#environmental impact of tourism

[kunoevokeexperiences]

Charting a Green Path: 2024's Sustainable Tourism at Kuno Forest Retreat

In the heart of India's vibrant landscape, nestled within the lush confines of Madhya Pradesh, lies a beacon of sustainable tourism: Kuno Forest Retreat. As we venture into 2024, this sanctuary not only promises an escape into nature but also stands as a testament to eco-friendly travel and wildlife conservation success stories.

The Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary: A Commitment to Conservation

Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the larger Madhya Pradesh National Park network, has long been at the forefront of conservation efforts in India. Its dedication to preserving the natural habitat and the species that call it home exemplifies the positive environmental impact of tourism. The sanctuary’s efforts have led to numerous wildlife conservation success stories, making it a model for sustainable tourism in India.

Sustainable Tourism in the Heart of India

Kuno Forest Retreat is more than just a destination; it's an experience that harmonizes luxury with nature's untouched beauty. In fostering sustainable tourism, the retreat has implemented practices that minimize environmental footprints while maximizing visitor engagement with the natural world. From solar energy to water conservation methods, every aspect of the retreat is designed with sustainability in mind.

Green Getaways: The Essence of Eco-Friendly Travel

2024's sustainable tourism landscape is rich with green getaways, yet Kuno Forest Retreat stands out for its commitment to eco-friendly accommodations. These accommodations not only offer comfort and luxury but also ensure that every stay contributes positively to the surrounding ecosystem. The retreat's practices exemplify how tourism can coexist with nature conservation, providing a blueprint for green travel destinations worldwide.

Exploring the Great Outdoors: Adventures in Kuno

Kuno Forest Retreat offers a plethora of activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the majesty of Madhya Pradesh's national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Whether it's a safari through the dense forests, a guided nature walk that reveals the secrets of the local flora and fauna, or star-gazing sessions under the clear night sky, the retreat ensures that every experience is in harmony with its sustainable tourism ethos.

The Role of Eco-Friendly Accommodations

The significance of eco-friendly accommodations in reducing the environmental impact of tourism cannot be overstated. At Kuno Forest Retreat, guests find themselves staying in settings that are not only luxurious but also environmentally conscious. From the materials used in construction to the daily operations, everything is aligned with the goal of sustainability. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, travelers contribute to a larger movement that prioritizes the well-being of our planet.

A Beacon for Sustainable Tourism in India

Kuno Forest Retreat is not just a destination; it's a movement towards a greener future. As we look towards 2024 and beyond, the retreat's role in promoting sustainable tourism in India becomes increasingly vital. It serves as a reminder that responsible travel is not only about the places we visit but also about how we choose to engage with them.

Accommodation Details

For those planning their next sustainable getaway, Kuno Forest Retreat offers a variety of eco-friendly accommodations designed to provide an immersive experience in nature without compromising on luxury or comfort. Discover the perfect blend of wilderness and wellness by exploring our accommodation options here.

In conclusion, as we navigate the path of sustainable tourism in 2024, Kuno Forest Retreat shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It exemplifies how destinations can offer mesmerizing experiences while upholding the principles of conservation and sustainability. A visit to Kuno is not just a journey to a place but a step towards a more sustainable and conscious way of exploring our beautiful planet.

[creativemedianews]

Anger as sewage leak causes 'don't swim' advisory on Exmouth beach

Anger as sewage leak causes 'don't swim' advisory on Exmouth beach #environmentalimpact #Exmouth #sewageleak

[automotiveera]

Powering the Waves: Small Marine Engines Market Insights

The small marine engines market value will reach USD 11,696.1 million by 2030 from USD 7,967.5 million in 2022, at a 4.9% CAGR. This growth can be credited to the growing demand for numerous kinds of boats utilized for recreational and relaxation events, and the growing coastal tourism for water activities including yachting, boating, and fishing.

Furthermore, the leaning toward the water-based leisure industry has been on the surge because of the increased expenditure on water-associated activities by a chunk of the populace. Also, the sense of better-quality mental health because of the quality time spent during water-based activities is a main factor for the booming boating demand, which, ultimately, quickens the outward and inward-placed engines of marine vessels.

The mounted customer involvement in marine fun activities is offering worthwhile development opportunities for engine demand. In the past years, marine tourism and relaxation activities like yachting, power boating, and sailing, have experienced a significant surge, because of the growing disposable income of consumers. Moreover, rapid development in adventure tourism is helping water recreational activities.

