Thursday 23 June 2011

responsible tourism

Did you know that responsible tourism is a better way to see the world? Not only do you get a more authentic experience, but your holiday benefits local people and the environment.And this is exactly what i did when i visited the war ravaged area of Northern Uganda which is now experiencing regeneration


Responsible tourism can apply to any type of holiday, from a luxury beach villa to a volunteering project. Responsible tourism simply means holidays that care about local communities & culture as well as wildlife conservation & the environment.




When we visit beautiful places it's natural to want our holidays to have a positive impact on local people and their environments




Having a dance with the local Acholi Troupe

Responsible travel is about more authentic holiday experiences that enable you to get a little bit more out of your travels, and give a little bit more back to destinations and local people. All holidays have positive and negative impacts locally.


Responsible travel maximises the benefits, and minimises the negative effects of tourism.








Reduce your carbon emissions
We believe you should reduce the amount you fly, rather than flying the same as before and offsetting.



Simple ways to do this -
Take fewer and longer holidays
Take some holidays closer to home
Travel by train and public transport where possible
Book direct flights avoiding transfers
Use public transport in destinations where possible . You can even walk any way



Im even being more responsible by having a swim with my shirt on!!!


while on holiday
Buy local produce in preference to imported goods
Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income
Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts
Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice or don't visit
Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions
Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people
Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers). For
Flying = one of the fastest growing sources of CO2 Responsible tourism overseas helps sustain livelihoods, support local communities and conserve the world's natural and cultural heritage. In many developing countries responsible tourism is a powerful tool in poverty reduction. We are passionate advocates of all these benefits of responsible overseas tourism and yet we must acknowledge that flying contributes to global warming. In fact, global warming poses a severe threat to those things that responsible travellers hold most dear - local communities and environments around the world. Did you know? One long-haul return flight can produce more carbon dioxide per passenger than the average UK motorist in one year?





With the locl tour guide and game warden






Murchison Falls National Park is one the most important national parks of the country. Established in 1952, the park is home to large varieties of wildlife. In addition, the park’s attractiveness to tourists is enhanced by its very natural and scenic green landscapes. The park’s attractions include game drives, bird watching and the scenic boat rides. In particular, the park offers game viewing of indigenous wildlife including African forest elephants, lions, giraffes, African buffalos, bushbucks, kobs, crocodiles, waterbucks, kongonis, oribis, bohor reedbucks, baboons, warthogs and a variety of monkey species. Murchison falls is also one of the most important attractions in the park.The park’s infrastructure includes Sarova Paraa Lodge, Nile Safari Camp, Sambiya River Lodge, Paraa Rest Camp etc


During the war , you could nt find such life along the Gulu ampala road as most of the opele were either displaced or in internal displaced camps. Life has now returned to normal


Here is Chobe safari lodge . This place was a no go area during the Joseph Kony LRA war. Its now open to Tourism and benefitng locals in terms of employment.
One of Chobe Safari Lodges original accommodation types, the traditional thatched rondavels are independently positioned, with ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms. These detached units are positioned close to the river in the lodge gardens.


before you book your holidayChoose a responsible operator
Ask to see the tour operator's policy for responsible tourism.





One of Chobe Safari Lodges original accommodation types, the trditional thatched rondavels are independently positioned, with ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms. These detached units are positioned close to the river in the lodge gardens.





This is Karuma.Districts in Northern Uganda, through which the River Nile passes, have not yet fully maximized the tourism potential available to them. This is most noticeable around the stunning Karuma Falls.The Karuma Falls are located at the south of the Murchison Falls National Park, just at the border of Masindi, Amuru and Oyam districts. The parkland around it boasts a wide range of birds, antelopes, lions, elephants, giraffes, baboons, monkeys and buffalos.The falls are a place of numerous investment possibilities. However the word Karuma is still synonymous, for some, with a history of civil strive, warfare and death. During the Lord's Resistance Army war, the bridge over the Karuma Falls was the point at which travelers moved from peace to insecurity. For government forces, the goal for many years was to make sure that the rebels didn't make it across the bridge into the south.Now that peace has returned to Northern Uganda, some people, like me are venturing into the Karuma Falls Game Reserve.It is now safe




The Young African Women Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC

June 21, 2011


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The U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the White House are sponsoring the Young African Women Leaders Forum, a two-day workshop and conference in South Africa for women across the continent. The Young African Women Leaders Forum builds on existing partnerships with African youth and African women, as part of the Administration’s commitment to enhanced engagement with the people of Africa and the governments of African nations. On June 22, 2011, First Lady Michelle Obama will address the Forum, and participate in the discussion and service activities with 76 young women leaders - 44 from South Africa and 32 from 23 other African countries.

The African women leaders range in age from 16 to 30 and represent the fields of education, health, civil society, business, and the media. U.S. embassies in Africa in coordination with USAID, African organizations, delegates to the August 2010 President’s Forum with Young African Leaders in Washington, and the White House selected the participants. They will explore opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and health to empower young women as leaders of social, economic and political development on the continent. Through the Forum, we are working to expand the network among young African women and to strengthen our partnerships with civil society, business and governments in Africa. To expand the discussion of young women’s leadership, the Africa Bureau of the Department of State has dedicated its Facebook page to a discussion of these themes, challenges and solutions. By creating a platform for a focused conversation around the Forum and the First Lady’s trip to southern Africa, we hope to facilitate networking among Africans and between Africans and Americans. We invite you to visit http://www.facebook.com/DOSAfricanAffairs.

Part of the sustained effort by the United States to understand the aspirations of young Africans and learn how we can become better partners to build a more just, democratic and prosperous future for all the people of Africa, this Forum follows on the August 2010 President's Forum with Young African Leaders in Washington, DC, the many programs hosted by U.S. embassies in Africa throughout the year, and the month-long Dialogue with Young African Leaders that produced more than 200 programs in 37 countries in Africa during May 2011. Working with African civil society, business and government, the U.S. Government seeks to use these activities to give young Africans a platform from which to express their values and aspirations. Looking forward to the African Union Summit June 30-July 1, 2011, we support the values of the African Union Youth Charter and will continue to work across the continent to further those goals.

More information can be found at: http://www.state.gov/p/af/rls/fs/2011/166609.htm