Final Reflection

For this blog post, I am writing specifically for a class I am in at the University of Utah.  This is mainly to reflect on what I have learned in all aspects of the class, which fulfills an international and writing requirement for my degree.

International Requirement-

Although I have traveled to other countries before, I don't think I realized what an impact tourists can have on each economy and its society.  This class has definitely opened my eyes and helped me to see that each country has a very different culture.  By simply crossing over a border you can find huge differences in culture, language, government, and more.  These differences can actually unite the world through tourism.  Without any uniqueness there would really be no point in travel.

I also learned about some of the issues that exist today around the world that I had not previously thought about.  Many of the problems such as pollution, sex trade, and loss of culture all stem from people's choices, and could be completely gone with some changes.  Other problems such as climate change and endangered species could be greatly lessened by the way people live their lives and by the way people travel.  It is important that people work together to fix these problems, and realize what impact each person can have.

These problems differ by perspective wherever you go.  A small restaurant is affected for instance when someone travels to their city in across the world and decides to eat from McDonald's instead of their place.  Using local businesses can have a big effect on an economy.  Likewise, globally societies are effected by pollution and market demand that can lead to the extinction of animals.    When an animal becomes extinct, all other animals must adapt, and others will be more likely to become extinct in the future.

 

Photo from serc.carleton.edu
 

Communication/Writing Requirement- 

Writing a blog has definitely helped to improve my writing skills a great deal.  Whereas most of my previous writing has simply been for myself or for a professor, as I wrote for my blog I gained a new appreciation for writing for an audience.  It has been intimidating but also refreshing to know that what I write can be read by anyone who stumbles upon my blog.  This fact has helped me to write more clearly so that I can reach a larger audience.  The adjustment I had to make in writing to a completely new audience only helped me as I also wrote about subjects I have never written about before.  It is nice to know that the words I am writing could actually have make a real impact on someone's choices and behavior.

I have also noticed as I have written my blog and read others what a huge difference pictures make.  These not only help to keep reader's attention when at a site, but they also intrigue readers into going to a site in the first place.  A picture with a simple caption can have a very powerful effect when posted on to any social media site.  These sites allow you to connect with huge groups of people that you would otherwise have no access to. 

I know I'm never done learning, but this has been a great step for me in the write direction for both my knowledge international tourism and also my writing skills.  I will definitely feel more comfortable writing for a blog, advertisement, or any presentation the next time I am needed.

Why are Sea Turtles Endangered?

Photo from Projeto Tamar Brazil Image Bank of Sea Turtles being captured on fishing line 

In the past I've written about how animals in general are becoming extinct at an alarming rate.  Today I want to talk more about sea turtles specifically.  You may be wondering how our actions effect an animal like a sea turtle, or what can be done, if anything, to help the situation?

It is estimated that sea turtles have been on the earth for over 100 million years.  That means these were alive for millions of years before dinosaurs became extinct.  This reptile has been through a lot, and it is amazing to think that every species is now endangered.  This of course did not just happen naturally.  Sea turtles were once abundant on the earth, so why have they become endangered?

According to the World Conservation Union, there are five hazards that are killing these sea turtles.

-Fisheries:  Even small fisheries have a big impact on sea turtles.  Thousands of them are caught and killed on accident from nets and fishing lines.  Sea turtles still need air, and sometimes they will simply drown in a net before being brought up with other fish.  

-Direct Take:  Many times the sea turtles' death is no accident at all.  They have been a popular meat in the past and are killed to make food, leather, oil and use of their shells.  

-Coastal Development:  Sea turtles nest close to the shoreline, and as coasts around the world have been developed, their habitat is made worse.  Many nesting eggs are killed because of this.

Pollution:  Every time someone throws their garbage in to the ocean, they are having an effect on all the animals that live there.  Not only garbage, but pollution such as BP's oil spill of course have a great effect on animals like the sea turtle.

Climate Change: More natural disasters caused by climate change can destroy hatchlings of these and other animals.  

