Crashing waves, vibrant coral reefs, and shimmering blue waters set the stage for David Attenborough’s latest film, Ocean with David Attenborough, a sweeping tribute to the planet’s most crucial ecosystem. Released in theaters today—coinciding with the legendary broadcaster’s 99th birthday—the film will also be available on Disney+ and Hulu this June.

Attenborough, whose voice has guided generations through the wonders of nature, opens the documentary with a powerful declaration: “The most important place on Earth is not on land but at sea.”

A Lifetime of Change Beneath the Surface

Spanning Attenborough’s nearly 100 years of life, Ocean reflects on how our seas have changed dramatically—both in beauty and in peril. From dazzling discoveries of marine life to catastrophic damage caused by humans, the film serves as both a celebration and a call to action.

“We share those wonderful discoveries,” Attenborough says, “uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored.”

Viewers are taken on a global journey, exploring kelp forests, towering underwater mountains, and fragile coral reefs. The ocean, Attenborough emphasizes, is not only the Earth’s largest carbon sink—absorbing vast amounts of CO₂—it is also on the front lines of climate change.

A Crisis Hidden Beneath the Waves

Filmed during an unprecedented marine heatwave, Ocean reveals the devastating reality of coral bleaching—graveyards of lifeless, white coral stretching across the sea floor. Attenborough doesn’t shy away from the human causes of this damage, including industrial fishing practices that have left entire ecosystems—and local communities—struggling.

One particularly haunting sequence captures bottom trawling, a method where massive nets drag heavy chains across the ocean floor, destroying everything in their path and releasing huge clouds of carbon-rich sediment.

“The trails of destruction can be seen from space,” Attenborough narrates, condemning the wastefulness of catching unintended marine life, most of which is thrown away.

A Message of Hope and Urgency

Despite the grim images, Attenborough’s tone remains hopeful. The ocean, he says, is incredibly resilient—if given the chance to recover. From Kiribati and Palau to West Papua and the Mediterranean, regions that have restricted fishing are seeing marine life bounce back.

The film highlights Papahānaumokuākea, the world’s largest marine reserve near Hawaii, where native fishers report thriving fish stocks and flourishing seabird populations.

Enric Sala, a marine ecologist and advisor on the film, reinforces this message. He recalls diving in the Southern Line Islands after a major coral die-off. Just four years later, he witnessed the reef’s full recovery—thanks to the return of fish that helped clean and rebuild the ecosystem.

“If we stop overfishing today, the ocean begins to heal tomorrow,” says Sala.

Protecting a Third of the Ocean

One of the film’s core messages is the need for more protected areas with no-take zones. Currently, less than 3% of the world’s oceans are fully protected. Scientists, along with Attenborough, argue this figure must rise to at least 30%.

History offers reason for optimism: the global ban on commercial whaling in 1986 helped many whale populations recover. With similar determination, the ocean can thrive again.

Sala believes that Ocean may finally spark the shift scientists have long urged. “We’ve been saying it for years. Now that David Attenborough says it, people will listen.”

A Timely Plea Before the World Watches

The film lands just ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, this June. Although many countries have pledged to protect 30% of marine environments by 2030, action has lagged. Attenborough calls on leaders to move from paper promises to real change.

“This could be the moment,” he says. “Nearly every country on Earth has just agreed in principle to protect a third of the ocean. Together, we now face the challenge of making it happen.”

With his signature calm and urgency, David Attenborough reminds us: the ocean is not just a distant frontier—it is the heart of our planet. And it needs us now more than ever.

Source: CNN – On his 99th birthday, David Attenborough’s ‘Ocean’ highlights ‘the most important place on Earth’

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At 64 and 60 years old, Antoinette and Brucie-Baby may not look as youthful as they once did. Their bodies are thin, their skin a little looser, yet their eyes still shine with life. But these are no ordinary seniors—they are geckos, believed to be the oldest on record, found on a remote island in New Zealand.

