By Leanne Haigh, Project Development Manager at Acacia Africa

Voluntourism has generated a new wave in travel, the growing feel good factor creating opportunities for the everyday traveller and not just the career minded charity worker. But the question remains, can you make a difference when you’re a short-term tourist? The debate appears to be ongoing, however, it’s not essential to be on a three-month sabbatical or longer stint if you want to give something back to the country you are visiting.

The African continent is a good place to start, adventurers in search of the Big Five also helping out on more practical projects.

Building and painting local schools in Uganda is valuable input. Of course, you might be visiting the project for just one day, but you’re still a much needed pair of hands, and non-profit projects with little in the way of budgets will welcome that kind of practical assistance with open arms.

Your first step into the world of vouluntourism – On an overlanding tour you’ll have the opportunity to visit seven or eight countries in Africa, and along the way there are usually various community and conservation based programmes on offer. Whether you decide to participate in an ethical project or simply gain some understanding from the local scheme on a guided tour, you’ll bring back some relevant insight that might help you decide on a more focused voluntour next time you visit. Remember, even on a two-week experience it’s a real commitment, and it’s important to invest your time in something you believe in, making prior hands on knowledge invaluable.

More specific voluntour itineraries will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of the project’s aims and build closer relationships with your fellow travellers and members of the local community who also help to make it happen.

Where to Head?

Zanzibar is often seen as a sun sea and sand destination, but it’s now home to an exciting educational project. Illiteracy affects over 40% of the Spice Island’s population, then again you don’t need to have a teaching qualification to get involved. The activities range from assisting with the education of with primary school classes to adult education, and you will also have the opportunity to be involved in recycling and tree planting programmes; the scheme endeavouring to engineer a more well-rounded approach to the needs of the community, whether its education or conservation.

With the Big Five being central to almost any itinerary in Africa there’s the option to combine game viewing and volunteering on many tours. Undoubtedly, the wildlife is still the main draw for anyone choosing to travel on the continent so organisations involved in the protection of endangered animals are becoming part and parcel of the whole voluntour industry. And, what better place to start than the Masai Mara, host of the annual migration. Volunteers coming on board from July to October will certainly be assured of a little more excitement, and a two-way ethical scheme, there is the opportunity to learn from the Masai tribe, ethical travellers assisting on conflict management programmes and helping to improve educational facilities in the area.

Your Checklist to Voluntouring

* If you’re not sure how to make the best of your skills, look out for one day voluntour experiences within a tour, you’ll gain much needed insight when it comes to taking a longer commitment

* There are plenty of voluntour experiences out there, but quiz the company you are booking with. If the travel advisor is able to give you a detailed description of what’s on offer, it will speak volumes about their involvement

* Check out the options in Africa, as you may well be able to combine a voluntour holiday with some additional sight seeing and game viewing

* Ask about the ratio of local and tourist involvement. In general, voluntour projects that show a strong concern for local labour are rated more highly when it comes to their values and ethics

For more information on Acacia Africa, contact: 020 7706 4700 or info@acacia-africa.com

Photos by Acacia Africa

For the eco-conscious travelers on your list, here are a dozen affordable holiday gift ideas (recommended by TIES Advisory Board member and journalist/blogger Kim Lisagor):

Flask-shaped reusable water bottle

The “no liquids” security policy at U.S. airports leaves two options for thirsty travelers: pay for bottled water at the gate, or carry a reusable bottle to fill before boarding. Obviously, we prefer the second choice. Unlike standard bottles, the flask shape fits comfortably into a airplane’s seat back pocket.

This Cost Plus World Market design ($8), conspicuously labeled “water” in several languages, is less likely to draw sideways glances from flight attendants than a repurposed liquor flask.

Lightweight, slip-on travel shoes

In the never-ending quest for the ultimate travel footwear, Jambu’s Eclipse Mesh for women ($99) comes as close to perfection as any: durable, comfortable, versatile, vegan, and easy to slip off at airport security.

The closest men’s equivalent is Teva’s Mush Frio Slip Canvas ($45): lightweight, easy to take on and off, and takes up very little suitcase space. Great for transit days.

Gadget sleeves from recycled materials

Laptops, tablets and e-readers may be perfectly sized for travel, but they’re too fragile to roam the globe uncovered. WrapCycle uses reclaimed fabrics to make fashionable protective cases for portable electronic devices ($35). The padding, made from recycled packing material, is lightweight and water-resistant. Check out their passport covers, too.

WrapCycle partners with local recycling centers to get materials, and uses every last inch of them so that what ultimately gets thrown away is a tiny fraction of the amount.

