Author: mytouristmaps

For those who find the idea of observing great white sharks from a cage too daunting, there’s another underwater spectacle that’s equally mesmerizing but far less intimidating. Diving or swimming with sardines offers an incredible opportunity to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena. Imagine being surrounded by millions of shimmering silver fish, moving in synchronized harmony like a living, breathing cloud. This natural ballet, known as a sardine run or sardine shoal, is a captivating sight that attracts underwater enthusiasts from around the globe.

The magic of swimming or diving with sardines lies in the beauty of their movements. Sardines form large schools as a survival mechanism, creating intricate and ever-changing patterns that seem choreographed. It’s an awe-inspiring experience to float amidst this swirling silver spectacle, feeling a part of their world, even if just for a moment.

But the thrill doesn’t end there. Often, where there are sardines, their predators are not far behind. Depending on the location and season, you might encounter dolphins darting through the shoal with lightning speed, using their agility and teamwork to hunt. In some places, larger predators like tunas or even barracudas join the chase, adding a layer of drama to the underwater scene. For those truly lucky, the breathtaking sight of a whale swooping in to feast on sardines is an unforgettable highlight. These encounters remind us of the delicate and dynamic balance of marine ecosystems.

One of the most famous locations to dive with sardines is Moalboal, on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Here, the sardines stay year-round, making it an accessible destination for divers and snorkelers alike. Another renowned phenomenon is the Sardine Run in South Africa, an event that occurs annually between May-June and July. During this time, millions of sardines migrate along the eastern coastline, drawing predators and adventurers in equal measure. The spectacle here is on a grander scale, with the added excitement of dramatic predator-prey interactions.

For those new to underwater adventures, snorkelling with sardines can be just as thrilling as diving. The fish often stay near the surface, so you don’t need to venture deep to witness the magic. For divers, the opportunity to explore the phenomenon at varying depths offers a new perspective on the spectacle.

If you’re planning your next adventure, consider adding this extraordinary experience to your list. Witnessing the mesmerizing dance of sardines and their predators is more than just a dive or a swim; it’s an immersion into one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Best places in the world for swimming with sardines:

Philippines
Moalboal, Cebu > Year-round
Panglao, Bohol > Year-round

Mexico
Magdalena Bay, Baja California > from mid-October to the end of November

South Africa
Port St. Johns > June and July

Other places where sardines might also be encountered:
(Reliable sources confirming consistent sightings in these areas are currently unavailable. While these destinations are rich in marine biodiversity and breathtaking underwater landscapes, the chance of encountering sardine shoals is considered lower compared to the primary destinations listed above)

Australia
Shoal Bay, New South Wales > From May to September
Ningaloo Reef > From March to October

Azores
Pico Island and Faial Island > From May to October

Thailand
Chumphon Pinnacle, Koh Tao > From December to April

USA
La Jolla Cove, California > Year-round
Catalina Island, California (Lovers Cove and Casino Point) > Year-round

Other locations: Raja Ampat and Komodo (Indonesia), the Great Barrier Reef, Maldives.

If you’re dreaming of white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, Bali might not meet your expectations. For that quintessential tropical beach experience, consider heading to the neighbouring island of Lombok instead.

Bali’s true allure lies in its unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty. With over 10,000 temples scattered across the island, it’s a haven for those seeking cultural and serene experiences. Iconic landmarks such as Tanah Lot, perched on a rocky sea outcrop, and Uluwatu Temple, dramatically set on towering cliffs, are especially famous for their stunning sunsets. Meanwhile, Besakih, known as the “Mother Temple”, and Ulun Danu Beratan, seemingly floating on Lake Beratan, provide tranquil settings that capture Bali’s spiritual essence.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to admire. Bali boasts breathtaking landscapes, including spectacular waterfalls, volcanic treks (the Gunung Batur trek being the most popular), and iconic rice terraces. Among our favourites are Tegallalang, Sesandan, Jatiluwih, Munduk, and Sidemen, each offering a unique perspective on Bali’s agricultural beauty.

