Cl travel guide xmas present

KI UTA KI TAI

From the mountain to the sea

A conservation travel guide by the MPhil in Conservation Leadership cohort 2016 -17

DISCLAIMER The content of this conservation travel guide is based entirely on the views and opinions of the 2016 MPhil Conservation Leadership class and has been provided for general information purposes only. While we strive to be up to date, the information provided may not always be the most recent information available on these projects/areas. Please don’t use, reprint, modify or publish any of this information without written consent from the specific author (email addresses of each student have been placed in the top left hand corner of each page.

Cover Photo Credit : Umeed Mistry || Layout and Design : Savita Vijayakumar Logo Illustration : Anastasia Gordon ||Copy Editing : Janet Taylor Theme Text : James Tremlett and Wong Pui May Country Project Information : MPhil Conservation Leadership Cohort 2016 - 17

Ki uta ki tai’ is a Māori whakataukī (saying or proverb) representing a traditional view of environmental management: guardianship of the natural world from mountain peaks to the deep sea. It refers to a deep relationship between people, land and water. ‘Ki uta ki tai’ is used to reinforce that these different environments are intrinsically connected to each other and to the peoples who live in them and rely on them. It means that people have a responsibility to care for the natural world because by doing so we are also caring for our ancestors, for current generations and for our descendants.

As a class we come from different places and cultures – a full spectrum from mountains to sea. We recognise that our distant places and cultures are all connected, and although we have respectfully chosen a Māori proverb to represent our theme we all share this sense of stewardship for the land and waters where we come from. This is reflected in many of our own cultures and in the way we carry out our work as conservationists. We are all aware that these are increasingly challenging times for conservation, and together we want to celebrate these values that we hold in common.

This travel guide shares special projects and places from our home countries which we think will be appealing to international visitors with an interest in conservation. Our intention is to share knowledge about the places that inspire us in our work, from the mountains to the sea. We hope you find it similarly inspiring!

Trinidad and Tobago Anastasia Gordon | ag913@cam.ac.uk BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION // CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION // SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES // POLICY DEVELOPMENT // COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT // ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION// ARTS (THEATRE, SINGING, DANCE, ILLUSTRATION) // RUNNING

I RECOMMEND Matura National Park Nature Seekers Nature Seekers: Mailing Address: PO Box 4535 Sangre Grande, Trinidad W.I. Office Address: 16.5 K.M Toco Main Road, Matura, Trinidad W.I.; Tel: +1 (868) 668- 7337 Email: natureseekers@gmail.com; Website: http://www.natureseekers.org/

Arima Asa Wright Nature Centre Spring Hill Estate, Arima, PO Box 4710, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies Tel.: +1 (868) 667 4655 Email: reservations@asawright.org Website: www.asawright.org

Š anatasia gordon

Arima Asa Wright Nature Centre BEST TIME TO VISIT : All year round|| THINGS TO SEE : Oilbirds, hummingbirds, scenic views of the Northern Range tropical forests || WHAT TO EAT : Try the buffet lunch catered at the Centre and dine on the Jade Vine Terrace or Verandah. || ACTIVITIES : bird watching, guided nature trails, spring pool on Bamboo Valley trail.

about the place Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) nature reserve is a gem in the northern range of the island of Trinidad. Founded in 1967, this private non-profit Trust owns approximately 1,500 acres of land mostly comprising of tropical rainforest which serves as a nature reserve to protect important wildlife and their habitats, research station as well as the community watershed. The reserve dates hundreds of years and is located on an old plantation estate that grew cocoa, coffee and citrus but has now regenerated into secondary forests. The forest supports a wide range of wildlife from oilbirds, hummingbirds, emperor butterflies to agouti and ocelots, not to mention a range of flora; characteristic of the rich species diversity existing in Trinidad and Tobago.

about the project Through its professional staff and volunteers, the AWNC work comprises of not just conservation but also education, research and eco-tourism. It promotes education and research through posters/publications, school tours, research expeditions and community outreach programmes. Moreover, the Centre is a worldleader in ecotourism ever since its inception. Bird-watchers and naturalists come from all over the world to stay at its scenic, cosy lodge and explore the nature trails and see view the native wildlife. I served at the trust on the National Steering Committee for the GEF Small Grants Programme and I can attest to its dedication and desire to work with the scientific world and empower local communities to promote biodiversity conservation in the country.

Š nature seeker

Matura National Park Nature Seekers BEST TIME TO VISIT : March to August|| THINGS TO SEE : late night viewing of Leatherback turtles nesting/ hatching, nature trails, Matura Forest, hikes to Rio Seco Waterfall, kayaking on the Salybia River WHAT TO EAT : Locally caught fish

about the place

Matura Beach is located on the northeast coast of Trinidad. On the 7 mile long beach, sea turtles such as the endangered leatherback turtles comes up to lay their eggs. An incredible sight to witness, I and many other locals and foreign tourists come to Matura beach during the turtle nesting season (March – August) every year.

Permits need to be acquired from the Forestry Division with a limit of 100 persons being able to experience this nesting on any one given night to minimise disturbances. The Matura National Park is home to other attractions including the Rio Seco Waterfall. A trek through the protected the Park leads you to the scenic and crystal clear waters of this Waterfall and its large basin. The Park covers over 9000ha of tropical rainforest dominated by Mora trees (80% undisturbed) and home to a variety of endemic fauna such as howler monkeys, ocelot and the pawi (piping guan) as well as over 200 species of trees and lianas. The park is surrounded by 14 coastal communities, with a total population of 5325 persons, whose livelihoods depend on fishing, agriculture and partially on the resources of this protected area. The Beach and forest are protected under various legislation mainly for the protection of biodiversity and its importance as a watershed catchment system and turtle nesting site.

about the project

Founded in 1990, Nature Seekers is a community based nature-based group that seeks to "provide experiences in nature conservation". Therefore, their work involves beach clean-ups, tour guide services for visitors at Matura Beach to promote awareness for the need of marine turtle conservation, tagging of sea turtles for monitoring of migration patterns, hatched nests and conservation research and patrolling during nesting season to combat poaching. Nature Seekers also partners with Earthwatch in a project that sends volunteers from different parts of the world help Nature Seekers in their work to raise awareness and protect the leatherback turtle. The NGO also provides eco-tourism services to other natural attractions in the area such as nature walks though the Matura forest which is a haven for a variety of flora (e.g. immortelles, brilliantly flowered poui trees) and fauna (such as birds and iguanas, etc.), tours to the Rio Seco Waterfall and kayaking along the Salybia River. However, an important branch of their work is forest restoration and increasing awareness of the environment among local communities and promoting the wise use of natural resources for the benefit of all by creating opportunities for capacity building and sustainable livelihoods.

Colombia Carolina Soto | sotocarito@gmail.com Natalia Sanin-Acevedo | natysanin@gmail.com COMMUNITY BASED CONSERVATION || INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES || WILDLIFE RAINFOREST || AMAZON

WE RECOMMEND Sanguaré - Private Protected Area www.reservanaturalsanguare.com Contact: Diana Serna Mobile phone: (57) 313 6595707 Office in Medellin: Calle 1 A sur 43 A 49 Colmena Building Of. 216 Office telephone number: +57 (4) 3138057 – or mobile 313 6593203 Email: info@reservanaturalsanguare.com

Middle Caquetá basin jaime_andresc@yahoo.com, +57 3143474309, https://www.facebook.com/proyectodanta/

© sanguare

Sanguaré ecohotel

BEST TIME TO VISIT : December to August|| THINGS TO SEE : Corals and marine wildlife, mangroves, tropical dry forest, lagoons with bioluminescent plankton and jellyfish, birds, capybaras, alligators, slots, and other marine/mangrove / dry forest fauna || THINGS TO DO : Diving , kayaking , windsurf, catamaran and visit the islands , walk in the dry forest for fauna sighting, horse / cycle riding in the dry forest, stay in the ecohotel and enjoy its beautiful and peaceful facilities and beach

about the place Located in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, only 2 hours from Cartagena, Sanguaré is a magical place where marine and terrestrial ecosystems encounter. This private reserve protects 600 hectares of dry forest, the most endangered ecosystem in Colombia since only 2% of it remains. The site is surrounded by mangrove forest and the beautiful and colorful Caribbean ocean. Sanguaré is located in the coastal corner of a big cattle farm which Diana Serna and Alvaro Roldan visited almost 20 years ago. They immediately recognised its ecological importance and by 2002 the national legal status of protected area was stablished.

about the project Diana and Alvaro created the ecohotel to sustain their conservation activities within the reserve. They reforest and manage the forest while working with local communities and visitors. In Sanguaré you can relax and enjoy the beautiful facilities, touristic activities and delicious food, which is prepared using mostly local products.

