Latest news with #UnescoBiosphereReserve
Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Research pact with Russians
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: MoU signing between Sabah Parks and delegation from Russia. Kundasang: Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed between Sabah Parks Trustees Board and two entities from the Russian Federation, here, on Saturday. The MoUs aim to strengthen cooperation in the fields of academic research, sustainable development, and sustainable management of natural areas involving aspects of geoscience, mineral resources, climate change and sustainable tourism. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the signing would form the basis for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the implementation of collaborative projects between the two parties. Sabah Parks Board of Trustees was represented by Chairman of the Sabah Parks Trustees Board, Peter Lintar and the Director of Sabah Parks, Dr Maklarin Bin Lakim. The delegation from Russia was represented by the Executive Director of The Committee of The Republic of Bashkortostan for Unesco, and Co-Chairholder at The International Research and Educational Centre 'Geoparks and Territories of Sustainable Development', UFA University of Science and Technology, Dr. Renata Razifovna Lukmanova; and Chairholder at the same center, and Doctor of Geology and Mineralogy at The UFA University of Science and Technology, Professor Larisa Nikolaevna Belan. Advertisement Also participating in the event was a special guest, Director of Bashkiria National Park and The Bashkiria Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Representing The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of The Russian Federation, Vladimir Kuznetsov. Abidin welcomed the MoU and said that the presence of the delegation from Russia here really strengthens the bridge of international cooperation in sustainable development and science diplomacy. 'Sabah is very fortunate to have natural wealth, extraordinary biodiversity, and unparalleled cultural diversity. All these elements make Sabah not only a superior tourism destination, but also a reference in holistic regional development through the Geopark approach based on conservation, education and community development. 'This Geopark approach is very much in line with the State Government's development policy which emphasizes sustainable development, rural community empowerment, and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. 'What we are witnessing today is a manifestation of success resulting from close and continuous cooperation between various parties which include government agencies, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and strategic partners from home and abroad,' he said. Abidin, who is also Paginatan Assemblyman, said this while representing the Deputy Chief Minister and Kundasang Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam in opening the Sambutan Tamu Geopark 2025 here on Saturday. The organisation of this Tamu, he said, not only celebrates the diversity of community heritage, but also presents an integrated approach to sustainable development based on geoparks. 'The Tamu Geopark held today brought together various levels of society, including agency representatives, Geopark partners and communities from across the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark. 'The organisation of this programme highlighted various important elements such as exhibitions by government and private agencies, local products and handicrafts, traditional clothing, as well as food exhibition featuring the uniqueness and diversity of traditional dishes from various districts in Sabah. 'Not to be missed is the traditional cooking competition which is a medium to introduce local food culture to the community and external visitors,' he said. Abidin added that this approach is not just about showcasing the results of community efforts, but reflects how the Geopark concept can encompass various sectors such as tourism, community economy, education and conservation simultaneously. Meanwhile, he said, through the State Tourism Development Strategic Plan and planning under the National Tourism Policy, initiatives such as the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp) can be used as an important platform to strengthen inclusive and resilient community-based tourism. 'In fact, the efforts of the State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment in supporting international recognition such as the Unesco Global Geopark are seen in line with the National Geopark Development Policy which is currently being actively developed by the Federal Government. 'This policy aims to provide a more structured, cross-ministerial Geopark management framework, as well as emphasising the balance between the conservation of geological, cultural and biodiversity heritage with local socio-economic progress. 'We believe that the success of a Geopark does not only depend on international recognition, but also on the extent of the involvement and awareness of the local community towards the values of the heritage they possess,' he said. Therefore, he said, the Tamu Geopark is one of the most effective approaches to bring the community closer to the values of the Geopark through direct cultural, economic and educational activities. Also present were State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Ranau District Officer Tinus Manggam, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Member Gabriel Sinit, and others. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Telegraph
