Latest news with #UnescoBiosphereReserve
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
State aims to expand connectivity across globe
(From second right) Wong and Fareh holding the AirAsia RedRun poster during a press conference in George Town. Having drawn some eight million hotel guests last year, Penang is looking to expand its connectivity, says Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai. He said the state's Unesco World Heritage and Unesco Biosphere Reserve status, coupled with vibrant street food scene and lively cultural scene, had made it a favourite with travellers. A key driver of this growth is low-cost airline AirAsia, which currently operates 239 weekly flights to Penang. Wong expressed optimism that this network would continue to expand. 'From the first half of this year alone, AirAsia has carried over 1.8 million passengers through Penang, connecting us across the region. 'The airline connects Penang to seven international cities, namely Bangkok, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Shenzhen, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as five domestic cities which are Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Langkawi. 'Based on airport data, the airline contributes 38% of passenger aircraft arrival at Penang International Airport,' he said during a press conference at a hotel in Persiaran Gurney. Wong said he had also signed letters and made proposals for new routes and believed the airline would give due consideration to them. In a separate development, Wong said AirAsia was calling for participation for its RedRun event featuring 3km, 5km and 10km categories to be held on Sept 28. 'Penang has emerged as a favourite sporting hub. 'Almost every week, there are running, cycling or other sports events in Penang. 'We hope this event will draw greater regional participation and further elevate Penang as a leisure and lifestyle destination,' he said. AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra said the RedRun event celebrated the spirit of travel, local culture and togetherness. 'After a great reception in Indonesia, we are proud to bring the next edition to Penang, a city that represents the heart of our operations and our commitment to community,' he said. Registration for the run, which aims to attract 5,000 participants, is now open. Registration will close on Aug 18.
New Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Amazon, the river of burning dreams
'I went on the river for money, I sold my rotten shack / For a rusty tanker leaking oil, and the burning sun was on my back / Travelled up the ragin' river, I watched the jungle burn... I'm ridin' on a river of dreams / Amazon, is it heaven or hell?' — Amazon (River of Dreams), a 1993 song by jazz guitarist Artie Traum emblematic of the iconic river basin's dire straits three decades later Climate impact on the Amazon rainforest and the issue of fossil fuels brought together the heads of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela—eight members of Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO)—after 14 years in August 2023 at Belem, Brazil. Home to more than 1.5 million indigenous people representing over 385 ethnic groups and a verdantly diverse biome, the enigmatic Amazonia seeks inclusive social support, besides an environmental look. Holding a fifth of all newly-identified global oil reserves, the region is currently witness to a frenzy as oil majors and nouveau rentiers capitalise on the opportunity. However, the well-documented history of 'experimental exploration' in the Amazon basin reflects failed projects and environmental delinquency. Recurrent mechanical failures, sabotage, corrosion and natural disasters on ageing and 'strategically misplaced' pipelines have resulted in thousands of oil spills over the last 50 years. River pollution and destruction of planet's largest rainforest remains a politically sensitive issue for Latin American oil producers, as they rely on exports to usher social and economic welfare. With rampant hydrocarbon contamination of numerous waterways and Amazon tributaries, infrastructural compatibility and logistics management is essential for ethical production practices. The catastrophic March 2025 spill in coastal Esmeraldas from a ruptured trans-Ecuadorian pipeline, the worst in 30 years, is such a tragedy. The historic referendum of August 2023 precluded exploration in the country's Yasuní National Park, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Ceasing further operations in the area, Petroecuador was directed to 'revive the ecosystems and dismantle any infrastructure within a year'. However, 'stranded assets' and debris continue to besmear the pristine environs.
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