Unique travel accessories

Luggage tags that stand out on a crowded conveyor belt are always a hit with travelers. This one from bicycle-gifts.com ($12), made from a repurposed bicycle chain, comes in four bright colors.

Another welcome departure from ordinary travel gear: bright blue Connected toiletry bags ($32) and sturdy, carry-on sized duffels ($48) made in Cambodia out of rice bags that were diverted from landfills, and supporting the work of Artisans Association of Cambodia (AAC). AAC is dedicated to helping Cambodians affected by sexual exploitation, poverty, polio, and injuries from land mines.

Incredible, edible raincoat

Seasoned travelers know to pack for every sort of weather, including the surprise rain storms that frequent our favorite tropical locales. The Spud Raincoat (£7 to £10) is packable, biodegradable and compostable outwear made from potato-derived bioplastic that’s embedded with tomato or cucumber seeds. Plant it when you’re done wearing it. Then water, wait, and eat. (Seriously.)

The rain coat also teaches consumers about this type of biodegradable plastic material, as well as to demonstrate the importance of sustainable development.

Animal fun for globetrotting kids

Every parent’s carry-on bag contains art supplies and reading material. Here are two items that will put kids in the mood for exploring the natural world. Portland, Oregon-based artist Crystal Ayala recycles old, broken crayons and turns them into usable art. Her animal-shaped crayons ($11 for a set of three) come in reusable cloth bags – great for coloring on the go.

Curious Critters ($20), a new book by photographer David FitzSimmons, captivates young readers with striking images of North American wildlife and creature-narrated stories.

Ecotravel for a steal

Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve (Costa Rica), Kosrae Village Ecolodge (Micronesia) and Wild Earth Adventures (Canada) are a just few of the top-notch travel companies that have donated trips for The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)’s ecoAuction. TIES online eco-holiday auction, hosted on leading charity auction site Bidding for Good, regularly offers amazing travel experiences from around the world. These travel experiences are often available with a great discount (bidding starts at 40% of retail value), and all proceeds go directly support TIES work – uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel.

By Melanie Jae Martin

If you want to see great apes in the wild, Sumatra’s rainforest is one of the most accessible places to do just that. Seeing orangutans in the wild, along with silver Thomas leaf monkeys, pig-tailed macaques, and a diverse range of birds like hornbills, will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and ingenuity of other species. However, you need to know how to visit them responsibly or you could introduce illnesses, since they share over 97 percent of our DNA. Less than 7,000 Sumatran orangutans live in the wild, and they’re an essential part of the rainforest ecosystem, helping seeds to germinate and even pruning the canopy.

The Gunung Leuser National Park is part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an excellent spot for ape-watching and rainforest trekking. The Orangutan Information Centre (OIC), a local, grassroots NGO, is working with a local guides association to certify guides in the popular destination Bukit Lawang.

OIC Director Panut Hadisiswoyo

The OIC is an excellent source of information, and many of the guides are extremely knowledgeable and conscientious. However, because of the competition for visitors and tips, some guides do engage in unscrupulous practices like luring orangutans over with fruit, leaving fruit peels on the ground, or even letting visitors hug orangutans. Before you go into the forest, you’ll watch a short film on rainforest etiquette at the visitors’ center. Pay attention, and take responsibility for your own behavior. Better yet, download a copy of the park guidebook from the OIC website to prepare for your trip.

In Bukit Lawang, you’ll have the chance to see orangutans close up, either at the feeding platform or slightly further into the rainforest. These orangutans have returned to the wild after a life in captivity. Captured from the wild by poachers at a young age, they are learning to live in the forest again after a rigorous rehabilitation process. They grow adept at building nests to sleep and lounge in, climbing nimbly through the canopy, and raising the next generation of wild orangutans. Like humans, they don’t know how to live in the wild by instinct alone. In the wild, they might spend eight years with their mother, learning how to live in the jungle. Learning these skills as adults takes an incredible amount of intelligence, patience, and perseverance, just as it would for a human.

Deeper in the jungle, you’ll likely see wild orangutans from afar. You’ll have the option to take a one-day, overnight, or multiday trek. Local guides are quite flexible in making arrangements. If planning a longer trek, talk with the staff at the visitors’ center to request a knowledgeable, conscientious guide.

