ecoclub.com/blogs - news & views from ecoclub.com members

Ancient Fossilized Rocks of Northern Pakistan

Ancient Fossilized Rocks of Northern Pakistan

Fossilized rocks in the transitional zone between Lot Owir Ann in Upper Chitral and Ozhor Ann in Lower Chitral mark the path to the Terichmir Basecamp. Along this route, one encounters an array of rocks adorned with intriguing rock inscriptions. Interestingly, some of these rocks appear to preserve fossils of plants and reptiles, bearing distinct imprints of body scales and characteristic twists indicative of reptilian anatomy. Contemplating the possibility that these rocks indeed encapsulate fossils raises profound questions regarding the historical presence of living organisms in this geographical area. Is proximity to glaciation a conducive factor for fossilization in such regions? Exploring further, one wonders about the nature of reptiles and other fauna that thrived in this locale during the epochs under consideration, prompting a cascade of inquiries. A pertinent facet to consider is the relatively brief history of life's existence in the mountainous terrains of the Hindukush, Karakoram, and Himalayas. It is believed that human migration to these areas coincided with the thawing of glaciers, a historical timeline spanning thousands of years. During this transitional period, reptiles, herbivores, carnivores, and avian species also underwent migration, shaping the ecological dynamics of the region.An alternative hypothesis posits that the region might have...

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The regenerative tourism – the art of playing it right and leading the way

The regenerative practice of forest bathing enables us to reconnect to nature and ourselves.

The regenerative tourism – the art of playing it right and leading the way

"To succeed with our current nature and climate challenge, we require a philosophy that is underpinned by the understanding that the ecological and social stewardship and the right regeneration model is the optimal path for organisations and individuals to achieve their sustainable and regenerative goals."

- Kinga Monica, Regenerative Coach and Sustainability Innovator
When I first started designing and promoting sustainable travel and tourism projects in the late nineties, ecotourism was barely heard of. There was a tendency to see it more as a fad rather than a serious tourism model it is today. Generating $77bn in revenue according to the Centre for Responsible Travel, CREST, ecotourism amounts to a quarter of the total travel and tourism market.

The new era of Ecotourism with Regeneration and Eco-conscious Traveller as its drivers

Fast-forward to today, and we see regeneration as a driver of this newly defined impactful travel. I believe that, over the next few decades, this emerging approach will be re-defining and shaping all aspects of travel and tourism. It is poised to give rise to new, more Earth and community-centric trends in the entire ecosystem of related disciplines that make up ecotourism. All things considered, we still suffer from a crisis of good travel that creates nature positive long-term impacts.

"I believe that, over the next few decades, this emerging approach will be re-defining and shaping all aspects of travel and tourism. It is poised to give rise to new, more Earth and community-centric trends in the entire ecosystem of related disciplines that make up ecotourism."

- Kinga Monica, Regenerative Coach and Sustainability Innovator

My experience tells me that transformational and regenerative tourism can and should address this challenge. In this piece I would like to share some insights and ideas relating to regenerative tourism and how this emerging realm is shaping hospitality in new exciting ways. As a delegate and a speaker at Eco Resort Network's annual prestigious in-person networking event, I will present my innovative work and share best up-to-date practices with an international group of peers within the eco resort and glamping sectors.  

Designing regenerative models that work is a collaborative process

As an independent consultant at Earthvoice with a diverse portfolio of award-winning ecotourism development concepts, projects and startups, I guide you through the entire design process of making your venture sustainable and regenerative long-term.

Running a multifaceted high-end hospitality business can be a balancing act. I know this first-hand having run successful and award-wining sustainable businesses and projects in the UK and Spain: a hotel, organic restaurant, eco design and innovation centre and activity agency. My community-focused projects that led to the creation of innovative climate and culture multimedia venues in different countries gave me an invaluable insight into what works and what doesn't.

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Systemic greening instigation (part 1)

" /> How can a country kick-start systemic greening and bring everyone onboard "The facts of science are real enough, and so are the techniques that scientists use, and so are the technologies based on them. But the belief system that governs conventional scientific thinking is an act of faith." -Rupert Sheldrake Systemic greening instigation – see...

