Latest news with #ecotourism
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Ban on inshore fishing of sprat to protect whales, birdlife and other sea mammals
The Government is introducing a de facto ban on industrial overfishing of sprat in Irish inshore waters in a move aimed at addressing changing migratory patterns of whales and dolphins as well as marine biodiversity loss. From October 1st vessels of more than 18m in length fishing for sprat within the six nautical mile zone will require authorisation and be subjected to a quota limit of 2,000 tonnes. This marks a significant change in management of Ireland's inshore fisheries, with the aim of protecting sensitive marine habitats and supporting the sustainability of key species, including sprat. Sprat are small fish indigenous to Ireland and a rich protein source for whales but also other cetaceans and seabirds. They dominate the inshore coastline in the Celtic Sea at shallow depths, making them especially vulnerable when trawlers fish for them at spawning stage from October on, with no limits on catch. READ MORE The move coincides with reports of fewer sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises off the southwest coast, which is damaging ecotourism. [ 'It's an empty, lifeless sea': Whales leave Cork waters, putting watchers out of business Opens in new window ] Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan welcomed the Government's new policy directive. 'This is a step forward for Ireland's marine environment and for the future of our marine wildlife. For too long, industrial overfishing of sprat has threatened the very foundation of our marine food web, putting whales, dolphins, and our much-loved seabirds like puffins and kittiwakes at risk,' Mr O'Sullivan said. [ Ireland to ratify high seas treaty and scale-up marine-protected areas, Taoiseach tells UN summit Opens in new window ] 'The measures agreed today, which amount to a de facto ban on industrial trawling of sprat in our inshore waters, are the result of an extensive public consultation process and careful consideration of the best available scientific advice.' Sprat, a small but vital forage fish, is the lifeblood of Ireland's marine ecosystem, Mr O'Sullivan said. 'The collapse of sprat stocks would have devastating consequences [for species], which are already in steep decline due to food shortages and habitat loss.' This decision also ensured inshore waters were protected for smaller fishing vessels and recreational fishers. In 2019 government efforts to introduce a ban were successfully challenged in the courts. In 2024 a public consultation invited views on introducing the ban again. It attracted more than 5,500 submissions.
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Forbes
The Best Up-And-Coming Sustainable Destinations In Europe, According To New Analysis
Beautiful village of Carvoeiro in the Algarve, Portugal getty Sustainable travel has become more than just a travel trend. In fact, 83% of travelers state that traveling more responsibly and respectfully toward the environment has become top of mind. But which destinations are actually working toward a more sustainable future? A new analysis has just ranked the best up-and-coming sustainable destinations in Europe for travelers looking to get away from the crowds while also supporting cities and towns that are making a real effort to preserve the environment. The analysis by Accor and Natura 2000 looked at destinations based on their recognition in the Green Destinations Awards 2024, particularly in the categories of Nature & Scenery, Culture & Tradition, Environment & Climate, and Destination Management. Here are the best up-and-coming sustainable destinations in Europe for eco-minded travelers to explore: Tourists walk along the estuary of the Baie de Somme getty The Baie de Somme earned top spot as the best up-and-coming sustainable destination in Europe (and also ranked third in the Green Destinations Award 2024 – Destination Management). The destination was designated as a Natura 2000 site and has made a name for itself thanks to its commitment to biodiversity preservation. Ferragudo. Lagoa Municipality. Faro district. Algarve. Portugal getty Lagos in southern Portugal's Algarve region boasts a protected coastal area that serves as a model of sustainable tourism, according to the analysis. It was awarded Green Destinations 2024 – Nature & Scenery and allows travelers to observe local biodiversity through hiking, swimming, and contributing to the overall preservation of the region. Miren Kras, Slovenia Edge of Kras plateau and Miren village near Nova Gorica at the border of Italy and Slovenia getty You might have been to the capital city of Ljubljana—but have you ever been to Slovenia's Miren Kras? It's a short drive from the capital city but is making major waves in sustainability and conservation efforts. Miren Kras earned the Green Destinations Award – Environment & Climate and boasts things like responsible hiking trails, eco-friendly hotels, sustainable cuisine, and an overall sustainability-focused approach to community and daily life. Castro Daire, Portugal Castro Daire, Portugal getty The second Portuguese city to make the list, Castro Daire earned first place in the Green Destinations Award – Culture & Tradition. It has become well-known for its locally-made honey and biodiversity destinations, including the Serra do Montemuro and Rio Paiva, which allow travelers to connect with nature in an environmentally responsible way. Belsh, Albania Aerial view of Belshi lake, Dumre getty Albania has been shooting up the must-visit list of travelers these day s— but the rural town of Belsh is still largely considered a hidden gem. The town, just about 40 miles south of Tirana, earned second place for Green Destinations Award – Culture & Tradition thanks to its sustainability-minded approach to daily life (and tourism) which focuses on responsible farming and fishing.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Historic Quebec scout camp to become conservation land, recreational tourism site