For a quieter experience, visit the farther-flung village of Ketambe, about 8 hours by van from the main city of Medan. Staying in this little village bedecked with flowers and fruit trees will let you experience a less-trafficked part of the Gunung Leuser National Park, or “Leuser.” You’ll easily arrange van transportation on arrival; just ask your hotel staff for details. Call ahead to book a room in Ketambe. The Friendship Guesthouse offers rustic one-room bungalows with bathrooms for around U.S. $6 per night, and tasty curries for around $2. The welcoming staff will connect you with a local guide as well.

As in Bukit Lawang, take responsibility for your own behavior. The orangutans around Ketambe are wild, meaning they’ll keep their distance. One was said to have thrown a beehive at visitors, I was told, in what I felt sure was a cautionary tale. Talk about tool use, I thought.

Unfortunately, Leuser is threatened by the oil palm industry and other forms of encroachment, like much of Indonesia’s rainforests. In June 2011, it was placed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger for this reason. While there, I volunteered at a restoration site in the district of Langkat, North Sumatra. The OIC had reclaimed this illegally logged and farmed section of national forest in 2007. Since then, the all-local staff had been working to bring the rainforest back to life.

Restorasi house and plantation

The old “hantu” – what we jokingly called the dead oil palms – still stood menacingly in some parts of the forest, gray-white fronds draping around their rotting trunks like a veil. But the vibrant growth of young rainforest trees was enveloping them, weaving them into the ecosystem as life carried on.

One of the field assistants, Darjo, had carefully counted the bird species in the area – he’d spotted 83 so far. While collecting saplings in the deeper forest, the staff showed me huge elephant tracks. Very near the small house where we stayed, we saw the print of the rare golden cat.

Recently, after I’d arrived back in the States, the staff sent me an excited message: Orangutans were living at the site! They’d observed a male and pregnant female in the trees. The forest would take centuries, perhaps longer, to gain back the richness of the diversity it once had, but in the meantime, life will continue to thrive – as long as we let it.

More Information

Unesco World Heritage Centre: Danger listing for Indonesia’s Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra

Orangutan Information Centre: Project Reports

Ketambe: The Friendship Guesthouse & Restaurant

Orangutan Information Centre: OIC Restoration Site Performance Report, 2010-2011

Photos by Melanie Jae Martin

Melanie Jae Martin writes on social and environmental issues in the U.S. and abroad. To read more of her work, please visit www.ravensongstudios.net.

Best Volunteering Organisation, Responsible Tourism Award 2011

This year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, announced on World Responsible Tourism Day (November 9, 2011) in London, UK, recognized Global Vision International (GVI) as the world’s “Best Volunteering Organisation” for 2011.

The Responsible Tourism Award committee noted, “GVI impressed the judges with the scale of their impacts on the ground. Placing 3,500 volunteers each year in 40 countries, GVI teaches over 10,000 people each year on six continents. And for GVI the proof of their work is in the performance of their students – in Guatemala their students were in the top 5% nationally examined in 2011 – proving that well-placed skilled volunteers can have genuine impacts. Their charitable trust already estimates £400,000 will be raised for their projects this year alone.”

Ground-Up Approach to Volunteer Travel

Global Vision International (GVI) runs responsible volunteering programs in over 40 countries around the world, and is one of the largest and most respected volunteer abroad organisations in the world – with over 22,000 supporters on their Facebook community (GVI on Facebook). Guided by a unique commitment to volunteers and partners, GVI run almost all of their own operations. This unique ground up approach to volunteer travel allows GVI to run sustainable long-term projects that volunteers can join and contribute on for short periods of time, from two weeks to two years.

GVI volunteers fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. International partners include the South African National Parks Board, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Jane Goodall Institute, Rainforest Concern and Kenyan Wildlife Service. From 2007, 70% of all volunteer contributions received were spent directly in the field.

Originally founded in the UK, GVI also maintains head offices in Australia and the United States. GVI volunteers range in age from 18 to 70+, and come from all over the world. GVI also runs programs for 15-17 year olds through GVI Foundations.

Learn more about GVI:

GVI in the UK
+44 (0) 1727 250 250
3rd Floor | The Senate
Exeter, UK

GVI in the USA
+1 888 653 6028
66 Long Wharf
Boston, MA, USA

GVI in Australia
+61 1300 795 013
530 Little Collins St.
Melbourne, Australia

By Aaron Smith, Founder, GoVoluntouring

Thinking about Volunteering on your trip? Sure you’ve given it enough thought?

Many of us have volunteered during our travels before, and it seems that many more are considering it with every passing day. For good reason too. However, choosing which program to participate in, requires far more critical thought than choosing which all-inclusive in Mexico to drink at.