Sanguaré has a fragile ecosystem, fiercely threatened by global warming and economic activities happening around and inside the reserve. The ecohotel has management plans for water, energy and wastes (best practices). From my own point of view, Diana and Alvaro are doing a terrific job within the reserve and with the local Afrocolombian communities located close to Sanguaré.

© jaime cabrera

Middle Caquetá Basin BEST TIME TO VISIT : December to March|| THINGS TO SEE : Chiribiquete National Park, Chorro de Araracuara, Yarí River, Ciudad de Piedra, Caño Paujil || THINGS TO DO :Wildlife watching, Hiking, Riverboat trips || WHAT TO EAT : Fariña, Casabe, Tapioc, local fruits, local fish

about the place The middle Caquetá basin is an area of high natural and cultural diversity. It is located in the Colombian Amazon, between the town of Araracuara and the mouth of the Cahuinarí river. The area comprehends approximately 10,000 sq km and is one of the largest regions with continuous tracts of Amazonian forest. The average annual precipitation is 3060 mm, and the average temperature is 26.2 C. All the territories are part of different indigenous reserves and the community members live off family chagras, local trading, fishing, and hunting with some sporadic commercial activities based on commercial fisheries and gold mining.

about the project Spatial ecology and social interactions of tapirs that use salt licks in the Colombian Amazon This project considers the human-animal relationship from a western and traditional points of views. Tapir was chosen as the focal species because of its ecological role as landscape engineer and its status as traditional source of food for the local indigenous communities. This species is one of the most frequent users of licks, which are keystone resources in the ecology of north-western Amazonia and at the same time preferred places for hunting by the indigenous peoples. The movement patterns in places with different hunting pressures are analysed, to know the effects of these extractive activities on the ecological stability of the ecosystems. From the traditional local point of view, hunting is considered as part of the Nature equilibrium, but one shift to overexploitation could break the harmony. The main objective of this project is to create local capacity and generate useful information to be included in their local management plan (“Plan de Vida”) according to their cultural values and traditional knowledge.

Sudan Razan Mutasim Bashir Nimir | razannimir@gmail.com COMMUNITY BASED CONSERVATION || CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION || WORLD HERITAGE || POLITICAL ECOLOGY || FIELD WORK || ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

I RECOMMEND Sanganeb Marine National Park UNESCO- Sudan Office Al Amarat, Street 29, Villa 36, Block 10, Khartoum, Sudan Tel: +249183576283 Email: Khartoum@unesco.org

Dinder National Park Development Project The Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources, Jamma Ave, Zip Code: 10488, Kartoum, Sudan. Tel: +248183786903

Sanganeb Marine National Park

BEST TIME TO VISIT : November to February|| THINGS TO SEE : Coral reefs, turtles, dugongs, sharks and dolphins, WHAT TO EAT : Locally caught fish || THINGS TO DO : scuba diving, bird watching, sun relaxing, nightsky watching. || WHAT TO EAT : Seafood, Sayadea (rice cooked with caramelized onions and fragrant spice and topped with fish and special sauce). Vegetarian options are available as well (eg. Sudanese Flafel and Fool).

about the place Sanganeb Marine National Park (SMNP) is a coral reef structure in the central Red Sea and the only atoll, 25 km off the shoreline of Sudan. It was declared as a marine national park in 1990. It has been described by many tourists and scientists as having the best corals and clearest waters in the world. Sanganeb has a very well-known landmark; the lighthouse which was built by the British between 1956 and 1964. Sanganeb is an isolated area, but surrounded with some villages and close to Port Sudan which is the capital of the Red Sea state. Those areas are inhabited with very diverse people with different cultures.

about the project Nomination of Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay/Mukkawar Island Marine National Park (Sudan – Red Sea) for Inscription on the World Heritage List: In 2010 the UNESCO-World Heritage Centre nominated the SMNP as a natural heritage site. Consequently, the UNESCO national office in Sudan conducted a project to ensure that the site is qualified according to the UNESCO’s criteria. In July, 2016 the SMNP was successfully designated as the first natural world heritage site in the country. This declaration is very critical to encourage the global collaboration as well as the national commitment to conserve an outstanding nature and some globally threatened species such as dugong and coral reefs. It is expected as well that the designation will bring promising initiatives for the site and support promoting sustainable tourism.

The Dinder National Park

BEST TIME TO VISIT : January to June|| THINGS TO SEE : Birds ,lions, buffalos, Monkeys, Antelopes. || THINGS TO DO : Birdwatching, safari

about the place Dinder National Park (DNP) is one of the older national parks in Africa, established in 1935. It is both a Biosphere reserve and a Rasmar site. It has distinguished ecological patterns as it falls on the ecotone between the Sahel and the Ethiopian highlands ecoregions. It contains three distinct ecosystems: riverine, woodland and mayas. The DNP is a home for 27 species of large mammals, over 160 bird species, 32 fish species, and many small mammals, reptiles and amphibians species. More than 150,000 villagers live in the vicinity of the park in over 50 villages in the three states, showing highly diverse cultures.

about the project It was funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the Higher Council of the Environment and Natural Resources from 2000-2004. The main objectives were conservation of biodiversity of the park and interaction of the surrounding communities in the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity in the Park. The project used a revolving fund finance activities applied for by the established 25 village development committees. The philosophy behind the revolving fund is to provide local communities with alternatives and incentives to decrease their dependence on the natural resources of the Park. This activity, in addition to the awareness and training activities, has improved the previously strained relations between the communities and the Park and created better understanding about the importance of the Park among the communities. This has been manifested in the reduction of trespassing and violations by villagers in the Park.

Canada Josh Noseworthy | jdn32@cam.ac.uk TRAVEL // FOREST ECOLOGY // SNORKELLING // MUSIC // HIKING // READING

I RECOMMEND Fundy National Park (Alma) Fundy National Park (Alma) 8642 Route 114 New Brunswick, Canada E4H 4V2 +1-888-773-8888

Nashwaak River Greenway Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc P. O Box 314, Station ‘A’ Fredericton, NB E3B4Y2 www.nashwaakwatershed.ca

© fundy national park

Fundy National Park

BEST TIME TO VISIT : August - September || THINGS TO SEE :Dickson Falls, Watch the tide come in, Ancient coastal forest | THINGS TO DO : Hike to the Goose River estuary, Eat a freshly caught lobster, Bird watch along the mudflats|| WHAT TO EAT : All the seafood you can stomach

about the place The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick is a rugged coastline of sea cliffs, beaches and tidal estuaries that boast the highest tides in the world. Twice a day, the ocean floor disappears beneath 15 metres of saltwater. Because of this extreme tidal influence, there is an amazing transition between marine and terrestrial ecosystems that can’t be found anywhere else. Fundy National Park has some of the best examples of these ecosystems, including ancient coastal forests, vast tidal mudlflats, and rare coastal bogs and barrens, among others.

about the project The park was established in 1948, but has a long history of both European settlement and traditional land use by the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet First Nations. The park is accessible year-round, with over 100 kilometres of hiking trails, 25 waterfalls, and many places for backcountry camping. Conservation is a high priority in the park, as is ecological research and education. Recent studies have shown the park has a healthy population of Northern Flying-squirrels, which depend on large, old trees to make their cavities. Other wildlife that live in the park include Moose, Peregrine Falcons, Black Bear, and Beaver. There has even been recent DNA evidence of a Cougar, which is supposedly an extinct species in eastern North America!

© atlantic salmon feberation

Nashwaak River Greenway

BEST TIME TO VISIT : Spring|| THINGS TO SEE : Watch Bald Eagles dive for fisher WHAT TO EAT : Locally caught fish || THINGS TO DO : Kayak / Canoe through the floodplain forest, Go upriver for some great white-wate || WHAT TO EAT : Fiddleheads (young Ostrich Ferns) are a local vegetable harvested on the floodplain in spring

about the place The Nashwaak river is very special to me. I grew up swimming, fishing and exploring the river, and I think a big part of my love of nature came from it. The Nashwaak winds through hilly country before emptying into the Saint John river near my home city of Fredericton. At its mouth are floodplain forests of Silver Maple that provide habitat for a variety of amazing wildlife, including Great-horned Owls, Snapping Turtles, Belted Kingfishers, and Bald Eagles. During the spring flooding, you can kayak or canoe amongst the trees for miles.

about the project For the past few years I’ve been involved with the Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc as a board member and consultant. The NWAI works to balance conservation, recreation and sustainable use of the river and its riparian areas. Some of the projects we’re involved with include restoring floodplain forests on abandoned agricultural land, stabilizing the riverbanks with native willows to prevent erosion, and monitoring spawning Atlantic Salmon populations. The NWAI has its own tree nursery, which we intend to develop into a social enterprise to provide native trees to other watershed groups and landowners. Last year we hired two full-time staff to coordinate and implement our programs, and we recently partnered with the City of Fredericton to create a municipal nature park called the Nashwaak Greenway. Local communities have been very supportive of our work and we expect to grow our impact in the coming years.

