration from Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original film. Beauty & The Beast Sing-Along will run in rotation with “Impressions de France,” which will receive an upgrade to 4K projection. Opening: January 17th 2020

Awesome Planet 

The Land pavilion showcases the Earth’s beauty and diversity in a 10-minute film featuring spectacular imagery and in-theater effects. Opening January 17th 2020

Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360

New scenes and a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. Opening: January 17th 2020

Space 220 Restaurant

An out of this world dining experience is coming to Orlando in 2020. Space 220 is a new table-service restaurant at Epcot next to Mission: SPACE.

When you enter the restaurant, you’ll step into a special space elevator that will transport you 220 miles above the earth’s surface to the International Space Station orbiting. The restaurant will offer "spectacular views of space" thanks to screens surrounding the dining area. Opening: February 2020

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Take a super-sized adventure with Chef Remy through Gusteau’s restaurant. This new ride is under construction at the France Pavilion. Opening: Summer 2020

Le Creperie de Paris

This brand new restaurant will feature the cuisine of celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse, the mastermind behind the pavilion’s Chefs de France brasserie. With a menu inspired by the Brittany region of France, the new location will offer table service dining as well as a quick-service stop for guests craving savory crepes called galettes and sweet crepes. Opening: Summer 2020

Wondrous China

This brand new presentation will take you on a spectacular journey across China, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format. Opening: June 2020

HarmonioUS

HarmonioUS will debut at Epcot as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for any Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying you away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe.

“HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more. Opening: 2020

DuckTales World Showcase Adventure

A new interactive scavenger hunt is coming to World Showcase. Join Scrooge McDuck, Donald, Launchpad, Webby and the nephews in search of priceless treasure. Using the Play Disney Parks mobile app, participants will discover exotic destinations, exciting mysteries, and maybe even experience a few thieves, villains and supernatural guardians of ancient artifacts. Opening: 2020 - No launch date yet

What's New in Orlando in 2020 - Disney Springs

Drawn To Life - New Cirque du Soleil Show

This brand new show follows the story of Julie, a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she learns to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future. Opening: Previews March 20, 2020. Officially debuts April 17, 2020

City Works Eatery & Pour House

City Works will be the ultimate sports bar. This go-to spot will be a superb game-viewing experience on gigantic HD screens. The gourmet menu offers American cuisines and over 90 local and global varieties of beers on tap. Located in West Side. Opening: Very soon

M&Ms Store

A brand new state-of-the-art M&Ms store will offer an immersive experience that combines the colorful fun that fans of the M&M’S brand enjoy with lasting memories. And all your favorite candies too. The new store will be located in West Side, near the NBA Experience. Opening: No set date - 2020

Beatrix

Beatrix will be your neighborhood restaurant, coffeehouse and grab-and-go market featuring healthy food options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan along with fresh-squeezed juice cocktails.

The restaurant will also offer a bakery and full-service bar with a selection of all-American beer and wine. Located at Disney Springs West Side. Opening: No date set - 2020

Ample Hills Creamery

This is one of the tastiest things new in Orlando in 2020! This Brooklyn-based creamery will be offering the most decadent ice cream desserts this side of the East River. You'll find a menu full of tasty treats such as Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Peppermint Pattie and Nonna D’s Oatmeal Lace. Can't wait for the opening date? There's already An Ample Hills Creamery at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. Opening: 2020 - No set date

Universal Orlando

The Bourne Stuntacular - Universal Studios

This brand new, cutting-edge live-action stunt show will blur the lines between stage and cinema in a hybrid form of entertainment that has never been seen before. The Bourne Stuntacular will follow the character of Jason Bourne around the globe as sinister characters pursue him.

There will be thrilling chase scenes, punishing fistfights, death-defying leaps and danger at every turn with live performers, high-tech props and an immense LED screen.

Opening: Spring 2020

SeaWorld Orlando

Ice Breaker

An exciting ride is one of our favorite things new in Orlando in 2020. Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four launches, both backwards and forwards, cultivating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida – a 93 feet tall spike with 100-degree angle. Opening: May 2020

Orca Encounter

SeaWorld has made plenty of changes in recent years. The Orca Encounter replaces One Ocean and showcases the importance of play for Orcas. Visitors will learn all about animal welfare practices at SeaWorld and the importance of conservation to their habitat. Open: January 1st 2020

Busch Gardens Tampa

Iron Gwazi

This coaster is going to break some records. At 206 feet, it will be North America's tallest hybrid coaster, and the world's fastest and steepest hybrid coaster! Throw in a 91 degree drop and speeds of 76mph and you've got a thrill ride on your hands! Estimated Opening - Spring 2020

Aquatica

Riptide Race

Riptide Race will be Florida’s first dueling racer when it launches in 2020. Visitors will be taking on opponents through high-speed tunnels and be competing through 650 feet of slide.

Adventure Island

Solar Vortex

You'll able to spin and splash on America’s first dual-tailspin water slide. This thrilling family ride will send sliders on a swirling journey through two open tailspin features. Plus there will be high-banking rotations and rapid descents.

Icon Park

Already home to the tallest wheel on the east coast and the tallest swing ride in the world, Icon Park Orlando on International Drive is set to break two new world records with attractions that will be new in Orlando in 2020.

The creators of Orlando Slingshot are brining two new thrill attractions to Icon Park in 2020.

Orlando Slingshot

Towering 300 feet, Orlando Slingshot will be the world's tallest slingshot attraction. Riders will be catapulted 450 feet into the air - nearly fifty stories high! The Orlando Slingshot will feature innovative dual-loading, allowing guests to be loading while another is experiencing the attraction Opening: Spring 2020

Orlando Gyro Drop Tower

At a height of 400 feet, the Orlando Gyro Drop Tower will be the world's tallest free-standing drop tower. After an intense gyrating climb around the tower to reach the top, riders will freefall 350 feet back to Earth, traveling up to 75 miles per hour. Opening: Spring 2020

Snowcat Ridge Alpine Village

Snowcat Ridge will be the first-of-it's-kind in Florida. Set to open in November 2020, Snowcat Ridge features a giant snow slope,10,000 square foot snow dome and an alpine village. With REAL snow! See full info: Snowcat Ridge.