While Bali’s beaches are often lively and bustling, much of the coastline is better suited for surfers than for divers or snorkelers. If you’re a seafood enthusiast, don’t miss an evening in Jimbaran, where freshly grilled fish is served straight from the sea to your table – an unforgettable feast for the senses.

For purification rituals, visit Tirta Empul’s holy springs. Goa Gajah near Ubud captivates with ancient carvings, while Lempuyang Temple’s “Gates of Heaven” provide stunning views of Mount Agung. Taman Ayun, surrounded by a peaceful moat, highlights royal Balinese architecture.

In Bali, you will never run out of activities to do. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, whether it’s an adrenaline-pumping adventure or simply unwinding, Bali has a lot in store for you to discover.

Compared to other islands in Indonesia, Bali may be small, and if you’re wondering what some of the best things to do before visiting, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re into an adrenaline-seeking adventure or simply want to loosen up by the beach, Bali will exceed your expectations.
In this article, we’re going to give you a guide to what to do in Bali so you can have the ultimate tropical getaway. Just kick your shoes off, keep reading, and don’t forget to bookmark this page.

ATV Tour and Rafting in Ubud

Take advantage of Ubud’s rugged nature by exploring it with the ATV tour and white-water rafting. Perfect if you’re an adrenaline-seeking junkie, these two activities will get you a chance to explore Ubud through a day full of adventure.

The ATV tour will take you through the rice fields, muddy surfaces, local villages, canyons, and waterfalls. The white-water rafting will give you an opportunity to get wet by travelling down the Ayung River and seeing Ubud’s nature from a different side.

Water Sport in Tanjung Benoa

Feel the sensation of cruising through the water of Nusa Dua, with various water sports to unleash your adventurous side. If Nusa Dua offers everything luxurious, Tanjung Benoa offers all the adventure and fun in the water.

The water sports in Tanjung Benoa are varied. You can ride the banana boats as a fun family day out or drive the jetski and cruise through the ocean. If you want to rise above the water, parasailing and flyboarding will surely be enough to pump your adrenaline!

Sunrise Hike at Mount Batur

What are some of the best things to do in Bali? Doing a sunrise hike at Mount Batur certainly belongs to the category. Imagine yourself standing on the summit of a volcano and watching the sun slowly rising. As a bonus, you will also be able to see Lake Batur and Mount Agung from the top.

The terrain of Mount Batur is mostly flat, so even without any experience, you will still be able to reach the summit. Standing 1,717 meters above sea level, reaching the top will take roughly two hours.

Spa in Uluwatu

Getting dirty from the mud or wet from the water sport is surely fun, but when you need to relax, nothing beats a spa day. And having all your tense muscles relaxed by the highly skilled therapists while your eyes are pampered with the view of the Indian Ocean, trust us, you’re going to feel very content.

The spas in Bali have a reputation for using natural products and combining traditional techniques with modern equipment. Whether you opt for a Balinese massage, a simple foot reflexology, or a facial, you know you will leave the spa feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Yoga in Ubud

Ubud has constantly been dubbed one of the best places to visit in Bali, and we can see why! Beyond the lush jungles (do not miss a visit to the Monkey Forest), and the swirling river, Ubud is also the centre of wellness in Bali. Here, you can find many yoga studios where you can join the class or even sign up for a yoga retreat.

No matter your level, whether you’re just starting or have been practising yoga all your life, taking a yoga class in Ubud is a soul-nourishing experience. The studios in Ubud also often offer other wellness programs, such as meditations and sound healing, to help you complete your spiritual journey in Bali.

The Beach Clubs in Canggu

Going to a beach club in Canggu is a safe option if you don’t know where to go in Bali. In Canggu, there are different types of beach clubs that you can go to. Whether you want to party all night long or just sit back and wait for the sunset, beach clubs in Canggu give you all the options.
If you want to feel the party vibe, Atlas Super Club or Finns Beach will give you all the right groove with the daily DJ performances. But if you seek a laid-back and just want to lounge by the pool with a margarita, head to La Brisa or The Lawn for some unwinding afternoon.

