Farmstead Chef, co-authored by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko, captures the movement back into the kitchen, and gardens. Whether to savor the flavor of fresh, unprocessed foods, to reduce the number of miles some foods are shipped from farm field to plate, or just save some money by eating seasonally and locally, millions of people are hitting the farmers’ markets, supporting restaurants that feature locally sourced ingredients or growing their own food in their backyards, rooftops or community gardens.

Hilton Head Island, a coastal barrier Island located off the southeast Atlantic Coast, nestled geographically between Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, was the first eco-planned resort communiy in the nation. Initially founded by Charles E. Fraser with The Sea Pines Resort, the concept of preserving the environment while providing a wonderful recreational and residential community was a novel concept in 1956, but has become the foundation for the entire Island’s development pattern today.

By Kelly Austria

Inspired by our treks and visits to mountain communities, in 2007 we formed a group based on a shared common love for nature and compassion for the kids living in these mountains. We decided to hike on a new trail, and called our group TREK, or Trails to Empower Kids. Our first outreach program was held in the mountainous province of Benguet, in the municipality of Itogon, Philippines.

By Jason Wire

Aysén is Chile’s third-largest region, about the size of Tennessee, and the most sparsely populated. It’s among the most remote and undisturbed areas of Patagonia, and could be changed forever by the largest hydroelectric project in the history of Chile. This is not just another forest. This is the largest river in Chile. These are among the most powerful rapids on the planet. These are the wildest and most pristine rivers within the wildest and most pristine area left on earth.

The Blue Yonder (TIES Business Member) sponsored an eco-holiday trip “River Nila Holiday” last year that was featured on TIES ecoAuction. Spending days along the River Nila in the Malabar region of Kerala, and enjoying uniquely local experiences, the trip offers travelers an opportunity to get to know Kerala’s great local heritage sites and culinary highlights in an intimate way. Myriam and Titou, who participated in the River Nila Holiday journey with The Blue Yonder in 2009, share their Kerala experiences…

Wilderness Safaris Toka Leya camp – on the banks of the Zambezi River in the western part of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park – offers wildlife treks to view the endangered White Rhino.

The Rhinos have 24 hour armed security following them in the bush to protect them from poaching.

Photos courtesy of Lights of Africa, an 8-month media expedition throughout Southern and Eastern Africa.

Namibia’s Communal Wildlife Conservancies help promote the welfare of the people and maintain the country’s ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources.

While the coast is rich in Diamonds and Uranium, its most sustainable resource is tourism.

Photos courtesy of Lights of Africa