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Sustainable Tourism

Illustration of a forest with animals © Goethe-Institut

The freelance writer Marina Bierbrauer from Dresden and Berlin-based blogger Beatrice Anton introduce us to sustainable tourism initiatives, walkways and visitor experiences in Germany, while Kiwi travel blogger Jordan Bryant aka Jub reports on some of the great sustainable tourism ideas and initiatives in New Zealand. We find out about efforts to protect rare livestock breeds in Germany, for example, and why swimming with dolphins is no longer permitted in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Heidschnucken at the ark farm © Marina Bierbrauer

Sustainable Tourism
 Visit to the Klosterbuch “ark farm”: endangered livestock breeds and holistic agriculture

Most of us are aware that exotic animals like lions and tigers, and numerous marine fauna species, are endangered. But there are also many species at risk of extinction, or already extinct, here in Germany, in our own back yard – particularly heritage livestock breeds. Reason enough, I decided, to take a closer look at this issue, and at some of the successful efforts being undertaken to ensure their survival.
Maori Rock Carving © Jordan Bryant

Sustainable Tourism
 Eco tours to the Māori Rock Carving on Lake Taupō

In 1976 it took five carvers five years to create the 14 metre high Māori rock carving in Mine Bay on Lake Taupō. Fast forward to today and it’s one of the most iconic pieces of Māori artwork in New Zealand.
 
Traditional cottages and the mill in Schmilka © Marina Bierbrauer

Sustainable Tourism
 Schmilka – an organic enclave in the Saxon Switzerland national park

​The tiny village of Schmilka has gradually been transformed over the last 20 years into an all-organic enclave. The aim is to create an integrated blend of sustainability, regional self-sufficiency, and locally made artisan organic food products.
Hobbiton - There are already groups of 20+ people walking through Hobbiton ever 10-20 minutes and the company wants a license to allow twice as many visitors. © Jordan Bryant

Sustainable Tourism
 How New Zealand Tourism Is Commiting To Sustainability

With New Zealand aiming to achieve NZ$41 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2025 there is going to be an increase in visitor numbers. But if this goal is achieved will it be for the benefit of locals if the attitude is to reach the goal ‘at all costs’?
Packaging-free store in Saarbrücken © Beatrice Anton

Sustainable Tourism
 Consumer awareness walking tours in Saarbrücken

As consumers, we all want our choices to play a part in making the world a better place, but the only way we can hope to do that is to understand more about the background to the products we buy and use, and to think about the possible alternatives.
Te Pupu Springs Reflection © Jordan Bryant

Sustainable Tourism
 The Te Waikoropupu Springs

The Te Waikoropupu Springs Scenic Reserve is a unique attraction at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. Despite producing 14,000 litres of water every second, the springs had a visibility level of 76% in 2018, making them the second clearest waters in New Zealand behind the Blue Lakes.
Fresh Asian fusion cuisine © Beatrice Anton

Sustainable Tourism
 Vegan vibes in Berlin – a vegan food tour of Friedrichshain

There is a lot more to Berlin cuisine than those eternal curried sausages. All you vegetarians out there, and those who just like the idea of a diet that doesn’t depend on killing animals, really should check out this Vegan Food Tour, to explore what vegan cuisine can be. 
Takahe on Kapiti Island © Jordan Bryant

Sustainable Tourism
 Sustainable Tourism to Kapiti Island

Located five kilometres from the shores of the Kapiti Coast, Kapiti Island is a stunning nature reserve with choruses of birds living in harmony. With the risk of predators eliminated, the island has become a sought after host to a number of native and endangered birds.
Sleeperoo, Wangerland Region © Sleeperoo

Sustainable Tourism
 sleeperoo – the new way to overnight in a sustainable design cube

The “sleeperoo” is a futuristic design cube for adventurous spirits looking to get away from it all and overnight somewhere new and excitingly different.
Bay of Islands from above © Depositphotos

Sustainable Tourism
 Dolphin Tourism and sustainability

Jub describes his experience with dolphin tourism and what has recently changed in New Zealand laws around this topic.

Our Bloggers

Portrait Marina Bierbrauer © Sarah Minten

Marina Bierbrauer

Marina is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to movingtexts, with a special focus on healthy nutrition, fitness and other aspects of a happy and healthy lifestyle. She has been vegan for many years, and also does her best to conserve the planet in many other areas of her life. She loves animals, and enjoys travel, sport and yoga. When not on her travels, Marina now lives in Dresden. She was originally from Bremen.

Portrait Jordan Bryant © Jub

Jub (Jordan Bryant)

Jub originally from Waikanae, a classic small town in New Zealand. Since discovering the benefits of travel in 2013 he has been travelling the road doing whatever piques his curiousity. That isn't made easy with the inability to make a decision, but one big takeaway is that we shouldn't copy the 'perfect' itinerary. Even in little New Zealand, which is at risk of over-tourism, there are still many places to get off the beaten path if you choose your own journey rather than follow others. That is part of his mission with ChurNewZealand.com

Portrait Beatrice Anton © Carmen Imhasly

Beatrice Anton

Beatrice Anton describes herself as a “blogger, freelancer and total yoga junkie”. She is interested in any ideas that can help to make our world a better place. In her blog REISEZEILEN she writes about slow travel and travel as an intensive, self-aware activity and experience. She is firmly convinced that ecotourism must become the norm rather than the exception, and that (hopefully) all of us will soon embrace a more sustainable lifestyle as a matter of course.
 

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