South Africa Janet Taylor | jmt80@cam.ac.uk BIRD WATCHING // PHOTOGRAPHY // HIKING // CANOING || RANGELAND ECOLOGY

I RECOMMEND Pongola River Company Tel: +27 (0) 84 734 3552 Email: peter@phongolarivercompany.co.za

Dlinza Forest Reserve Tel: +27 (0) 35 4744029, website: www.kznwildlife.com

BEST TIME TO VISIT : April - May or September - October. || THINGS TO SEE : Scenic riverine vegetation along the river. Special bird species including Pels Fishing Owl,African Finfoot, Rufous-bellied heron, Green backed heron, Allen’s gallinule and Broadbill roller, Variety of dragonflies, butterflies and water plants|| THINGS TO DO : Canoeing, Birdwatching from the river, Fly fishing (especially for tiger fish), Relaxing under big Sycamore figs

about the place The Pongola River is a Transfrontier river; starting in South Africa before meandering into Mozambique.

Downstream of the Lebombo mountains it flows some 250 km to enter the sea at Maputo. The area downstream of the Pongolapoort (Jozini) dam is the Maputaland Coastal Plain, and here the river forms the most extensive tropical floodplain system in South Africa. Adjacent to the river are flood-filled backwaters. It is an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. The Pongola River Company based in the 300 ha Kwa Nyamazane Conservancy on the banks of the Pongola River specialises in showing this amazing ecosystem to visitors. This camp and canoeing safaris is owned by crocodile ecologist and specialist in river ecosystems, Dr Peter Calverley. Peter has worked closely with the local community to create a completely off-the-grid tented camp situated under massive sycamore fig trees. This project is a success in community conservation where the local communities have been educated about conservation and have been discouraged against poaching, cast netting or the removal of riparian trees within the conservancy. A community conservation education centre has also been set up at the camp to encourage the locals to learn more about the conservation of their area.

about the project Very knowledgeable guides have been employed from the community to show you the diverse number of birds along the river. It is here you can try looking for specialties such as Pel’s fishing owl, or you can go on a walk to backwater zones – areas of flood-filled basins covered in blue and white water lilies.

Jacanas and pygmy geese are associated with these plants and, if you lucky enough, you will be able to see both. As this camp is not based in a typical game reserve setting, but more of a natural river and floodplain system, one can often hear the cheerful singing of the local herdsmen driving their cattle home during dusk. This is not a game reserve, but a natural river and floodplain system – lived in by people with traditional lifestyles.

© janet taylor

Pongola River Company

Š janet taylor

Dlinza Forest Reserve BEST TIME TO VISIT : April - May or September - October. || THINGS TO SEE : Incredible birdlife including, Spotted Ground Thrush, Eastern Bronze-naped pigeon, Narina Trogon, Trumpeter Hornbill and Crowned Eagle , little pill millipedes|| THINGS TO DO : Aerial board walk, Ground based trails through the forest, A good place just to sit and switch off from the busyness of everyday life!

about the place Dlinza forest and aerial boardwalk Set in the centre of the little town of Eshowe makes Dlinza Forest very unique. This 250ha conservation area of Costal Scarp Forest (which is a very important forest type in South Africa), which was once used as a burial site for the Zulus during the Anglo-Zulu war, is home to a great diversity of trees, birds and other animal species. The trees in this forest can reach a height of 25m, making it an ideal location for an aerial board walk. This board walk takes people into the canopy of this forest, and at approximately 10m above ground level, one can spy on little blue duiker on the ground, meet a variety of ferns and maybe bump into the elusive narina trogon. This 125m boardwalk ends with a climb up onto a viewing platform, and, at 20m above the ground, one can experience a fantastic view of the forest.

about the project This small forest is managed by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial conservation organisation, KZN Wildlife.

The construction of this boardwalk was the first of its kind in South Africa and plays a very important role in ecotourism – not just for the town, but for forests in general too. This boardwalk has made accessibility into the forest much easier, and for all ages, with very little impact on the rest of the forest.

This novel idea helps promote the conservation of forests as well as spread awareness of the forest ecosystem within South Africa. It has become a popular site for environmental education and many school groups are taken through the forest by BirdLife South Africa trained guides.

Aotearoa / New Zealand James Tremlett | jwdt2@cam.ac.uk MARINE || FISHERIES || SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS || ISLANDS || COASTS || RESILIENCE || INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND KNOWLEDGE

I RECOMMEND The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, Tikapa Moana http://www.doc.govt.nz/ haurakigulfmarinepark Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc. P O Box 90-814 Victoria Street West Auckland 1142 New Zealand

© james tremlett

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, Tikapa Moana BEST TIME TO VISIT : All year round|| THINGS TO SEE : (1) Many species of cetacean: there is a resident population on Bryde’s whales in the Gulf, as well as sei, minke, and migratory humpback whales. Orca, bottlenose and common dolphins can be seen frequently. (2) Rare birds on island sanctuaries, especially Tiritiri Matangi and Hauturu. (3) The lava cone and pohutukawa forest on Rangitoto. Around Christmas the pohutukawa produce bright red flowers, turning the forest canopy scarlet.|| THINGS TO DO : (1) Visit the island sanctuaries. Ferries take day visitors from central Auckland to Rangitoto and Tiritiri Matangi. You need a special permit to visit Hauturu.(2) The larger inhabited islands are also popular for visiting, especially Waiheke which has many vineyards.

Aotea is more rugged and remote, and is a beautiful escape for a few days. || Dive for fresh kina (sea urchin), pāua (abalone) and koura (crayfish). Ask a local.

about the place The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, Tīkapa Moana, is a large inlet on the north-east coast of the North Island of Aotearoa (New Zealand), opening to the Pacific Ocean on its northern side. The Gulf contains numerous sheltered islands as, especially around the boundary of the Waitemata Harbour. It is home to numerous species of seabird and cetacean, and some of the oldest human settlements in Aotearoa.

The eastern side of the Hauraki Gulf is bounded by the beautiful and rugged Coromandel Peninsula, and the volcanic city of Auckland makes up much of the western coast.

about the project The islands of the Hauraki Gulf have a history of deforestation have lost many vulnerable species of native birds. Tiritiri Matangi had historically been deforested for livestock grazing, but in the period since the 1980s native forests have been replanted and native birds, insects and reptiles reintroduced. The island is now home to breeding populations of species that are rare on the mainland, such as takahe, tieke, kakariki, North Island kokako, wetapunga and tuatara. Visitors can catch a ferry from downtown Auckland as a day trip, or can stay in the historic bunkhouse overnight to experience the dawn chorus the next day..

Turkey Cigdem Adem| ca473@cam.ac.uk COMMUNITY BASED CONSERVATION || PHOTOGRAPHY || FILM || THEATRE || JAZZ

I RECOMMEND Cirali, Antalya Ulupinar Cooperative.

0090 242 825 73 77; 0090 538 768 73 36; info@ulupinarkoop.org;

Camili, Artvin Camili Orman Isletme Mudurlugu Gündogdu Mah 08400 Borçka Artvin Turkey 90466 4151303

© ulupinar cooperative

Cirali, Antalya BEST TIME TO VISIT : April - May or September - October. || THINGS TO SEE : Caretta Caretta turtles, see the ancient ruins of Olympos and Chimaera permanent gas vents, visit the Ulupinar food cooperative, join the turtle conservation volunteers at night patrolling the beach. ||

about the place Çirali is a small town located in the south west of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It has 3.5 km of secluded beach important for sea turtle nesting backed by mountains of the Olympos National Park.

Olympos antique town is within walking distance to Cirali. Olympos was an important town part of the Lycian Union in 100 century B.C. One of the most important attractions of Olympos is to observe the natural gas-fuelled dancing flames that burn eternally on the nearby mountainside - Çakaltepe.

The Lycian Way passes through Cirali which is a 509 kilometer, 25-day, marked trail along the coast of Lycia, from Fethiye to Antalya.

about the project Çirali is one of the important nesting sites of loggerhead turtles (Caretta Caretta) in the Mediterranean. WWF Turkey first conducted field surveys on marine turtle nesting in 1994. They later started to carry an EU funded LIFE Third Countries Project in 1997 “Coastal Management and Tourism in Turkey: Çirali and Belek. The Cirali component of the project received “Best Practice” award from the UN Centre for Human Settlements (UNCHS - now UN Habitat). Later the local community formed Ulupinar Cooperative in 2000 which received grant from GEF Small Grants Program of Turkey on Sustainable Development Model for Local People in the Cirali Protected Area. The local community received training on organic agricultural production via the project. They actively participated and implemented activities to protect the loggerhead turtle. This subsequently led to an organic cooperative and development of ecotourism. The community has a strong pride and ownership in their natural and cultural heritage. Cirali is the only place on the Antalya coast where you will not find 5 star hotels but small locally run pensions. It is an excellent example of conservation work empowering local people and continuing sustainably.

