Known by the native Arawaks as the Land of wood and water, Jamaica has numerous opportunities for the intrepid tourist to commune with nature. Among the numerous possible destinations, here are 4 eco-conscious excursions in Jamaica that would make visiting this lush island a truly memorable experience.

Hotel Mocking Bird Hill

A stay at the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill in Port Antonio, Jamaica is an education in sustainable tourism. Complete with tours along Jamaica’s Rio Grande and Blue mountain areas, this destination is a must for eco-conscious individuals looking to experience a culture’s harmony with nature. With emphasis on cultural integrations, an appreciation for culture and a goal to become as environmentally friendly as possible without compromising the tourist experience, a tript to Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a good launchpad for ecotourists in Jamaica.

Scuba Diving at Negril and North Coast

Marine enthusiasts will find Jamaica’s Negril and North coast regions a haven for underwater sightseeing. Experienced divers, newbies and even snorkelers can all see the rich Carribean undersea life and marvel at all the sights this island has to offer. From precipitous walls to rich coral reefs, Jamaica is a place where the ocean’s riches can be fully appreciated.

Black River Safari

A river ride through the Black River, which runs through its South Coast region is the perfect way to enjoy a warm,breezy day amidst the calm that only nature can provide. Tourists can take a moment to just appreciate the flora and fauna that makes up Jamaica’s rich ecosystem.

Dunn’s River Falls, Oche Rios

The perfect environmental destination. This breathtaking 600ft. falls is one sight every visitor to Jamaica must behold. Experience the rushing water and watch as it plummets down the heights. For those intrepid enough, the top of the falls can actually be reached by following a winding path.

These 4 eco-conscious excursions in Jamaica are but a thin slice of all that Jamaica has to offer.

Bali

Every once in a while we all need to take a holiday. A holiday is a time of enjoyment. Planning for a holiday is not easy. The hardest part is getting a good place to visit.

The three eco-jungle excursions in Bali are the places you definitely want to tour. Bali is a beautiful Indonesian island, a home to about 3.6 million people. You can arrive there by plane from either northern Australia or Singapore. The capital city of Bali is called Denpasar.

3 main eco-jungle excursions

There are three main eco-jungle excursions in Bali, which makes Bali a very attractive tourist destination. The first of these three eco-jungle excursions in Bali is the snorkeling and mangrove in Lembongan. Snorkeling is the art hunting fish using spears. The mangrove at Bali Club Eco Tour has a serene environment. This will help you relax as you read a book or watch the sunset.

The second of the three eco-jungle excursions in Bali that you will be thrilled about is the Bali Cycling Eco Tour with buffet lunch. This is a ride of a lifetime across lush vegetation and involves a three hours descent. In this expedition, you will meet the Balinese Hindus, who make-up around 92.3% of the population in Bali, but are a minority in Indonesia whose majority population are Muslims. Some of the villages you will visit include Mengwi and Gulingan.

The last of the three eco-jungle excursions in Bali is the Besakih temple and the east coast of Bali. This excursion takes you to the foot of mount Agung and you will experience the breathtaking atmosphere of the Klungkung, the justice hall, which dates back to the 18th century. The Bat Cave (Goa Lawah) has so many bats such that its walls vibrate!

A visit to the three eco-jungle excursions in Bali is a holiday destination worth visiting.

Review of Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica

The Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica is a great place to take a holiday when you are looking forward to enjoying nature. That is because this Ecolodge offers hotel rooms that have beautiful views of either the Pacific Ocean or the wildlife right outside your window. You can enjoy the scenery on your private deck as you relax in the sun by yourself, or you can go down to the gorgeous pool and go for a swim. The pool area lets you enjoy the sun and the wildlife at the same time. That is because the pool area has trees where there are often iguanas and toucans resting on the limbs from the tree.

Besides staying in the relaxing hotel rooms, there are bungalows that visitors can stay in which offer an even greater experience with the wildlife. That is because the bungalows do not have windows, which allow the visitors to enjoy the warm breeze and to be awakened by any wildlife that decided to come in looking for shelter overnight. The bungalows also have outdoor showers which many nature enthusiasts enjoy while on holiday. Though the area appears to be in a remote location because it is surrounded by all wildlife and the beauty of the ocean, there are other hotels and a medical center near by.