As per a government-issued research article, above 50 million Americans went fishing, including artisanal fishing, commercial, and artisanal fishing, in 2021, which generated a profitable demand for outdoor or inner-placed motors in marine recreational vehicles. the recreational boats category, on the basis of the application segment, generated approximately USD 3.5 billion in revenue in 2022. And, a surge in demand for technically progressive fishing boats is projected to drive the development of the industry for engines and propulsion systems across the forecast period.

In 2022, the outboard motor category dominated the industry, and the category is also projected to advance at a CAGR of 5% in the coming years. This is mainly because of the technical advances, the requirement for outboard boats is projected to increase significantly in the coming few years.

[decodingbiosphere]

The Impact of Tourism on the Environment: Pros and Cons

Tourism is a wonderful way to explore new places, experience diverse cultures, and create unforgettable memories. However, like most things in life, it comes with both positive and negative effects. In this article, we will find out how the tourism impacts the environment. We’ll explore the ways in which tourism can be a force for good and the challenges it poses to our planet. The Positives –…

[decolonize-the-everything]

"All our needs are met by this land, not by Enbridge.” That’s what Wenipashtaabe (Sandy Gokee), an Anishinaabe water protector, told the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at a June 4 public hearing in Ashland, Wisconsin about a proposal to reroute Enbridge’s Line 5 oil pipeline. Line 5 currently trespasses through the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s reservation in northern Wisconsin, and a federal judge last year ordered Enbridge to remove that segment of pipeline off the tribe’s land by June 2026. Enbridge’s plan is to reroute the pipeline, but the company needs approval from the USACE first.

[...]At the meeting, Tribal leaders and environmental advocates from across the region voiced concern about the proposed reroute. That’s because Line 5 poses an environmental risk within Tribal boundaries—and the reroute wouldn’t change this, because it would still be located within the larger Bad River watershed. In other words, an oil spill in that area would still drain into the Bad River, endangering wetlands and groundwater along the river’s course to Lake Superior. “We said off the watershed. You said off the reservation,” Gokee told the USACE at the public hearing. The more than 70-year-old pipeline is 20 years past its expiration date. In some places, including the point where the pipeline intersects with a “meander” in the Bad River, it is in imminent danger of rupture.

Folks aren’t counting on Enbridge to fix this, because the Canadian energy company has a terrible track record. A rupture in another major Enbridge pipeline, 6B, caused the 2010 Kalamazoo River spill, which dumped nearly a million gallons of crude oil into the water over the course of 18 hours before Michigan authorities (not Enbridge) reported the spill. It’s one of the largest inland oil spills in US history. Construction along Enbridge’s Line 3 has caused ongoing harm in Minnesota, where Enbridge contractors released toxic fracking fluids while drilling under waterways, and destroyed wetlands.

The proposed new segment of Line 5 would cross and endanger nearly 200 bodies of water and over 100 acres of wetland as it passes through Ashland and Iron Counties. The $450 million reroute would require temporarily and permanently discharging fill material into wetlands, horizontal drilling under the White River (which flows into the Bad River), and would cause the loss or alteration of wetlands in the 30- to 50-foot wide maintenance corridor surrounding the pipeline, USACE states in an analysis of the plan.

“I can drink the water here now. Let’s keep it that way,” added Gokee at the public hearing.

You can donate directly to the tribe to help them on Defend the Bad River dot org and you can read more about their treaties and their history on the Bad River Band website. Absolutely utilize the tools available to you to educate yourself about this further, please and spread the word!

Their homepage

Bonus materials;

The oil pipeline laying in the Straits of Mackinac — is 21 years past it’s intended lifespan. A Line 5 rupture would impact 700 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, take years to clean up, and would devastate our Great Lakes economy — putting 214,000 Michigan tourism jobs at risk. The Great Lakes are 20% of the world’s freshwater — we can’t afford to contaminate them with oil.

Their PDF handout about the case:

I want to highlight their demands for people who just saw that wall of text and skipped it cuz this is important:

This is a decently nuanced 14 minute interview about how turning on Line 3 affected native communities; how most are still just taking actions to survive through ongoing oppression and colonization, how activism isnt a luxury a lot of people can afford with mouths to feed and systemic oppression keeping them in cycles of poverty.

Stand with the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

It shouldn't be on them to fight Enbridge on their own and nobody should be forced to choose between their people or their planet. Uplift their voices and make their demands known and make it known that they're supported and they're not alone.

[reasonsforhope]

"When Francois Beyers first pitched the concept of 3D ocean farming to the Welsh regulators, he had to sketch it on napkins. 