© cigdem adem

Camili, Artvin BEST TIME TO VISIT : May- October || THINGS TO SEE : Maral village waterfall, view from Ugur village overlooking Georgian villages, colorful and wooden mosques (especially Iremit mosque in Maral) || THINGS TO DO : trekking to the Maral village waterfall, take pictures, trekking between villages and to the highland pastures such as Gorgit, Lekoban valleys, talking with the local people. || WHAT TO EAT: malahdo, papa, kuruti, cadi

about the place Camili, Artvin, Turkey. The Camili Biosphere Reserve is surrounded by Karçal mountains on three sides, and meets the Georgian border on the fourth side to the north. There are three main valleys with the Biosphere Reserve. Six villages in the biosphere reserve and the winter population is 1213 people (268 households). Due to the geographical conditions the roads are blocked by snow for 4-6 months in winter. Local people are dependent on nature in order to perpetuate their living. Human-nature relations are built on traditional knowledge and experiences from the past. Besides traditional agriculture and animal husbandry, queen bee production, organic agriculture and ecotourism are the basic activities.

about the project The Camili basin is the one and only biosphere reserve in Turkey designated in 2005. The biosphere reserve status until now was successful in halting the construction of 8 river-type hydropower plants in the area. The basin is the only area where the Caucasian bee species has remained pure which is one of the three most important bee races in the world. It is part of the Karçal Mountains Important Plant Area. The main ecosystem types are boreal coniferous forest and temperate deciduous forest. It is on one of the three bird migration routes of Turkey. The brown bear (Ursus arctos), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are among the main target species to be protected. Important carnivore species include wolf (Canis lupus), jackal (Canis aureus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), badger (Meles meles), marten (Martes foina) and weasel (Mustela nivalis). The Karçal Mountains with the Camili forests is one of the important habitats of the endemic Caucasian black grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi). Biological Diversity and Natural Resource Management Project (GEF-II), funded by GEF was carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry between 2000 and 2007.

Consequently, a participatory management plan was prepared.

Georgia Teona Karchava | tk479@cam.ac.uk WILDLIFE TRADE || PROTECTED AREAS

I RECOMMEND Tusheti Protected Areas Tamar Kvantaliani Deputy chairman of the Protected Areas Agency, tamar.kvantaliani@yahoo.com www.apa.gov.ge

Vashlovani Protected Areas Tamar Kvantaliani Deputy chairman of the Protected Areas Agency, tamar.kvantaliani@yahoo.com www.apa.gov.ge

© protected area agency of georgia

Tusheti Protected Areas BEST TIME TO VISIT : June to September|| THINGS TO SEE : Georgian Mountain Castles; Gometsari Valley; Villages Dartlo, Omalo, Diklo; | THINGS TO DO : Horse riding; Birdwatching; Hiking; Camping; Wildlifewatching; || WHAT TO EAT : Local cheese and dumplings with meat

about the place

Tusheti Protected Areas is a mountainous area accessible only from June to September through one of the world’s most dangerous roads, but at the same time it is the most breath-taking place in Georgia. It is home for number of mammals, such as east Caucasian tur, chamois, lynx, brown bear and wolf, as well as birds Caucasian snowcock, black grouse, vultures and eagles. Flora of Tusheti is remarkable and is know for 230 Caucasian species, including Radde’s birch, rhododendron, Sosnovski pine, Litvinov birch and 11 Georgian endemic species. In total , here you can observe more than 1000 flora and 180 fauna species.

about the project Tusheti Protected Areas were established as a result of the GEF-World Bank project in 2003. Total area of 113 660 ha involve three categories of protected areas: Strict Nature Reserve, National Park and Protected Landscape. Establishment of Protected Areas was a painful process, especially considering northern and hardly accessible location of the area. It was assumed that the establishment of Protected Areas would force local communities to flee their native areas or engage in poaching.Eventually the area became an extremely popular tourist destination as a consequence of several successful projects implemented by the Protected Areas Agency, such as development of tourist trails, establishment of tourist festival, introduction of solar power systems, etc. These projects significantly improved publicity and financial sustainability of the protected areas, as well as living conditions of the local communities through sustainable tourism.

© vashlovani protected area agency

Vashlovani Protected Areas BEST TIME TO VISIT : October to April| THINGS TO SEE : Takhti-Tepa Mud Volcanoes; Pantishara gorge; Gazelles; Eagle Gorge; WHAT TO EAT : Wine tasting; Churchkhela - local sweet from walnuts and grape juice; Barbecued meat with local plum sauce;

about the place Vashlovani Protected Areas is one of the unusual places in Georgia considering it’s diverse landscape varying from desert and steppe to arid sparse forests and deciduous forest, all in 35 067,5 ha area.

This place is home for 700 flora and 62 species of mammals, 135 – birds, 30 – reptiles, 20 – fish and 4 amphibian species. Here 700 species of insects are recorded, including 109 species of butterflies.

Besides of diverse biodiversity here you can also see Takhti-Tepha inorganic natural monument, 1 ha area consisting of bubbling mud craters erupting from the ground.

about the project

Vashlovani Protected Areas was originally home for Gazelle species Gazella subgutturosa, which was extinct in Georgia in second half of 20th century. Two unsuccessful attempts of reintroduction were made in 1990 from Uzbekistan and 2009 Turkey, though all individuals died. Death of Gazelles was caused by stress during travel, young age of animals, snake bite and lack of experience at the protected areas administration. New project was jointly initiated by the Ministry of Environment of Georgia and WWF Caucasus. Project was financially supported by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) with co-funding from WWF-Germany.

In total 40 Gazelles were reintroduced from Azerbaijan: 2013 - 10 individuals; 2014 - 18 individuals; 2015 - 12 individuals. All were equipped with special transmitters. Considering carefully selected method of transportation most animals are alive and adapted to the environment. In 2015, first generation of newborn gazelles are in place.

Malaysia Wong Pui May | wongpuimay@hotmail.com TROPICAL RAINFOREST // TIGERS // PARTNERSHIPS // CONSERVATION EDUCATION // INDIGENOUS HERITAGE // HIKING// SCUBA DIVING // PERFORMING ARTS

I RECOMMEND Sungai Yu Tiger Corridor, Pahang Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT) Email: cat@malayantiger.net Website: www.mycat.my Microsite: http://www.citizenactionfortigers.my/ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/themalayantiger

Kampung Pasir Gajah, Terengganu Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia Website: http://www.turtleconservationsociety.org.my/turtle-discovery-trip/ Email: pelf@turtleconservationsociety.org. my

BEST TIME TO VISIT : February to November|| THINGS TO SEE : signs of wildlife in the forest, e.g. elephant dung and footprints, bear scratch marks on the tree bark, tiger scratch marks, pristine limestone caves, and if you’re lucky, a cave racer || WHAT TO EAT : ikan patin tempoyak, catfish in curry made from the fermented flesh of the durian, an extremely pungent fruit (tigers and elephants love them!). THINGS TO DO: CAT Walk, cave exploration, climb the observation tower in Taman Negara National Park

about the place

The Sungai Yu Tiger Corridor is the last linkage connecting the forests of the Main Range in the west and Taman Negara National Park in the east of Peninsular Malaysia. Together, they form the fourth largest tiger landscape in the world, thus making it an important conservation area on a national and global scale. The corridor is close to the western entrance to Taman Negara, nestled in the sleepy, rustic village of Merapoh. Visiting Kampung (village) Merapoh is like stepping back in time, and it’s a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

about the project

Citizen Action for Tigers (CAT) The CAT programme is managed by the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT), and it is the only project that enables the public to actively participate in protecting the Malayan tiger. The main threat to Malayan tigers is poaching, and concerned members of the public often feel angry and helpless when they read in the media about tigers being killed and traded. Through CAT, people are empowered to become part of the solution. Volunteers are led on guided hikes (called CAT Walks) in the Sungai Yu Tiger Corridor, a known poaching hotspot. Their presence deters poaching as they conduct recreational activities like bird-watching and swimming, while looking out for signs of illegal activities and of rare wildlife. After almost six years of running CAT Walks, wildlife signs and camera trap images show that animals are returning to the area once again!

© wong pui may

Sungai Yu Tiger Corridor

© chen pelf nyok

Kampung Pasir Gajah BEST TIME TO VISIT : April to August|| THINGS TO SEE : Turtle Sanctuary, River terrapin hatchlings, Nesting sea turtles. || WHAT TO EAT: local coffee and toasted buns with butter and kaya (coconut jam). Sata, a traditional Terengganu snack made from a mix of fish paste, coconut, chilli, etc. wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled.