Visitors who stay at the Lapa Rios Ecolodge love the feeling of the remoteness that is offered while enjoying the professional staff. The staff is always concerned about your well being, so they will offer to guide you on any nature hike that you decide upon. This is a great idea because the guide can show you areas that you would otherwise overlook. The friendliness from the staff will continue throughout your entire stay at the Ecolodge; therefore, whatever is needed the staff is there to accommodate you so make sure that you come ready to enjoy the Lapa Rios Ecolodge.

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Waterfalls are perhaps the most beautiful water bodies around the world. In fact a waterfall is the most awe-inspiring natural feature of the world that is guaranteed to leave you breathless every time you look at it. I wish to take you to a journey that will introduce you to the most spectacular waterfalls of the world. Below are the 10 most incredible waterfalls of the world.

Victoria Falls

VICTORIA FALLS

Considered as the world largest waterfall, Victoria falls is the largest sheet of falling water anywhere in the globe. Discovered in 1855 by David Livingstone, Victoria falls is nicknamed as “the smoke that thunders” due to the magnitude of its fall. This water fall is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in the course of Zambezi river.

NIAGARA FALLS

For most USA residents Niagara falls is the biggest and the most powerful waterfall that they’ve ever come across. Niagara borrows its name from the old Iroquois word for the river which was originally known as river Onguiaahra. This massive and picturesque waterfall is situated on the border between Canada and America.

Angel Falls

RHINE FALLS

The Rhine falls is the largest plain waterfall in Europe. Located in Northern Switzerland, Rhine waterfall is believed to have been formed seventeen thousand years ago hence making it the oldest waterfall in the world.

ANGEL FALLS

Named after its discoverer James Angel, Angels falls is the worlds highest waterfall. The fall plunges in over 807 metres falling to meet the Churun river. Most of its water is expelled as mist before it hits the ground due to the massive height. The Angel falls is situated in Bolivar state of Venezuela.

Plitcive Falls

IGUAZU FALLS

Iguazu falls is located in the Brazil Argentina border. This fall is famous for its spectacular beauty. Though it only plunges for 89 metres it is ranked the fourth world wide because of its beauty.

DETTIFOSS FALLS

Located in the Vatnajokull National park in Iceland, the Dettifoss falls is Considered to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The water fall has a superb view though it is slightly blocked by the spray on its west bank.

THE GULLFOSS

This is one of the most popular waterfalls found in Iceland. The name Gullfoss is literally translated as the golden falls. This waterfall flows into a three step staircase and is so formed that it looks as if it has vanished into the earth.

Iguazu Falls

THE PLITVICE

This waterfall is located on the border of the Plitvice lakes in Croatia. Sixteen separate lakes feed into this gorgeous waterfall. Another reason why this fall is very famous is because the color of the water is so distinct that it reflects different colors.

THE YOSEMITE FALLS

This water fall is credited as the highest in North America. The Yosemite Falls is the seventh highest waterfall in the whole world plunging down over a height of 740 metres. This amazing waterfall is located in the Yosemite National Park in California.

THE SUTHERLAND FALLS

The Sutherland falls is located in Milford Sound in Newzealand. The falls consists of three cascades the first one at a height of 425 metres and the second one at the height of 97 metres. This cascades make the Sutherland falls a very spectacular sight to watch.

Russia

U.N. FAO reports describe that forests in Russia cover around half of this largest country in the world. Total area of this northern Eurasia country is described as 17,075,400,000 hectares and it has forests on nearly 49.4% of its total land. FAO reports claim that 809,090,000 hectares area of Russia is covered by forests. Near around 256,482,000 hectares area of overall forest cover area of Russia is classified as primary forest in the country which becomes nearly 31.7 percent of forest reserves.

It’s said about forests in Russia that the country has more or less 16,991,000 hectares area of their forest/jungle reserves as planted forest. The country is worldwide known for its high biodiversity. The forests in Russia are categorized among most carbon-dense forests round the world. U.N. FAO stats about Russian forest reserves claim that this Eurasian country have lost overall 140,000 hectares area from 1990 to 2010. The average loss to Russian forest reserve per year is described as 7,000 hectares.

