Archive for the ‘Nature’ Category

August 19th, 2009

Small Farming in Gairloch, Scotland

Small farms are known throughout the world for the diversity that is gained by the different areas of land being used specifically to grow produce and support livestock, that are most suitable for any given crop or animal.  They are organized biologically, and environmentally, they promote the traditional means of farming as well as utilizing new technology, and they create a social context in which the people in a given town are brought closer together, as everyone relies on each other.

Such is the case in the Scottish town of Gairloch, where this traditional form of small farming is called crofting.  This has been the case for years and years, with each farmer utilizing their own land in the best and most efficient possible way.  When one visits the village, there are many Gairloch hotels to chose from that are situated in such areas.  The benefits to the environment are immediately noticeable.  These include the most responsible uses of water and soil, and reduce the negative effects that are taken on the wildlife.

And the wildlife and bird species are plentiful in Gairloch.  This is one of the aspects of the charming town that many out door enthusiasts find most enjoyable, for long nature walks and afternoons spent bird watching.  This kind of farming has also served to bring the community of Gairloch together in a way that is noticeable at once to the first time visitor.  This is good for the farmers as well as the rest of the businesses located in the town, as the merchants rely on the farmers, who rely on the restaurants and so on.

It is a more equitable way in which to use the land.  These smaller farms are also less likely to rely on the kinds of actions necessary to sustain the larger and less diverse factory farms, such as chemical fertilizer.  Not only are they more likely to produce less harm to the environment, they are often times more production in relation to their size.  Per unit land yield is higher on most small farms.  This is just one of the aspects which makes Gairloch a pleasant destination for travel and exploration.

July 16th, 2009

Goa Sea Turtle Conservation

For the discerning traveler, our five-star hotels in Goa offer the finest in luxury hotels in a heavenly setting.  With our hotels, you will be treated to a heady combination of innovation and tradition, where comfort and hospitality meet cutting edge technology, and all the latest design trends in the field of accommodation.  We meet or exceed the highest standards in the industry, and there is a generous supply of extra details to remind you that we go the extra distance to provide you with an experience that is meant to nourish the mind and body.  In our hotels, there are many activities beyond pure relaxation that will keep the whole family happy.  With spas and swimming pools and sports facilities, not to mention impeccable dining, there is almost too much to choose from.

And Goa itself is an amazing place.  With tours and sight-seeing in the natural areas, with a long coastline and amazing beaches, along with all sorts of cultural events, people watching, and shopping, there are ecological as well as urban distractions and adventures.  You’ll see why people have been making Goa a tourist destination for many decades.  You might notice scientists and volunteers from around the world near the beaches.  There are many projects connected to Goa, and there are many efforts in place to help the cause of sea turtle conservation.  There are scientific symposia held here to discuss the particular geography and climate and how this relates to the sea turtle population, and Goa is part of many other global efforts to help the sea turtle population at large.  There are species that are specifically drawn to Goa, but generally, they don’t pay a whole lot of attention to political borders, and follow currents and temperatures.

Working together is key to the global problem of the decline in the sea turtle population.  Local efforts, then, are necessarily connected to the efforts of other nations and many different organizations.  There are, however, nesting sites that are specific to each part of the world, and Goa has theirs, with species who make Goa their home.  With 105 km of coastline, there is room for a great diversity of turtle homes.  Many species might pass through the waters, but generally speaking, Goa’s local sea turtles are the Olive Ridleys.  These are among the smallest sea turtles, and their main nesting sites are Morjim, Agonda, and Galgibag beaches.  Students looking to get involved in the conservation efforts here should contact their local conservation agencies to begin investigating the options for volunteering.