When one chooses to volunteer over the course of their holiday time, they are faced with important decisions. Some of these decisions are easier than others, but the RIGHT answers vary from person to person. I remember having a sommelier tell me ‘There is no such thing as a bad wine, so long as there is someone there that likes it’. I am not nearly naive enough to believe that this is the case for all volunteer projects. It is not. It should illustrate however, that there are inherent differences in ‘value proposition’ from person to person. And that is perfectly OK.

Some of us look for opportunities that balance more contemporary comforts within their experiences, while others look for more ‘iconically’ representative options, which can be hosted in more challenging and/or intimate environments. Either way, there are only two pillars of decision making, and they are based on how an organization’s philosophical and operational standards match with your personal needs and interests.

The first item, and in using critical thinking, must address what it is driving you towards traveling with this purpose. Is this to grow your skill set? To give back and address an issue? Is it to increase social awareness? To improve your resume (let’s be real here), or, is this simply a ‘good’ holiday alternative? Ask yourself this core question first. It will help steer your course.

Remember, there are no wrong answers, but there are certainly better choices.

As the grassroots participant, you must find your own ‘perfect’ match, and it must be based on your own criteria, and your own behind-the-scenes research. If there is one thing I have learned in my 13 years in tourism, it is that travelers are amazing communicators, they hold back no punches, and they share their experiences openly. Be sure to include independent blogs in your homework. It adds much needed transparency.

The philosophical questions must align with your personal belief system. Don’t be afraid to speak to an organization and stress the ‘intangibles’ that are important to you. You may ask yourself, does this decision support my religious, faith or moral compass? Does this organization have the best interests of its local community, and stakeholders at heart?

If you are paying money, ask where the money goes; It’s often okay if there are margins, organizational growth through net income, can enact greater change and it creates true sustainability. Most importantly however, you need to answer what will become of your footprint, and what will you have supported, enabled, or empowered in the process?

The operational decisions must address health, wellness and organizational deliverables. You need to ask about contingency plans, proximity to medical centers, local crime rates, vaccination needs, travel restrictions, and cultural norms (such as dress, food, nightlife, and alcohol). Wearing bikini tops outside of the beach, for example, can in some places be both insulting and dangerous – that’s the real world folks. It’s not good, it’s not bad, it’s just different.

You must also ask what you need to do before you leave home and what timeframe this needs to happen in (for example, some vaccinations need to be administered weeks/months in advance). What do I need to pack? What happens when you arrive at the airport, and what happens if there is an emergency? Who is my support network, where can I find them, and what is the crisis management plan?

Use these questions as starting points only, and make sure you address these two pillars of decision making separately. It is right to have expectations, and you need to use early questioning in forming them. And remember, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it, and that in itself should be the most important decision you make.

Travel smart amigos!

GoVoluntouring on Facebook
Go Voluntouring on Twitter

Projects in Kenya, Peru, Sri Lanka and Brazil have been announced as the winners of the first Travel2change idea challenge. Since its launch late April 2011, over 500 members joined the travel2change online community, and submitted around 60 innovative project proposals. The submitted ideas were evaluated based on creativity, effectiveness, impact, feasibility and sustainability. The four winning projects were awarded on July 17, 2011 by a jury of experts and will be realized in the coming months, thanks to the support of the travel partner Kuoni. Each winning project receives financial support as well as the help of volunteer travelers, who will collaborate with the local communities to bring the projects to life.

Travel2Change First Challenge Winners

SEP – Soccer, Education and Prevention (Oyugis, Kenya)
In Oyugis, Kenya, travel2change, together with the Society Empowerment Project (SEP), hosted a 4-day football event for around 300 children. Along with teaching life skills, teamwork and football skills, the travelers will train the children in proper hand washing techniques and the importance of basic hygiene. The production of soap from locally sourced materials will also be part of the program.

WAVES for Development (Lobitos, Peru)
This project aims to create life enriching experiences through education programs to develop healthy and empowered adults. The traveler will join local staff to teach local children water safety, beach management and environmental conservation among other events, and of course, surfing classes. Cultural exchange, through activities to increase healthy living and teaching skills for life, is another great benefit of the program.

Getting Kids Pumped for School (Horana, Sri Lanka)
The aim of the project is to connect a local school to its well so the children will have access to running water for drinking and sanitation, which will help improve the children’s health, thus reducing the risk of dengue and other communicable diseases. This will be achieved by installing pumps, water tanks and pipes, as well as expanding the depth of the well. The traveler will contribute to the project by assisting with installing pumps and water tanks.