The multi-lane 60 foot tall, 400 foot long snow tubing hill will offer a magic carpet lift to transport riders to the top. Then zoom down on single snow tubes, in tandem or on family-size 6 seaters.

A 10,000 square foot giant snow dome will feature real snow to build snowmen and a smaller hill for the little ones. The Alpine Village will feature snacks and drink locations, plus there will be a magical light show on the slopes and in the dome, once the Florida sun sets. Opening: November 2020

That wraps up what's new in Orlando in 2020, If you are planning a vacation, we'd love to welcome you to one of our vacation homes!

[topfygad]

6 mountain adventure films to watch next week

The 2019 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) has just hit South African shores, brought here by RAM Mountaineering.

The films focus on outdoor adventure, mountaineering, the environment and mountain cultures. The best of this collection of unique and inspiring short films tours internationally and is coming to South Africa.

VIMFF will be run from Monday 29 July to 2 August. Tickets are R85 per person. Visit vimff.co.za for more info on venues and screenings.

Here are six VIMFF short films you don’t want to miss:

1. Notes from the Wall

Join three quirky Belgian free-climbers who attempt a 1,200-metre granite vertical wall in Chile’s exquisite and at times formidable Torres del Paine National Park.

  4. RJ Ripper

Kids and bikes go together, no matter where you are in the world. The chaotic streets of Kathmandu may not seem like a typical breeding ground for world-class mountain bikers, but then again nothing is typical about Rajesh (RJ) Magar. Since learning to ride on a beat-up clunker, to becoming the four-time National Champion at age 21, RJ’s story is one of boundless childhood dreaming and unstoppable determination, forged from junkyard scraps and tested on the rugged trails of the mighty Himalaya.

  2. For the Love of Mary

The first time 97-year-old runner George Etzweiler completed the race up Mount Washington, he was 69 years old. In addition to his ancient, lucky, green running shorts, Etzweiler carries something else special with him: the memory of his late wife of 68 years, Mary.

  3. Grizzly Country

After serving in the Vietnam War, author and eco-warrior Doug Peacock spent years alone in the Wyoming and Montana wilderness observing grizzly bears. This time in the wild changed the course of his life. With Yellowstone grizzlies under threat, Peacock reflects on the importance of habitat and why he continues to fight for wild causes.

  5. A Social Backcountry

As the population booms in Southwest BC, and interest in backcountry travel is at an all-time high, tensions in the outdoor community are inevitable. Information spreads like rapid-fire through social media, leading to a host of difficult issues, while at the same time raising deeper questions: What kind of a community do we want this to be? And amongst all the internet trolling and the crowding at trailheads, how can we still find real adventure?

6.In the Shadows of Everest

Phortse. Home to more Everest summitters than anywhere else on earth. Sherpas who live in this region of Nepal are the backbone of nearly every expedition to the summit of the world. To give back to Nepal, and to make the Himalayas a safer place for guides and porters, Conrad Anker and Jenni Lowe-Anker founded the Khumbu Climbing Centre here. Pemba Sherpa and Tenzing Gyalzen Sherpa are KCC-trained climbers, and they’re becoming leaders in their community, each giving back in his own way.

Images: Supplied/VIMFF

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[morganbelarus]

Ive seen the Antarctics untouched beauty. There’s still time to protect it | Javier Bardem

I urge world leaders to agree on establishing an ocean sanctuary, says actor and Greenpeace Antarctic ambassador Javier Bardem

I thought it would be cold. Not just cold, but colder than anything I had experienced in my life. I had visions of bedraggled explorers in blizzards with ice-covered beards.

But standing there, in the bright Antarctic sun, watching creaking blue icebergs, penguins bursting in and out of the water, I felt utterly content in this glistening wilderness.

What I hadnt thought about was the dark. And not the dark of night although as a European, that brought a dazzling new astronomy of the southern hemisphere to me but the dark of the deep, icy, ocean depths. I was going almost half a kilometre down to the Antarctic seafloor.

It was back in January of this year, and I had joined a Greenpeace research expedition as part of a campaign to create a vast Antarctic ocean sanctuary. At 1.8m square kilometres, it would be five times the size of Germany. If its created, which it could be when governments meet in the next few weeks, it would be the largest protected area anywhere on Earth. I am one of two million people who want it to happen.

Scientists on the ship were using tiny submersibles to go where humans had never been before to explore ecosystems we know so little about: deep habitats they had been looking at on screens all their working lives but had never seen with their own eyes. The excitement was more arresting than the cold of the Antarctic summer.

So there I was, descending, in a small, two-person submarine to the frontiers of human knowledge. The light faded, and the sea around us turned a heavy blue. As we sank to hundreds of metres below the surface, I was surrounded by a thick blackness. It was a colour that I had no idea the ocean could turn. Pitch black.

Chinstrap penguins at Orne harbour in the Antarctic. Photograph: Christian slund/Greenpeace

A torch at the front of the submarine shone like a night-light for a child afraid of the dark. It showed the way to the seabed.

The sight as it came into view was staggering. Out of the dark and freezing depths emerged a moving, crawling, vibrant mass of life.

The temperature is so low that vegetation barely survives down here. Nearly everything is an animal: bizarre and ghostly icefish that are semi-transparent; sea spiders that look like something out of a science-fiction film; colourful, tendrilled, feather stars, basket stars, corals, sponges.

Im told that more people have been to the moon than have been to the bottom of the Antarctic ocean. Maybe thats apocryphal, but it certainly feels like it. We know precious little about this alien environment, which is why it is so crucial to protect it before it is too late.

Emerging back into the light at the surface, the bubbles of the submarine hull clearing, it was like waking from a dream, the intangible creatures of the abyss left far behind.

I had truly seen the light and the dark of the Antarctic. At its surface, penguin colonies stretch for miles on snow-capped islands, with millions of breeding pairs across the region, raising their chicks in this inhospitable environment. Enormous whales surface all around, feeding on huge pink clouds of the small shrimp-like krill, which nearly all wildlife here relies on. Fur seals and elephant seals lounge on drifting blocks of ice. While below, another world goes on existing in dark vitality.

Underwater view of the submarine Little Planet, part of the Greenpeace expedition. Photograph: Greenpeace

So often, we lament the destruction of the environment once it has taken place. And it is true that wildlife in the Antarctic is facing threats from climate change, pollution and industrial fishing. But this area still remains one of the least-touched regions on the planet.