29-04-2025
- Telegraph
The Maldives hotel blazing a trail for accessible travel
On first impression, Amilla presents as your quintessential Maldivian resort. This privately owned island hotel, popular with the A-list (from Leonardo DiCaprio to Gwyneth Paltrow) has 67 villas, nestled amongst more than 2,000 coconut trees and 400-year-old Banyan trees. But on closer inspection, after arrival into the Baa Atoll, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve whose marine biodiversity is overflowing with manta rays, technicolour coral and nesting turtles, Amilla is a world apart. The first time I experienced this extraordinary place was four years ago, as an informal access auditor. A guinea pig in paradise, if you will, I experienced everything the island had to offer, from cooking demonstrations and kombucha-making classes to sunrise sea fishing and even jet skiing. My wheelchair and I visited every hand-combed beach and over-water villa. No coconut was left unturned. Back then, as Amilla was only at the beginning of its journey to becoming a truly accessible hotel, I thought it sensible to bring along my (extremely willing) boyfriend, whose cyclist thighs could step in as my all-terrain mobility aid when barriers presented themselves. It was romantic at times, certainly, but painfully practical at others. He spent a lot of time out of breath, dragging my wheelchair backwards through scorching soft sand, heaving me up multiple wooden steps and even manually flinging me off the side of the excursion boat in order for me to learn to scuba dive. A small price to pay perhaps for a honeymoon-style holiday, but nevertheless feedback for improvements was shared. The second time I visited, a companion was advised, but rarely called upon. Wooden ramps had been installed in each of the seven superb restaurants, serving a wide range of delectable cuisine from Maldivian to Italian, while adaptations such as lowered features and fittings, hearing loops and shower chairs had been made to the villas and some residences. In a move that would come to earn it the elusive stamp of being the first hotel in the world to be verified by IncluCare (think the Michelin guide, but for accessibility), all the resort staff had undergone disability and inclusion awareness training. The hope was that hidden disabilities such as autism and ADHD would be better understood, with disability-friendly language and etiquette (eg speak to the guest directly) put into practice. An access guide advising guests with disabilities what to expect was also added to the website. Word of this had evidently spread, as on my third and most recent visit, to my delight, I was not the only disabled guest on the island. 'At first we were overwhelmed by where to go in the Maldives, but when we learnt that Amilla cares about accessibility, the choice was easy,' the proud father of a bright young wheelchair-using girl effusively told me as we shared use of one of two beach wheelchairs one afternoon. Families with disabled children deserve bucket-list holidays just like everyone else. Amilla has now welcomed countless guests with different access needs from all over the world, seeing a staggering return on the initial investment in accessibility training of 900 per cent: a figure that proves the sizeable financial reward for catering to a broader demographic of traveller. Owing to the rising number of guests with reduced mobility, Amilla worked closely with local seaplane carrier MantaAir. On my first ever visit the transfer had been challenging, but when I returned again I was warmly greeted at the sea transfer terminal by a fully prepped – and unnecessarily handsome – sea captain who offered me multiple options for how I could be manhandled: sling lift? Bottom shuffle? Support (if I could walk)? Good old-fashioned brute strength? With no boyfriend in tow, I gratefully opted for the latter. Two sea captains scooped me up in their arms and transferred me on board. Dreamy. Half an hour later, I rolled onto Amilla and, with fresh coconut and cold towel in hand, was welcomed back to paradise by the current manager Narelle McDougall and her team. Under her leadership, a portable pool hoist had been imported for use while on the house reef snorkelling or scuba diving, or within the island in the private over-water villa pools; creatively and sustainably designed fish-and whale-shaped ramps had been installed along with adapted public bathrooms; and further rooms categories adapted, meaning now an optional companion need barely lift a finger – a prerequisite for all, including carers, on paradisiacal holidays. From the moment I arrived, there was an instant sense of belonging evident from the well-trained, now