This is a serious problem.  The good news is, we know how to fix it.  Organizations are already in place to help prevent this from becoming a bigger problem.  If you want to help, you don't have to reinvent the wheel, you simply need to act.  If you want to have a bigger effect, the resources are there for you to do it.  For those who really want to make a big impact, you can see my previous blog that talks about going on an eco-tour.  For those who don't have time to go on a tour, it is easy to donate to such a cause on their website.  For those who don't feel they can afford to give extra money, there are several easy ways to help next time you go to the beach.  I believe people usually don't have bad intentions, but most the time simply need to be informed so they can do the right thing.  Here are some suggestions from the US Fish and Wildlife Service you can do to help:

Don't make beach fires.  Sea turtles are attracted to the light and will sometimes crawl into the fire and die. 

Throw away your garbage! Don't be the one who lets their garbage out in the ocean.  Turtles may get caught in plastics, or think other plastics are food.  It can get stuck in their digestive system and kill them.

If you see a sea turtle or its tracks, leave them alone.  Bothering the turtles may prevent them from nesting, and tracks are used by researchers to find and protect nests that have already been made.

If you have a party, avoid using helium balloons that you let free.  This will end up in the ocean and can also be mistaken as food. 

Take any chairs, umbrellas or other gear with you.  When these are left over night, they create obstacles for the sea turtles and many times hatchlings or baby turtles will not make it to the ocean.

No matter what your situation is, you can help the cause so we don't see the extinction of these wonderful reptiles.  Make sure you do your part, however big you feel you can!

Bethlehem Palestine: A World Heritage in Danger

I've been writing a lot lately about endangered species.  Have you ever thought about other things that may be endangered in the world? Languages, artifacts, art, music and more can all become "extinct" or lost if there is no special care taken.  Just within the last week, music from Pink Floyd, Simon and Garfunkle, and John Travolta were added to the Library of Congress to preserve them.  They also added the first recording from outer space.  You may be thinking you'd be fine without John Travolta's "Staying Alive," but these are things that have made up our culture.  It could only take a few generations for some of these memories to be gone forever if there is no care given.  

Picture from Atlastours.net

Just as there are animals and music that need to be saved, there are also world heritage sites in danger.  The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO was created to help preserve some of the most important sites in the world.  These are places that make our world what it is today.  If they are lost, a part of the world's culture is lost with them. One example is Bethlehem, Palestine.  Many people consider this to be the place where Jesus Christ was born.  Whether you are Christian or not, Christ plays an important role in culture around the world.  The Church of the Nativity specifically was recently granted protection by UNESCO.  This is thought to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.  

Usually when a site needs help from UNESCO it is because they are not sustaining themselves in the right way.  Those who have managed the site have not collaborated well with corporations around to keep the site thriving.  They have also had a hard time finding a fit between the community and tourism.  Some have complained about the cost of going, or rude security in the church.  This leads me to believe that they have had a hard time finding a balance between their community and tourism.  It is hard for those who live there to find any time to worship while it constantly has tourists there.  

I can't go a blog without writing about the animals.  There is one place that doesn't need any help being preserved, because it is following all the principles of a sustainable program, and that is the Georgia Aquarium.  This aquarium, located in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the world, and helps people stay informed about all sorts of animals underwater that they otherwise may not know about.  These are the principles that really keep them sustainable.

Beluga Wale-Photo from Georgia Aquarium

1. Collaboration-The aquarium makes sure it works with local companies to advertise and get the word out about their amazing experience.  They also work with others for discounts and special deals.

2. They find the fit between community and tourism-The aquarium is a big enough attraction that people from all over the world will visit.  However, they make it easier for people in the community to come by offering season passes at a much cheaper rate than those who only come one time.

3. They make the site come alive-The site is filled with activities that are not only educational, but entertaining.  They include a dolphin show/musical and one gigantic display that holds over a million gallons of water, where you can go in a tunnel surrounded by sharks, whales and dozens of other sea animals.

4. Focus on quality-People want to have a good time when they are learning, and the quality of the experience here is shown by reviews.  People love taking their whole family to see the animals.

