In any tourism destination, the local population must possess the capacity to maximize the benefits of increased visitation. Investments in sustainable development must be accompanied by investments in local education, especially in nations where funding for education is limited. Without such investments, it will remain difficult achieve positive and sustainable, regional economic development, as well […]
At the beginning of October, BP submitted new drilling plans to the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority. These plans, according to sources, outline BP’s strategy for drilling the first of four exploratory wells off the South Australian coast beginning next year. While the Management Authority’s decision isn’t expected until later this month, […]
I grew up in the small town of Truckee, California. As a child, I was oblivious to big picture concepts like economic development and sustainable tourism. I remember frequenting local resorts and paying five dollars for local student ski passes on Sundays. I have fond memories enjoying our region’s most spectacular terrain from the seat […]
Recent close encounters between tourists and wildlife in the African safari have renewed some longstanding questions about the issues between tourism and its’ encroachment on native wildlife and their habitat. Less than a month ago, an Australian tourist was enjoying his safari tour and taking in the beauty of what is perhaps Africa’s most impressive […]
Latin America has long been a hotbed for social and environmental activism. Unlike most active protesters here in the States, activists in Central and South America deal with an entirely different level of resistance, which have sometimes resulted in violent conflict. According to a report released in 2014 by Global Witness, a watchdog organization active […]
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey recently announced that they plan to phase out the use of elephants in their shows by the year 2018. The announcement comes in the wake of years of pressure from animal rights groups through the filing of lawsuits concerning the circus’ treatment of animals. End of an Era “It […]
In spite of rising international pressure to halt the controversial practice, rebel forces, as well as the Sudanese government, continue to actively recruit child soldiers. Sudan has been marred in conflict for years, but renewed conflict between members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) has recently caused many South Sudanese civilians to take refuge […]