well-practiced and confident staff members: thoughtful exchanges, intuitive support and a genuine desire to help without fuss showed that welcoming disabled guests has become standard here. Today, Amilla is more than an exclusive paradise, it is an inclusive utopia. If you are looking for a honeymoon destination, a family trip of a lifetime or a White Lotus-style holiday with friends, the resort has something for everyone, and by everyone, that truly means everyone. Five more accessible hotels La Miniera Pool Villas Pattaya, Thailand La Miniera Pool Villas Pattaya offers private villas, each with an indoor ozone swimming pool. The resort is both wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly, catering to diverse guest needs. Located in Nong Prue, it's a serene retreat close to Pattaya's attractions. Doubles from £127 Euphoria Retreat, Mystras, Greece At the foothills of Mount Taygetos in the Unesco World Heritage site of Mystras is Euphoria Retreat, Greece's premier holistic wellbeing destination. The retreat's expansive spa spans four floors, featuring a Byzantine hammam, tepidarium, Finnish sauna and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the ancient forest. Guests can partake in personalised wellness programmes, including detox, weight loss and mindfulness retreats, all rooted in a fusion of Greek and Chinese healing philosophies. Accommodations blend monastic elegance with modern luxury, offering serene spaces for rest and rejuvenation. Public areas are wheelchair-accessible and there are two adapted rooms. Doubles from £350. Read the full review here Ximuwu Lodge, South Africa Ximuwu in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve offers an exclusive wheelchair-accessible luxury safari experience. The lodge features suites with roll-in showers and accessible pools with hoists. Guests can enjoy personalised safari adventures, ensuring immersion in the African wilderness regardless of mobility. Doubles from £1,025 per person/per night The Atlantic Hotel, Jersey On Jersey's west coast, the Atlantic is a tranquil retreat overlooking St Ouen's Bay. The property offers wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities, ensuring comfort for all guests. Amenities include an award-winning restaurant, panoramic ocean views, well-appointed accommodations plus 10 acres of private gardens. Doubles from £127 voco Manchester – City Centre by IHG, England This new-build addition to Manchester's ever-more-densely populated skyline is now home to a voco, a boutique-inspired part of IHG (the InterContinental Hotels Group). Expect comfortable rooms and a buzzy ground-floor area, including a newly elevated restaurant menu that punches above its weight. The hotel's previous incarnation (Hotel Brooklyn) made accessibility a key selling point and the foundations of this remain in place. There are 10 well-adapted rooms, designed in the same aesthetic as elsewhere and in different configurations with features including wet rooms (shower chairs available), grab rails, hoists, lowered furniture and buttons including for emergencies, visual alarms and more. Doubles from £137. Read the full review here
The Irish Sun
27-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
The untouched paradise Spanish island with 27C heat, amazing outdoor activities, natural wonders & beautiful beaches
SINCE the pandemic, we have been making up for lost time when it comes to getting out into the great outdoors. A CSO survey in May 2022 showed that almost half of respondents had taken up an outdoor activity since lockdown, whether it be hill walking, hiking, running or sea swimming. 6 Niamh taking a walk in Anaga Rural Park, Tenerife 6 Teide National Park is home to Spain's highest peak Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 Tenerife and La Gomera have hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails Credit: Getty Images - Getty 6 Beautiful beaches are to be expected In Away from the more populated south, the north of Tenerife, the largest of the islands, is covered by mountains and ancient forests. Our group set out just a few minutes from the island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the Anaga Rural Park, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Read more in Travel An oasis of green, this park is home to diverse flora and fauna. If you want an enchanted forest trail or a coastal hike, this 14,500-hectare nature sanctuary has got you covered. There are beautiful viewing points all over the park. My favourite was Pico de los Ingles, a stone platform that offers sweeping views of the Anaga massif and the ocean beyond. Access to the park is via the charming town of San Cristobal de La Laguna, the island's original capital, which is now a Unesco World Heritage site due to its pretty colonial architecture. We stopped in for lunch at Restaurant El Guaydil and chatted over delicious croquettes, local cheese and Canarian tomato salad, washed down with local wine. Most read in News Travel Fed and watered, we ventured on to another World Heritage site, Teide National Park, home to Mount Teide, The park's volcanic terrain sees jagged rock formations cast