Today the seafood farm is much more than a drawing, but if you walked along the Welsh coastal path near St David’s, all you’d see is a line of buoys. As Beyers puts it: “It’s what’s below that’s important.”

Thick tussles of lustrous seaweed suspend from the buoys, mussels cling to its furry connective ropes and dangling Chinese lantern-esque nets are filled with oysters and scallops. 

“It’s like an underwater garden,” says Beyers, co-founder of the community-owned regenerative ocean farm, Câr-y-Môr. The 3-hectare site is part of a fledgling sector, one of 12 farms in the UK, which key players believe could boost ocean biodiversity, produce sustainable agricultural fertiliser and provide year-round employment in areas that have traditionally been dependent on tourism. 

Created in 2020 by Beyers and six family members, including his father-in-law – an ex-shellfish farmer – the motivation is apparent in the name, which is Welsh for “for the love of the sea”. ...

Pictured: Drone shot of Câr-y-Môr, which is on the site of abandoned mussel farms. Image: Scott Chalmers

Ocean farming comes from the technical term ‘integrated multi-trophic aquaculture���, which means a mixture of different seaweed and shellfish species growing together to mutually benefit each other. But it’s not just a way of growing food with little human input, it also creates ocean habitat. 

“You’re creating a breeding ground for marine animals,” explains Beyers who adds that the site has seen more gannets diving, porpoises and seals – to name a few – since before the farm was established.

Ocean farms like Câr-y-Môr, notes Ross Brown – environmental research fellow at the University of Exeter – have substantial conservation benefits.

“Setting up a seaweed farm creates an exclusion zone so fishermen can’t trawl it,” explains Brown, who has been conducting experiments on the impacts of seaweed and shellfish farms across the UK. 

Brown believes a thriving ocean farming industry could provide solutions to the UK’s fish stock, which is in “a deeply troubling state” according to a report that found half of the key populations to be overfished. “It would create stepping stones where we have safe havens for fish and other organisms,” he adds. 

But UK regulators have adopted a cautious approach, note Brown and Beyers, making it difficult for businesses like Câr-y-Môr to obtain licenses. “It’s been a tough old slog,” says Beyers, whose aim is to change the legislation to make it easier for others to start ocean farms. 

Despite navigating uncharted territories, the business now has 14 full-time employees, and 300 community members, of which nearly 100 have invested in the community-benefit society. For member and funding manager Tracey Gilbert-Falconer, the model brings expertise but most importantly, buy-in from the tight-knit local community. 

“You need to work with the community than forcing yourself in,” she observes. 

And Câr-y-Môr is poised to double its workforce in 2024 thanks to a Defra grant of £1.1 million to promote and develop the Welsh seafood industry as part of the UK Seafood Fund Infrastructure Scheme. This will go towards building a processing hub, set to be operational in April, to produce agricultural fertiliser from seaweed. 

Full of mineral nutrients and phosphorous from the ocean, seaweed use in farming is nothing new, as Gilbert-Falconer notes: “Farmers in Pembrokeshire talk about their grandad going down to the sea and throwing [seaweed] on their farms.” 

But as the war in Ukraine has caused the price of chemical fertiliser to soar, and the sector tries to reduce its environmental impact – of which synthetic fertiliser contributes 5% of total UK emissions – farmers and government are increasingly looking to seaweed. 

The new hub will have capacity to make 65,000 litres of sustainable fertiliser annually with the potential to cover 13,000 acres of farmland. 

But to feed the processing hub, generate profit and reduce their dependency on grants, the co-op needs to increase the ocean farm size from three to 13 hectares. If they obtain licences, Beyers says they should break even in 18 months. 

For now, Beyers reflects on a “humbling” three years but revels in the potential uses of seaweed, from construction material to clothing.  

“I haven’t seen the limit yet,” he smiles."

-via Positive.News, February 19, 2024

[alpaca-clouds]

Travel is good, tourism isn't

I said in the blog yesterday, that I think travel is good, but tourism isn't. So, let me explain this. And I will put this here first: I am going to explain it on the example of Japan, because I know the most about what is happening there in terms of travel and tourism - and what issues arise from it.

See, I do think travelling to foreign places (whatever that means for you) is a good thing. Experiencing other cultures and interacting people who due to their culture have a very different outlook on life and the world is a good thing. Not only to move away from a certain worldview (which for white people tends to be an eurocentric one, and for Americans an US-centric one), it also fosters empathy to other people.