THINGS TO DO : 1. Meet members of ‘Geng Tuntung’ (Terrapin Gang), who are members of the local community involved in the project.

about the place

Kampung Pasir Gajah is situated in the district of Kemaman, in the east coast state of Terengganu in Peninsular Malaysia. It is located approximately 20 km from the town. The name “Kampung Pasir Gajah” literally translates to “Elephant Sand Village.” Legend has it that the village was named after a herd of elephants that frequently played in the sandbank of the Kemaman River. To help save the critically endangered river terrapins, Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia initiated a River Terrapin Research and Conservation Project in Kampung Pasir Gajah in 2011.

about the project

The Turtle Discovery Trip is a one-day public outreach programme offered by Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS). The trip is designed to give the public an introduction to the different turtles found in Malaysia, the threats that these turtles face, and what can be done to help save them. Participants are first taken to the Turtle Sanctuary in Cherating, Pahang and giving an introductory briefing on turtles and a 15-minute video clip on turtle conservation in Malaysia. Participants are then taken to the River Terrapin Research and Conservation Project site in Kampung Pasir Gajah, Terengganu to learn about the research and conservation efforts carried out by TCS to conserve the critically endangered river terrapins. Finally, participants will also have an opportunity to watch a sea turtle nest.

Belize Roberta Kamille Pennell | rkp33@cam.ac.uk PEOPLE AND NATURE INSPIRED

I RECOMMEND Sapodilla Marine Reserve Belize Fisheries Department, Punta Gorda Town

Golden Stream Corridor Preserve 20A George Price Street Street, PO Box 177 Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize Phone: (+501) 722-0108

The Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve

BEST TIME TO VISIT : December-July|| THINGS TO SEE : Whale Sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. . || WHAT TO EAT: seafood, rice,beans and tortillas || THINGS TO DO : Snorkelling, Diving, Swimming

about the place The Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve covers an area of approximately 125 square kilometers and includes fourteen sand and mangrove cayes along the southernmost tip of the Belize Barrier Reef, nearly 40 miles due east of Punta Gorda. Be prepared for a long boat ride, which is definitely worth it.

The outer reefs support a wide variety of fish. Often, large schools of jacks or spadefish will feed just off the outer slope. Nearer the bottom, angelfish, parrotfish and snappers begin to dominate. The waters are often spectacularly clear as water from the Caribbean washes over and through the reef cuts. The lagoon area is characterized by silt, sand and shallow seagrass beds. Some of the most pristine reefs of lettuce coral carpet the ridges which jut into the lagoon from the barrier reef. As the depth increases, the lettuce coral gives way to more coral diversity, and more sponge and algae species.

There are four different zones in place at the SCMR. They include: preservation zone, conservation zone, general use zone and special management areas. Each of these zones has different rules and regulations.

about the project

This marine reserve is managed by the Fisheries Department who monitor various marine species and enforce environmental regulations. Their aim is to manage the natural marine resources within the marine reserve and have been doing a good job at doing so. They use the data collected to inform management decisions. Interestingly, this is one of the few reserves that have multiple year data, dating back to at least 10 years. Therefore, they are able to make comparisons and observe trends.

This project is interesting for me because it is one of the few reserves in Belize that is managed by the government and not an NGO. The government invests in staff and resources to manage the popular and biodiverse area and without their intervention, we would face higher incursions due to the reserve’s close proximity to Guatemala. In this rare case, the government has realized the need to protect this area and has made their best efforts to do so.

Golden Stream Corridor Preserve BEST TIME TO VISIT : December-July|| THINGS TO SEE : -The Golden Stream River, which is both refreshing and beautiful, various wildlife that can be seem along the trails in the preserve, The Maya Culture! Which can be experienced through the cultural tour || WHAT TO EAT: Caldo (traditional Maya soup), Cacao ||

about the place The Golden Stream Corridor Preserve (GSCP) forms a strategic, biological corridor that stretches from the Maya Mountains to the coastal mangrove forests of Belize’s southern coast. It plays a critical role in protected the Golden Stream watershed and reducing negative impacts on the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. Seventeen major ecosystems have been identified within GSCP. The 15,000-acre preserve is owned and managed by Ya’axché Conservation Trust. In addition to its role as a biological corridor, the preserve is home to 17 identified major ecosystems, with these containing hundreds of plant species as well as 19 amphibian, 270 bird, 20 fish, 59 mammal and 54 reptile species.

The preserve is surrounded by several communities, whose residents are mostly Indigenous Mayas. The communities still live traditionally and depend on the resources within and outside the reserve. They are very friendly and are happy to share their culture with visitors.

about the project

A local tour company, Ecotourism Belize, has designed tour packages to raise funds for conservation and improve the livelihoods of local communities in southern Belize. Their tour packages allow visitors a natural and cultural experience within and outside the Golden Stream Corridor preserve.

The company believes that Belize’s wild places, wildlife and people are amazing and take pride in their role of helping to keep it that way.

Their packages are designed and implemented with the environment and communities in mind. They are intended to expose visitors to the natural environment and local culture. Such packages include: Ranger for a Day, Birds of Belize, EcoFarm Tour, Maya Culture Visit, River Patrol, Maya Healing and Ridge to Reef. Packages can be combined, depending on the visitor’s interests. Meals are provided by the local women’s groups, who serve delicious traditional Maya food.

United Kingdom Joe Wood | jw934@cam.ac.uk CAPTIVE BREEDING // INCENTIVE BASED CONSERVATION

I RECOMMEND Jersey, Channel Islands Durrell Wildlife Park Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Les Augrès Manor La Profonde Rue Trinity Jersey, Channel Islands JE3 5BP. info@durrell.org +441534860000

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT T: +441453 891900 E: enquiries@wwt.org.uk

© durell wildlife trust

Durrell Wildlife Park

BEST TIME TO VISIT : April to August|| THINGS TO SEE : Wildlife Park, Reintroduced Red-billed Choughs flying over the sea cliffs.|| THINGS TO DO: Hiking, Bird Watch

about the place Jersey, Channel Islands. A tiny island, 9 miles long and 5 miles wide. A crown dependency of the UK (although closer to France), but self-governing with its own parliament. English is the official language, but a minority of islanders still speak ‘Jèrriais’ (a unique language similar to Norman French). Jersey is further south than anywhere else in the UK, and noticeably warmer. The island has 43 miles of stunning coastline, and has been a popular holiday destination for many years.

about the project

Durrell Wildlife Park (formerly Jersey Zoo) is home of the Durrell Wildlife Trust, an organisation founded by visionary conservationist and author Gerald Durrell. From its inception in 1963, the Trust has been committed to saving species from extinction, using a model based on captive breeding and reintroduction. Durrell is also involved in leading in-situ projects in parts of the world as diverse as Mauritius, Madagascar, Brazil, Sumatra and the Caribbean, as well as local initiatives on Jersey. Les Noyers, Durrell’s conservation academy, acts as a ‘mini university’ and is acclaimed for its work in training conservation biologists, particularly those from developing countries. Analysis of the IUCN’s ‘red list’ of threatened animal species has shown that since the 1980’s Durrell and it’s partners have led or contributed to more than 10% of conservation programmes which have resulted in species being ‘down-listed’ to a lower category of risk.

© bird watch magazine

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

BEST TIME TO VISIT : November to March|| THINGS TO SEE : Flock of overwintering Bewick’s Swans, wildfowl on the estuary, all 6 species of flamingo, wild European Cranes.||

about the place Severn estuary, Gloucestershire.

The Severn stretches for 220 miles, making it the longest river in the UK. Its estuary, flanked on one side by Gloucestershire and on the other by South Wales, represents one of Britain’s most extensive and ecologically important intertidal wildlife habitats. The area is recognised as a wetland area of international importance, in part due to its significance as a wintering habitat for migratory populations of northern wading birds and waterfowl.

about the project The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) was founded in 1946 by ornithologist Sir Peter Scott. Originally known as the Severn Wildfowl Trust, and limited to conservation activities at the Slimbridge site, the Trust now manages 9 wetland centres around the UK, comprising 3000 hectares of wetland habitat.

As well as this focus on habitat protection, WWT also participates in captive breeding programmes for wetland bird species, and was instrumental in saving the Hawaiian Goose from extinction in the 1950’s.

Current projects include efforts to establish a viable captive population of Spoon-billed Sandpipers, and involvement in the reintroduction of the European Crane to Britain.

