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. 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.

Tourism activities under the Sápmi Experience Quality Label are based on the common heritage of the Sámi. Sámi tourism must be sustainable over the long term. This means that tourism must be accepted and established, culturally and socially, in Sámi society, and the host must be able to communicate Sámi values and way of life. Sápmi Experience operators strive for social, cultural, ecological and commercial sustainability. They are companies that respect the integrity of the Sámi culture and work to prevent its objectification.

By Aaron Smith – I spent over a year traveling around doing sustainable hotel/resort site inspections. Rarely did I get to spend more than one, or two nights, at each property. For me to be thorough, I needed to have an action plan, call it a comprehensive checklist to ‘grade’ each property. I saw every shade of ‘verde’ from the washed-out, to the vibrantly pure, and it was in this journey that I formed a deeper understanding of the industry, its operational challenges, and perhaps surprisingly, I grew a transcending appreciation for those not quite green enough yet.

By Lenka Uhrova

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.

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.

By Ali Zerriffi

Barra De Potosi is a small coastal village at the mouth of a lagoon which runs along the coast of the Municipio de Petatlan. The lagoon network regulates the lives of both human and animal lives and has a balanced ecosystem that has kept its people employed and its environment protected. The people of Barra de Potosi are now confronted by a development project that they believe will destroy the existing ecosystem, in spite of Mexican laws protecting the environment.

By Lindsay Milich

Time and time again the people of the tiny Eastern Mediterranean country of Lebanon have picked themselves up after the stun of war and political instability, and marched forward determinedly. Despite the fact that normal progress and day to day living has been stifled in such staggering ways the people here have repeatedly found the strength to carry on. And interestingly enough, food and wine have often provided the backdrop for some of the most remarkable stories of Lebanese resiliency.

By Lindsay Milich

Lebanon has a lot going for it: Mountains, sea, history, natural beauty, diversity, energy, culture, and a culinary heritage to be envied. The wine-growing tradition here is one of the most ancient; its origins can be traced back to the sea-faring Phoenicians. Today, the industry is booming, and there are over 30 wineries operating in this small country, many in the fertile Bekaa Valley. In conjunction with this growth, wine tourism also represents a market of increasing importance.

Artosphere is six-week-long festival (April 22-June 4, 2011) celebrating artists influenced by nature, who inspire sustainable lifestyles. The festival features music, dance, children’s theater, visual arts, and lectures. In its inaugural season last year, more than 20,000 people attended. Events are held in both traditional (stages and auditoriums) and unusual (bike trails, chapels) venues throughout Northwest Arkansas.