Elissa Keenan has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ecotourism Australia.
Robert Pennicott: Regenerating Journeys
Claire Ellis on Strengthening Ecotourism in Australia
After three decades, Ecotourism Australia keeps reinventing itself to be relevant to the changing needs of the ecotourism industry. Chairperson Claire Ellis spoke to Mallika Naguran on why Australia’s new sustainable destination certification is very much needed and on working with WWF to advance the interests of Australian ecotourism operators while rebuilding disaster affected areas.
Masaru Takayama: Ecotourism After Coronavirus
With COVID-19 putting a pause or stop to tourism and travel globally, can ecotourism survive if not spring back stronger than before? Masaru Takayama, Chair and Founder of the Asian Ecotourism Network, shares with Mallika Naguran his thoughts on the positive and negative impacts of the coronavirus on tourism, and how ecotourism players should adapt to “the new normal”.
Subaraj Rajathurai: A Tribute to Singapore's Nature Warrior
The Story Behind Lewis Pugh’s Activism To Protect Antarctica
Extreme swimmer Lewis Pugh is planning his next conquest, to lobby for a massive marine protected area surrounding Antarctica. Facing enormous threats from melting sea ice and industrial fishing, the region is under severe threat. Mallika Naguran speaks to the ocean advocate on his activism, advocacy and next mission—Antarctica2020.
Albert Teo: How to Sustain Community Building in Ecotourism
Jeff Goodell on Climate Change: The Water Will Come
Harry Morris: Davao Reef Saviour
Elephant Knowledge: Anna Songhurst and Ecoexist
Katherine Connor: Sustainable Elephant Rescue
Andrew Sebastian: On Malaysia Ecotourism & Ecology
No stranger to bird lovers and forest trekkers in Malaysia, guide Andrew Sebastian has more tricks up his sleeves in promoting ecotourism and habitat conservation than anyone can imagine. Gaia Discovery’s Mallika Naguran catches up with the bird expert to find out more about the Wallace Project through Sebastian’s own NGO - Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia, and about his views on how tourism can help raise ecological awareness.
Jin of Chickenfeet Travels: Adventure with Positive Impacts
Michel Rawicki: Fragile Nature Through the Lens
Nature and wildlife photographer Michel Rawicki shares with Gaia Discovery what he has observed about nature in the Polar Regions, and how the climate is changing the environment in parts. Rawicki is a guest of Voilah! festival, which presents his large scale prints in an outdoor exhibition themed Touched by the Cold.
Alexander Yee: Overcoming Turtle Conservation Challenges
It took vision, persistence and wisdom for conservationist Alexander Yee to be able to release his 30,000th turtle hatchling into the South China Sea after five years this March. He spoke to Mallika Naguran about how this highly effective turtle conservation programme came about but more importantly, how obstructive village practices were overcome to boost this aspect of marine life and ecotourism in Sabah.
Michael Davis: My Role as a Responsible Installation Artist
Bio-Resin, reusable metal in bar chimes… these are just a couple of materials that are surprisingly part of the Illumaphonium, a musical structure that stands tall, colourful, entrancing and strong at the I Light Marina Bay 2018 festival in Singapore. Gaia Discovery’s Mallika Naguran gets on the same bandwidth as its British creator Michael Davis as he speaks about his musical interest, beliefs, style and role as a responsible artist.
Amala Menon: Genuine Indian Homestays With SaveAGram
Just how authentic can community-based tourism get? SaveAGram strives to raise the bar in not just capturing the authenticity of village tourism experience in the north and south of India, but also maintain responsibility in touring activities so as to uphold age-old traditions, culture, values and even the architecture of Indian villages.
Alex Tsuk: Rise of Responsible Tourism Community in Bali with BookGreener
A ground up, industry-led responsible tourism movement is picking up in Bali. Mallika Naguran speaks to the founder or 'Chief Alchemist' of Book Greener, Alex Tsuk, about this special group of operators and the role they play in dealing with crisis as volcano Agung continues to disrupt tourism in this island of paradise.
Masaru Takayama: A Stronger Asian Ecotourism Network for 2018
Tony Oposa: Rethink Economics, Consumption & Role of Law
The connection between economics, progress, politics, power and law often leads to societal harm and environmental degradation in the name of progress. What does it take to review this chain of connection, and how? Tony Oposa, award winning environmental lawyer, offers radical concepts and practical solutions in his recent publication Shooting Stars and Dancing Fish: A Walk to the World We Want. Mallika Naguran reviews the book and chats with Oposa.