AmazonArt at the Combu Education Centre (Combu Island, Brazil)
AmazonArt aims to employ music and the arts to inspire the children and local community. Its goal is to create awareness and understanding of the importance of protecting the rainforest, river and its local communities. Together with the staff of AmazonArt, travelers will assist with music and art classes and provide English lessons along with a cultural exchange to local children. Travelers will have a chance to improve the infrastructure of the school through basic construction projects and educate the children on the importance of safe drinking water and hygiene.

All travelers will provide frequent updates to give all community members the opportunity to monitor the realization of the projects.

Are You Ready to Travel2Change?

Travel2Change is now offering the chance for you to participate in the Sri Lanka project and the Peru project this fall (September – October). Travelers will be an active part in carrying out the activities to help successfully implement the goals of these projects. To learn more about the Travel2Change Join This Trip Contest and to apply, please go to review the contest details here: http://www.travel2change.org/blog/720

About Travel2Change

Travel2change is a non-profit organization connecting travelers, local communities and organizations to create change through purposeful travelling. An interactive website is the starting point for this collaborative effort and the hub for ideas as well as the exchange of experiences. Travel2change shall illustrate that tourism can make a difference in the lives of travelers and local communities alike. Leveraging this potential and creating projects that will have an impact and foster sustainable change in destinations is the goal of the organization. While Travel2change is rooted in Austria, the organization acts worldwide and seeks to make an impact globally.

By Lenka Uhrova

Local Travel Movement in Iceland

In July 2010, I published an article on the Local Travel Movement website about how I saw tourism in Iceland at the time. I’ve always been particularly interested in regions off the beaten tourist track, which in the past would often be overlooked and overshadowed by the more commonly promoted highlights and ‘must-sees’ of Iceland.

In this context, I’ve been thinking about the different types of experiences tourists can gain while traveling, based on what kind of travel they choose. Over the years I’ve come to find that there are many people all over the world who are ready to travel mindfully and give themselves enough time to explore local culture and nature in a respectful manner. In light of this, I felt empowered and inspired to dedicate my time and efforts to promoting this type of travel in Iceland.

Initially, I had many questions about how to move forward with this. After a year of working on the Go Local Iceland initiative and exploring Icelandic tourism even further, I have arrived at some answers to these questions. In my quest for answers, I have also come up with some new questions and concerns.

Uniting Tourism Providers in Iceland

Tourism in Iceland is a young industry, and therefore is relatively uncoordinated. For example, in Eyjafjordur (the longest fjord in Iceland), there is not one institution that is responsible for promoting the fjord as a whole. There are seven municipalities included in the area of Eyjafjordur, although each municipality finds it more important to focus on their own designated area rather than on the fjord as a whole.

While Eyjafjordur represents great potential for local travel, it is not promoted as a destination in a cohesive manner and is every year losing thousands of potential visitors, who visit the touristic magnet of Grimsey Island, which is located in Eyjafjordur but don’t take the time to also explore the whole fjord with all of its beauty.

The Go Local Iceland initiative focuses on solid cooperation with local tourism providers who are interested in improving ethical standards of tourism. By uniting these people and organizations under one common platform we will be able to connect them directly to mindful travelers all over the world.

There are many rural destinations in Iceland that don’t get as much attention from mainstream tourists as do the typical Icelandic highlights. However, these relatively untouched places are dream destinations for the mindful traveler. It is important that such travelers find their way to these rural places. With some local assistance and guidance, you can find ways to reach any hidden fjord in any part of Iceland, whether you choose a destination in nature that is near or far from populated towns and settlements.

Photo by Joachim Wlezcek

As of May 2011, I’ve carried out a total of 28 interviews with local tourism providers in Eyjafjordur. This research was a very important step for me, and has helped me to understand how local tourism providers see themselves and others, as well as what their visions for the future are. The results of the interviews varied quite a bit. However, a unifying concept was the desire to be advertised under one common image. These interviews, based on appreciative inquiry, contained some great material; the results of the study have been borrowed for use in further research within the tourism department of one of the universities here in Iceland.

Go Local Iceland continues to support local tourism providers, such as Iceland Hiking Tours, and our team continues to write about current offers in tourism in Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula, regardless of municipal borders. You can view these Iceland Travel Tips here.