And I think of this dramatic thing especially when it comes to Americans travelling, who due to their lacking education system often do know jack shit about the rest of the world.

However: I do both think that the thing we right now call tourism does not really help, but actually does hinder this - and is harmful in many other ways.

Right now, foreign tourists are no longer allowed in Gion, the Geisha quarter of Kyoto. The reason for it is, that too many of them were fucking disrespectful. Some made photos of the Geisha without asking, some even touched the kimono and the hair of the Geisha. Some even got angry and started arguing, when people told them to not do this.

Especially when it comes to Kyoto I can think of a variet of other examples. People have carved their names into temples. People touched things that are not supposed to be touched (like idols). People otherwise behaved inappropriately, for example towards kannushi and mikos. Folks have bathed their feet in pools meant for ritual cleansing. There are a lot of examples of this.

And I think part of this goes back to two things. For one again eurocentrism and the way, that a lot of especially white folks to not perceive other cultures as real. But also, and maybe more importantly, the mindset that: "I have paid $1500 for this trip and I get to very well do what I want." The different culture in this mindset gets treated like a themepark, not as a place filled with real people, rather than performers there to enhance the tourist's experience.

Meanwhile the tourists generally are not really interested to interact with the other culture further than that. Which is also, why they tend to flock to the same few places, to all go make their own photo of the same place that a million people have photographed before - as compared to going exploring in a foreign place.

And in some cases - like Kyoto - this also leads to the fact that the local people often get pushed out of the places they actually live in.

A lot of people will often say: "Yeah, but it is great for their economy." Which... leaving my capitalism-hating-ideation aside for a moment... Well, actually it is not good and COVID showed us. Because it makes the economy totally depedent on tourism. In places that are heavily dependent on tourism, the sudden complete anihilation of tourism with the pandemic pushed those places further into a crisis than anywhere else. Heck, keeping it with Kyoto: Given a lot of folks had jobs related to the tourism industry and there were in fact not many other jobs, a lot of people found themselves forced to move away from Kyoto during the pandemic.

So while the entire "but economy" thing will seem true on a short term, it actually is not on the long term.

And that is without going into the environmental impact that comes from a lot of people flocking to certain places. This is shown especially in areas, where folks go for "nature", destroying nature while they do so. Because nature just cannot handle thousands upon thousands of people travelling through.

So, what do I mean with "travel, instead of tourism"? Well, frankly: Yes, you still go to other places. But - to keep with Japan - instead of going to Kyoto you might go to Morigushi or Beppo, and instead of touring from one temple and shrine to the next, you will just interact with the places and explore them. To actually experience them, rather than some preconscieved notion of what it is supposed to be. And you interact with the people.

And you learn. Because we all just need to learn about different people, different cultures and different places. Rather than just consuming them.

[beautiful-basque-country]

I never suspected there was such a big anti-tourism movement in Spain and EH, now I feel awful because I've always wanted to visit

Kaixo anon,

You know, the problem is not you - or thousands more - wanting to visit, the issue here is that there are actual hordes of thousands of tourists arriving every day that invade some cities in a very specific time of the year (namely, summer). If people came evenly distributed during the year, it wouldn't be so massified as it is now, but I know that's asking for the impossible.

That said, while part of the hordes, we can deal with respectful tourists, but this has come to a level where disrespectful, I-think-I'm-a-king-and-all-these-poor-locals-are-here-to-serve-me-as-I-please kind of tourists are a majority. And not only come here for a couple of weeks, they come back when they retire, they become expats, they become digital nomads, all while not changing their attitude.

I'm not gonna even comment about the high environmental price we pay welcoming thousands of cruise ships a year and hundreds of flights a day, or how much the health system - paid by Spaniards - has to spend to take care of tourists that have drunk themselves into a comma or jumped off of a balcony as a rite of passage.

When you go visit another country, you're part of the problem, that's how it is. However, you can always minimize your impact.

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

The Top Reasons Why You Should Know Geology as a Writer

Hello, lovelies! A project for my Introduction to Geology class was to create a ‘promotion’ of Geology as it can be used for things other then you know, tourism or warning of natural disasters. Me, being the writer, decided to create this post that I will be posting for the fun of it. As this is a creative project, I decided to write it as I normally write posts here on my blog.