Right now, we have an opportunity to protect this place. The governments responsible for conservation of the Antarctics waters meet in Hobart, Australia, in the second half of October. What better conservation of the Antarctic ocean could there be than the creation of the largest protected area on Earth at its heart, in the Weddell sea. It would put the area off-limits to future human activity, protect wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales, and help to tackle climate change.

I am proud to stand as one person in a movement of more than two million that has come together this year to demand world leaders protect the Antarctic.

Most of these people will never visit the Antarctic, but their passion for protecting it inspires me. Across the world, people have written to their politicians; they have encouraged their friends and family to take action; they have dressed up as penguins and danced on ice to raise awareness from the streets of Buenos Aires to Beijing; they have installed penguin sculptures from Johannesburg to Seoul. This is a global movement for a region that belongs to us all.

Now, as governments prepare to meet at the Antarctic ocean commission there are millions of eyes watching them and urging them to act. To secure the Antarctic for future generations. To allow its abundance of wildlife to flourish and its migratory species to thrive between the worlds oceans. To help create healthy oceans that contribute to global food security. To preserve the Antarctic oceans functions as one of the worlds largest carbon stores. Because, truly, what happens in the Antarctic affects us all.

Javier Bardem is an Oscar-winning actor and an Antarctic ambassador for Greenpeace

Original Article : HERE ; This post was curated & posted using : RealSpecific

=> *********************************************** Article Source Here: Ive seen the Antarctics untouched beauty. There’s still time to protect it | Javier Bardem ************************************ =>

Ive seen the Antarctics untouched beauty. There’s still time to protect it | Javier Bardem was originally posted by 16 MP Just news

[automaticvr]

Formentor Expedition Overview The recent completion of Asociación Ondine’s Formentor Expedition brings to a close an incredible programme of work surveying 21 kilometres of Mallorca coastline over a 10 month period from November 2017 through to August 2018.  The focus of the study was on areas of high biodiversity containing protected and highly sensitive species and habitats, with the overriding objective to propose to both the Balearic and Spanish Environmental Authorities the optimal location for the selection of a new marine reserve, based specifically on scientific criteria and sustainability.  Partnership Working In itself, the Formentor region is a complicated area in which to work due to its exposure to the Tramuntana winds, the distance from sheltered ports, the depth and type of seabed, and the lack of detailed data on the distribution of local ecosystems. In light of this, a series of meetings and interviews were conducted to capture the knowledge of local stakeholders, including professional fishermen and local divers.  The AO project team also worked closely with local dive centre, Tramuntana Diving, who not only provided logistical support but also shared invaluable information gathered through their many years of experience working in the region.  In addition to Ondine staff, a number of volunteers and biologists have also participated in the work, including colleagues linked to the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, the Conselleria de Medi Ambient, and Tragsatec (the latter managing the personnel for the surveillance and monitoring of marine reserves in the Balearics). Outcomes Achieved A total of 51 dives have been completed, resulting in the successful study and data capture of local algae and invertebrate communities (between 0 to 55m of depth), local fish communities, and the documentation of the impact of both fishing and recreational activity in the region. This data, together with the most up to date information captured on the local ecosystems, will also be used to demonstrate the difference between the current fish communities and the potential that could be achieved in establishing an MPA in the area. In addition, video and photographic footage from each dive has been captured in order to support Ondine’s newest programme of work: the introduction of interactive, virtual reality underwater experiences brought to the surface via our global community through state of the art educational programmes and inspirational social media and public film screenings. LEADER Miguel Pozo COORDINATOR Brad Robertson SCIENTIFIC TEAM Miguel Pozo Biel Morey Olga Reñones Xisco Verger Pep Coll ONDINE TEAM Mari Gutic Alice Mason Miguel Pozo Fernando Garfella Palmer Cesyen Cedeño VOLUNTEERS Victoria Font Carolina Molina Carlos Cervera Carlos Font Sergi Palomar Federico Serramalera Josep Payera COLLABORATORS Miquel Angel Bonnin and Tramontana Diving & Adventures Team Joe Fiteni Christophe Lescure Hilmar Hinz, Mauricio Manieu FILMMAKER Fernando Garfella Palmer UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER Miguel Pozo AUDIO Llaneza Arias SUPPORTERS Thank you to all our Corporate Partners and material donors without whom this expedition would not have been possible.

[rjzimmerman]

The video clips in this trailer for the new Disney movie, Born in China, are amazing. Two minutes. I promise you’ll be impressed.

Here’s an excerpt from the World Wildlife story I’m posting:

Through the release of its new film, Born in China, Disneynature takes moviegoers on a journey into the wilds of China. The film follows three animal families—the elusive snow leopard, the clever monkey, and the majestic panda—as they struggle to survive over the course of a year while embracing the challenge of raising their families. Narrated by actor John Krasinski (“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” NBC’s “The Office,” “Amazon’s “Jack Ryan”), Born in China is the latest film from Disneynature to bring audiences stories of nature from across the world to life on the big screen.

"To be asked to be a part of something that I feel is not only so beautiful and such great storytelling, but is so important, I was honored to be a part of it, said Krasinski. "To find this unbelievable landscape that was far beyond the cities and the bustling crowds of the China that I thought I knew was just fascinating.”

The film will also support WWF’s conservation efforts in China. Moviegoers who see Born in China opening week (April 21-27) will help support WWF’s work in the region. For every ticket sold opening week in participating markets, Disneynature will make a donation to WWF to help protect wild pandas and snow leopards by restoring habitat corridors in China through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

[sportinnovation]

A day in the life of Eddie Izzard

They recognise you everywhere and expect you always to be funny. From interview to interview, they whirl you. People tug on your patience, but you never get angry. For a day, we walked in the footprints of Eddie Izzard: comedian, actor, marathon runner, and charity patron.

Aliens, giraffes, and slapping people in the face with fish – it’s half six in the morning and Eddie Izzard is serious.

As he pecks away at a breakfast of sausage and scrambled egg, Eddie digests as much information as possible. In an hour, he will appear on BBC Breakfast to speak about sports volunteering and Join In’s BigHelpOut campaign and he needs the message settled in his head.

