06 travel
going local responsibly By michele beatham
Do the terms fair trade, eco and sustainable tourism evoke images of primitive facilities far from civilisation, where cold-running water is considered a luxury and the closest thing to romance is sharing your sleeping bag with the local arachnid and insect populations? Think again. Whatever your idea of the perfect holiday – whether the sights and sounds of nature or the buzz of urban culture – it is possible to holiday in style and meet the criteria of responsible tourism. While the Fair Trade movement dates back to Europe in the 1960s, formalisation in South Africa is far more recent, with Fair Trade in Tourism certification launched in 2002. A year later the first four certified establishments were announced and as at September this year, the number had grown to 59. So what exactly is Fair Trade in Tourism?
Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable tourism development, endorses establishments that meet stringent criteria under six basic principles: fair share, respect, democracy, reliability, transparency and sustainability. These include safe working conditions and practices, gender equality, protection of young workers, understanding and tolerance of socio-cultural norms, conservation of
biodiversity and natural resources, recycling consumption of water and energy, as well as reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Other criteria could include capacity building, partnerships, and support of historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. For travellers, FTTSA offers advice and tips for responsible travel, provide links to operators and activities and of course show case certified accommodation. And when it comes to responsible travel, one of the easiest ways is to go local; reducing travelling distance reduces emissions, we experience the breathtaking beauty of our own country and our hard earned money directly benefits fellow citizens. Certified establishments in any of six provinces include backpackers’ lodges such as Lebo’s in Soweto, Coffee Shack in the Eastern Cape or The Backpack in Cape Town. If game viewing appeals, the Kruger Park offers a number of certified lodges, as does Amakhala in the Eastern Cape or Madikwe in North West Province. Plan an interactive tour with Andulela, or one with no limits through AWOL. Opt for ocean adventures from Plettenberg Bay, or wander the mazes at Soekershof. All of us seek peace whilst on holiday, but by travelling responsibly, we get the added benefit of peace of mind. Visit www.fairtoursimsa.org for a full list of establishments and operators.
strange places While some consider language difference an unusual or exotic holiday, others demand nothing short of unique, unusual and downright mysterious. From www.aqiziam.com we share a few of their ten strangest places to visit.
The incredible terraced pools of Pamukkale in Turkey, now closed to tourists, were formed thousands of years ago when earthquakes created fractures that allowed hot springs to bring calcium carbonate-rich water to the surface. This chalkey material condensed as the water evaporated, giving rise to layer-upon-layer of Travertine. The Blue Holes of the Bahamas, found on land and in the ocean, are deep cavities that are often entrances to large cave networks. Aquatic creatures new to science have been reported by divers, as well as stalactites and stalagmites only formed in dry caves, considered proof that sea levels in the Bahamas rose substantially after the last ice age.
newsflash Human Polar Bear to swim on Mount Everest As part of a climate change education and awareness initiative, South Africa’s largest retailer, Pick n Pay, will partner with pioneer swimmer Lewis Gordon Pugh as he undertakes the first-ever symbolic swim in a lake under the summit of Mount Everest in April 2010. The aim of this key event is to raise public awareness internationally, in Africa and particularly in South Africa regarding the devastating impact of climate change. Pugh, who is also known as the ‘Human Polar Bear’, will be the first person to swim in the freezing conditions of Mount Everest – at an altitude of 5 600 metres above sea level in a temperature of one degree celsius. This will indeed be his most challenging swim to date. Remarkably he has pioneered more swims around famous landmarks than any other
swimmer in history, and is the only person to have completed a long-distance swim in every ocean in the world. Since being the first person to undertake a long-distance swim in the freezing waters of the North Pole, he has dedicated his life to campaigning for the protection of the environment. Pugh says “The swim across the North Pole completely changed me. I feel incredibly invigorated; and believe I have earned the right to approach world leaders to tell them what’s happening up there. We can protect this place, we can cut our carbon emissions; we can leave this world in a better state than it was in when we received it.” Currently more than one-billion people are dependent on water flowing from the Himalayas, and experts say the Himalayan glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. Glaciers in the Himalayas, a 2 400 kilometre (1 500 mile) range that sweeps through Pakistan, India, China, Nepal and Bhutan, provide headwaters for Asia’s nine largest rivers, a lifeline for the 1.3 billion people who live downstream.
point to ponder The spherical Moeraki boulders on Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast of New Zealand, formed on the sea floor from sedimentary deposits in the same way a pearl forms around a particle of sand can weigh several tons and be up to three metres wide. Maori legend attributes their origin to the arrival of the first ancestors.
Green principles and sustainability are becoming essential elements in our polluted world. One tree must be planted somewhere in exchange for each traveller on an aircraft.
our friend: the tree
The growing awareness around the importance of trees is encouraging a global drive to planting more of them in an attempt to offset carbon emissions. While they are the lungs of the planet the majesty of trees do more for us than just clean the air. Resting under the shade of an ancient silent tree brings peace to the most ragged traveller. In India sacred Banyan trees were planted along roadside to give shade to pilgrims on their journey. They are quiet reminders to pause along the road of life, to take shelter. These and many other precious trees worldwide are threatened because of development and the demand for paper products. Consider the wood for the trees and plant a tree for every major journey you take. Life in Balance has been journeying the country and abroad and here are a selection of trees that have stood out along the way...
The little known Island of Suqatra off the coast of Yemen is home to some of the most bizarrely-shaped plants, the most famous of which is the Dragon’s Blood Tree. The sap is used to make crystals that can allegedly be used as an aphrodisiac.
Baobab
Feverfew
Oak
Giant Sequoia, California, USA
Giant Bearded Ficus
flight flash Project Green, launched in May 2008 by Kulula and Food & Trees for Africa, aims to plant trees and grass to benefit disadvantaged communities and schools. The R838 800 raised so far allows Kulula passengers to help others by offsetting their travel carbon emissions.