The two Waitaha geckos were discovered on Motunau Island by a research team led by reptile expert Marieke Lettink. The finding was both exciting and humbling. “These animals are older than us and still out there doing their thing,” Lettink said, marveling at their resilience.

Their discovery came during a routine five-yearly survey of the island, where hundreds of geckos are typically caught, identified, and recorded. Each time, the team wonders just how long these creatures can live, as the oldest gecko found always seems to surpass expectations.

The secret to their age lies in a decades-old practice. In the 1960s, conservationist Tony Whitaker began marking geckos using a technique called toe clipping, where each gecko was given a unique pattern for identification. While no longer in use today, these markings allowed Lettink and her team to confirm that Antoinette and Brucie-Baby were first recorded over 60 years ago.

“It was quite a poignant moment,” Lettink shared. “It made me think of Tony, who started the work.”

Most geckos around the world live for about a decade, making these two geckos an extraordinary exception. Their longevity even surpasses some of the longest-living lizards, including iguanas and Komodo dragons.

“And yet, here we have this humble, drab brown gecko that’s not famous at all, outliving them all,” Lettink said.

The geckos’ remarkable lifespan is likely due to their home on Motunau Island, which is free from introduced predators. Unlike mainland New Zealand, where native wildlife has been decimated by invasive species, this island provides a safe haven.

The success of reptile populations in predator-free environments has inspired conservationists to establish more protected sanctuaries across the country. However, balancing ecosystems is complex. Without predators, mouse populations can boom, posing new threats to geckos. This has led to the development of specialized lizard-only sanctuaries to ensure their survival.

Other factors may also contribute to their long life, including New Zealand’s cool climate and the stable island habitat, said Kaitlyn Leeds, a biodiversity ranger with the Department of Conservation.

The team had previously encountered Antoinette a decade ago and assumed it would be the last time. But to their surprise, she was still thriving. “And here, 10 years later, they look no different—they’re still going,” Lettink said.

Now, the researchers are eagerly looking ahead to their next survey in five years, hopeful that even older geckos may be waiting to be discovered. “That would be really exciting,” Lettink added.

Antoinette and Brucie-Baby’s story is not just one of survival but a testament to the importance of conservation efforts. As long as their habitat remains protected, who knows how much longer these ancient geckos—and perhaps others like them—will continue to defy the odds.

Source: CNN – These 60-year-old geckos could be the world’s oldest

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Get ready to pack your bags! TIME has unveiled its highly anticipated list of the 100 greatest places to visit in 2025. From breathtaking natural wonders to luxurious resorts and groundbreaking attractions, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences for travelers worldwide.

Top Destinations to Explore in 2025

United States

• Waldorf Astoria New York – The iconic 94-year-old Manhattan hotel is making a grand comeback with 357 redesigned guest suites, set to reopen this spring.
• Ocmulgee Mounds, Georgia – A prehistoric Native American site on its way to becoming Georgia’s first national park. Visit before the crowds arrive!

Caribbean & South America

• Sandals Resort, St. Vincent & The Grenadines – This luxury resort opened last year in Buccament, offering a stunning mountain and sea backdrop along with a massive 300-foot pool.
• Magdalena River, Colombia – Travelers can now explore this majestic river via a seven-night luxury cruise by Ama Waterways, sailing between Cartagena and Barranquilla.

Europe

• Port Ellen Distillery, Scotland – The legendary “ghost” whisky distillery on Islay has reopened after four decades, offering premium tasting experiences.
• Notre Dame, Paris – Following its devastating 2019 fire, the cathedral has been fully restored, standing as a testament to architectural authenticity.
• Tiny Seaside Resorts, Denmark – The newly opened Loddenhøj and Skarrev resorts in South Jutland provide modernist micro-homes perfect for a cozy coastal getaway.