Pale blue eyes stare into nothing as he listens to the plan. Seven out of ten sports clubs need more help. We aim to get 10,000 new volunteers by Christmas. Somehow, he must thread these stats seamlessly into his couch-side chatter.

This is not the Eddie Izzard you expect. On screen, he seems frantic and scatty. In person, he is understated, pensive, and particular. Everything is on point. Not a hair on his blond head rests out of place. The eye makeup, suit jacket, tight jeans, high-heeled boots, and handbag all marry tidily.

Fingernails clack on the table. Each is painted burgundy, except for two: a fingernail of Union Jack and another glossed in the flag of Europe. After several minutes, he has digested enough. Eddie is ready. And when he speaks, everything changes.

He goes from studied to theatrical in an instant. Richness comes to his voice. Hands flutter by his face. Like a gymnast on the parallel bars, his rhythm builds. With every passing second, he becomes more fluent. Funnier and funnier – until his speech is alive with 10,000 volunteers, giraffes, the Big Help Out, aliens, and fish-slapped faces. So that is what all the fuss is about.

Portrait of a patron

Indeed, fuss follows Eddie wherever he goes. Even when he’s inside BBC Manchester at half seven in the morning, the buzzing is never far away. There’s a film crew, snappers, campaign managers, pens wittering, and gawking – lots of gawking.

You can measure the madness of his morning by counting his spare moments. In a two-hour period, he spends a minute staring at Boris Johnson on the TV and a few moments skimming the paper. The rest is spent in the eye of a storm, starting with breakfast-time TV.

When the first questions come, he is well prepared – the minutes spent ironing the creases serving him well. This time there is no need to limber. From subject to subject Eddie flits in a blurring 10-minute journey.

He talks greed…

‘I was a kid. You were a kid. You’re greedy. But as you get older, you get this wonderful feeling when you give.’

 …the devilry that is refined sugar…

‘I lost more weight by dumping refined sugar than by running 43 marathons. No animal eats refined sugar and they’re fit, fit, fit, fit for life. We think that fitness is a running around kid thing and then you let it go.’

…before, inevitably, moving onto aliens…

‘Volunteers can be all ages, all colours and creeds, even from different planets. Anyone. Giraffes.’

In these few, short minutes we see why Eddie Izzard has endured where other have faded. The absurdism, the scattershot delivery, and playful charm make him unique. 

But that isn’t all of it. Watch Eddie for a while and you realise that he is a technician. The hand movements, the way he hangs on some words and rambles through others, the bits and bobs from of his day that re-appear later on stage – none of this is accidental.

It goes well. The country loved it, yet this self-awareness follows him outside the interview. For a moment, he seems troubled. Did he speak too fast? Because he needed to, he said, for his intonation.

But he doesn’t dwell on it, nor does he seem bothered by the scrum that greets him when he leaves the studio. Social media folks take pictures of him and a camera’s unblinking eye captures it all for a behind-the-scenes film. Eddie quite literally takes it all in his stride, answering questions about the time his toenails fell off as he is whisked away for his next appointment.

When Eddie’s face turned cola brown

In a room full of BBC employees, Eddie is bellows master, whooshing the laughs out of his audience.

You get the sense that he could be in his living room. One minute he talks about his favourite footballer – former Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and England left back Kenny Sansom – the next he recalls the time his face turned Coca-Cola brown after taking cholesterol pills.

You notice also that he polishes and repurposes a couple of jokes that worked well earlier. Other snippets from his day are pasted into this lunch-time Q&A. Like corks pushed into a wine bottle, phrases and subjects stick in his head and do not leave. Once, twice, we hear talk of disposable time, the volunteering bug, and his emancipation from the wicked world of refined sugar.

Then he is freewheeling again. First, he lilts into a Belfast accent before pondering aloud this year’s marathon undertaking: 27 South African marathons in 27 days, one for each year Nelson Mandela spent in prison.

Combine the standup comedy tours, acting career (he recently ate his own leg in an episode of Hannibal), political work, marathon training, and charitable endeavours, and you wonder how much time he has for anything else.

Yet there is no mention of a holiday. When his manager heard about the 27 marathons in 27 days, she pled with him, “Why don’t you take a month off,” she said, “and not die?”

The toll of time and tiredness

You can be forgiven for forgetting that Eddie Izzard is 53 years old; but as day meanders into evening, the schedule weighs heavily on him.

Two more engagements follow the staff Q&A: an interview for a news feature and 90 minutes spent cooped inside a tiny sound-proofed studio (or giant coal bunker) spreading the volunteering gospel to 11 regional radio stations.

Despite the demands placed on Eddie’s time, he never once complains, though he does come close. The moment arrives on a picnic bench in Trafford Athletics Club, as he devours a salad and listens to the itinerary.

During the course of the evening, he will act in a dozen short pieces to camera in various volunteering guises. The crew will film him shooting a starting gun, making tea for club members, raking a long jump pit, and dipping for a photo finish with former 5,000m world record holder Dave Moorcroft. These he expects.

And then he is told about a 45-minute newspaper interview. This he does not expect. His head twitches and his eyes flash like blown embers. An interview? For how long? You can hear the strain in his voice and a flash of the eyes. For a moment all is silent, and then he nods... and goes back to his salad.

As he eats, Trafford Athletics Club comes alive for the evening’s Grand Prix. An hour earlier rain peppered the track, but now there is a brightness to everything. Runners jog and chat and stretch along a track hidden by towering trees. The waft of frying burgers and chips lures the less active to the yellow-white clubhouse.  

People pour through the gates, gabbling as Eddie rises to stretch. A light blue running jacket and shorts have replaced his suit. Vigorously, he shakes out his limbs as if tricking his body out of tiredness.

He is not built like a runner – too much sturdiness around the shoulders and arms, not enough of that willowy long-leggedness; and yet Eddie owns an athletic feat that few on the planet can match: the running of 43 marathons in 51 days.  

Ten minutes later, he sits on a hurdle in the middle of the track with a mic hovering by his head. A camera lens points two feet from his face and a crew fusses. But he doesn’t see them. Once again, the cheeks lift and his eyes brighten as the camera rolls. “We’re here today,” he says, “thanks to plenty of blood, sweat, and volunteers.”