5.  Preserve and protect resources-Not all, but some of the animals featured are endangered and being protected.  Their studying of the animals and protection helps save and grow them for the future.  

Picture from SeaTurtleConservancy.org

Isn't it always a great feeling when you go on a trip and you feel like you got a great deal? The Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) organization follows some great principles that help you save money while helping give back to the local area that you are visiting.  Many communities really need the support they get from tourism.  Here are some of the principles that the Sea Turtle Conservancy Organization follows that I really like:

-Fair Working conditions: All volunteers are made sure that they will be able to meet the physical requirements of of the trip.  Water is available and people can take a break if needed.

-Fair Prices: Sea Turtle Conservancy is very transparent with their prices.  They also offer three different options based on accommodations. This way you can save money if you don't mind sharing a room with someone else.  They let you know up front that air fair can not be included in their price, since everyone will be coming from.

-Integration into the  Local Economy: While STC fares include most of the costs of your stay, it does not include meals.  This helps people to get in to the community and eat at the local restaurants after a long day of volunteer work.  While in town, people have a great chance to shop at local stores, which is great for the economy there.

-Fair Trade Partnership Between All Actors in Tourism: Since people can save a lot of money staying in a dorm rather than a traditional hotel, this gives them a bigger chance to spend those dollars in the local community.

-Environmental Justice: STC is very clear that the adventures provided are not simply tours, but scientific research projects.  Rather than just see sea turtles, people get a chance to interact with and help save them.  I can't think of what could be better for the environment than that!

These five areas make up the pillars of fair trade and responsible tourism.  
When you go on your next tour, make sure to take these in to consideration.  Every community needs companies like this that can help the local economy thrive!

We all love to go on tours right? Ecotourism is when you help take care of the places you visit.  Ecotourism can make a big difference, and it can also be fun. There are plenty of organizations that can help you get started.

Sea Turtle Conservancy is one organization that uses good principles of ecotourism. Volunteer trips with Sea Turtle Conservancy give a first hand enlightening experience that is also educational.  While on these trips, they consider the landscape by maintaining the environment, and they help protect sea turtles!

Anyone over 18 who is in good health can help.  If you don't have enough money or time to go on a tour, they give other ways to stay involved.  You can adopt a sea turtle, or even track them!

While this is one organization that I liked, there are plenty of others out there too.  Find one that you think can make a difference and help today!

Endangered Species: Why should I even care?

My guess is that if you have reached this blog, I don't need to persuade you about the importance of preserving animals.  I imagine most people naturally think this is a good idea, but why should we even care? Animals have become extinct before, right? I'm sure there have been animals that have gone extinct without you even knowing it happened, so what's the harm? Are you really affected? 

Throughout this blog I hope to be able to give a few reasons to care about species becoming extinct.  If you already believe it is important to try to save these animals but don't know exactly why, here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. All animals contribute to our ecosystem

While we may not notice an immediate difference when one species dies off, some animal surely will.  Animals depend on plants and other animals to survive, and when one is no longer there to support its surroundings, other animals have a higher risk of dying.  If this trend continues, even those who don’t care will eventually be forced to see the effects.

2. Animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate

Of course animals have become extinct naturally in the past.  The rate of extinction in the past 100 years or so, however, has grown exponentially.  Scientists have found that fewer than one in a million species should naturally become extinct per year.  Currently, the rate of extinction is estimated at 100-1000 times this natural rate.  This rise in extinction is not a coincidence, but rather a result of man’s carelessness.

450 × 267

450 × 267

Graph from
http://www.peakprosperity.com/

3. It just doesn’t feel right!

This argument does not have any hard evidence to support it, nor do I think it needs any.  I believe that people inherently know that killing animals is generally a bad thing.  Whether you believe that God or evolution or something else has created all of these animals, each animal is here for a reason.  I’m not talking about hunting for food or game, but to see a species that is about to completely die off and to not do anything about it is simply wrong.  If everyone does their part, people can make a big difference.

Throughout the next few blogs I will be going over more specifics on the what, why, and how we can make a difference for one animal that is very much endangered: the sea turtle.  

Photo from http://www.flickr.com

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