Africa

• NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia – Africa’s first Wilderness Quiet Park, ideal for stargazing and escaping modern noise.
• Culinary Innovation Village, Rwanda – Chef Dieuveil Malonga’s Afro-fusion dining experience showcases flavors from across the continent.

Asia & Australia

• Nintendo Museum, Japan – Opened in Uji last October, this museum is a dream destination for gaming enthusiasts, featuring vintage consoles and iconic game history.
• Nangma Valley, Pakistan – Dubbed “Pakistan’s Yosemite,” this remote hiking paradise is drawing adventurous travelers back to the region.
• The Ghan Train, Australia – A 75-hour luxury train journey through the outback, offering a spectacular way to experience the rugged landscape.

The Future of Air Travel

Revolutionary Aircraft Designs

• JetZero’s ‘Blended Wing’ Airplane – This futuristic, nacho-shaped aircraft promises 50% more fuel efficiency and could carry over 250 passengers. Expected to be in commercial operation by 2030.
• Boom XB-1 Supersonic Jet – America’s first civil supersonic aircraft broke the sound barrier earlier this year, bringing us one step closer to high-speed travel by 2029.
• Airbus A321XLR – This new fuel-efficient, single-aisle plane is set to transform transatlantic travel with expanded long-haul routes.

Airport Innovations & Expansions

• Gwadar Airport, Pakistan – A $240 million Chinese-funded airport, built for a city lacking clean water and a power grid, raises eyebrows.
• Dalian Jinzhou Bay International, China – The world’s largest artificial island airport is currently under construction.
• London Heathrow Expansion – The long-delayed third runway project has finally been approved, set to reshape European air travel.

Thrill Rides: The End of an Era

After 19 years of thrilling riders at Six Flags Adventure Park in New Jersey, Kingda Ka, once the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, has been demolished to make way for exciting new attractions in 2026.

As 2025 approaches, these destinations and innovations highlight an exciting year for travel, offering both nostalgic experiences and futuristic advancements. Where will your next adventure take you?

Source

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Birds-of-paradise are known for their dazzling colors, but new research reveals they have an even more extraordinary trait—hidden color signals invisible to the human eye. Scientists have discovered that these birds emit biofluorescent hues under ultraviolet (UV) and blue light, adding a new layer to their already spectacular displays.

A Hidden Glow in Nature

While many birds, like parrots and peacocks, are famous for their vibrant colors, birds-of-paradise take it to the next level. A study published in Royal Society Open Science on February 12 found that these birds’ plumage and body parts glow in bright green and yellow-green under UV and blue light.

This effect, known as biofluorescence, occurs when certain materials absorb high-energy light, such as UV or violet, and then emit it at a lower energy wavelength. Unlike bioluminescence—where organisms produce their own light through a chemical reaction—biofluorescence depends on external light sources.

Scientists observed biofluorescence in 37 out of 45 known species of birds-of-paradise, which are native to Papua New Guinea, eastern Indonesia, and parts of Australia. These fluorescent signals might play a crucial role in attracting mates or settling territorial disputes, researchers suggest.

Bird Vision: Seeing Beyond Human Limits

Birds have exceptional color vision, and many species—like pigeons, ducks, and geese—can see UV light. While little is known about birds-of-paradise specifically, their close relatives (such as crows, magpies, and fantails) have vision sensitive to violet wavelengths.

For these birds, the fluorescent markings would shine like beacons, making them highly visible to potential mates or rivals. Dr. Jennifer Lamb, an expert in biofluorescence at St. Cloud State University, explains why this discovery is so significant:

“Biofluorescence is a visual signal, yet it has been relatively understudied because it’s something human eyes simply can’t perceive.”

A Surprising Discovery in a Museum

The breakthrough came when Dr. John Sparks, a curator at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), decided to explore whether birds-of-paradise had biofluorescence. Sparks, who had previously discovered biofluorescence in fish, suspected the trait might exist in birds as well.