>> Follow Go Local Iceland on their blog
>> Follow Go Local Iceland on Twitter
>> Contact Lenka with further inquiries about traveling local in Iceland: lenka.uhrova@gmail.com

Photo by Tina Bauer

About the Author: Lenka Uhrova

Lenka was born in Slovakia, but has since spent many years in Iceland volunteering, working in the tourism industry, and forging sustainable tourism initiatives across the country. She has an educational background in tourism, although upon attaining her degree she was rather unmotivated to work in the tourism industry due to issues and controversies of the time. Something did not feel right. It was at this time that she discovered a deep passion for volunteering and community development, and a wish to work for an NGO. This passion for volunteering has been a constant over the years, and so as soon as she had the opportunity, she set off for a year-long volunteer project in Iceland. Having been working as a freelance trainer in non-formal education and facilitating various projects, she was lucky enough to return to Iceland a few years later, where she met the man of her life and settled in a small fishing village in North Iceland. At this point, she began to recognize both the potentials and threats of tourism in Iceland. She set to work conducting research on the subject, and volunteering in the field. Before long she started her own initiative, GO LOCAL ICELAND, with the aim of improving ethical standards in tourism.

ecoDestinations Scandinavia

From unique traditional foods to cutting-edge green technologies, to amazing natural wonders from across the region, Scandinavia offers a Smörgåsbord of eco-travel and adventure opportunities! Check out the ecoDestinations Scandinavia feature, and Explore various opportunities available for travelers and destinations from around the world, and support our efforts to protect and promote amazing travel experiences. Share your photos, stories and tips, and spread the word!

One of the more memorable moments during our family tour of Northern Europe last year was during our stay in Gothenburg (Göteborg). While Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden, it certainly has not taken on a diminutive status to Stockholm. Instead, the city has a standing of its own including having largest seaport of all the Nordic countries, a sizable student population, a diverse music community and beautiful open spaces of forests, meadows, lakes, parks and gardens peppered throughout the area.

Gothenburg City Center

According to the Gothenburg city council, each resident enjoys 300 square feet of green space, which explains how one can readily reach these open spaces. With an extensive tram network that is the largest in Scandinavia and bus line system that covers the rest, there is no reason, frankly, to use a car at all. And, one of the more popular ways to get an informative introduction to this city is by taking a Paddan boat tour.

The tour offers morsels of the city’s history, sites, neighborhoods and bridges. Some bridges are so low you need to duck to avoid injury and one, aptly named the Cheese Slicer, necessitates that everyone prostrate themselves on the floor of the boat to pass underneath. It was at this point that the dumbfounded group including my parents, my 5 year old son, my husband and I along with approximately 60 other people all laid as flat as possible all the while wondering, do I hear the locals laughing at us?

Biking around Gothenburg

Gothenburg Nature Activities

Perhaps it’s the idea of a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously or one that doesn’t want to dispose of historical treasures for the sake of convenience (or safety). I would prefer to think that preservation and conservation of culture, heritage and space is more important to Gothenburg as evidenced by other nature activities found throughout the city.

• Slottsskogen is a vast park southwest of the city that is covered in forest and offers sweeping views of the city from its three high vantage points. Have a picnic or enjoy a concert while you spot diverse wildlife such as elk, deer, seals, penguins, or flamingos alongside other tropical birds. Another fun activity for children is the zoo where they are allowed to play with some of the animals.

• Delsjon Nature Reserve in the east of the city has two adjoining lakes (one named “Big Lake” and the other “Small Lake”) with tree-lined rocky cliffs and plenty of forest to enjoy as you hike or jog along the path. Other activities include sunbathing on the beach, fishing, canoeing and golf. If you up to it, you can even go camping within the nature reserve.

Gothenburg Botanical Garden

• Gothenburg Botanical Garden in the south of the city is one of Europe’s largest and best. It features 20,000 species of plants, flowers and trees and unlike most other gardens where all are instructed to see but not touch, guests are encouraged to picnic and enjoy. The two most popular attractions include the topiary garden and the Ulf Nordfjell’s Linnaeus Garden, which won a gold medal at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in 2007.

• Horticulture Society Park is one of the best preserved 19th century parks in Europe with the rose garden having been awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide. Throughout the summer, concerts and children’s theater shows can also be experienced.

• Finally, you can purchase a City Guide at the local Tourist Office and use it to walk, bike or even sail along the canals that run throughout the city.

All photos courtesy of Greenloons

About the Author: Irene Lane

Irene Lane is the founder & president of Greenloons, which is a company dedicated to providing nature enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists worldwide with trusted information about responsible, sustainable, and certified ecotourism travel vacations and volunteer conservation efforts both in the U.S. and internationally.

ecoDestinations Scandinavia

From unique traditional foods to cutting-edge green technologies, to amazing natural wonders from across the region, Scandinavia offers a Smörgåsbord of eco-travel and adventure opportunities! Check out the ecoDestinations Scandinavia feature, and Explore various opportunities available for travelers and destinations from around the world, and support our efforts to protect and promote amazing travel experiences. Share your photos, stories and tips, and spread the word!

