Voting is open until February 19, 2025 for the Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award, with 15 entrants vying for the Planeta.com and Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity prize. The candidates provide private-sector tourism services, owned and operated by indigenous people and local communities, which embody traditional lifestyles.
Laos’ nominee, www.xepian.org, presents descriptions and booking instructions for half- and full-day locally-operated trekking programs and one- and two-night camping trips in Champassak Province’s Xe Pian National Protected Area, as well as information on the NPA and efforts being made to conserve its biodiversity.
Voters are asked to rate the 15 entrant’s websites for user-friendliness; how well they reflect indigenous ownership, authenticity and heritage; how well they encourage respect of life on earth; and which site is their top choice.
For award information: planeta.wikispaces.com/itbw.
To vote: Click here. |
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Sayaboury Province’s fourth annual Elephant Festival, “Back to Hongsa”, will be held on February 20-21, 2010, to raise awareness in the need for action to protect the Asian elephant. The two-day event opens with a ceremony and includes electing the “Elephant of the Year”. The evening offers a circus, dance show and fireworks display. The second day features the “Elephant of the Year” procession and award, and the “Elephants of Fire” show.
Elephant Festival site: www.festival.elefantasia.org
Ecotourism activities in Sayaboury: www.ecotourismlaos.com/activities
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Due to increasing interest and enquiries at www. ecotourismlaos.com, the site has opened a special contact email address, [email protected], to quickly respond to your questions, guide you to solutions, and make your stay in Laos a memorable one.
Have a question about ecotourism in Laos? Looking for information on potential itineraries? Seeking something special? Find a broken link or contact? Have an idea that Ecotourism Laos could use?
Contact: [email protected] |
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Explore Mekong recently highlighted the “Green Triangle” circuit, “a rarely visited world where Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia converge…” The article sets out possible three-country itineraries that include Laos’ Vat Phou Temple Complex and surrounding Champassak UNESCO World Heritage Landscape, Dong Daeng Island, the Xe Pian NPA, village stays at Kiat Ngong, and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Also included is Attapeu Province’s waterfalls, river journeys and Dong Amphan NPA’s wildlife biodiversity that includes 280 bird species.
Ecotourism activities/attractions in Luang Prabang: www.ecotourismlaos.com
Read full article: www.exploremekong.org |
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Elephant Festival “Back to Hongsa”