His hunch was confirmed when he shone blue light on bird specimens from AMNH’s collection—revealing fluorescent traces. However, it wasn’t until Dr. Rene Martin, a postdoctoral researcher, joined the team in 2023 that the study expanded.

Armed with high-powered blue and UV flashlights, Martin and her colleagues meticulously examined the museum’s bird specimens. Wearing special goggles to filter out the blue light, they found fluorescent patterns across various body parts, including bellies, chests, heads, necks, and even inside the birds’ mouths.

“Oftentimes, the fluorescent areas were bordered by ultra-black feathers, which absorb light and create a dramatic contrast,” Martin said. “Interestingly, birds-of-paradise that didn’t exhibit fluorescence also lacked these ultra-black feathers.”

Why Do Birds-of-Paradise Glow?

Biofluorescence has been documented in only a few bird groups, including auks, bustards, owls, nightjars, parrots, penguins, and puffins. But researchers still don’t fully understand why birds use this trait.

For parrots and birds-of-paradise, the leading theory is that it enhances communication and courtship displays. However, in other birds, scientists aren’t sure if biofluorescence serves a purpose or is simply a byproduct of feather structure.

Martin explains:

“It could be something that evolved as a useful protein for feather structure that just happens to biofluoresce.”

The Bigger Picture: Biofluorescence Across the Animal Kingdom

Biofluorescence isn’t unique to birds. Scientists have found it in fish, salamanders, sea turtles, marsupials, and even mammals. The discovery of biofluorescence in birds-of-paradise suggests this trait may be more widespread than previously thought.

Dr. Lamb believes studying biofluorescence is crucial for understanding how species communicate and evolve:

“This research helps us see how different animals develop unique survival strategies.”

Beyond nature, biofluorescence has practical applications. Green fluorescent protein, first discovered in jellyfish, is now widely used in medical research to track cell development, study cancers, and monitor disease progression.

“If biofluorescence appears all over the tree of life, it likely has important biological functions,” Martin said. “For birds-of-paradise, it could be signaling. For other species, it might aid in camouflage. Either way, it’s another incredible tool that evolution has provided.”

A New Perspective on Nature’s Hidden Beauty

The discovery of biofluorescence in birds-of-paradise opens new avenues for understanding avian communication. While humans can’t see these secret signals, birds likely perceive them as vividly as we see neon signs at night.

As scientists continue to explore this phenomenon, one thing is clear: nature still has countless surprises waiting to be uncovered.

Source

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Elephants Relocated to a Larger, More Natural Habitat

A heartwarming scene unfolded in Australia as nine Asian elephants celebrated their successful relocation from Melbourne Zoo to a spacious new enclosure at Werribee Open Range Zoo. The elephants trumpeted, squeaked, flapped their ears, and touched trunks as they joyfully reunited after a carefully planned five-day move.

The Complex Journey: How the Elephants Were Moved

Distance Traveled: 40 kilometers (25 miles)
New Home Size: 10 times bigger than their previous enclosure
Transportation Method: Three convoys of specially designed trucks
Assistance: Police escorts & synchronized traffic lights ensured a smooth journey

Elephant manager Erin Gardiner described their reactions as clear signs of happiness and comfort:

“The behaviors we saw—ear flapping, trunk touching, roaring, trumpeting, squeaks—showed they were excited and happy to be together again. By the afternoon, the calves were already playing!”

Ensuring the Elephants’ Safety & Comfort During Transport

Total Weight of the Herd: 23 metric tons (25 U.S. tons)
Travel Time: 40 minutes per journey
Safety Measures:
Mild sedatives to keep stress levels low
Tethering adult elephants to prevent movement in the trucks
Custom-built, air-conditioned crates (including special ones for mothers & calves)

The elephants traveled at a safe speed of 60 kph (37 mph), with extra caution taken on turns.