Travel2Change: What’s It All About?

Travel2change is a nonprofit organization with the mission to connect travelers, organizations, and local communities in order to initiate change in a sustainable manner. The goal of travel2change is to capitalize on the potential of travel to make a positive difference in the lives of travelers and local communities alike and to create projects that will have an impact and foster sustainable change. While the organization is rooted in Austria, it seeks to make an impact globally.

We feel that travel2change is different in three main ways: First, we are entirely community driven. We follow a crowd-sourcing approach where travelers, local communities and organizations work together to inspire change with project ideas, travel to bring those ideas to life, and to share insights and experiences. Second, we emphasize the interaction and collaboration of travelers and local communities. It is important for us to hear and respect all voices and work together towards common goals. Finally, thanks to our supporter and travel partner Kuoni, we are able to award our winning projects with a free trip and financial support to realize their ideas. As a non-profit we don’t make any money from the trips, but we want to invest in our mission, to connect travelers and local communities to create change.

How Does It Work?

An interactive website is the starting point for our collaborative effort. We connect travelers with local communities across the whole travel2change process.

STEP 1: “Inspire” – We bring travelers and local communities together to inspire with ideas, discuss ideas and rate ideas. Both travelers and local communities can submit ideas. Locals can select from the idea pool which ideas they would like to host and support.

STEP 2: “Experience” – Travelers collaborate with local communities on the realization of the projects. Travel2change connects and coordinates.

STEP 3: “Interact” – This step focuses on the interaction around the projects. Through uploading pictures, creating short videos and writing about the experiences and thoughts, the goal is to learn how to make the most beneficial impact for the local communities.

We are happy to have Kuoni as a supporter and travel partner on board. They will not only provide the funding, but also assist us in coordinating the travel experience. We are currently reaching out to further supporters and partners to be able to provide more resources to the projects. By encouraging discussions around the projects, having local buy in as a precondition and focusing on the collaboration of travelers and local communities we hope to achieve sustainability and a long-term impact.

“Water”: A Simple Theme Brings Creative Ideas

The theme for our first idea challenge is water. We have four categories for ideas: environment, sport, health, and education, and have so far received over 40 project ideas. One of our member’s idea for the sport category is the “Surf Liberia” project, which aims to create a surf community run and maintained by the local youth. The “H2O Education in Kenya” project, which aims to create a learning experience around sanitary water and hygiene in Kenya, is a great example for the health and education category, and “Saving Costa Rica’s Sea Turtles” for the environment category. We are happy to have so many great project proposals and hope for many more to come!

Travel2Change is currently accepting submission of project ideas related to water (Deadline: June 19th). To learn more and to get involved, please go to the Travel2Change website, or contact the Travel2Change team at: hello@travel2change.org.

>> Follow Travel2Change on Facebook and Twitter!

I’m sitting in Butukia, a small village on Taveuni, the air is fresh and the village boys are playing with their new volleyball. Next to me is Community Support Network’s first volunteer, Jenni Bannister, 21, we’re getting ready for breakfast with our host family before we make our way down the hill to plant coral.

Community Support Network (CSN) is Fiji’s newest non-profit voluntourism organization offering a two-week volunteer and island discovery tour program on Fiji’s untouched Northern Islands. This off-the-beaten-track experience prides itself on being an authentic cultural immersion program and puts a wholesome 80% back into the island communities in the form of training, equipment, infrastructure and education.

Says Jenni, Assistant Manager in the hospitality industry, from the UK: “Taveuni is a stunning island. CSN really helps to unlock its little secrets whilst you get to relax as everything is organized for you, safe in the knowledge that your money is going back to support the community. You need to be prepared to put the work in and then be prepared to reap the rewards in appreciation, simply watching the children’s reaction to a gift of snakes and ladders and a volleyball is enough to warm your heart.”

Local kids at a rugby match

The recent explosion in voluntourism shows that people are in search of ever-more meaningful travel experiences and are more aware than ever of their social responsibilities. The contribution tourism makes to local and national economies cannot be underestimated. This contribution should also be taken into consideration when assessing the true value of voluntourism.

CSN recognizes the fine balance between profit driven volunteering programs and those which are more sensitive to delicate cultural values and traditions. Larger profit-driven volunteer programs have been known to taint the industry’s reputation and therefore make it hard for smaller, non-profit organizations such as CSN to set-up.