China Weiling Wu | hi.violin@yahoo.com PROTECTED AREA // POVERTY AND CONSERVATION // ENTERPRISE // WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING

I RECOMMEND Deqin, Yunnan Province

Dongzhai National Nature Reserve, Xinyang, Henan Province

Project contact: The Nature Conservancy Email: china@tnc.org Webpage: http://www.nature.org/china

Authority of Dongzhai National Nature Reserve Tel:0086 (0)376 2252021 Email: zwp7054@163.com

Š weiling

Deqin BEST TIME TO VISIT : Sep - October, April - May || THINGS TO SEE : Traditional salt fields in Yanjing town; Tibetan Buddhism temples; The cathedral and wineries in Zizhong town .|| THINGS TO DO : Hiking to the heaven-like village of Yubeng. Stay one night in Feilaisi and enjoy the sunrise above Meli Snow Mountains || WHAT TO EAT: Jiajia noodle in Yanjing town, Local home-made wine

about the place Deqin County is located at the border of Yunnan-Guizhou plateau and the Tibetan plateau, where the upper reaches of the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween rivers run in parallel. The mountainous region is home to over 100 mammal species including the endangered Yunnan Snub-nose Monkey, snow leopard and clouded leopard; 246 bird species including black stork, black-necked crane and golden eagle. To conserve the rare species and the pristine alpine coniferous forests, the Baima Snow Mountain National Reserve was established.

With a multi-ethnic population, Deqin is a good place to experience diverse cultures. In Yanjing town, you can still see the traditional salt fields. Interestingly, in this remote part of inland China, a Cathedral exists in the small town Zizhong. It was built one century ago by French missionaries, who also brought in grape wine-making techniques. Today, villagers there produce high-quality wine.

about the project

To engage local communities in conserving the endemic Yunnan Snub-nose Monkey, a number of community-based conservation projects was initiated by TNC in collaboration with local governments and NGOs. Measures include developing alternative livelihood to logging and hunting, such as fungi and herb planting; conducting environmental education in primary schools; promoting sustainable energy techniques to replace fuelwood, such as solar water heater, biogas, energy-saving stove; providing rural credit fund to help residents apply sustainable energy techniques and generate income. This project is a good example of harmonizing local development and conservation through innovative financial tools.

Š Baibuchuanyang

Dongzhai National Nature Reserve BEST TIME TO VISIT : May to September || WHAT TO EAT: Chinese chestnut , Xinyang pressed salted duck

about the place Being designated as a national nature reserve in 2001, Dongzhai is an important natural habitat for many rare forest bird species in China. It is located in the transition zone between subtropical and warm temperate zones, with a sound pristine forest ecosystem. With over 300 bird species, it becomes a popular destination for bird-watching and ornithological research.

about the project

In 1981, there were only 7 crested ibis found in the wild. To protect the species, an on-site captivebreeding program was implemented in Shanxi province , resulting increase in the population. Dongzhai is the first ex-situ conservation site for crested ibis (Nipponia nippon). In 2007, 17 crested ibis were relocated to Dongzhai for captive breeding. Since then, 196 young birds were born, and around 80 birds were released to the wild.

Fiji Ravi Prasad | researchravi@yahoo.com WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY || PLANETEARTH SERIES || DANCING

I RECOMMEND Kula Eco-Park

Fiji Shark Dive

Telephone: +679 650 0505 FAX: +679 652 0202 E-mail: kulapark @ fijiwild.com http://www.fiji.travel/us/activity/kula-ecopark-fijis-only-wildlife-park www.fijiwild.com

Beqa Adventure Divers Lagoon Resort, Fairway Place, Pacific Harbour Phone – 679.3450911 Email – contactus@fijisharkdive.com adventuredivers@connect.com.fj

© kula ecopark BEST TIME TO VISIT : All year round || THINGS TO SEE : 4 of the most critically endangered species of Falcon, frog and iguanas (bred in captivity) plus parrots, peacocks, fish and turtles|| THINGS TO DO : Meet Charlie the talking parakeet, play with iguanas and snakes and cross the rope bridge||

about the place Kula Eco-Park is named after the Collard Lorry (Phigys solitaries) endemic to Fiji - known as “Kula” in the local language. The Park is nestled in a valley of coastal forest less than 1,000 meters from the ocean close to Sigatoka Town. Initially established as a ‘bird park’ in the late 1980’, today the Park is the environmental showpiece of the South Pacific. It has been presented with a local “Excellence in Tourism” award numerous times and the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) bestowed the prestigious Phoenix Award it - the only one awarded in the Pacific.

about the project Preservation and protection of Fiji’s wildlife, through research and education, is Kula Eco Park’s primary objective. The park conducts captive breeding programs for some of Fiji’s unique species with 75% success rate to date. A few years ago, there were less than 40 Monoriki Crested Iguanas remaining in the wild. In their first year of breeding, the park produced 9 healthy juveniles through just 2 clutches of eggs. That’s a 22.5% increase in the World wide population, with more and more clutches every following year! The park also aims to provide meaningful environmental education; pollution, habitat damage and urbanization are all discussed through hands-on sessions that have the children totally enthralled. Hands fly in the air during the question and answer segments as these newly appointed Environmental Ambassadors eagerly compete with each other. Over 10,000 children have ‘graduated’ from the park’s environmental awareness sessions and thousands more are still to graduate.

Fiji Shark Dive

BEST TIME TO VISIT : All year round || THINGS TO SEE : Eight species of Sharks: Blacktip Reef Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Silvertip Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Sicklefin Lemon Sharks, Bull Sharks and the occasional Tiger Shark plus Giant Groupers, Maori Wrasse, Rainbow Runners, Giant Trevally, Java Morays, Eagle Rays and more than 400 species of tropical reef fish. || THINGS TO DO Go to the world-renown Beqa Lagoon, the Soft Coral Capital of the World, upgrade your skills or your certification to the level of Dive Master and also do reef, wreck and enriched air nitrox dives.||

about the place Named the Best Shark Dive in the world, the Fiji Shark Dive (Beqa Adventure Divers - BAD) has been experienced by countless diving icons, professional photographers and cameramen, industry professionals and clients alike. It takes place on a reef ledge next to the drop off into the abyss of Beqa Passage followed by a second dive halfway down the reef slope at 16m/55ft. The dive here has nothing to do with a natural situation where Sharks display natural behavior: it is essentially a show where the group has conditioned the animals to observe a uniform, predictable and safe routine.

about the project The group has worked closely with the Government of Fiji and the traditional owners of Shark Reef to have it designated as the Shark Reef Marine Reserve. Their holistic Conservation Project has been hailed world-wide as a template for sustainable and efficient Eco-Tourism and are involved in ongoing cutting-edge research with an international team of scientists to better understand the Bull Shark population. Their findings have already helped expand the protected area by creating the protected Fiji Shark Corridor of close to 30 nautical miles along the southern coastline of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu. As of November, 2014, Shark Reef Marine Reserve has been designated Fiji’s first National Marine Park, with BAD being entrusted with its day-to-day management. The group also conduct regular surveys and fish counts aimed at documenting the results of our stewardship of this unique marine resource.

Bhutan Lhendup Tharchen | lt424@cam.ac.uk TREKKING || PHOTOGRAPHY || NATURE CONSERVATION AND RURAL LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT.

I RECOMMEND Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) Damji, Gasa Telephone: +97516288304

Š lhendup

Jigme Dorji National Park - Bhutan

about the place

Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) is located in the north western part of Bhutan. The park harbours rare, globally endangered species of wild animals, most notably the snow leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, Takin and several species of pheasants and large raptors. Apart from rich floral species, It is also known as the treasure trove of medicinal plants.It is covered by perennial snow rendering it as a source of glacial rivers which serve as an important source of water for household use, agriculture and hydropower generation in the downstream valleys. It is also the only place on the planet where the habitats of two charismatic big cats, i.e., tiger and snow leopard overlaps with beautiful snow-capped mountains, glacier lakes and breath taking sceneries.

about the project

Community based Snow leopard conservation at Mt. Jomolhari landscape For the conservation to succeed in the landscape for long run, one of the most important factors is winning the hearts of local residents. This project is aimed to educate local people on the importance of mountain biodiversity and landscape conservation by bringing them to the forefront of conservation partnership and making them part of it. This is the first community based conservation group formed based on citizen science approach. Through this project, community members monitor not only snow leopards in the landscape, but also other natural resources and they do help park staff in terms of conducting anti poaching activities too. One of the activities that benefit the community is through ecotourism since the communities jointly run the tourist camps in the region. They also provide local guided day trips for the tourist in their region. To mark the success and solidarity of the park, community and conservation through this project, two days annual Mt. Jomolhari festival is organized at the base of Jomolhari in October.

Ecuador Lucia Norris Crespo |lucinorris@gmail.com / lrn21@cam.ac.uk STRATEGIC PLANNING || MONITORING AND EVALUATION || ORGANIC AND SUSTAINIBLE FOOD PRODUCTION ||COMMUNICATION FOR CONSERVATION || ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND IMPLEMENTING WHO RECOMMENDATIONS ON BIRTHS, ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE, ETC.