The Carefully Coordinated Relocation Plan

Feb. 6: The solitary adult male was transported first.
Feb. 10: A mother and calf traveled in one truck, while an aunt traveled separately.
Feb. 12: The final group—two mothers with their calves and the herd matriarch—completed the move.

Elephant expert Mark McMeekin highlighted the importance of strategic planning:

“Without thorough training and preparation, this move would have been extremely difficult to execute safely.”

Welcome to Their New $55 Million Home!

The 21-hectare (52-acre) enclosure at Werribee Open Range Zoo is a vast improvement over their previous 2-hectare (5-acre) space at Melbourne Zoo.

Features of the New Habitat:

Two deep swimming pools (3.5 meters / 11 feet deep)
Mud wallows for natural behaviors
State-of-the-art elephant barns
Communal sleeping area filled with 3,300 metric tons (3,600 U.S. tons) of soft sand

Time to Settle In

Before opening to the public, the herd will have several weeks to adjust to their new surroundings.

This move marks a major milestone in providing elephants with more space, better living conditions, and an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat.

A happy ending for these gentle giants!

Source

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Unforgettable Moment Caught on Camera

A 24-year-old kayaker, Adrian Simancas, experienced a once-in-a-lifetime encounter when a humpback whale briefly swallowed him before spitting him back out. The dramatic incident occurred last Saturday in the icy waters of Chile’s Patagonia region, near the Strait of Magellan, and was captured on camera by his father, Dell Simancas.

A Close Call in the Ocean

In the jaw-dropping footage, the massive whale surfaces unexpectedly, engulfing Adrian for a few moments before releasing him back into the water. In the background, his father can be heard shouting, “Grab the boat!“, as Adrian struggles to regain control.

“I thought it swallowed me,” Adrian recalls in the video.

What It Felt Like to Be Inside a Whale

Speaking to CNN en Español, Adrian described the surreal experience of being momentarily trapped inside the whale’s mouth:

“When I turned around, I felt a slimy texture on my face. I saw dark blue, white, and something closing in around me before I was pulled underwater.”

For a terrifying moment, he thought it was the end. “I thought I was going to die. I didn’t know what it was.”

Luckily, his life vest pulled him back to the surface within two seconds, allowing him to process what had just happened.

A Father’s Shock and Relief

Dell Simancas, who had been filming the waters due to the “exciting waves,” was stunned when he realized what had happened.

“I heard a loud wave behind me, and when I turned around, Adrian and his kayak were gone. I panicked. Then, a few seconds later, I saw him resurface, followed by his pack raft.”

Despite the terrifying ordeal, when asked if they would go kayaking again, both father and son enthusiastically replied in unison, “Of course.”

Why Did the Whale Swallow Him?

Wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta explained that the humpback whale was likely lunge-feeding on krill or fish and that Adrian was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“The whale was not targeting him. These animals do not have the ability to swallow humans, as they have a narrow esophagus and lack teeth for chewing,” she clarified.

The Strait of Magellan: A Wildlife Hotspot

The Strait of Magellan is a popular destination for kayaking, whale watching, and other outdoor adventures. Humpback whales, known for their acrobatic displays, are frequently spotted jumping and slapping the water with their fins and tails.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), humpback whales are found in all major oceans and are a favorite among whale watchers due to their playful and active nature.

A Harrowing Yet Fascinating Encounter

While the experience was undoubtedly terrifying, Adrian and his father now have an incredible story to tell—a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.

Source

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From Internet Sensations to Growing Up

One of the best things that can happen to a zoo or aquarium is for one of their animals to go viral.

Take Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo born in July 2024 at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Her sassy personality and undeniable cuteness have made her an internet sensation. The zoo has capitalized on her fame, selling Moo Deng merchandise and even releasing a single “by” the hippo in multiple languages.

Meanwhile, Pesto, a baby king penguin at Sea Life Melbourne, became an online celebrity for his insatiable appetite—out-eating his parents within weeks. Even celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Katy Perry have stopped by to meet him.