First off, writing is a complicated business when it comes down to it. Particularly when you get into the idea of worldbuilding. As someone who has two different worlds I’ve been working on creating, one thing that helps a lot is geology in general. I know, it sounds a bit crazy to think about. But it’s true. Geology is the study of the earth itself, and knowing how the earth works, even if it’s just basic concepts, helps build a world. After all, a town in the mountains and a town by the seaside may suffer from different natural disasters, but it comes from the same thing: the shifting of tectonic plates.

Let’s say that you’re building a world where your main character lives in the mountains. What sort of mountain town? Is it a mining town? Is it a town for tourists? In this little example, I will use a prototype for a story I am working on, where the main character lives in a town with a hot spring. How do hot springs form? Would this affect the area of the mountain town? The answer to this, of course, is geothermal heat that is pushed upwards to the upper crust. Once you know that, trying to figure out the environmental impacts of this occurs next. Then you have to think about the dangers of hot springs and so on, and how the people you have created would react to them.

Hot springs, and in general geothermal sites, have had religious or cultural connections for centuries! Think of all the health gurus talking about going to a hot spring to soak away the pain due to the minerals in a spring. Think of how people will purposely hike to get to a hot springs to soak in! An entire culture can be built around a hot springs to. Communal bathing is quite common across cultures, and a hot springs can be the site for potential political talks or even just a place of relaxation for people.

Adding to the above, you now have a tourism aspect, a possible religious aspect, an environmental concern, and a culture ready to be built up all based on a geological matter! I mean, look at the picture; it’s an image from a national parks website (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/hot-springs.htm if any of you wanna look). We can see how a geological function like a hot spring can affect tourism here! Look at how many people are watching this! Even in a more medieval setting, you can’t doubt people wouldn’t line up to see this!

Let’s continue with another thought, and that is how places tend to end up settled. There are plenty of guidebooks that inform us how, as well, you can look at history! Natural resources are the answer to that, with water being a primary reason behind the settlement of many areas. But there are other resources that may have a settlement show up. Some may be organic, but others would be things such as coal, materials such as stone to create things, or it could be something like gems that people mine for money. 

As well, by considering what natural resources are around, you determine more landscape as a result of these. The picture below is a picture of the world’s largest open-pit diamond mine. Imagine that something like this exists in your story. 

And how does this happen?

Did you guess geology? You’d be right! Geology is such an ingrained process in world-building that writers don’t tend to see it. And let’s be real, if you have a group of people who live by a mine and a group of people who live by a lake, there are vastly different concerns each other has. This again comes down to the effects geology has on EITHER of these things.

Some writers ignore how geology works. JR Tolkein may have been a fantastic writer, but in the end his ideas on mountains were pretty wrong. Not bad, just wrong. While I’ll never say you can’t bend some rules for the fun of it when writing fantasy, I will say most people enjoy the sprinkling of reality littering the pages of their work rather then not. As well, it’s easier on the writer to. 

I mean, I prefer not to wonder what sort of dangers there are in my worlds.  If I can take a two-second Google Search to get an idea of it, it’s easier than trying to think of these things myself. Look to the above picture! We now have, in fact, at least 6 (6!!) things to include as worries for your little fishing village on the ocean. And guess what?! TWO of these things are related to geology! 

So, to recap so far: Geology can be used to not only give your world either income, but it can also enable you to create a religion based on things around them, it can be used to create interesting landscapes and can give you natural disasters that are connected to said landscapes!

Wanna know what ELSE Geology can be used for?

Naming your little villages and towns. No, I am NOT kidding.

Look, people name places either after relatives, or themselves or they looked around frantically before pointing at the nearest rock and went: ROCK TOWN. Don’t believe me?

In Alberta, we have: High River, Slave Lake, Okotoks (A reference to Big Rock, using the Blackfoot word for rock, "ohkotok"), Diamond Valley, Fox Creek, Milk River, Peace River, Pincher Creek, Rocky Mountain House- the list just goes on and on and on!! And again, GEOLOGY. Struggling with naming your little mountain town? Did you but a mine near it? What does the mine produce? Diamonds?

Boom. Diamondville. It’s that easy when you’ve created the geology of the world, you can just use words from your area! No more hard time thinking about it, just GO FOR IT!

So, in the end: learn geology. It gives you a way to create culture, economic concerns, a name for places and even see what sort of local concerns there are in even the smallest village. 

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Tourism in Brazil could benefit from climate agenda

Different tourism sectors are coming together to create itineraries aligned with the climate agenda in Belém, Pará state, combining experiences of immersion in the forest, and regional cuisine, and promoting sustainable production systems. The idea behind the initiatives is to take advantage of the opportunities brought by sustainable tourism—such as attracting investment and increasing competitiveness—and also to overcome the challenges in bringing together the major players from the two agendas.