Jenni helped make fish houses with local workers

The major priority for CSN is to ensure volunteers are interested in both the conservation element of the program and the importance of understanding village life, respecting its rules and values and being aware of the difference between western behavior and traditional island lifestyles.

Jenni adds: “I’ve achieved a knowledge of Fiji only accessible by going off the beaten track – and for that I can thank CSN. Whether it be our attempts at learning the language (my favorite word is ‘bulamakow‘; meaning ‘cow!’) or just experiencing life for an average Fijian by staying in the village for a week, we were welcomed with open arms. One Fijian, Dan, our host father, said to me around the kava mat: ‘When you are in my home, you are my family’ and you really feel that.”

Our host family and friends

Why is Sustainable Volunteering Necessary in Fiji?

In March 2010, Cyclone Tomas devastated the two smaller northern islands of Taveuni and Vanua Levu. Measured at category four, winds reached 170 kmph and waves reached 7.2 meters high.  It was the most intense tropical cyclone to hit Fiji since 1972. After years of experience working with local communities in a variety of roles, the team at CSN have recognized areas on their home island in need of conservation assistance.

Cyclone Tomas severely damaged the foreshore reef along most of the north West of Taveuni and Vanua Levu, and tragically, re-growth of the destroyed reef is minimal. Loss appears to be about 70%-90%, compared with the elaborate marine structures and aquatic life which used to thrive along these stretches between 1988 – 1995.

Volunteers will play a major role in the coral replanting process which in turn speeds up the reef recovery process. Below are a few points to illustrate the importance of coral reef conservation:

• For generations, coastal communities have depended on coral reefs to supply their primary food source.
• Increase in population has led to the need for coastal communities to learn about sustainable resource management to ensure the continuation of future harvests.
• Billions of dollars are spent each year on recreational fishing trips, hotels, restaurants, and diving tours near reef ecosystems creating livelihoods for an enormous number of people worldwide.
• Reefs are a natural barrier against waves, storm surge and floods.
• There are more species per unit area of coral reef than in any other ecosystem.
• It is estimated that less than 10% of the Earth’s reef organisms are known to science.

The island forests of Taveuni and Vanua Levu were also badly affected by the winds . Volunteers will plant indigenous tree saplings to encourage re-growth in felled areas which were also hit by dry weather after the cyclone.

Jenni preparing to plant an avocado tree

CSN: About the Program

CSN is a non-profit organization. Run mainly by Fijians, interest is not in making money but preserving the islands on which Annie, the Director, grew up. CSN Coordinator Jiosefa has worked extensively with volunteers for other organizations and is now eager to get going under the CSN umbrella: “Having worked for years with foreign students it is exciting to at last have our own organisation in which we can work according to our own values and help the communities we know so well.”

CSN is run by experienced Fijians who work alongside their own rural, island communities to achieve sustainable development through marine and forestry conservation projects. During week one, you will be volunteering on the coral reefs and in the nearby forest while living in a small village with a host family. You’ll enjoy all aspects of traditional island life including the food, dance, song, volleyball and kava!

Week two offers an island experience like no other. You will discover an untouched Jurasic Park-like National Park by foot and kayak; dive one of the top five soft coral reefs in the world; hike to, and stay in, a rainforest lodge to watch the endemic birds while the sun rises over distant islands; swim under huge waterfalls; snorkel a black pearl farm; surf empty reef breaks; visit three fabulous islands; and of course, relax on quiet, soft, white, sandy beaches.

Jenni having completed her first 12 meter dive

CSN prides itself on being an authentic, Fijian, cultural immersion program who invests in communities to fund school equipment, solar energy, new business start-up, fish wardens and monitoring programs for the local communities. Sustainable development is key.

Jenni concludes: “The laughter in Fiji is infectious, I was told: ‘Don’t cover your laugh, we want to hear it’ so I discovered I had a new laugh, a Fijian laugh that booms out unapologetically and draws you in even closer to your new family. The two weeks are action packed with activities and adventure with a perfect blend of chilling out on beautiful Maqai Beach and chilled Dolphin Bay. I just finished my two weeks and I want to do the whole thing again. Overall, CSN is a ‘vaka sama vinaka‘ – Good idea!”

For more information on CSN trips, please see the CSN website and blog, or contact Annie Madden on by phone: 00679 9366849 or by email: a.madden@live.com. Groups of ten depart every two weeks. Space is limited and advanced registration is recommended. The CSN tour participant fee is FJ$3,300 (approx US$1,800) per person.

All photos by Kirsty Barnby