But what happens when these cute animals start to lose their baby charm?

At Sea Life Melbourne, Pesto’s transformation is already raising questions. As king penguins grow, they shed their fluffy feathers and become sleek, confident swimmers. This has led to some guests wondering if Pesto has been removed from display.

“We are getting a few guests thinking we have moved him off display completely,” says a spokesperson for the aquarium. “Most of the team’s time is spent pointing him out to guests because he looks so different now.”

The Money Behind the Magic

Cute baby animals aren’t just good for social media engagement—they’re a financial goldmine.

Ticket Sales & Premium Experiences

Admission fees are just the beginning. Many zoos and aquariums offer premium experiences, such as behind-the-scenes tours or “zookeeper for a day” programs, at much higher prices.

At Sea Life Melbourne, for example:

• Standard adult entry starts at $51
• The Penguin Passport experience—featuring a 45-minute tour and a behind-the-scenes look at feeding—costs $199

Merchandise: The Real Jackpot

Beyond ticket sales, branded merchandise is a major revenue driver. Plush toys, T-shirts, keychains, and other souvenirs turn viral animals into profitable brands.

The demand for Pesto-themed penguin plushies has been so intense that the aquarium had to pull stock from around the world to keep up.

This is no surprise to Professor Neil Carr, from the University of Otago’s Department of Tourism:

“Zoos are in the entertainment business. Visitors are not the only revenue stream. To get out of just about any zoo or aquarium, you have to go through the gift shop.”

From Animal to Brand: When Zoos Turn Cute into Capital

For animal attractions, a single viral animal can be a rising tide that lifts all boats. And nothing draws attention quite like a baby panda.

In Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, the November 2024 birth of twin pandas to their oldest female, Ying Ying, ignited “panda fever.” The zoo embraced the craze, sharing micro-updates, releasing zookeeper-captured photos, and keeping the hype alive ahead of the babies’ public debut on February 16.

Marketing head Franklin Law refers to the pandas as IP (intellectual property)—a term more commonly used for Marvel superheroes or Star Wars characters.

“By educating guests about the different personalities of the pandas, visitors can ‘associate’ with them—just like they would with a favorite band member.”

The merchandise reflects this branding strategy:

• “Big Sister” panda—depicted as delicate and soft-eyed—graces tote bags and pillowcases.
• “Little Brother” panda—with perked ears and a lollipop—features on other souvenirs.

The Ethical Dilemma: When Virality Overshadows Conservation

While zoos and aquariums benefit from viral animals, animal rights organizations argue that this comes at a cost.

Born Free, a UK-based advocacy group, warns that once the initial hype fades, these animals remain in captivity indefinitely. In an October 2024 statement, they criticized the zoo industry:

“While merchandise sales, ticket revenue, and celebrity endorsements benefit the zoo, the individual animal remains in an unnatural captive environment with little or no chance of returning to the wild.”

Instead of flocking to see viral animals, the group encourages people to support habitat conservation efforts and advocate for better captive animal welfare.

The Domino Effect: Using Popular Animals to Support Others

Zoos and aquariums hope that viral animals act as a gateway—drawing in visitors who then engage with other species and educational exhibits.

Professor Carr points out that while pandas and penguins attract attention, it’s much harder to get the public excited about “brown jobs”—less conventionally cute species that also need conservation support.

Ocean Park and Sea Life Melbourne both emphasize that their focus is on storytelling and education, not just individual animals.

“Pesto’s story resonated deeply worldwide, but it’s just one of many heartwarming and impactful tales we have to share,” says Sea Life’s representative.

For now, though, Pesto is still enjoying the spotlight—his first birthday party videos are racking up views on Instagram.

Source

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The Annamite Mountains, stretching across Laos, Vietnam, and northeast Cambodia, are celebrated for their unparalleled biodiversity. At the southwestern edge of this range lies Virachey National Park, Cambodia’s largest protected area, covering over 3,000 square kilometers. Despite its size and status, the park has remained largely unexplored—until now.