Trekking the Campuhan Ridge Ubud

If you’re in Ubud, don’t miss the chance to trek on this scenic trail. It’s both an adventure and a relaxation because, along the 2 kilometres trek, you will be surrounded by lush jungles, rivers, and hills. You kill two birds with one stone by getting the exercise and getting the spectacular views.
Trekking at Campuhan Ridge is also the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The best time to trek is during the early morning when you often can see the mist hanging over the vegetation or in the late afternoon. Avoid going during the day because the sun can be too hot, and you’ll be soaking wet from the heat!

Snorkelling in Amed

If you want to explore Bali’s beauty more, then you cannot miss snorkelling. Though snorkelling is not unique, doing it in Bali will show you how stunning the underwater world on the island is. Head to Amed in the eastern part of the island, and you’ll know why not many people list this as an activity to do in Bali.
Your adventure begins once you put your goggles and fins on. With the towering Mount Agung in the background, see the colourful fish, coral reefs, and marine biotas in Amed. Since Amed is also one of the best beaches for swimming, you can opt for this instead of snorkelling.

It’s not an easy task to cover all the things to do in Bali because the list will be extremely long! But all the activities above give you a glimpse of the variety of adventures and attractions you can enjoy while having a tropical holiday.
Whether you’re seeking a thrilling experience in the rugged nature or prefer the relaxed vibe of the beach, there is nothing you cannot do in Bali. Book that flight tickets, pack your suitcase, and give yourself a chance to explore all the best things to do in Bali.

** A word of caution: during our visit in 2023, the stray dog situation remained concerning. Although mass vaccination campaigns were initiated following the 2008 rabies outbreak, the disease persists, and stray dogs are still prevalent across the island. To ensure your safety, consider getting a rabies vaccine before travelling and keep updated on the latest health advisories from reliable sources.

The Genal Valley, a picturesque sub-region within the Serranía de Ronda, Spain, follows the course of the upper Genal River. This area is divided into the Upper Genal and Lower Genal regions, encompassing 15 traditional municipalities. The Upper Genal includes the villages of Igualeja, Pujerra, Parauta, Cartajima, Júzcar, Faraján, and Alpandeire, while the Lower Genal features Atajate, Benadalid, Benalauría, Algatocín, Benarrabá, Gaucín, Jubrique, and Genalguacil.

A hidden gem, far from the usual tourist path, the Genal Valley offers visitors a glimpse of Spain’s historical charm and natural beauty. The valley is often called a “forest of forests” due to its abundance of cork oaks and chestnut trees. In the fall, this landscape transforms into the “Bosque de Cobre” or “Copper Forest,” where the golden foliage of chestnut trees creates a breathtaking sight that attracts locals and tourists alike.

Between the towns of Júzcar, Igualeja, and Pujerra, a scenic road winds through this copper-colored forest, providing visitors with spectacular views. Numerous trails also wind through the forest, inviting exploration on foot.

The Genal Valley has a long history of travellers, smugglers, and bandits. The mountain roads connecting Gibraltar and Ronda—specifically the routes from Ronda to Algeciras and Ronda to San Pedro—were historically used for trade and travel, but also by smugglers transporting tobacco and alcohol due to the valley’s rugged, isolated terrain. Bandits found refuge here as well, drawn by the challenging landscape that made it difficult for authorities to patrol. While bandits are sometimes romanticized as Robin Hood-like figures, many were primarily involved in criminal activities.

The Genal Valley has preserved much of its rural charm and traditional way of life. Visitors can immerse themselves in this heritage, tasting local dishes such as those made with chestnuts or the region’s renowned ham. Each year, Pujerra holds an annual chestnut festival, a community event celebrating this natural resource and its cultural significance.