I RECOMMEND The Galapagos Archipelago

Salinas de Guaranda

www.galapagos.gob.ec +593 (0) 52526189 wwf : Jorge Ramirez jorge.ramirez@wwf.org.ec CI : Norman Way nwray@conserbation.org

grupposalinas@salinerito.com Phone: 02528692 | 02909779

© christian norris

The Galapagos Archipelago BEST TIME TO VISIT : November until May || THINGS TO SEE : Giant tortoises, land iguanas, lava lizards, finches, frigate birds, blue and red footed, and masked boobies, tropical birds, sealions, fur sealions, galapagos shark, hammerhead sharks|| THINGS TO DO Boat tour over the west islands, dive, snorkel, hike.|| WHAT TO EAT : Lobster (from 1 september to 1 December) fresh fish such as brujo or albacora (tuna), wahoo . Do not buy bacalao (cod) or lisa as these are under a lot of pressure! Bolones, encocado de pescado, ceviche

about the place

The Galapagos Archipelago: is in South America, aprox 600 miles of the coast, and is an offshore territory of Ecuador where 26000 people live and which receives 220,000 tourists every year. The uniqueness of the islands have to do mainly with the convergence of warm and cold marine currents. Amazing endemic species such as tortoises, finches, Galapagos sea lion, the pink, yellow, and marine iguana plus an enourmos marine diversity live in the archipelago. There are 18 main islands, three smalller, and 108 islets or rocks. This archipelago became a National Park in 1959, it was declared a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1978, and a marine reserve in 1998 is one of the biggest MPAs in the World). As we know, Charles Darwin visited the archipelago on his famous expedition on the HMS Beagle during five weeks in 1835, and his observations contributed to the Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.

about the project SPINY LOBSTER MANAGEMENT : Conservation International (CI), the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), WWF, and the Charles Darwin Foundation, between others, have collaborated with their diverse strengts (research, technical support, funding, participatory methods, etc) around fisheries and supported the Directorate of the Galapagos National Park (DGNP), the Participatory Management Board, and the Fisheries Cooperatives in the Galapagos to design a successful management program for spiny lobsters and the Galapagos lobsters in the archipelago. According to Jorge Ramírez of the WWF Galapagos Programme, “by the early 2000s, catches were on the decline as a result of rampant overfishing”. The problem then was how to increase the population of lobsters while keeping the fishermen happy. The answer includes: a moratorium on the entry of new license holders and vessels established since 2003, a limited fishing season, gear restrictions: only free, scuba and hookah diving are permitted, no-take zones, annual total allowable catch (TAC) per species, minimum legal size: 15cm of tail length, and prohibition to capture egg-bearing females.

© christian norris

Salinas de Guaranda BEST TIME TO VISIT : All year round || THINGS TO SEE : The beautifil paramo, all of the cooperative small businesses of cheese, chocolates, wool clothes, etc, the lovely people in the community.|| THINGS TO DO: rappel, tour the cooperative businesses, hike || THINGS: Pizza, trout, chocolate, cheese, and to help with the paramo weather:drink canelazo

about the place

Salinas de Guaranda is a little town with a wonderful community in the Ecuadorean Andes, at 11650 feet.

“Year after year, Salinas has been and continues to be home to the values of community and solidarity, where people come before money, the poor come before the rich, the weak before the strong, the sick before the healthy, and the small before the big.” From the tourism brochure “Salinas de Guaranda, Pueblo de Economía Solidaria”.

about the project El Salinerito: this is a project of social economy and fair trade. Salinas de Guaranda implemented “cooperativism” since 1970. This process resulted in the creation of “El Salinerito” brand, and was promoted by the local priest and volunteers with an indigenous community that grew very active and empowered over the years. This community went from a poor community where their economy was based on selling salt to a livelihoods based on a diverse production such as chocolates, cheese, clothes, etc. where shares and income are equally distributed. The products that are high quality and delicious have reached all the national market and europe. The Salinas de Guaranda community is proud of its accomplishments and they see themselves as an agroindustrial community that shows that it is possible to achieve an integral rural development with equity and sustainibility.

Kenya Isa Gedi | iig22@cam.ac.uk COMMUNITY BASED CONSERVATION (MARINE AND TRESTRIAL) // POLITICAL ECOLOGY // CONSERVATION ENTERPRISE // CONSERVATION GOVERNANCE

I RECOMMEND Sasaab Lodge-Westgate community Conservancy +254 20 502 0888 If you are interested in camping, call the Adventure WORKS hotline on +254 (0) 701 295 357 or email tourism@nrt-kenya.org.

© westgate conservation

Sasaab Lodge-Westgate community Conservancy BEST TIME TO VISIT : All year round|| THINGS TO SEE : majestic elephant to lion, leopard and cheetah and the ‘Samburu Special Five’: the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich || THINGS TO DO : Enjoy guided walks, bird watching, stargazing,game drive, camel ride or spend a night or two in the further reaches of the conservation ||

about the place

Sasaab Lodge-Westgate community Conservancy

Is Located close to the Buffalo Springs National Reserves, and located west of Samburu National reserve in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. Northern Kenya is a place where culture, wilderness and wildlife combine to give visitors the experience of a lifetime.Westgate Community Conservancy is a popular tourist destination For visitors more inclined to the raw experience of the African bush.

about the project Sasaab prides itself on its hospitality and their friendly and attentive staff strive to make every guests’ experience unforgettable. The architecture of Sasaab follows strong Moroccan design principles, in which African heat is of primary consideration. Each of the nine Moroccan-styled rooms is over 100m² with an enormous open-air bathroom and private plunge pool. From the veranda, guests can take in the remarkable views across the Laikipia Plateau toward the jagged peak of Mount Kenya. Its position on the river naturally facilitates watching the herds of elephant that come to bathe. Sasaab can be booked directly with The Safari Collection, through your local agent or tour operator.

Israel Noa Steiner | Noa.asteiner@gmail.com SCIENCE-POLICY INTERFACE // INTERNATIONAL POLICY // BIOSPHERE RESERVES // HIKING // MUSIC AND DANCING // WRITING AND PAINTING

I RECOMMEND Sde Boqer, Har Hanegev, The Negev desert

Hai-Bar Carmel Nature Reserve

Miri Tsalyuk, Har Hanegev regional ecologist, Israeli Nature and Parks Authority miri. tsa@gmail.com 054-7267675

Amit Dolev, Northern Region Ecologist, Israeli Nature and Parks Authority, amitd@npa.org.il.authority

© noa steiner

Sde Boqer, Har Hanegev, Sde Boqer, Har Hanegev, The Negev desert The Negev desert BEST TIME TO VISIT : March-May|| THINGS TO SEE : Hod Akev and Ein Ovdat and The Ramon crater - one of the largest crater in the world!|| THINGS TO DO : Hiking, dipping in rainwater cistern (in spring), Jeep/bicycle tours by local guides || WHAT TO EAT: Goat’s cheese made in the local farms, Bedouin meal

about the place Sde Boqer, Har Hanegev, The Negev desert Famous for it’s stunning desert views, surrounded by nature reserves and national parks, this oasis in the desert encompasses a diverse range of desert fauna and flora, and geologic phenomena. The Zin river stretches to the dead sea, the lowest place on earth. Sde Boqer is close to the largest nature reserve in Israel – 1045 sq. km being one of the remaining areas in Israel without recent human activity.

about the project Nubien Ibex (Capra nubiana) Population Recovery One of the larger mammals roaming the area is the nubien ibex (Capra nubiana). The species is endemic to the region and was on the verge of local extinction in Israel in the early 1960s. Establishment of nature reserves and enforcement of the wildlife protection legislation have led to population growth.

As a result of this success, the ibex became the symbol of the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority. In Sede Boqer you can see the ibex walking alongside you on the cliff. Conservation efforts are taking place to better connect the main three southern Israel populations of the ibex (Eilat, Ein Gedi and Sde Boqer). The droughts and are often driving them inside the villages in search of water and fresh grass.

Genetic and behavioural research is taking place on the ibex in Sde Boqer at the Blaustein Institutes for Desert studies, as well as other study areas such as plant ecology, hydrology, remote sensing, and social sciences.

BEST TIME TO VISIT : March-May|| THINGS TO SEE : Vultures, local villages (Isfya, Daliyat el Carmel, Ein Hod, Ein Hud), Habonim beach || THINGS TO DO : Horseback riding, hiking in the Mediterranean woodland, swimming at the beach || WHAT TO EAT : Maklube, Hummous, tahini, Labbane, salads, pitas. Great honey and olive oil!

about the place

Hai-Bar Carmel nature reserve, Located in Northwestern Israel, Carmel mountain is a declared UNESCO biosphere reserve. Its bounderies are literally from the mountain to the sea. The Hai-Bar reserve is an in-situ breeding center for locally extinct and endangered animals, spreading over 1500 acres, containing Mountain gazelles, Oryx, Persian fellow deer and you can also get very close (a few meters) from a nesting population of Griffon vultures, soaring down to the valley. This place also functions as a fire break to the city of Haifa from forest fires, as a result of grazing. The biosphere reserve is very diverse culturally including jewish, arab and druze communities. Efforts are being made to increase community participation in decision making processes, and a unique biospheric education programme has been developed.

about the project Reintroduction of locally extinct biblical animals Locally extinct animals that are mentioned in the bible are being reintroduced to the nature in Israel.