Dapper as an Italian policeman

There are scripts for each film, yet he sticks only loosely to them, allowing space for his fluid streams of consciousness. The pace, however, is relentless. After 12 hours of non-stop talking, Eddie’s brain is slowly starting to scramble. Tiredness slithers among his sentences. When he speaks, words slur and clash against one another.

Hands flitter by his temples in a frantic moment, as if he is taking several imaginary throw-ins. ‘There are so many things in my head,’ he says. Around him, the ground swells with athletes and well-wishers. For Eddie and the film crew, it will only get busier – and noisier.

For a flawless half minute, he delivers a piece to camera as 20 club members wait on him. To be a film extra is a novelty in the beginning, but the shine quickly wears off. A bird’s squawk interrupts him. For how much longer, you wonder, will these club members sit easily? Eddie resumes. An aeroplane whistles overhead. Unruffled, he says something to make them laugh and starts again.

Sometimes you forget that he is in his habitat. The speed of thought – the ability to work a crowd – he has been doing it for so long that it flows. Like when he is mid-monologue and a baby gurgles. He pauses and speaks to the infant. ‘Indeed,’ he says, and keeps going as if it is all part of the script.

And yet, as with most of us, Eddie is not easily read. He seems to love entertaining strangers and conversing with an easy charm, but he can also be detached. A vacant, pensive air comes over him as he stares for a minute at an athlete’s footwear or wonders aloud about why he never had a BBC sitcom, talking as if to no one but himself. Finally, the evening reclines into shadow. Eddie’s day – this marathon day – is almost done and everything is winding down.

The camera crew fiddles; the campaign folks discuss the script; and the club members watch the most magnetic event of all: the 100 metres.

Eddie stands with his little blue jacket perched on his shoulders, ready to take it off when it is time to film. But then a change comes over him. Suddenly, the jacket is alive on his shoulders. He turns to the lady beside him pretending to be an Italian policeman in love with his own uniform.

He smiles. “There could be a bank robber going by and he would still be admiring his uniform.” She laughs and Eddie Izzard seems happy. At the end of the day, he’s still doing what he does best.

Making people laugh.

 Eddie’s day in numbers 

18 – hour working day

2 – salads

10 - films

11 - regional radio interviews

1 – TV interview

10,000 – the number of volunteers he is trying to get into local sport

£0 – how much he gets paid for all of this

[timothyneeble-blog]

Impacts of tourism - Positive or Negative

The travel and tourism industry has witnessed an explosive growth in recent times. Based on current trends and economic prospects, UNWTO predicted an upsurge of 3% to 4% in international tourist arrivals in 2020. There is no doubt about the fact that tourism has given a boost to the world economy, and there are countries whose economy rely solely on foreign earnings from International tourists. And, this expansion has, in turn, encouraged ancillary industries, travel agencies, as well as, travel software development companies to grow and expand their businesses, courtesy the insatiate desire for people to explore the unknown.

Now, there are towering benefits of tourism. But, over-tourism can be detrimental to the environment on a broader scale, and to the flora and fauna indigenous to a particular place. Nevertheless, people will travel and tourism will flourish even more. In fact, travel agency software services have made it easy for small and medium agents to easily find their own space in the industry, thereby, offering a plethora of budget-friendly holiday packages to encourage more and more people to travel away from their homes.

So, here is a list of positive effects of tourism -

Example of positive effects of tourism

But, travel and tourism are not all about damaging natural habitats and killing Nature. Again, as mentioned earlier, some countries rely solely on tourism which provides earning opportunities for the locals in, otherwise backward areas.

For example -

The administrative region of China, Macau is highly reliant on tourism in the world and earns 26.6 Bn US$ in revenue.

UNWTO said that internationally there were just 25 million tourist arrivals in 1950 but 68 years later the number jumped to 1.4 billion international arrivals per year. And, travel agent software development companies exist in the market because people enjoy travelling and prefer OTAs for easy planning/booking of their travel itineraries.

Side by side, the hospitality and aviation industries are expanding, all thanks to the growth of tourism in recent years.

Following is a list of benefits obtained from the exponential growth of travel and tourism -

Benefits of travel and tourism

More jobs created

Expansion of tourism in a country gives birth to other ancillary industries because tourism creates demand first. And, the birth of different software development companies for travel is directly related to tourism. Again, local food joints and restaurants, hotels and hospitals, beer and medicine shops, local travel and transportation, shopping malls and other entertainment activities also receive a general boost, courtesy large-scale influx of tourists. More jobs are created, large-scale infrastructure development takes place and the overall economy of the place improves simultaneously.

A greater source of foreign exchange earnings

More international tourists entail greater foreign exchange earnings, and eventually a rise in the country's overall growth and economy.

Boost to local cuisines and indigenous crafts

The concept of 'travel like a local' has inspired vacationers to taste local cuisines, buy indigenous crafts and live like the locals. More and more travellers prefer tasting the authentic flavours of the local dishes more than munching onto MacDonald's Burgers and Fries. Instead of visiting top brand outlets, they prefer buying local handicrafts as souvenirs. Eventually, these small-scale indigenous industries promote their artworks through 'word-of-mouth' of travellers.

Better facilities for the locals

Finally, development of infrastructure and modern amenities for visitors eventually benefit the locals, who, otherwise faced deprivation from modern-art-of-living due to negligence on the part of the authorities.

But, every coin has two sides, so also the tourism industry which has its own share of cons that can impact the environment, as well as, the indigenous culture negatively.

A few examples of severe effects of tourism

Iconic sandstone 'Duckbill' rock formation of Oregon

This natural and iconic sandstone formation of Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, Pacific City, Oregon, was knocked over purposefully by some irresponsible tourists.

Shutting down of Maya Bay, Thailand

This stunning beach of Maya Bay with its aquamarine waters and white sandy beach rose to fame with Hollywood actor, Leonardo DiCaprio's 2000 film The Beach. However, its popularity attracted tourists in greater numbers that eventually damaged the marine life here. Finally, in 2018 the beach was shut down for the tourists for four months to restore the exotic aquatic life and coral reefs.

The famous Stonehenge of Wiltshire, England

Recent years have seen tight security and continuous patrol of armed police in Stonehenge, Wiltshire, for obvious reasons. This iconic site has always astounded people and attracted tourists in greater numbers. But, the heavy influx has robbed the site of its beauty. Tourists stick chewing gums, leave behind traces of their creativity in the shape of wall graffiti on the stones and a few even tried to set them on fire. Vomit, urine and faeces were also found here.