The valley also holds historical and cultural significance. Alpandeire is famous for its association with Fray Leopoldo, a beloved religious figure whose legacy continues to draw visitors. Ernest Hemingway once described Faraján as “a white swan on a pool of hope,” while Cartajima offers one of the most breathtaking views of the valley.

And for those seeking something truly unique, Júzcar is a village like no other. Painted entirely in blue, Júzcar gained fame in 2011 when Sony Pictures selected it to promote the 3D Smurfs movie, transforming it into a real-life Smurf village. Visitors here can enjoy a drink and some delicious tapas at El Casarón, a charming bar-boutique that captures the spirit of the village.

Traveling is an exciting journey for many enthusiasts who want to explore new destinations. A Statista survey found that two in three Americans take two to three vacations annually. It was also found that over a quarter have not taken non-business trips even once in the past year.

Whether you travel once a year or more frequently, deciding what specific spots to visit at your destination can be challenging. Almost every state or country has numerous ideal tourist spots. Narrowing down the must-visit spots is key to making your trip memorable and enjoyable. Here are some strategies to help you choose wisely.

– Research the Local Highlights

The first thing you should try is exploring what the destination is known for. You can easily find many online travel guides, blogs, and tourism websites that will offer you a wealth of information about your travel destination. Use these resources to learn more about popular landmarks, cultural attractions, and unique experiences.

For example, you can choose a country and look for the most attractive spots on platforms like Tripadvisor. You will see a list of places that showcase the destination’s history, art, or natural beauty.

Consider other travellers’ evaluations and suggestions when conducting your research. Their firsthand accounts often highlight the true gems and help you avoid places that might not live up to the hype.

You can again use platforms like Tripadvisor to read reviews from different travellers worldwide. According to Tripadvisor’s Transparency Report, 23 million travellers on the platform shared around 73 million reviews and opinions in 2022. Of these, there were over 30 million reviews and 31 million photos and videos. Moreover, owners of the listings mentioned on Tripadvisor responded to 10 million reviews. Such insights can be extremely useful in helping you find the right tourist spot.

– How do I find reliable travel guides or websites for research?

Look for well-known travel websites such as TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, or regional tourist boards. Blogs written by residents or frequent visitors can also offer detailed and enlightening suggestions. You can also explore Instagram reels or YouTube videos to find information about tourist spots across the world. Of course, do not forget mytouristmaps.com!

– Consider Your Interests

If you don’t enjoy something you will find when visiting a tourist spot, it is not worth travelling there. The most important factor you should consider when selecting the right places to visit is whether you will like it there or not.

If you love art and history, museums and historical sites can be your priority. Similarly, nature enthusiasts can visit parks, hike, and enjoy scenic viewpoints. Food lovers, on the other hand, might want to explore local markets, restaurants, or culinary tours. Your travel plans should reflect what you enjoy most. If you love art and history, museums and historical sites might be your priority.

Some attractions, like the First Station in Jerusalem, may include several things that many people of different tastes might find interesting. For instance, the First Station has diverse food and drink kiosks along with a wide range of boutiques and restaurants. You can even find art workshops and theatre and musical performances at this location. This can attract people having an interest in not only food and culinary but also history and culture.

According to Isrotel, the First Station was originally built in 1892 for passengers and trains. However, it has now been replaced by many boutiques and restaurants and has emerged as a shopping and entertainment centre. Even the farmer’s market takes place here on Thursdays and Fridays.

– Balance Popular Attractions with Hidden Gems

Every destination has some iconic landmarks that are worth seeing, according to many other travellers. However, you should also keep space for some less touristy spots that offer an authentic glimpse into the destination. Small neighbourhoods, local festivals, or family-owned businesses often provide enriching experiences that aren’t on the typical tourist radar.

Ask locals for suggestions, as they often know the best-kept secrets of their area. A casual conversation with a shopkeeper or cab driver might lead you to an unforgettable experience that’s off the beaten path.

