In recent years, traditional media and social media has shone a greater light on responsibility and accountability to the planet. From Team Sky donning Ocean Rescue jerseys in the Tour de France in order to raise awareness of ocean pollution, to the increased following for Veganuary (January’s vegan-free month), we are becoming increasingly aware of our impact on the planet. We can take steps to reduce our travellers footprint whilst going on holiday (see our sustainable travel blog here for more info). There are also many greater conservation efforts going on, not just in the conservation areas we visit, but also conscious actions made by the hotels we stay in. Here’s a look at some of the changes and conservation efforts being made to make the holidays we partake in more sustainable.

On the beautiful South Male Atoll in the Maldives, the incredible Indian Ocean retreat of Jumeirah Vittaveli can be found, a stunning 5* resort with overwater villas and impeccable service. Jumeirah Vittaveli was awarded the Green Globe Certification through adhering to the strict regulations set in which to obtain the award. The resort is committed to providing a sustainable holiday through a variety of means. This is of utmost importance in the Maldives where sitting just above sea level, when the oceans do rise, the Maldives will be a country that is impacted greatest. With an in-house water bottling plant saving 70,000 plastic bottles a year, ethical purchasing through local suppliers and heat recovery recycling to heat water, Jumeirah Vittaveli is an excellent example of a resort working with its environment rather than against it.

For those who seek perhaps a little more adventure than the Maldives might offer, Rwanda is another brilliant country which is making headway with its lessening of environmental impacts. There were murmerings of uproar recently when the costs of permits to enter the Volcanoes National Park doubled overnight and entry to the most popular national park in Rwanda was a lot more expensive. A hotly debated topic of where is best to see mountain gorillas (Uganda vs. Rwanda) suddenly seemed to sway against Rwanda. However these gorillas made famous by the 1988 film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ need vital protection. The increase in permit cost to $1,500 entry (one trek with an hour of time with the gorillas) might seem expensive, but it is necessary to ensure protection of these critically endangered majestic animals. The park entry fees go towards supporting the local communities, community-based projects, creating employment for those in surrounding villages and increasing infrastructure, as well as importantly educating and aiding efforts for the conservation of not just the gorillas but also the endangered golden monkey and many park inhabitants.

The Four Seasons in the Maldives is taking steps to ensure that the surrounding environment prospers for years to come. When staying aboard the luxurious Four Seasons Explorer catamaran cruising through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll, and by pre-booking guests can join Dr. Guy Steven and his team on a three, four or seven night cruise on a marine trust expedition recording vital environmental information and studying the beautiful gentle giants of the ocean.

For many, sustainable travel and thinking about the impact of your holiday is becoming increasingly important to give time to. This is not to say that you should stop going on holiday, however by giving a little thought as to how we travel can go a long way and ensure that the beauty of the environments we visit remains for years to come.