Change in deforestation rate in Russia is significantly lower and has been negligible in the past two decades. U.N. FAO report also describes that carbon in living forest biomass in Russia is near around 32,500 million metric tons. There’re thousands of recorded animal and plant species in forests in Russia and that’s why these forest reserves are considered among most biodiverse areas on the Earth. These forest reserves in Russia are considered as the permanent residence of nearly 11,400 species of plants. This is so far recorded figure and still some of these forest reserves are to explore by researchers.

Russian forests are home of 780 bird species and 266 mammal species. The researchers have explored a total of 415 animal species so far in Russian jungles. U.N. FAO stats show that 5.4 percent of these forest reserves in Russian Federation are protected under categories I to V of IUCN.

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Uncontacted Awá are fleeing for their lives as loggers, ranchers and settlers invade their land. Please use your powers to have them removed, and keep them out for good.

Many Awá are still uncontacted, and they are running for their lives.

‘One man has the power to stop the loggers: Brazil’s Minister of Justice.
But it’s just not his priority. Let’s push it up his list.’
— Colin Firth

 Malaysia

Jungles & rainforests in Malaysia make up around 63.6% of total land area which is 20,890,000 hectares area in measurement. Primary forest cover area in Malaysia is around 11.6% of total country land or 18.3% of total forested area, which becomes 3,820,000 hectares area. Stats show that 15,497,000 hectares area is classified as semi-natural forests in the country. 140,200 hectares area of Malaysian forests gets affected every year due to deforestation which makes 0.7% change per annum. Overall 6.6% deforestation has been noted in Malaysia so far since 90s which becomes 1,486,000 hectares.

The country faced a significant change of 85.1% in forest loss since 90s. Around 93.4% of the jungles & rainforests in Malaysia are government owned, while 6.6% is private property. Malaysian government takes steps for plantations and has planted on around 1,573,000 hectares area since 2005 which covers 7.5% area of current forest reserves. Below-ground carbon storage in these jungles is 1,359 metric ton while above-ground is 5,661 metric ton.

Rainforests & jungles in Malaysia also face deforestation because of uncontrolled jungle fire which affects around 1,000 hectares area annually. IUCN red list stats show that Malaysian rainforests have 2,650 native tree species. The list also shows that 403 tree species are vulnerable, 99 are endangered and 50 tree species are critically endangered. The government runs transmigration programs, just like Indonesian government, to make rainforest as cash crop in the country. The mining industry in Malaysia has become a serious environment threat in the country. The logging started during 80s resulted in making Malaysia as largest exporter in the world for tropical wood. It also resulted in deforestation.

Jungles & rainforests in Malaysian are recognized as home to 198 amphibians, 379 reptiles, 300 mammals, 746 birds and 368 fish species. These forests also have around 15,500 higher plant species. More than 30% country land is recognized as under protection on paper, but logging is still seen in some conservation areas of the country. Malaysian forest covers have been noted dramatically fallen since 70s but they still cover around 60% land area.

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Conservation & Tourism

Ecotourism involves nature conservation by tourists who visit several attraction sites. This program is aimed at securing threatened species of plants and animals that depend of nature to survive. This is done mainly by local tourists with an aim of sustaining the beauty and attraction of the sites. It is the exercise that is worthy investing in since the outcome benefits the generations to come and creates a sustainable source of government revenue.

When the visiting tourists explore a certain site and encouraged to conserve the environment, it becomes a source of inspiration and fun to them. On the other hand, the tourists gain an experience of what makes the site attractive and they become eager to visit the same site in future in order to see the outcome of what their work. It is a partnership that enables all the parties to participate in sustaining the attractive sites. A good example is recent tree planting programs in Aberdare national park in East Africa.

There is legislation that is formulated mainly to regulate people’s activities that concern maintenance of ecotourism. They restrict certain activities like logging of trees and grazing in the restricted areas. The whole legal framework aims at creating long-lasting solutions that will facilitate nature conservancy and hopefully slow down the phenomenon known as climate change. These laws encourage responsible behaviors from the society around the tourism attraction sites. The government conducts educative forum to equip the community with knowledge on ecotourism and the benefits it brings back to the community.