long shadows, while craters pockmark the lunar-like landscape. Spanish island reveals plans for huge new £4.8billion train routes – connecting beach holiday hotspots It can be explored by day via a series of hiking trails, but be sure to stay for sunset and enjoy a cosmic display as the night sky comes alive. Mount Teide and its peaks are certified as a Starlight Tourist Destination as the clear skies make this one of the best spots in the world for stargazing. And the nocturnal beauty of this park is truly captivating. The next day we stepped off the beaten path even further and took a 45-minute ferry trip from Tenerife's port in Los Cristianos to the second smallest of the Canary Islands, La Gomera. NATURAL WONDER Another Unesco Biosphere Reserve, the island is a natural volcanic wonder. It is circular in shape, with mountains and valleys that extend to the sea, forming beaches perfect for a refreshing dip along the 100km of coastline. The climate is warm and mild all year round — around 18C in winter and 27C in summer. The higher slopes in the centre of the island are made up of ancient sub-tropical laurel forests, so it's misty and lush, while the lower valleys are filled with banana groves and palm trees, from which the island's scrumptious palm honey is made. Tomatoes, mangos, papayas, guavas, pumpkins, cucumbers, figs, dates and chestnuts grow on terraced mountainsides that make up striking geometric patterns. And the abundance of grapes makes for delicious wine. To navigate these terraces, farmers carved out more than 600km of inland trails, forming a network of paths that take you just about anywhere on the island. TOP TRAILS Nowadays, these trails are hugely popular with hikers as they are well marked, the landscape is diverse and the views are breathtaking. There are seven trails for cyclists, too. Hiring a car is the best way to travel from town to town via the coastal road. We made our way from the port in the capital of San Sebastian to the beautiful scenery of the Hermigua Valley and on to Agulo, known as the 'Green Balcony' of La Gomera. Agulo is a sleepy, picturesque town overlooking the ocean, with whitewashed houses with coloured tiles. It is the perfect place to stop for a barraquito — the Canarian signature drink of coffee, liquor, condensed milk, cinnamon and lemon (it's like a warm, fuzzy feeling in a glass) — and a stroll around the cobbled streets in the mid-morning sun. POINT OF VIEW What is remarkable about this little island is how much the landscape changes as you move around. A short drive from Agulo is the Mirador de Abrante viewpoint. This panoramic glass viewing platform juts out from the clifftop, so you feel suspended as you marvel at the green valley hundreds of feet below. Yet the soil around you is bright red and more akin to the surface of Mars. Fifty shades of green The next village along was Vallehermoso, which means 'beautiful valley'. We refuelled at El Carracha, a restaurant that was doing a roaring trade for local Sunday lunchers. We tucked into a juicy Canarian tomato salad, salty black potatoes (an island speciality) and delicious fresh fish. FIFTY SHADES OF GREEN As we drove on another 15 minutes, again the scenery changed before we arrived at the jewel of La Gomera — El Cedro forest, in Garajonay National Park. The hiking routes take you past 30-metre-tall trees forming canopies that are fifty shades of green. With so much mist and condensation, the soothing sound of running water pervades the air. Then it was one last stop for the day in Valle Gran Rey, another picture postcard town right on the water. The dark volcanic sand beaches were unspoiled and, like so much of the island, virtually deserted. Travellers to La Gomera represent one per cent of the total number of visitors to the Canaries, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers who want a secret slice of paradise and not to bump into anyone from home — so be a trailblazer and hit those Canarian trails. GO: TENERIFE GET THERE: Fly to Tenerife South with STAY THERE: Bancal Hotel & Spa, La Gomera, from €170 per night. Tivoli La Caleta, Tenerife, from €220 per night. DO THERE: Surfing lesson with Tenerife Surf Point ( Whale watching and catch the sunset at sea ( 6 The Mirador de Abrante viewpoint is a must-visit attraction 6 The hidden gem paradise island of La Gomera
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Specially designed Kerry boat will make Killarney Lakes accessible to all