Locals are aware of almost every spot around them that can be breathtaking and exciting for new travellers. This can even be helpful if you get stuck in an emergency, something that happened with a writer from The New York Times.

The writer was hiking on a summer day and didn’t expect snow. However, it started snowing sideways, and the wind got strong with a lot of clouds. The visibility was at a minimum, and there was no phone available. This was when a local American drew a hand-made map that helped the writer get down the mountain and into safety.

– What’s the best way to find local secrets if I don’t speak the language?

Join online travel forums where locals or other tourists exchange advice or use translation applications to interact with locals. You can also seek translation services or a tourist guide who can help translate communication between you and a local.

– Factor in Time and Accessibility

You can easily find many great locations at any destination, but it can be challenging to visit them all. Therefore, when narrowing down the tourist spots you want, factor in the time it will take for you to reach them. Instead of going to a place that will take you six hours, explore three locations that will take only five hours combined.

Trying to pack too much into your itinerary can leave you feeling rushed. Instead, focus on a few key places that are close to one another or easy to access from your accommodation. Take into account journey times and available modes of transportation. You may enjoy each stop without worry or delays when your itinerary is well-planned.

You can also consider a city’s traffic congestion while planning for travel. Try to avoid adding too many tourist spots to visit in cities with high waiting times in the traffic. According to Bloomberg, some of the cities with the worst traffic in the world are:

• London
• Chicago
• Paris
• Boston
• Bogota
• Palermo
• Toronto
• New York City
• Monterrey
• Philadelphia

– How do I handle long travel times between attractions?

If you cannot avoid the distances between the locations, plan to visit fewer locations in a day. You can also plan leisurely activities or look for neighbouring locations to break up the trip to balance the speed. This will reduce stress and make the vacation more enjoyable.

The key to choosing the top attractions for your vacation is striking a balance between flexibility and preparation. You can design a trip that feels particularly yours by doing extensive study, considering your hobbies, and remaining receptive to new experiences. With the correct strategy, every location has the potential to provide unique experiences and discoveries.

City-hopping is an ideal way to experience different cultures, cuisines, and attractions within a short timeframe.

For those looking to maximize a few days off, a well-planned getaway can provide a rich blend of relaxation and adventure.

By following these tips, you’ll be ready for a memorable journey that feels easy and exciting.

Let’s dive in!

1. Plan Strategic Destinations with Fast, Direct Routes

The beauty of city-hopping lies in the thrill of transitioning from one unique destination to another, so choosing well-connected cities is key.

Major hubs or neighbouring cities make perfect candidates, with flight options that cut down on travel time.

For instance, opting to fly private with Jet Finder not only shortens your trip but adds an extra touch of luxury that makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Short flights or direct connections allow you to maximize sightseeing and keep transitions stress-free, so pick city pairs that offer smooth, direct routes.

If you’re city-hopping within Europe, for example, you could plan visits to well-linked capitals like Rome, Paris, and Madrid. This way, every travel leg feels efficient, giving you more time to soak up each location.

2. Smart, Minimal Packing

Packing light is a game-changer when city-hopping.

Consider just a carry-on, with essentials that can be mixed and matched easily. Pack versatile clothing, comfortable shoes, and accessories that transform your look for various settings.

For example, a chic jacket can pull together an outfit for a casual day of exploring and work equally well for a night out.

Light packing saves you the hassle of waiting for checked bags, lets you navigate airports with ease, and ensures quick movement between destinations.

A few essentials to consider:

Neutral basics: Select basics that layer well and suit various climates, like neutral tops and pants.
Compact toiletries: Invest in travel-sized toiletries or solid shampoo bars to save space.
Portable charger: You’ll be on the go often, so a reliable charger ensures your devices stay ready for maps, bookings, and snapping photos.

Minimal luggage gives you the freedom to keep moving without being weighed down.

3. Curate a Flexible Itinerary

An itinerary helps ensure you catch the highlights of each city without overloading your schedule.

Focus on a few must-sees for each destination, allowing flexibility to enjoy the spontaneous moments that make city-hopping memorable.