Parys Fonseca, an entrepreneur in the lodging sector, has created a business model combining the experience of immersion in the Amazon rainforest with sustainable lodging. After consulting the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) in Pará, he learned about a recyclable modular structure which not only has less environmental impact at a lower cost, but also keeps room temperatures stable without artificial refrigeration.

“The installation process was really quick. In just two weeks I was renting it out as accommodation. And I thought it was better because the work was simpler, the module adapts to the environment, and it’s also thermoacoustic,” he pointed out.

Located on Murucutu Island, one of the 42 islands that make up the city of Belém, Fonseca’s resort offers visitors not only a chance to spend a night’s sleep immersed in the Amazon rainforest, but also gastronomic experiences with local products from the region’s sustainable production chain. “The next step is to create a route for tourists to learn about açaí palm production, just as there’s route on cocoa on Combu Island. Sebrae is supporting me with training and management, which has been key for the local residents and entrepreneurs alike,” he said.

Continue reading.

[hebrewbyinbal]

Sticking with this weekends Israeli Beach Themed lessons 🪼🪼

Israel's coastal waters, especially those of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a fascinating array of marine life, including the intriguing and often misunderstood jellyfish.

These gelatinous creatures, known for their ethereal beauty and sometimes painful stings, are a common sight during the warmer months.

The most frequently encountered species along Israeli shores is the Rhopilema nomadica, or nomad jellyfish, which has been making its presence felt with increasing frequency in recent years.

Jellyfish in Israel are not just a marine curiosity but also a subject of scientific study and environmental concern.

The influx of jellyfish, particularly during their blooming periods, can have significant impacts on local ecosystems and human activities.

For instance, large swarms of jellyfish can affect fishing, tourism, and even the operation of desalination plants, which are vital for Israel's water supply.

Despite the challenges they pose, jellyfish also play an essential role in marine ecosystems.

They serve as both predators and prey, helping to maintain the balance of oceanic life.

Additionally, their presence can indicate changes in marine environments, often linked to factors such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

For beachgoers in Israel, it's important to be aware of jellyfish during the summer months.

While their stings can be painful, they are rarely dangerous.

If you do get stung, the recommended first aid includes rinsing the area with vinegar or seawater, avoiding fresh water, and removing any tentacles with a pair of tweezers.

In recent years, Israel has taken steps to monitor and manage jellyfish populations.

Collaborative efforts between marine biologists, environmental organizations, and governmental agencies aim to better understand jellyfish behavior and mitigate their impact on human activities.

Whether you view them with awe or caution, jellyfish are an integral part of Israel's marine landscape, reminding us of the delicate balance that sustains our oceans and the ongoing need for environmental stewardship.

[khalid-albeshri]

New Murabba Case Study: Urban Transformation in Riyadh

Overview: The New Murabba Project, led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is a key part of Vision 2030, transforming Riyadh into a world-leading city with a massive modern downtown.

Key Components:

Mukaab Landmark:

Design: A 400-meter cube structure housing a museum, university, theatre, and over 80 entertainment venues.

Urban Planning:

Development: 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and 980,000 square meters of retail space.

Green Spaces: A 3.2 million square meter park.

Transportation: Integrated public transport network.

Sustainability and Innovation:

Energy Efficiency: Sustainable building practices and energy-efficient technologies.

Smart City Features: Implementation of smart infrastructure.

Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs): The project highlights the role of PPPs in

urban transformation:

Investment and Funding:

Public Investment Fund: Primary investor attracting private sector investments.

Collaboration with International Firms:

Design and Construction: Partnerships with global firms for world-class standards.

Technology: Integrating smart city solutions.

Economic Impact:

Job Creation: Significant job opportunities during construction and ongoing operations.

Tourism and Commerce: Boosting the local economy and Riyadh's global standing.

Challenges:

- Project Management: Ensuring timely completion with robust management.

- Sustainability: Balancing urbanization with environmental impact.

- Community Engagement: Involving local communities and stakeholders.

Conclusion: The New Murabba Project exemplifies the power of PPPs in urban development, integrating cultural, commercial, and residential elements with sustainability and technology to create a vibrant, future-ready urban center in Riyadh.