Ecotourism has numerous merits to the environment and nature in general. It has a long run benefits to the climate which in turn improves the favorable weather in the area. By adopting ecotourism as a sustainable model, the forest cover is increased, the canopy is created and in the long run, the climate improves. This reduces the effects of global warming and improves the water reservoir.

It is a common knowledge that nature conservation is easier and cheaper compared to the painful outcome of the nature destruction. For this reason, the environment authorities across the world have adopted ecotourism as a sustainable model.

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An Island Country’s Natural Reserves

Jungles & rainforests in Papua New Guinea cover more than half of land of this country, which is nearly 65% or 29,437,000 hectares. Primary forest reserves consist on around 85.6% of the total forest cover area or 55.7% of the total land of Papua New Guinea which becomes 25,211,000 hectares. Only 3.1 percent of the forest reserve is under government supervision while remaining 96.9 percent is under other supervision and control. The country has modified natural forest reserve on 4,134,000 hectares area.

Logging

The plantation in Papua New Guinea since 2005 has been recorded on 92,000 hectares area which becomes only 0.3%. Annual change rate, in terms of plantation, in this country is 1,980,000 hectares. The jungles & rainforests in Papua New Guinea are cut and sold for industrial round wood annually for an amount of $6,330,000. Deforestation rate in this Asian nation changes every year to 0.5 percent which loss it 139,000 hectares jungle area. Overall deforestation change in Papua New Guinea has been recorded as 4.5%.

The rainforests and jungles in Papua New Guinea have lost around 2,086,000 hectares area or 6.6 percent of total reserves since 1990. This island country has great expanses of tropical rainforest and is recognized as second largest on the world map in this category. Much of the country’s rainforest area is still untouched by the world and in some areas native people never have seen any foreigner / white-skinned person on their land. The local government is developing rainforests in more accessible regions rapidly. The country has been losing between 50,000 and 60,000 hectares area of its rainforests and jungles permanently every year.

The jungles & rainforests in Papua New Guinea have more than 1,500 known of species large and small animals including reptiles, birds, mammals and amphibians, and 7.0% of these species have their lives in danger while 25.6 percent are endemic. This island country has minimum recorded 11,544 vascular plant species while most part of Papua New Guinea is yet to discover by the researchers. This discovery may bring more hidden species to the world.

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Bringing Eco-Conscious Romance Into Your Life

Romantic Getaways offer a great way for couples and lovers to spend some time together, alone and away from the usual hustle and bustle that comes with everyday obligations such as career, study and family. These getaways often involve travelling to a particular place of choice that offers the perfect venue for a loving and romantic time and adventure. With the current situation of global warnings and several organizations raising awareness about keeping the environment as green as possible, it is wise to choose an eco destination or location from the various Romantic Ecotourism Getaways available worldwide.

The uniqueness that these eco locations bring, add value and excitement to the entire romantic vacation. Some of the best and top rated romantic ecotourism getaways include, Costa Rica, which has a wide range of different species bird species and butterflies. There eco destination has numerous National parks, protected and preserved sectors for tourism purposes, biological and forest reserves, wildlife refuges and conservation zones. Access to the eco destination has been made easier by the availability of jet airplanes that fly directly to the location.

Picincuaba, a rainforest situated in Sao Paolo’s North shore area in Brazil is another great romantic eco destination. Other destinations found it the same area, include Paraty, Intamambuca, and many more.

Australia also offers a variety of great and adventurous romantic ecotourism getaways such as Both Feet Walking Logde, Daintree Eco Lodge, Eleanor River Homestead, Alpine Habitats, Huon Bush Retreats, Silky Oaks Lodge, Karijini Eco Resorts, Heron Islands, cloudlands, Thala Beach Eco Resort Lodge, Bamarru Plains, Caravan Park and many more.

The easiest way to find the best and affordable Romantic Ecotourism Getaways is to conduct online searches, where complete detailed information regarding these locations and many more around the world can be found. Another way is to seek the assistance of local travel agencies, who will usually have the right information regarding the best eco destinations.

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