Prioritize experiences unique to each city, like a visit to the Louvre in Paris or a stroll through Dubai’s spice markets, but leave room for exploring off the beaten path.

For example, structure your days with a morning activity, a leisurely lunch, and an afternoon discovery. Giving yourself this balance allows for unplanned finds, like a quiet neighbourhood cafe, a local art installation, or a scenic overlook.

It’s these serendipitous stops that often become the highlight of the trip, so stay open to the unexpected.

4. Make Food Part of the Experience

One of the joys of city-hopping is sampling a variety of local flavours.

Dining choices can range from quick street food to iconic eateries, offering a taste of the destination without taking up too much time. Seek out markets, local bakeries, or popular cafes to capture the flavour of each city and recharge between activities.

If you’re moving from one culture to another, make a point to try signature dishes at each stop. Grab a Lampredotto burger in Florence, explore mezze in Beirut, or sip tea in Istanbul.

Food is a central part of travel, so enjoy a culinary exploration that complements your city-hopping experience.

5. Embrace Efficient Transit Options

Getting around the city efficiently allows you to pack more into each day.

Many urban centers offer multiple transit options, from metro lines and trams to ride-sharing apps. Research local transportation systems ahead of time to understand your best options.

City passes are available in many locations and often provide unlimited rides on public transit, which can be both cost-effective and time-saving.

For shorter city-hops, walking is often the best way to explore local neighborhoods and see hidden gems. If your accommodations are central, most key sites and attractions will be within reach.

Don’t hesitate to walk through city streets and immerse yourself in the local environment.

6. Balance Sightseeing with Relaxation

The thrill of city-hopping lies in covering new ground each day, but don’t forget to build in moments of relaxation.

Pacing yourself allows you to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed. You might spend one morning visiting museums and reserve the afternoon for a scenic coffee break at a local café. Balance sightseeing with downtime so that each destination feels leisurely rather than hectic.

If possible, choose accommodations that offer amenities like a rooftop view, spa, or lounge area where you can unwind.

Sometimes, a relaxed evening in can recharge you for the next day’s adventure and offer a different perspective of the city.

City-hopping is about the thrill of discovery, both planned and unexpected.

By preparing well and balancing activities with relaxation, you’ll experience each city’s unique character and create a getaway filled with unforgettable memories.

– sponsored –

El Caminito del Rey is a stunning walkway that runs along the cliffs of El Chorro Gorge, near Ardales in Málaga, Spain. Its name comes from its association with King Alfonso XIII, who crossed the path in 1921 during the inauguration of the Conde del Guadalhorce Dam. Originally built between 1901 and 1905, the path was designed to give workers access to hydroelectric plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls, facilitating maintenance and the transportation of materials.

When the original path was being built, workers had to endure incredibly dangerous conditions, often securing themselves with nothing more than a rope while they worked high above the gorge.

By the late 20th century, the walkway had fallen into disrepair, with large sections of the path collapsed and numerous accidents occurring, leading to its closure in 2000. Between 1999 and 2000, five people tragically lost their lives while attempting to walk the dangerous path. In response, the regional government of Andalusia, together with local authorities, initiated a €9 million restoration project in 2011, which took about three years to complete. The walkway was officially reopened in 2015, offering visitors a safe yet thrilling experience. Today, the Caminito del Rey is a 7.7 km trail suspended more than 100 meters above the gorge floor, offering panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and the Guadalhorce River below.

Though much of the original structure has been preserved, including some of its iconic steel rails, the pathway has been modernized with new safety features. The route, which takes about 3-4 hours to complete, winds through the dramatic Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge.

The trail is linear, and visitors can walk from north to south, starting at the northern entrance near the Guadalhorce Dam in Ardales and finishing at the southern exit near the El Chorro railway station in Álora. Shuttle buses are available to take hikers between these two points, with parking available at designated areas. If travelling by train, there is a shuttle bus to the northern entrance from the El Chorro-Caminito del Rey railway station.