#KhalidAlbeshri #خالدالبشري

[queering-ecology]

Queer Environments: The Sexual Politics of Natural Spaces

To discuss the politics of natural spaces, we return to the subject of parks (wilderness and urban). Parks are publicly designated ‘nature’ and are more formally regulated than other nature spaces. Parks emerged as public institutions in the same period as the ‘articulation of evolution and degeneracy’ (13), the naturalization of heterosexuality, and the connection drawn between deviant sexuality and environmental contamination, urbanization and industrialization.

“Medical thinkers of the late nineteenth century came to believe that the environmental conditions of large urban centers actually cultivated the homosexuality that people were (they thought, increasingly) seeing (13). So, parks were created and wilderness in general touted as the ‘cure’ for homosexuality and emasculation. When in fact, this was not the case—the western ‘wilderness’ was full of prospectors, cowboys, ranchers, foresters (and natives) and if Alfred Kinsey’s research is correct, there was more same-sex sexual activity among men in the wilderness than there was in the cities (15).

“Many of the city centre parks in North America and Europe […] were redesigned in the late nineteenth century with an emphasis on the public promenade, the male gaze, suppression of public sexual contact, and team sports as a means to lift up working-class morality. Such public parks have usually been programmed for what are sometimes conspicuous displays of heterosexual desire, courtship and conquest.” (1997b, 102) (18).  Examples include two seated benches, open walled gazebos, and wide ‘lover’s lanes’. Another example provided is public campgrounds; especially postwar, there was a new auto recreation culture that reinvented camping as a family activity, and many campgrounds were designed to resemble suburban cul-de-sacs.

In the mid nineteenth century, the Donation Land Act (DLA) “encouraged a heterosexual pattern of colonization” (19). White males, twenty-one or older could receive a 160-acre parcel and an additional 160 acres for his wife. This encouraged heterosexual marriage along the settlement of the west and imposed a monolithic culture of single heterosexual family sized lots on the land that have significantly impacted the region’s economic and environmental history.

With capitalist globalization, new spatial relations between queer and ecology have emerged and are being explored; tourism and the collision with indigenous and other non-western cultures, “the contestation of Western sexual categories by diverse sexual minorities whose lives, bodies, and natures are not nearly captured by even the proliferating initials in the acronym ‘lgbtq’” and the use of postcolonial theory to challenge intersections of sex and nature in imperialist practice among many other investigations (20-21).

[mariacallous]

Almost every week, oil spills are reported somewhere in the world. From ships dumping contaminating ballast water or breaking down on coral reefs, to direct attacks on oil pipelines and tankers. The larger the spill, the bigger the media attention.

This year alone, off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, a Bellingcat investigation found that 1,000 tonnes of oil contaminated protected wetlands and wildlife sanctuaries after a barge capsized. In the Middle East, the Houthis targeted the Liberia-flagged tanker, Chios Lion. Carrying a cargo of crude oil, the strike resulted in a 200-kilometre-long oil slick. And in South-East Asia, in late July, the tanker, MT Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million litres of industrial oil, capsized off the coast of Manila in the Philippines, causing a four-km-long engine oil spill.

The sheer scale of ocean oil pollution is staggering. In Europe, a suspected 3,000 major illegal oil dumps take place annually, with an estimated release of between 15,000 and 60,000 tonnes of oil ending up in the North Sea. In the Mediterranean, figures provided by the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre estimate there are 1,500 to 2,000 oil spills every year. The impact of any single oil spill on a marine or coastal ecosystem can be devastating and long-lasting. Animals such as birds, turtles, dolphins and otters can suffer from ingesting or inhaling oil, as well as getting stuck in the slick. The loss of water and soil quality can be toxic to both flora and fauna. Heavy metals enter the food chain, poisoning everything from plankton to shellfish, which in turn affects the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fishing and tourism.

However, with a wealth of open source earth observation tools at our fingertips, during such environmental disasters it’s possible for us to identify and monitor these spills, highlight at-risk areas, and even hold perpetrators accountable. 

[rrichurd]

Live in Colour with the Next Gen

The people in this generation has an ineffable amount enjoyment in exploring their preference. A lot of electrifying motivation makes them travel around, it can be gastromy or accommodation that penetrate their needs and wants. They are elevated generation Z travelers that want an immersive to culture type of travels. They priority the most is safety and security, hence they travel to europian countries. They are captivated by the city life, as they love night clubbing and shopping in different malls. They are diverse and the most well-educated generation so far. Concerns that affects different issues such as tradition, culture and sustainability is what they care about.