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Please join Travel Professionals Selling Adventure Travel in Mexico, a new Facebook Group supporting sustainable travel development in Mexico

Hi everyone, I am a long-time member of Ecoclub.com and one of their Honorary Lifetime members. I have started a Facebook Group “Travel Advisors Selling Mexico Adventures”. I am moving into retirement, and this is a passion project in support of encouraging sustainable development in Mexico, a destination that our 37-year old travel agency has sent 1000s of clients to over the years, and which has so much to offer adventure travelers. We use the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) definition which sees adventure travel as a sustainable form of tourism that supports the conservation of nature and historical resources while investing in local, community-driven economic development. We are sharing information curated articles and education, insights, and tips about adventure travel trends, happenings, accommodation, tours, activities and more. Currently, we helping to raise awareness and encourage buyers, including travel trade and media, about the upcoming ATMEX (Adventure Travel Mexico Network) event taking place in February 2024 in Michoacan, a destination that is well known for Monarch Butterfly Migrations and its culture and history. ATMEX is important because it supports sustainable community tourism. Please let me know if you do apply and I can recommend you to the ATMEX management team. Please...

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Peoples Food Summit - Regeneration International

Peoples Food Summit - Regeneration International

Peoples Food Summit - Regeneration International

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Koutouki, a small yet majestic cave near Athens

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Koutouki Cave, about 2 million years in the making by the karst phenomenon (chemical deposition of calcium carbonate through dripping water) on the eastern side of Mt. Hymettus at 510m asl, was accidentally discovered in 1926 when a goat disappeared through a crack and started bleating. The lucky goat survived what today wo...

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Golden Ethics

Under the globally prevailing socioeconomic order, nearly everyone and everything can be bought at a price (even though everything connected to the environment, human rights and such nuisances peculiarly remains an externality). In this wonderful system, a few zeros can make all the difference between drowning and being pampered like a prince. For $5,000, you risk drowning, or at least being beaten, robbed and pushed-back. Add two extra zeros and you can order a royal treatment (Golden Visa) online. “Abominable”, “people trafficking” can be a perfectly legal, state, enterprise. It is just a matter of the right price and the right laws, and men in black, that will also determine the price differential between the legal and illegal options. If you cannot see anything wrong with this state of affairs, and you consider it as “business as usual”, your politics are solid and your ethics are golden. Congratulations, you are all set for entering EU right-wing politics, an illustrious career lies ahead, just remember to maintain plausible deniability (your orders are misinterpreted), a pseudo-modest lifestyle, and your patriotism aka the last refuge of the scoundrel.

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Japanese Mountaineers Climb Terichmir Peak in Chitral, Northern Pakistan

Japanese Mountaineers Climb Terichmir Peak in Chitral, Northern Pakistan

Japanese Expedition successfully climbed the Terichmir Peak in the Hindu Kush Mountain Range, in the Chitral Valley of northern Pakistan. The remarkable achievement of Japanese climbers Mr. Hayride Kazuya and Mr. Kenro Nakajima, along with their dedicated team, has captured the admiration of mountaineering enthusiasts in Pakistan and worldwide. Their successful ascent to the summit of Terichmir is truly awe-inspiring and evidence of their skill, perseverance, and teamwork. Terichmir is an imposing mountain, soaring to a staggering height of 7708 meters (25,289 feet). Its majestic presence and the awe it commands have long made it a symbol of challenge and spiritual significance. The fascination of conquering this peak has drawn climbers from around the globe, but the difficulties posed by its extreme altitude and unforgiving terrain have deterred many. However, Mr. Kazuya, Mr. Nakajima, and their team fearlessly embraced the challenge and embarked on their journey to reach the pinnacle. The arduous trek demanded immense physical and mental strength as they confronted the thin air and freezing temperatures at high altitudes. Yet, they remained undeterred, overcoming every obstacle in their path. Throughout their ascent, the climbers exhibited extraordinary dedication and perseverance, making calculated decisions at each step to ensure their safety...

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A Sustainable Travel Journey – Gateway to Authenticity

Throughout a wonderful collaboration with my friend Jana I'm happy to present the latest guest article about authentic travel experiences, the difference between weak and strong sustainability, and the concept of materiality. Enjoy a journey highlighting the beautiful island of Ischia: https://mygreenplanet.travel.blog/2023/07/03/a-sustainable-travel-journey-gateway-to-authenticity/

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The most advanced Greening Template for Regeneration (part 3)

" />  Green action spaces setting the right scene for the eco-social renewal "Paying our dues for the resources we use." P. Hughes & K. Monica (A Big Strategy) Greening templates and regeneration: action spaces as a paradigm shift catalyst For the last two decades, I have been presenting the concept of a non-physical socio-green infrastruc...

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