Despite its transformation into a safer tourist attraction, El Caminito del Rey remains today one of the most stunning and unique walks in the world. If you are planning a visit in Andalusia, make sure to not miss it.

General info and tickets: https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/

We all know that forests are vital to our lives, providing the air we breathe and housing over half of the world’s land-based wildlife. It is never enough to emphasize the issue of deforestation which threatens both human health and our planet by increasing carbon emissions, contributing to pollution, and driving climate change. In this article, we will focus on two major contributors: palm oil production and illegal logging.

According to a deforestation report from the World Wildlife Fund, we lost over 160,000 square miles between 2004 and 2017.

Agriculture is the leading driver of global deforestation, fueled by increased food consumption. Palm oil plantations, in particular, have a significant impact. Palm oil is primarily used for cooking in developing countries and is also found in food products, detergents, cosmetics, and, biofuel.

While plantations expand across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, providing job opportunities for local communities who, drawn by the prospect of decent wages, do not realize the long-term consequences, this growth is causing widespread destruction of critical habitat for many endangered species including orangutans, rhinos, elephants and tigers. Moreover, burning forests to make room for the crop is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and intensive cultivation methods result in soil pollution, erosion, and water contamination.

With better management practices, the palm oil industry can thrive without harming forests. By enforcing strict production criteria, oil palm plantations can operate sustainably without encroaching on rainforests.

WWF is actively involved in this effort by:

• Promoting sustainable palm oil production through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which includes palm oil producers, buyers, and environmental groups
• Encouraging companies to use certified sustainable palm oil in their products
• Working to remove incentives that drive forest destruction for palm oil production

You can contribute by donating at https://www.worldwildlife.org/.

In Borneo, forests are disappearing rapidly, with palm oil plantations and illegal logging causing the loss of half the island’s forest cover in the past 50 years.

Due to poverty and limited access to healthcare, many residents have turned to illegal logging.

Founded in 2006, Health in Harmony (HIH) is a rainforest conservation organization that supports the health of people, ecosystems, and the planet by collaborating with rainforest communities on solutions in healthcare, livelihoods, and education.

Although Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities represent only 6% of the global population, they protect over 80% of Earth’s biodiversity. HIH believes these communities are the experts the world must listen to and work with to address the climate crisis.

In 2017, the company launched a chainsaw buyback program, offering farmers money and support to establish alternative livelihoods in exchange for turning in their chainsaws. HIH’s healthcare clinic allows residents to pay in whatever way they can, whether with cash, seedlings, manure, rice husks, or other available resources and the medical centre provides also discounts to villages that demonstrate a reduction in illegal logging.

A 2020 Stanford University study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, detailed the ten-year impact at a proof-of-concept site in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Encouraged by the positive outcomes, HIH developed a plan to scale up their efforts, expanding to additional sites in West Kalimantan (Bukit Baka Bukit Raya), the Manombo Forest in southern Madagascar, and the Xingu River Basin in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil.

Here are some interesting numbers:

8.7 million hectares of rainforest protected
88,441,929 pounds of carbon dioxide protected in Indonesia
10,322 patient visits conducted across all sites
697 under-5 infants received healthcare in Borneo
3,000+ orangutans protected in Borneo
Increased access to family planning and birth control at all program sites
42,000+ old-growth trees protected in Borneo through Chainsaw Buyback
1,690 community members received benefits from our Conservation Stimulus package in Indonesia
10,196 people in 28 villages supported through community outreach programs in Borneo
87,295+ signatures on our petition to U.S. Congress on future pandemic prevention

In 2024, HIH aims to protect 11 million hectares of rainforest across Indonesia, Madagascar, and Brazil, with Indigenous Peoples and local communities leading the efforts. This includes an additional 1.65 million hectares to be safeguarded this year. The organization will also support 335,000 people in these regions as they work to protect rainforests globally.

You can contribute by donating at https://healthinharmony.org/