A groundbreaking biodiversity survey led by Fauna & Flora, an international conservation organization, has unveiled a treasure trove of rare and threatened species residing in Virachey. The findings, published recently, highlight the park’s potential as a sanctuary for some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.

Discoveries: A “Noah’s Ark of Wildlife”

The survey documented numerous rare species, including:

• Sunda pangolin
• Clouded leopard
• Sun bear

Even more remarkable, nine species previously unrecorded in Cambodia were identified, such as:

• The critically endangered large-antlered muntjac
• Sokolov’s glass lizard
• Vietnamese leaf-toed gecko

“This park has the potential to be a stronghold for species on the brink of extinction,” said Pablo Sinovas, Fauna & Flora’s Cambodia Program Director. “It’s kind of a Noah’s Ark of wildlife.”

Threats to Biodiversity

Despite its protected status, Virachey faces significant challenges:

• Deforestation and illegal logging: Cambodia has lost over 30% of its primary forest in the last three decades.
• Habitat fragmentation: Forest degradation disrupts ecosystems.
• Snaring: Thin wire nooses, commonly used to trap animals, pose a grave threat to wildlife.

Evidence of these dangers was captured during the survey. Camera traps revealed injured animals, like Asiatic black bears and northern pig-tailed macaques, missing limbs due to snares.

A Multifaceted Approach to Conservation

Over several years, researchers employed innovative methods to gather data:

1. Camera traps: Over 150 cameras captured elusive species, including the large-antlered muntjac, which was photographed in 2021. This marked the first time the species was recorded in Cambodia, though it was first described in Laos and Vietnam in 1994.
2. DNA analysis: By testing water samples, researchers identified 161 species, including the endangered dwarf loach and Asiatic softshell turtle.
3. Population assessments: The team estimated around 2,000 groups of northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbons, an endangered primate, making Virachey a critical habitat for their survival.

The team also collaborated with local indigenous communities, leveraging their knowledge of the forest. However, even these communities had never explored some of the park’s most remote areas.

Virachey’s Broader Importance

Beyond its role as a biodiversity hotspot, Virachey National Park plays a vital role in climate and community sustainability:

• Carbon absorption: The park contributes significantly to carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change.
• Livelihoods for local communities: Indigenous populations around the park rely on its natural resources. Preserving these resources is essential for sustainable living.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Conservation Efforts

Sinovas hopes the findings will bolster conservation strategies and improve park management. “Knowing what is present is necessary to protect it,” he emphasized. The survey not only underscores Virachey’s global importance but also charts a path for targeted efforts to safeguard its unique ecosystem.

A Call to Action

Virachey National Park, often referred to as the “Amazon of Asia,” holds immense potential for protecting some of the world’s most vulnerable species. However, urgent action is needed to address the growing threats it faces. By combining scientific research, community engagement, and sustainable practices, Virachey can remain a vital refuge for wildlife and a lifeline for future generations.

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Elina Mäkinen, the first Finnish woman to complete the Ice Mile, is no stranger to the freezing waters of Finland. From plunging into icy lakes beneath the Northern Lights to immersing herself in sacred Arctic waters, Finland offers some of the world’s most unique and invigorating ice bathing experiences. Here, Mäkinen shares her top five spots for the ultimate ice plunge.

Why Ice Bathing is a Finnish Tradition

Ice bathing is a revered practice in Finland, where the rich sauna culture, now part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has long been paired with icy dips for holistic health. The ritual of submerging the body in ice-cold water is not only a way to relax, but it also offers various health benefits, from relieving ailments to boosting energy and mental clarity.

Elina Mäkinen emphasizes that ice bathing is a deeply personal practice, not a competitive sport. “The ice hole is a place to learn about yourself and your reactions,” she says. “I only have the need to compete with myself.”

