Eco-friendly island paradises no fantasy

As winter begins setting in and the holidays approach, many travellers find themselves staring out the window dreaming of a beach vacation. There is nothing quite so tempting in the cold weather as the vision of escaping to an island paradise.

 

Unfortunately, developments, particularly those designed to lure tourists, are increasingly having a negative impact on the local life and culture of many island communities, making the blissful island ideal somewhat sullied. The good news is there are many islands out there working hard to protect local culture, the environment and the beautiful beaches that draw us to island shores time and time again.

 

In Vanuatu, a group of 83 islands in the Pacific, development has been very carefully planned. Fragile ecosystems have been preserved within conservation areas and local culture and native languages are also thoughtfully protected. Although the high end resorts are there, families and local people also operate many of the bungalows and lodges scattered around the islands.

 

The Mediterranean island of Corsica has marketed its attractions to high spenders and sports and nature lovers. With almost 40 per cent of the island covered in national park, there is plenty of nature around to love. Also nearby is the island of Tory, (also known as Oilean Thorai), just off the coast of Ireland. Locals welcome tourists heartily and fight fiercely to preserve their culture the way it was before the tourists came.

 

A more unusual island to visit would be Brijuni, in Croatia. Surprisingly, there is no lack of island retreats in the country, but Brijuni is a great example of preservation practice. The island boasts beautiful reefs and Roman ruins mingled with gorgeous gardens.

 

In the Caribbean, the island of Dominica is one of the few areas that seems to have escaped the plague of cruise ships and large resorts. The island has the only reservation for indigenous peoples in the region and a dedication to keeping local culture alive.

 

Although they may be a little off the beaten track, there are still a number of island paradises in the world where travellers can kick of their shoes, sink their toes into the sand and not have to worry about contributing to a serious impact against the local culture and environment. From Jura, Scotland, to Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, and from Tanzmania to Chole, Tanzania, beauty can be found in the most unlikely of places and is often all the more beautiful when surrounded by the idiosyncrasies of local cultures.

 


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Jennifer Jones Editorial


09/12/2007



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