A cabin and the canteen are shown at the Tamaracouta Scout Reserve in Mille-Isles, Que., Saturday, July 19, 2025. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press) MILLE-ISLES, QUEBEC — The new buyers of a more than century-old Scouts camp site north of Montreal say the property will become a mix of conservation land and a recreational tourism site. Scouts Canada announced earlier this week that it has sold Tamaracouta Scout Reserve to entrepreneur Eric Desroches, in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the town of Mille-Isles, Que. A project manager for the Nature Conservancy of Canada told a town meeting today that the organization will spend about $3.5 million to acquire some 82 per cent of the land. Catherine Lefebvre said the organization is acquiring more than 200 hectares, but will cede around 90 of them to the town of Mille-Isles, about 70 kilometres northwest of Montreal. Opened in 1912, the camp closed in 2019 after what Scouts Canada called years of successive financial hardship and looming costly repairs. Scouts Canada previously described the property as the oldest operating Scout camp in the world. Desroches told the meeting that the portion of the land he will own will be developed into an ecotourism project, but that he hasn't yet worked out the details. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2025. Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press
Arab News
6 days ago
- Arab News
Jazan's Black Mountain rises to new tourism heights
RIYADH: Black Mountain, located in Al-Raith governorate of the Jazan region, is one of Saudi Arabia's most striking natural landmarks, according to a Saudi Press Agency report. Named for its dark, volcanic rock formations, the mountain offers more than just dramatic colors. It is a place of raw natural beauty and ecological significance. Rising more than 2,000 meters above sea level, it ranks among the highest peaks in Jazan. Its rugged surroundings include sloping plains and winding valleys that attract hikers, nature photographers, and those seeking solitude in nature. For much of the year, especially in winter and spring, the mountain's peaks are cloaked in fog. Its slopes are lined with native trees and traditional agricultural terraces that have supported generations of local farmers cultivating corn, millet, and coffee. Several villages sit nearby, where locals maintain a deep connection with the land, the SPA reported. Folklore passed down through generations speaks of the mountain as a refuge for shepherds and travelers in earlier times. With the rise of ecotourism and outdoor exploration across the Kingdom, interest in Black Mountain has grown. Young hikers, campers, and photography enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to its scenic terrain. To support this, authorities are developing the site with walking trails, observation points, and informational signage that highlights local culture and biodiversity.
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong must put ‘eco' before ‘tourism' in plans for coastal areas
The Hong Kong government's expression of interest process for developing ecotourism in Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai closed on July 2, marking a crucial milestone in the city's push to become a regional leader in sustainable tourism. These two sites, spanning 120 hectares bordering Deep Bay and including ecologically sensitive coastal wetlands, represent far more than just another development opportunity; they're a test case for how Hong Kong can balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Over the past two decades, I've been fortunate to work on two extraordinary ecotourism projects that put environmental regeneration at the forefront of design and planning. From the cooled conservatories at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay , where visitors now marvel at thriving biodiversity alongside stunning architecture, to the ongoing planning for the 500-hectare island of Sentosa, these projects illustrate how thoughtful governance can turn sustainability into a captivating visitor experience. While Hong Kong might hesitate to reference a rival , Gardens by the Bay – which has welcomed more than 100 million tourists since it opened in 2012 – serves an essential educational purpose, not least of which is that ecotourism projects succeed when they solve real environmental problems. The conservatories are not just architectural showpieces; they are low-carbon structures that show how tourism infrastructure can contribute to sustainability goals. The project's success comes from integrating environmental function into every design decision, not treating conservation as an afterthought. At Sentosa, this idea is taken even further. With a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 while maintaining its position as a premier tourism destination, the island shows that environmental leadership and commercial success are not mutually exclusive. But achieving these two outcomes requires a different approach to governance – one that puts ecological outcomes at the centre of decision-making rather than as an afterthought.