Brothers Michael and Tony Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours, based at Ross Castle, on the shores of Lough Lein, Killarney National Park, launched their new traditional open boat 'An Cathal' this weekend with family and friends, to make boating experience accessible for all people with challenges and different abilities. The traditional open boat 'An Cathal' is named in honour of their late Dad, Charlie Fleming, who operated Ross Castle Boat Tours until his untimely passing in 2024. Michael and Tony Fleming worked collaboratively with the National Parks and Wildlife Services, in the design and output of this inclusive tour boat, where people will now have the opportunity and support and enjoy Killarney National Parks Unesco Biosphere Reserve and experience the beauty of the lakes, mountains and soaring White-tailed Eagles overhead. The specially designed boat is specifically for people with limited mobility and neurodiverse needs. 'An Cathal' is fitted with a fixed stairway to enable people access / egress the boat with ease and has fasteners built into the floor to allow wheelchairs to be securely attached. A key aspect is to support neurodiverse people. The boat is also fitted with a dedicated diversity section with a sensory box which will be carried in the boat. All the staff have completed 'AsIAm' Online Training. Assistance Dogs are also welcome on-board. Michael Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours said they were wanted to create a an 'inclusive outdoor experience' 'Our aim when we were looking at this project was to create an outdoor experience, particularly one that was inclusive and supported biodiversity across the Killarney National Park. So with the assistance and support from NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Services) I think we delivered a much needed experience that really puts Killarney National Park on the map in terms of inclusivity.' 'We are committed to expanding our support services and are currently working on a Visual Guide for inclusion on our website. This will highlight what guests can expect on arrival and during a tour. We support quieter tours on request and early morning / late evening tours if required. ADVERTISEMENT NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Padruig O'Sullivan praised the new project. 'It is a great initiative for the National Park. It caters for people from all walks of life, especially people with challenges. It is part of the National Park Mission Statement, which is obligated to open the Park to all. The process and presentation with the Flemings from safety inspection to boat design was carefully drawn and collaborated with us. We are delighted to see it in operation today.' Also at the launch was NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Tricia Beecher, who said: 'It's such a great opportunity and wonderful initiative for Killarney National Park, for the public and for families, people of all abilities can now get out and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery we have in the Park. Lough Lein Anglers and Advocate for Wheelchair accessibility Timo O'Sullivan welcomed the new boat. ''I'm in my chair using the lake for a long time, it's a game changer making the lakes so accessible for young and old, it's a great facility both secure and safe.' Cllr Martin Grady said the Flemings were due great credit for making the lake accessible for people with disabilities. 'I'm sure their Father Charlie Fleming would be very proud of them for making this project come to fruition. '
Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Telegraph
The perfect weekend in Menorca – charming towns, pristine beaches and nature reserves
The second largest of the Balearic islands, and a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Menorca certainly packs a punch. With a tumultuous history that witnessed countless assaults from the Romans, Vandals, Muslims, French and British, it's hardly surprising that today the island's rich heritage is a result of an impressive melding of cultures. From the elegance of the historic capital, Mahón, with its British influences, and vast natural harbour, to the colourful Gothic and Baroque architecture, churches and palaces of Ciutadella, Menorca has it all. In the two principal towns there are vibrant shops, cafés and restaurants, while scattered across the island you'll find magnificent megalithic monuments, bearing testimony to the island's ancient Talayotic history. Wedged between Ciutadella in the west and Mahón in the east, pretty market towns are surrounded by lush countryside, while the coastline is abundant with hidden coves and pristine beaches with clean waters and the whitest of sand. For further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, things to do, nightlife and beaches. In this guide How to spend your weekend Day one: morning Get ready for an action-packed day by car. Starting in the capital, Mahón, enjoy an early wake-up breakfast at the American Bar before delving into the island's absorbing Talayotic history at the majestic Museum of Menorca. Afterwards, head to the atmospheric harbour for the exhilarating fast ferry ride across the picturesque bay to the tiny island of Isla del Rey. Step back in time at the fascinating 18th-century former military hospital with its medicinal garden and apothecary, and visit the elegant Hauser & Wirth Gallery. Here you can inspect the new and temporary art collections and visit its café in a forested garden. Back in Mahón, take the 15-minute drive along the Me-3 to the imposing Fortress of Isabel II at La Mola. Admire its impressive military architecture and explore the labyrinth-like underground bunkers before revelling in the beguiling views out to sea. Back in Mahón, treat yourself to a well-deserved seafood platter on the shady terrace of El Rais in the port.