The stunning Uluru aka Ayer's Rock in Australia

A large number of tourists have converted Uluru literally into a wasteland who found no other possible means of relieving themselves. The rock is considered a sacred site for the Indigenous Anangu people. But the remains of human faeces have not only damaged the beauty of this site, but their irresponsible attitude towards Nature has also succeeded in wiping out an entire fairy shrimp species that once inhabited the rock's small pools of water.

The cited examples are self-explanatory.

It is true that young millennials travel more than generation gone-by. This is because the present generation has more disposable income than their parents and also because they are bombarded with lucrative loyalty programs and discounts offered by the travel agencies. And, the ease of booking travel itineraries online, courtesy travel agency software services made holiday planning and booking a child's game altogether.

Negative impact of mass tourism

The first and foremost negative after-effect of mass tourism that comes in our mind is the irreplaceable damage of nature and habitat loss.

Destruction of Nature and Loss of Habitats

In order to accommodate the heavy influx of tourists every year, more and more forests are cleared to build hotels, restaurants and other spots for tourists' interest. But, absence of proper environment protection policies or any sustainable development plan, loss of natural habitats is a fact. And, it is always the flora and fauna that lies on the losing end. Loss of habitat, loss of food, and frequent conflicts with humans prove detrimental to their survival.

The marine life is not spared from the same predicament even, courtesy untreated sewage water that is dumped into the ocean every year. The exotic marine life and coral reefs pay the price for the unmindful behaviour of the people.

For instance -

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is under threat of disappearing soon from the face of the earth.

Loss of Indigenous culture

North Sentinel Island of the Andaman archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, is home to the Sentinelese, an indigenous tribe which has rejected, often violently, any contact with the outside world. Even the Government of India has taken upon itself to safeguard the naive culture of the indigenous tribe.

This is a fact that local people, at times, start imitating the lifestyles of the tourists - they want to dress like the tourists, talk and behave like them, thereby losing their native customs and traditions completely.

The exploitation of flora and fauna

Wildlife safaris are pretty common in some countries, which form an important part of the holiday packages.

For instances -

Elephant safaris are popular in Asia, wherein, clicking pictures with lion cubs are common in South Africa. Again, there are street vendors who carry animals, especially monkeys to perform tricks to entertain the onlookers.

Even though such activities are designed to make visitors laugh and enjoy, but the animals exploited for such shows do not enjoy performing publicly or caged for public exhibition. Visitors are unaware of what goes on behind the screens, but the truth is these animals are tortured and kept in extremely poor conditions.

Such acts deserve strong condemnation and tourists need to abstain from attending such shows for fun. After all, this is no fun for the poor animals.

Environmental pollution

Environmental pollution, whether it is air, water or sound, is one of the major negative effects of over-tourism. Tourists care less about the places they are visiting and tend to discard paper tissues, cups or plates, food wastes and other bric-a-brac wherever they feel like. The famous Stonehenge is a standing example of how tourists tend to ruin iconic landmarks by throwing wastes outside the garbage cans or water-bodies that eventually affect the health of the fauna.

Again, this fact was seen at Ayer's Rock, Australia.

Same goes on with light and sound pollution. The bright light emitted from LED signs on the streets, hotels and loud sound of night-clubs pushes animals away from their natural habitats and alter the simple living habits of the natives.

Irreplaceable damage of historical sites and landmarks

The iconic sites and landmarks face a similar fate as Nature itself. Wall graffiti or 'M+A=Love' marks on stones or vandalism of statues and others are examples of how irresponsible tourism can damage the beauty of those sites. A large number of such iconic landmarks have been destroyed, courtesy negligent attitude of tourists.

Roads and spots congestion

Take a step away from the Insta-worthy posts of the Great Wall of China or the famous Machu Picchu. These popular tourist spots might not be as appealing in reality as they are in such edited social media posts. And, this is because, the new-age Insta-influencers have contributed to raising the flow of tourists to such places manifold, thereby robbing them of the general charm.

All you get to see is the dark heads of the crowd at Nusa Penida, Bali, not to mention the long queues and heavy traffic.

High prices of local goods and services

The heavy influx of tourists has boosted the growth of small and big businesses in certain areas. This benefits the business owners, but prove to be expensive for the locals at times.

Increased crime rates

Every nation has its own set of norms, rules and regulations, but it is the responsibility of the visitors to do their homework before visiting a place.

For instances -

Wearing shorts in Bali is acceptable but locals of other islands in Indonesia will object to such attires. Likewise, tourists are restricted from eating or drinking outside their hotels during the month of Ramadan in Dubai.

Out of ignorance or carelessness, tourists often tend to ignore such customs which disturbs the local culture of the said place and cause unrest amongst the locals.

At times, under-privileged locals, easily tempted by the easy money from the tourists, can resort to criminal activities. Such behaviours eventually lead to a loss of moral and religious values of the people.

Key Takeaway

As mentioned earlier, people will travel and explore to conquer the unknown but adopting a responsible attitude towards indigenous culture, flora and fauna, and the overall environment of the particular place will preserve them for your future generation. And, this is the duty of every single person including the travel agencies, travel agent software development companies and other key players in the industry to ensure tourism brings about positive changes to a place and not impact it negatively.

[harrison92steven]

The Ultimate Albany Ga  Attractions

Albany Ga is a beautiful southern city. The city of Albany located in the mountain of the range. The city has some popular places like the historical attractions that can attract the beauty of there. Georgia has a treasure of attractions, with something for everyone. There's also plenty else to do for families, singles, and couples alike. When if you prefer the city to spend your vacation there, you quickly are perfect for that you choose this city to spend some time with your family. Here are some of the top Albany GA Attractions.

1. Albany Museum of Art

Established in 1980, the Albany Museum of art nationally approved with a growing collection, including an extraordinary collection of 19th and 20th Century American and European art. Several exhibitions and programs hosted throughout the year. Whereas An Amazing Space Gallery provides interactive learning through hands-on experiences for children of all ages. Considering that art is vital to the human experience, the museum tries to develop curiosity and passion for art in many forms.

