The Great Barrier Reef: Eco-tourism with a Mission

On a recent trip, I had the great privilege to go to Australia, where I stayed on the eco-conscious and luxurious Heron Island. Located 72km off the coast of the Australian mainland, Heron Island is surrounded by part of the Great Barrier Reef. Virtually untouched by society, the only human presence on this small island is from a resort and a research center. At Heron Island, they take a different approach to providing an enjoyable experience for their guests than many modern resorts. While rooms are chic and the food is gourmet, there is a low-tech approach to most of life on Heron Island. The activities available beyond exploring nature include board games, ping-pong, and tennis. The only televisions are located in the bar and while two computers with internet access and two pay phones are provided, the lack of wi-fi and cellular receptions means almost no one is “plugged-in.” This lack of electric-powered devices allows the solar panels placed on the roofs of many buildings to provide much of the power needed to run the island. Additionally, minimal light pollution means spectacular views of the stars. Heron Island is a World Heritage Listed area, meaning that both the island and the island-life are protected. At Heron Island, eco-tourism efforts are in full swing with both the activities available and what the island itself has to offer. Lessons on how to interact with nature are mandatory and that helps to keep the massive bird, fish, coral, turtle, and even whale population healthy and happy. The organization Ecotourism Australia even awarded the resort with Advanced Eco-Certification. While both dive and snorkel boats are available daily for a cost, I found that the most enjoyable activities were free. Hosted by the naturalists on the island, there are bird walks which draw attention to the great diversity of bird-life, as well as reef walks on which you can experience the Great Barrier Reef in an up-close and exciting way. With thousands of birds and hundreds of different types of coral, not to mention the diversity of fish and sea cucumbers, an enjoyment of nature is hard to avoid on Heron Island. While eco-tourism exists all over the world, it is not just green-washing in Australia. While very similar to the United States in many attitudes and lifestyles, the Australian way of life is inherently different. The country is an island, with the vast majority of population residing on the coasts. For Australia, global warming is an incredibly real and serious threat. Beyond the threat of ocean level rise for the mainland, due to the rise of ocean temperatures with global warming, the coral reef is also threatened. According to the World Wildlife Fund, climate change has already adversely affected the reef. A recent report from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority predicts that if the carbon dioxide levels reach the predicted 450 parts per million by 2035, that would mean extreme bleaching of coral which would diminish that ability of the reef to make new coral. Some predict that by 2050, the reef would be completely dead. This unfortunate problem is part of the reason why Australia is fighting hard against climate change and their eco-tourism efforts are a great example of this commitment. Heron Island is a wonderful place with an amazing amount of nature to experience. For more information on booking and activities, check out the Heron Island website. As different seasons mean different animals are active, the Heron Island bio calendar will help you to discover when your favorite animals are around. Image Credit: Heron Island

Fregate Island Private – Eco-Luxe Getaway

With breathtaking views of crystal clear waters and an unforgettable palette of blues and greens, Fregate Island Private offers travelers, honeymooners, and adventurous families a getaway that greatly respects the environment. One of the main goals of the coveted hideaway is to preserve and protect the unique species of plants and animals on the island. With no more than 40 guests occupying the island at any one time, enjoying a chance to experience this award-winning 5-star resort is truly an honor. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Fregate Island Private sits northeast of Madagascar in the Seychelles – an archipelago consisting of 115 islands spread across 400,000 square kilometers. Known as one of the 'last remaining paradises' in the world, the Seychelles upholds strict regulations to ensure the protection of the environment. Why Eco-Friendly? The natural forestation of the local islands fell victim to the colonization of the Seychelles. Eventually, coconut trees replaced the original plants and trees of the land. Today, the efforts of Fregate Island Private may very well create the largest nursery of hardwood trees in the Indian Ocean. For the last 11 years, Fregate Island Private has become increasingly reputable in the hotel industry for successfully embracing and upholding ecological reform. With the goal to become a carbon neutral enterprise, this year marks the 100,000th tree planted under the island's endemic hardwood program, including the two trees planted for each guest that arrives at the resort. Alongside the conservation practices of the island, buildings and infrastructure take up only 5% of the land with the remaining 95% enjoying a restored natural state. As a result, quite a few endemic species of wildlife and flora have triumphed over extinction. Your Villa and Luxury Amenities Guests often take delight in the chance to explore the fascinating natural environment of the island under a veil of exclusive privacy and seclusion, which is why only 16 villas occupy the island. From individually controlled air conditioning to refreshing ceiling fans, Fregate Island Private aims to please guests with non-stop luxurious pampering. Each villa provides guests with access to a Villa Sun Terrace with private pool and Jacuzzi. Other amenities include wireless Internet, personal safe, and your own personal Island Buggy. Rates for Fregate Island Private vary depending on the time of year. Be aware that there are minimum stay requirements. For example, plan a getaway for the Christmas or New Year's holiday (between December 19, 2009 and January 9, 2010), expect to book a villa for a minimum of seven nights. Special rates also apply for guests traveling with children older than 5 years old. During a stay at Fregate Island Private, you may want to: * Get Pampered. Situated on a cliff-top plateau delivering spectacular glimpses of the sea, freshwater pools and cascading waterfalls surround the award-winning 'Rock Spa.' The international holistic treatments originating from ancient Indian, Australian, and Polynesian techniques rely on local ingredients for their botanical magic. * Enjoy Water Sports and Activities. Travel to the lower plateau of the island (opposite the plantation) to reach Fregate's Yacht Club, Marina and PADI Dive Center, where guests may swim, snorkel, or scuba dive on one of seven luxurious beaches. Set sail from the island's marina on a yacht charter for a deep-sea fishing adventure or gain access to sailboats, catamarans, and motor yachts. *Wine and Dine. Toast to your beautiful surroundings or steal a kiss during a meal at one of two island restaurants. Fregate House serves daily gourmet dishes, while the Plantation House gives you a chance to experience authentic Creole-style cuisine in an open-air dining atmosphere. Additionally, the island is equipped with its own plantation and hydroponics, which grows fresh fruit and vegetables for each meal. From frozen concoctions to your favorite cocktail, the Pirate’s Bar and the Anse Bambous Beach Bar satisfies your thirst for 'spirited' relaxation. Other features of the island include a fully equipped, air-conditioned fitness center, wine cellar with dining facilities, and active pursuits, such as tennis, volleyball, biking, badminton, and hiking. Image Credits: Fregate Island Private