RIP Pepe, the philosopher-president! Like Mandela, made from a hard and rare material, Mujica went from intrepid revolutionary to open-minded democratically elected president, changing his views but preserving his humility and frugality. www.npr.org/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5288793/uruguay-jose-…
Uruguay's former President José Mujica dies at 89 : NPR
José Mujica, the charismatic former guerrilla fighter who later went on to lead Uruguay and became known as "the world's poorest president" for his austere…
In an EU where the rise of the xenophobe right also raises borders once more, wolf populations, just recovered from near extinction, are again under threat: www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/opinion/europe-borders-…
UK-Spain: TTG reports that overtourism protests and angst are brushed aside by travel agents who sometimes have to convince the more anxious among elderly visitors that protests are just about 'Airbnb'. So it's business as usual in terms of demand unless something extraordinary really happens. www.ttgmedia.com/sustainability/agents-forced-to-r…
TTG - Sustainability - Agents forced to reassure 'anxious' clients about Spain after last summer's protests
Several travel agents have told TTG their clients had to be reassured about travelling to Spain this year, because of perceived anti-tourist sentiments
Republic of the Congo: An investigation by Omnia Strategy (a specialist Human Rights law firm led by Cherie Blair, hired by African Parks) following allegations (by Survival International and Mail on Sunday) of human rights abuses at Odzala National Park comitted by park guards against Baka community members, has concluded. The detailed findings and recommendations are being kept secret, however... Show more
Gaza: The last restaurant, a Thai restaurant, is no more. The fact that there was still a restaurant while there is no food is by itself amazing. But the main questions are, what will it take for this nightmare to stop, how much damage to our collective psyche, how much cynicism is this mindless slaughter causing, and for how many generations the generated hatred will last in the area... Show more
Covid: we still do not know for sure if it was a product of a natural mutation or a deliberate combination, if it was a lab or a wet market accident. In every case China and the US (and others) should cooperate, rather than blame each other, so that we all avoid a repetition! www.nytimes.com/2025/05/07/science/covid-coronavir…
Tanzania: The Zanzibar Tourism Commission (Web: www.zanzibartourism.go.tz) issued a stark 'reminder on proper dress code' to Hotels and Tour Operators holding them responsible if tourists do not cover up and threatening "establishments and individuals" with "strict penalties and legal actions" from May 1, 2025. The warning was posted on the Commissions' Facebook page. It is unclear what... Show more
India: A group of Jenu Kuruba, the indigenous people evicted from Karnataka's Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, 40 years ago, have returned and started building houses the traditional way. Survival International has called on the Indian government not only to accept the fact, but to encourage more Jenu Kuruba to return "as tigers thrive alongside the Indigenous people". What is clear is that the fortress... Show more
India: Evicted tribe re-occupies their homes inside famous tiger reserve, in landmark event
In unprecedented action, Jenu Kuruba people return to their forest at Nagarhole
At the young age of 99, and ever optimistic, the legendary naturalist-documentarist Sir David Attenborough is still campaigning and enlightening us about the paramount importance of safeguarding our planet's ecosystems. His movie-length 'Ocean' documentary premieres tonight at London's Royal Festival Hall.
Voluntourism: an interesting selection of options from NY Times, with a passing reference that it may have more to do with a 'saviour complex' rather than meaningfully/effectively supporting conservation/real progress in those destinations. For example, instead of taking the trip and paying most of the funds to airlines, organizers etc, consider the alternative of donating the same amount to an... Show more
Description
UN Tourism and the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program (STAMP) at Cornell University’s Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise have come together for the first time to foster the global talent, capacity, and leadership needed to ensure tourism destinations are managed to protect local well-being and vital natural and cultural assets with advanced tools and frameworks.
The two organizations are pleased to provide the opportunity for 350 people to receive financial support and enroll in Cornell University’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Management online course at no cost, which was developed with support and collaboration from the Travel Foundation and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
To meet the urgent need to address the growth of tourism worldwide, this self-paced course is designed for students and working professionals in both public and private workplace settings, with tools and exercises directly applicable to the needs of tourism ministries, destination management organizations, protected areas, municipal governments, and NGOs.
Open Call for Applications
The application for financial support launches today April 8, 2025. All information about the financial support and the link to apply is available on the website for Cornell’s Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program. Applications will be accepted for two months (closing May 30, 2025 at 11:59pm ET) and decisions will be announced in July.
Eligibility
To be eligible for financial support, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Applicant must reside in an “at-need” country or territory. A full list of eligible locations can be found here.
Applicant must be proficient in spoken and written English. English is the language of instruction for this course and students are required to watch video lectures (English transcription available), as well as complete readings, activities, and quizzes.
Applicant must demonstrate their commitment to applying sustainable tourism principles in one or more tourism destinations. Relevant professional experience and affiliations will be carefully considered.
Applicant must commit to beginning the course on August 1, 2025 or September 1, 2025, and completing the 40-hour course within 2 months of registration (a commitment of about 5 hours per week).