2. Flint RiverQuarium

Established on the banks of the Flint River, the Flint RiverQuarium tells the tale of the Flint River and the blue hole springs that assisted form it. An imagination theatre there represents nature films on a screen three stories tall. Other exercises, such as dive shows, alligator feedings, and animal performances, assure that every visit has something new to try. You can experience the various ecosystems of the Flint River watershed within a family of interactive exhibitions. The exhibits highlight more than 100 species of natural aquatic life. Visitors experience a close appearance at a wide variance of birds found in the surrounding wetland habitat.

3. Riverfront Park

It is a six-acre park developed out along the Flint River. Riverfront Park has a grand lawn for family picnics and gatherings, a piece of music- and light-animated play fountain, Turtle Grove Park, and a Tot Lot, the Horace King Overlook, a 1.5-mile Greenways Trail System, the Georgia Welcome Centre located in the Historic Bridge House and three-mile Riverwalk Greenway Trails.

4. Theatre Albany

Theatre Albany has a distinct and range of productions, including Broadway musicals and plays, contemporary plays, classic dramas, and even original works. The ideal mission of the theatre is to enrich the cultural environment of greater Georgia by presenting and promoting quality live theatre for all segments of the community. For over 82 years, The theatre has been an origin of entertainment for the entire Southwest Georgia region.

5. Albany Area Arts Council

The council aims to serve as a resource for those interested in arts and culture by supporting artists to network with surrounding organizations that might utilize their services while assembling information regarding upcoming events. The area also rents its space for private occasions. The purpose of the Area Arts Council is to encourage, support, and sponsor arts and culture in our community.

There are numerous exciting things to do in Georgia for a fun-filled vacation. If you need to explore more, visit www.visitalbanyga.com. Their dedicated and hardworking staff will give you every detail about the Things To Do In Albany.

[topfygad]

6 mountain adventure films to watch next week

The 2019 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) has just hit South African shores, brought here by RAM Mountaineering.

The films focus on outdoor adventure, mountaineering, the environment and mountain cultures. The best of this collection of unique and inspiring short films tours internationally and is coming to South Africa.

VIMFF will be run from Monday 29 July to 2 August. Tickets are R85 per person. Visit vimff.co.za for more info on venues and screenings.

Here are six VIMFF short films you don’t want to miss:

1. Notes from the Wall

Join three quirky Belgian free-climbers who attempt a 1,200-metre granite vertical wall in Chile’s exquisite and at times formidable Torres del Paine National Park.

  4. RJ Ripper

Kids and bikes go together, no matter where you are in the world. The chaotic streets of Kathmandu may not seem like a typical breeding ground for world-class mountain bikers, but then again nothing is typical about Rajesh (RJ) Magar. Since learning to ride on a beat-up clunker, to becoming the four-time National Champion at age 21, RJ’s story is one of boundless childhood dreaming and unstoppable determination, forged from junkyard scraps and tested on the rugged trails of the mighty Himalaya.

  2. For the Love of Mary

The first time 97-year-old runner George Etzweiler completed the race up Mount Washington, he was 69 years old. In addition to his ancient, lucky, green running shorts, Etzweiler carries something else special with him: the memory of his late wife of 68 years, Mary.

  3. Grizzly Country

After serving in the Vietnam War, author and eco-warrior Doug Peacock spent years alone in the Wyoming and Montana wilderness observing grizzly bears. This time in the wild changed the course of his life. With Yellowstone grizzlies under threat, Peacock reflects on the importance of habitat and why he continues to fight for wild causes.

  5. A Social Backcountry

As the population booms in Southwest BC, and interest in backcountry travel is at an all-time high, tensions in the outdoor community are inevitable. Information spreads like rapid-fire through social media, leading to a host of difficult issues, while at the same time raising deeper questions: What kind of a community do we want this to be? And amongst all the internet trolling and the crowding at trailheads, how can we still find real adventure?

6.In the Shadows of Everest

Phortse. Home to more Everest summitters than anywhere else on earth. Sherpas who live in this region of Nepal are the backbone of nearly every expedition to the summit of the world. To give back to Nepal, and to make the Himalayas a safer place for guides and porters, Conrad Anker and Jenni Lowe-Anker founded the Khumbu Climbing Centre here. Pemba Sherpa and Tenzing Gyalzen Sherpa are KCC-trained climbers, and they’re becoming leaders in their community, each giving back in his own way.

Images: Supplied/VIMFF

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from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2Ysa5I4 via IFTTT

[karoltabis]

The matriarch of the Campanilla family, 81-year-old Constancia, navigates through trauma and healing as she remembers the tragic landslide in her hometown in Cebu, Philippines where 78 people were killed, including her favorite son. Production Status: Financing and Story Development Target Release: November 2021 Director's Bio: Denzel Yorong is an independent documentary filmmaker based in Cebu City, Central Philippines. He has screened his works across the Philippines, including his omnibus feature film Martes Martes and documentary Unscathed. His four-year solid production experience includes directing digital commercials, designing for films, and producing content for national and global brands such as National Geographic, Habitat for Humanity, Bosch and SM Supermalls. Denzel's first foray in professional filmmaking was working as a set artist for two international co-productions, driving him to create more with the visual medium. Outside his filmography, he volunteers as an arts and media teacher and workshop coordinator for the youth in the region's most remote areas. He has produced two theater festivals and represented the Philippines at the International Art Festival 2016 in Indonesia. Proof-of-Concept Short: Director: Denzel Yorong Producer: Alex Durog Sound: Jaylou Dari Additional Photography: Nena Jane Achacoso For co-productions, donations, angel investments and general inquiries: denzelyorong@gmail.com | https://ift.tt/2vCzDtu

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Exodus Travels: 13 Tips for Flipping the Script on Travel in 2020

As we enter 2020, Exodus Travels is challenging travelers to resist what’s “trending” for 2020 and focus instead on “adventure as a means to discover and grow our best selves.” Here are 13 “non-trends” and tips that Exodus says can help the intrepid get the most out of their travels in 2020:

1. Back-to-Back Getaways

It’s a fact that in the fight to preserve our planet, we all need to fly less, Exodus Travels says. Fortunately, there are ways to see the world that help lessen one’s carbon footprint: For instance, booking two trips back-to-back and in the same destination not only allows eco-conscious explorers to spend less time in the air—it also lets them see, do and learn far more about a place than they normally would on a single trip.