This new generation are well prepared and organized when it comes to planning their trips. As they immerse their selves to the way of living of the locals, they learn many new opportunities. They are quite a researcher, they love seeking for new heights of adventure, whether it is extreme rides, breathtaking landscapes and so much more. Unlike traditional travelers they are experience-oriented than materialistic type of tourist. These new adventurers are tech-savvy, socially concious and adoptive to unconventional modes of transportation. They are often drawn to the excitement of discovering unfamiliar cultures, landscapes, and challenges, embracing the opportunity to learn, grow, and create lasting memories. The power of this new generation to influence the elderly and the young travelers is strong and passionate.

In conclusion, for the new generation of travelers, it is essential to embrace sustainable and responsible tourism practices. This includes respecting local cultures, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting local communities. By doing so, you not only create a positive impact on the places you visit but also enrich your own travel experiences. Embrace the spirit of adventure while ensuring your travels contribute to a better world for future generations.

#travelwritingandphotography

@therealrodthings

[michaelespositostatenisland]

Danielle Esposito Staten Island Adventure Sports: Future Trends to Erase Your Bucket List Blues

Adventure sports are rapidly evolving, offering more than just the traditional thrill-seeking experiences. With the rise of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, the future of adventure sports promises to be both exciting and environmentally conscious. Danielle Esposito Staten Island Adventure Sports: Unveiling the Future of Physical Exploration highlights these advancements and their impact. This article delves into the future trends in adventure sports that can help you erase your bucket list blues while contributing to a better world.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Adventure Sports

One of the most significant trends in adventure sports is the emphasis on sustainability. Eco-friendly adventure sports are becoming increasingly popular as athletes and enthusiasts seek to minimize their environmental footprint. From electric-powered surfboards to solar-powered camping gear, the industry is innovating to provide greener options for adventure lovers. These advancements not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the overall experience by aligning with the growing desire for sustainable travel.

Virtual Reality: Redefining Adventure

The realm of adventure sports is being transformed by Virtual Reality (VR), revolutionizing the way we perceive and engage with these exhilarating activities.. VR technology allows enthusiasts to engage in thrilling activities from the comfort of their homes. Whether it’s paragliding over the Swiss Alps or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, VR makes it possible to experience these adventures without the logistical challenges and environmental impact of traditional travel. This trend is particularly appealing to those who may have physical limitations or financial constraints, making adventure sports more accessible to a broader audience.

Personalized Adventure Experiences

The future of adventure sports is also leaning towards hyper-personalization. With advancements in AI and big data, companies can now tailor adventure experiences to individual preferences and skill levels. Personalized itineraries, real-time coaching, and customized gear recommendations ensure that every adventure is unique and suited to the participant’s needs. This trend not only enhances safety but also ensures that adventurers get the most out of their experiences, thereby reducing the likelihood of bucket list blues.

Adventure Sports for Wellness

The fusion of adventure sports with wellness is an increasingly popular trend, where activities like yoga retreats paired with hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking excursions are gaining traction. These experiences aim to provide holistic well-being, offering a blend of physical challenges and mental relaxation. By combining adventure with wellness, participants can achieve a balanced lifestyle, promoting overall health and happiness, allowing adventurers to fulfill their bucket list aspirations while simultaneously enhancing their well-being.

Technology-Enhanced Safety Measures

Safety is a paramount concern in adventure sports, and technological advancements are playing a crucial role in enhancing it. From GPS tracking devices and drones to advanced weather forecasting tools, technology is making adventure sports safer than ever before. Wearable tech, such as smart helmets and impact sensors, provides real-time data and alerts, helping to prevent accidents and injuries. These innovations ensure that adventurers can enjoy their experiences with greater peace of mind, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.

Community and Social Impact

Adventure sports are increasingly being used as a platform for social change. Initiatives that promote community engagement and environmental stewardship are on the rise. For example, adventure tourism operators are partnering with local communities to create sustainable tourism models that benefit both the environment and the local economy. By participating in these socially responsible adventures, enthusiasts can contribute to positive change while fulfilling their own bucket list dreams.

 Conclusion

The future of adventure sports is bright and full of potential. By embracing eco-friendly practices, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and focusing on personalized and wellness-oriented experiences, the industry is poised to offer exciting and sustainable options for adventure seekers. As these trends continue to evolve, adventure sports will not only help individuals erase their bucket list blues but also contribute to a more responsible and interconnected world. Danielle Esposito Staten Island - Bucket List Blues showcases how these advancements are shaping the future of adventure sports. So, get ready to embark on new adventures that promise not only to thrill but also to make a positive impact on our planet.