The Persian Fellow Deer (Dama mesopotamica) is redlisted as endangered. The last native individual in Israel was hunted in the 1920 and was locally extinct until the project had begun. An agreement in 1978 between the head of the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority, and the Prince of Iran, just before the destabilization and collapse of the Iranian government to bring females and breed them with two males from Germany. From this small population, there are now 200 individuals that were bred. The reintroductions are being monitored, the deers are GPS collared, and a genetic evaluation is performed before releasing them to the wild.

Š david rezek

Hai-Bar Carmel Nature Reserve

Ghana David A. Kwarteng | da437@cam.ac.uk BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION || AMPHIBIANS REPTILES ||

I RECOMMEND Amedzokpe

Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

Dr. Caleb Ofori, calebofori@gmail.com.

Herp Conservation Ghana, P.O.Box KS 6980, Adum-Kumasi

Stephen Ofori, Herp Conservation Ghana, P.O.Box KS 6980, Adum-Kumasi-Ghana.

Email: stepheno35@gmail.com

Community Managed Amphibian Sanctuary BEST TIME TO VISIT : All year round|| THINGS TO SEE : Beautiful frogs, diana monkeys and mammals || THINGS TO DO : Hiking, bathing in one of the highest waterfalls in Ghana, camping || WHAT TO EAT: fresh tilapia with local dishes.

about the place Amedzokpe: Amedzokpe is literally translated as the origin of life. It is one of the highest points for human habitation in Ghana (720m) above sea level. It falls within the Togo-Volta highlands towards the Eastern border of Ghana. It is about 3 hours drive from Accra, the capital city.It is the home of the last remaining population of the critically endangered Togo slippery frog. It has a very nice montane ecosystem. The resident community have beautiful culture to entertain visitors.

about the project Community Managed Amphibian Sanctuary in Amedzope, Ghana. The project aims to protect the last remnant population of the critically endangered Togo slippery frog from the brink of extinction. The main threats to the species is human consumption. By working closely with communities and other stakeholders, this project has been able to secure about 60ha of land from the community, religious groups and individuals to form the first ever amphibian sanctuary in Ghana.

Š david kawarteng

Amedzokp

© david kawarteng

Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary BEST TIME TO VISIT : All year round|| THINGS TO SEE : Mona Monkeys, Black and White colobus monkey, beautiful tropical forest timber species || THINGS TO DO : Hiking, bathing in one of the highest waterfalls in Ghana, camping || WHAT TO EAT: fresh tilapia with local dishes.

about the place Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS). It is located in the central part of Ghana in a nice forest savannah transition ecosystem.It represents a great example of human and wildlife living co-existing in harmony. It is a rural community with amazing culture and food. There is decent accommodation for visitors who like to stay and interact with community.

about the project Strengthening Culture and Tradition to Conserve Boabeng- Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. The BFMS is a perfect place where people can interact with wildlife. The Mona and Black and White Colobus monkeys found in this sanctuary are believed to the children of the ‘gods’ and hence highly revered by the community members. The presence of other belief systems (Islam and Christianity) are currently diluting this tradition and culture. Presently there is extraction of timber and farming in the sanctuary.

The project sought to strengthen the cultural belief systems whiles promoting sustainable scientific protocols to manage the sanctuary.

India Savita Vijayakumar | savitais@gmail.com SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS || INTERDISCIPLIANARY POLICY STRATEGIES || FISHERIES GOVERNANCE || SMALL ISLAND STATES || FILM PHOTOGRAPHY || ART-SCIENCE || PLACE BASED LEARNING

I RECOMMEND Koh Hee Homestay Mayabunder, North Andaman

Rainforest Retreat Coorg, Karnataka

Mr Saw John Webi Village, Mayabunder Tehsil, N & M Andaman District.

Ph: 03192-276708 / +91 9474215682

Mrs Sujata Goel P.O. Box 101, Madikeri 571201 Kodagu, Karnataka Phone: 91 8272 265638/6 and 201428 Email: rainforestours@gmail.com

© pooja gupta

Koh Hee Homestay Mayabunder, North Andaman BEST TIME TO VISIT : October - March|| THINGS TO SEE : Endemic birds - racquet trailed drongo, violet cuckoo, Nicober pigeon, Endemic Snakes - andaman cobra, andaman pit viper, !|| THINGS TO DO : hiking into primary rain forest, scuba diving, enthnobotanical tour, inter-tidal walk || WHAT TO EAT: Mohinga - Handcrafted steamed rice noodles with coconut fish curry accompanied by fresh spring onion, fried garlic and limeTapopa Clear soup made with smoked dry meat or fish with lemongrass and cane shoots thickened with handground rice

about the place

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal form an archipelago of approximately 527 islands, islets and rocks. This underwater mountain range manifests itself above the water as a chain of emerald islands of exceptional beauty and conservation importance. The Islands’ immense biological diversity and high degreeof endemism is a result of ocean boundaries enclosing a wide range of ecosystems - open oceans, shallow seasand reefs, sandy beaches, rocky shores and sea caves, mangroves and wetlands, littoral forests, giant lowland evergreens and hill top forests. These ecosystems and habitats are living classrooms and laboratories.

about the project The house at ‘Koh Hee’ is a traditional Karen structure built in the 1960’s by Saw Aung Thong. It is now run as a quaint boutique homestay by Saw John and his wife Naw Doris,tucked away in the tranquil village of Webi, Mayabunder. For the traveller in pursuit of an off the beaten path, this homestay offers an immersion into idyllic island living. A walk into the forest with John, an expert in ethno-botany is nothing short of a treat. This knowledge was passed down to John by his father who was a Karen traditional healer. His skills were further honed while working to facilitate research for ecologists in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. John is also a passionate about horticulture, which is made self evident by their little farm. The family for generations have practiced organic methods of farming on their 5 acre property. Discover the varieties of grains sown and harvested heresuch as ‘misleh’ - a short grained and hardy variety that gives an earthy flavour; ‘chwechimanae’ - an aromatic and flavourful grain, ‘black burma rice’ - a locally popular variety of sticky rice and ‘nyweyi’ - a long and tender grain. Participate in harvesting or sowing and learn to use traditional farming tools and techniques. The ‘King Coconut’ is a special treat for those who choose to get there feet muddy!

© tasneem khan

Rainforest Retreat Coorg, Karnataka BEST TIME TO VISIT : October - March|| THINGS TO SEE : the butterfly orchid, malabar pit-viper, ashy drongo, malabar gliding tree-frogs, stinkhorn mushroom, !|| THINGS TO DO : hiking into rainforest, experienceing the monsoon || WHAT TO EAT: Pandi curry, pandi fry, idiappam, coffee from coorg.

about the place The ecosystem at the Rainforest Retreat , nestled in between the villages of Galibeedu and Kaloor, it is best described as low altitude ‘Shola’ forest. Sholas are tropical montane evergreen forests nestled in the folds and valleys of mountains covered with grasslands (typically above 1700m). These shola-grassland eco-systems are unique to the Western Ghats of India and harbor a great diversity of flora and fauna not found elsewhere. Their importance and uniqueness is now recognized by ecologists. The grasslands act as a sponge absorb the monsoon rains and release it slowly thereby recharging the groundwater. Here one can see an abundance of evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforest trees, ferns, shrubs (many which have medicinal properties) and over 40 species of endemic wild orchids.

about the project The Mojo Plantation spice farm is located in one of the highest rainfall zones of Kodagu District, Karnataka. At 1100m altitude, we receive 3500–5000mm (200 inches) of rain annually, most of it between June and September. The plantation is also densely forested with native trees. While this environment places limitations on the types and quantities of crops that can grow, it creates its own unique flavours which are reflected in the excellent quality of our organic produce. Their crops are: cardamom, coffee, black pepper, vanilla, kokam, fruits and some tree spices. They have endeavored to develop this plantation along the principles by which Nature “manages” land and water resources.

The aim has been to strike a balance between time-tested traditional practices and modern scientific approaches. The methods followed are based upon: Maintaining a forest - like canopy above, and a dense ground cover of weeds between the crops and dense mulching helps to conserve fragile top soil.

Incorporation of fallow spaces and tanks/ponds within the cultivated areas allows creation of habitats that promote populations of a wide range predatory species which keep the pest populations under control. Multiple cropping of diverse species helps prevent buildup of pest populations.