2. Embrace the Layover

Another way to fit two trips into one flight is by building a second stay into your layover. Skip wasting hours at the gate and take advantage of a well-timed stopover with a “micro-adventure” instead. Global hubs like those in Reykjavík, the Netherlands and Beijing offer plenty of opportunities to see more of the country, and many airlines encourage stopovers from anywhere between six hours to eight days, depending on when and where you fly.

3. Step Outside Your Social Comfort Zone

This year, Exodus Travels suggests taking a friendly acquaintance (an “overworked colleague or frazzled gym buddy,” for instance) on an escape and connect with someone in a whole new way. Exodus’ Refer a Friend program allows past travelers to receive $100 off their next trip when they refer a new Exodus guest – and gives the new guest $100 off their first adventure.

4. Find Unexpected Fun in Famous Places

Rather than hitching onto the ghoulish “Last Chance” travel trend, which encourages vacationers to visit rapidly changing destinations before they disappear due to climate change or overtourism, aim for unexpected experiences in a well-known region instead. Rather than beelining for crowded Barcelona, go further afield and discover the secrets of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands; skip the queue of safari trucks in South Africa and break away for a week of wine tasting, kayaking with penguins and surfing on sand dunes, or pass over the crowds of Rome to cycle the backroads of Italy’s Prosecco hills.

5. Power Down

When was the last time you actually forgot to check your phone? In a world filled with digital distractions, being able to truly unplug has become the epitome of self-care and indulgence. In 2020, challenge yourself to leave the tech at home in favor of a tech-free experience—you may be surprised how much more meaningful a getaway can become. Rather than scrolling and sharing, surf and stretch your way through a wellness-focused Digital Detox in Portugal, let your senses lead you through a street food tour of Saigon or see how long you can live without a selfie on an expedition of the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand.

6. Don’t be Scared of Off-Seasons

With so much to see and do, there’s really no such thing as a bad time to travel these days. It’s a good thing, too, because not many appreciate how magical it can be to snowshoe in the Dolomites or go winter walking in the Austrian Tyrol—unless you’ve visited outside high season. As overtourism continues to be a concern around the world, travelers should be encouraged to visit their bucket list destinations when they’re less likely to be overrun with fellow travelers. Exodus says to consider a safari in Namibia at the tail end of its rainy season in March, when prices—and crowds—are lower, or experience Mexico at its best before and after the snowbird season in April and November.

7. Make Your Childhood Dreams Come True

Most of us caught the “travel bug” before we were even allowed to walk to school by ourselves. For those looking for a new source of vacation inspiration, recollecting your childhood ambitious can be a great start, Exodus Travels says. Whether your young self’s travel dreams included a Jungle Book-driven visions of an India tiger safari, pirate-inspired longing to sail the high seas or a Galapagos obsession brought about by biology class, honor your inner child in 2020 by fulfilling their quest-related fantasies.

8. The Heart of Adventure is in Hollywood

While last year saw wildlife-focused films like “The Lion King” inspiring animal-lovers to seek out their favorite characters in the wild, the big screen of 2020 is shining a spotlight on the thrill of adventuring abroad with premier films such as the Agatha Christie adaptation “Death on the Nile” starring Gal Gadot, Disney’s live action remake of “Mulan,” Pixar’s upcoming road trip animation “Onward” and the adventure flick “Jungle Cruise.” Exodus suggests to “trade perilous for premium” on a cruise down the Nile, learn about China’s feudal past while trekking its Great Wall, embrace a family tour of India, and tackle the jungle on your own riverboat on an Amazon River Cruise.

9. Face Your Fears 

Travel is incredibly powerful, Exodus Travels says. Make this year about personal reflection and discovery by challenging your perceptions: Consider a destination that you’d be uncomfortable visiting and seek to understand it better by speaking with someone who lives there or has visited before; improve your awareness by asking questions and learning about its history, then think about taking an Egyptian odyssey, cycling through Colombia or tracking leopards in Sri Lanka. Facing your travel fears in 2020 won’t just open your eyes to something new—it will positively impact destinations that rely on tourism as well.

10. Have a Very “Beary” New Year

With globetrotting grizzlies, panda twins and Discovery’s hit new show “Man vs. Bear,” the family Ursidae is having a moment, and is Exodus’ “It” animal for 2020. Catch a glimpse of polar bears hunting on the ice floes of Spitsbergen in Norway and see the brown bears fish for salmon along Canada’s Orford River. Follow the “little bear” trail on a wildlife walk into Finland’s brown bear habitat or watch bears from a hide deep in the forests of Romania, and learn why these creatures are so crucial to their respective ecosystems.

11. Lay Waste to Excess – Buy Experiences Instead

A recent analysis conducted by the Center for Generational Kinetics found that 74 percent of Americans are prioritizing experiences over products or things. Set a New Year’s resolution to choose exploration over excess: Trade in 12 months of shoddy shoes for a tour of Marrakesh and the Sahara; brown bag a year of lunches in favor of a Vietnam Food Adventure, and resist the urge toward that new car smell by opting to explore Russia’s Kamchatka instead, Exodus says.

12. Foray into the Final Frontier

Not space travel. Intrepid explorers can seek out a whole new world a little closer to home by taking a deep dive into the other final frontier: the oceans. Plunge deep beneath the surface of the planet’s most mysterious destination via small ship cruise into nautical regions beyond the tourist track. Surround yourself with 850 species of fish while snorkeling in the Seychelles, discover the underwater topography of reefs, atolls and channels while diving daily in the Maldives and see the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside marine biologist and expedition leader.

13. Get Real About Travel

Exodus Travels says there’s no better time to practice the art of mindfulness—”accepting the unexpected and learning to live in the present moment”—than on a self-guided trip. Travel is by nature unpredictable and challenging (flight delays, getting lost); plus, Exodus adds, there’s nothing more rewarding that realizing your own self-reliance, being real and keeping calm as you lose your way along Spain’s Camino de Santiago or walking the wine villages of Italy. Show yourself what you’re capable of bicycling from Vienna to Budapest or reap the rewards of a foodie-focused tour of Burgundy. Remember throughout the next year that, ultimately, it’s the ups and downs of travel that make it such a fun adventure.

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