While the health benefits of ice bathing have gained popularity in recent years—especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic—many people still practice it to wake up in the morning, improve sleep, or simply for self-discovery, much like yoga and meditation.

Mäkinen’s Top 5 Ice Bathing Spots in Finland

Here are Mäkinen’s top five Arctic locations to experience the thrill and peace of ice bathing in Finland’s pristine, snow-covered landscapes.

1. Best for Ice Bathing Under the Northern Lights: Särkitunturi Fell and Särkijärven Majat

Finnish Lapland, known for its minimal light pollution, is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. Särkitunturi, a small mountain in the area, is a favorite spot for Mäkinen, who begins her ice bathing season here. The small lakes atop the mountain freeze faster, providing a perfect spot to dip into the cold waters while surrounded by the northern sky’s mesmerizing light show.

“I’ve often swum here under the Northern Lights,” says Mäkinen. To reach Särkitunturi, it’s a 20-minute drive from Muonio, followed by a short hike. For an easygoing ice bathing experience, Mäkinen recommends staying at Särkijärven Majat, rustic lakeside cabins with a wood-fired sauna and ready-made ice holes.

2. Best Wilderness Retreat for Beginners: Isokenkäisten Klubi

Located near the Arctic Circle in Kuusamo, Isokenkäisten Klubi is a remote wilderness lodge that’s perfect for beginners. Set amidst dramatic scenery, including vast forests and waterfalls, the lodge offers both a traditional smoke sauna and a modern electric sauna. There’s also an ice hole for the full Finnish experience.

Mäkinen describes the lodge as “a fabulous log cottage in the middle of nowhere,” and notes that it’s featured in the documentary Cold, where she built a 10-meter-long practice pool for her Ice Mile swim. This lodge is part of Finland’s Sustainable Travel programme, making it an eco-friendly destination for ice bathers seeking a serene and restorative escape.

3. Best for Dips in Sacred Scenery: Jeris Arctic Sauna World

In northern Lapland, the Jeris Arctic Sauna World offers an unparalleled ice bathing experience. Situated on the shores of the sacred Lake Jerisjärvi, the site features a collection of saunas named after Finland’s traditional gods—Tapio, Ukko, Ilmatar, and Vellamo. The lake holds cultural significance for the indigenous Sámi people, adding a spiritual element to your ice bath.

“It’s the paradise of the north,” Mäkinen says, adding that the views of the Olos fells and the stunning sunsets make this one of the most beautiful places to take a plunge. After enjoying the saunas, guests can dip into a ready-made ice hole just a few steps away.

Jeris Arctic Sauna World is an ideal spot for experienced ice bathers, as it requires equipment like an ice saw to create the ice hole. However, Mäkinen assures that it’s well worth the effort, as the setting is both breathtaking and sacred.

4. Best for the Magical Lapland Feel: Lake Kilpisjärvi and Mount Saana

For those seeking a more remote and magical ice bathing experience, Mäkinen recommends Lake Kilpisjärvi and Mount Saana in the northernmost reaches of Finnish Lapland. Known for its beauty and serenity, this area is perfect for anyone wanting to escape into nature.

“I lived in Kilpisjärvi for three months,” Mäkinen recalls. “It’s a very communal place with only around 100 inhabitants, and it’s incredibly beautiful. If I could live anywhere, it would be here.”

The lake, with its crystal-clear waters and the towering Saana mountain in the background, is a breathtaking location for ice bathing. For those without their own ice-cutting equipment, the Kilpisjärvi Lapland Hotel offers a ready-made ice hole maintained with pumps. Mäkinen, however, prefers to create her own ice holes here, ensuring a unique and personal experience.

“While cutting an ice hole in the middle of the lake, always make sure to mark it properly and ensure it’s safe,” Mäkinen advises. She adds with a laugh that while she’s never met another ice swimmer in the area, ice fishermen often stop by to marvel at her large ice holes.

Conclusion

From the Northern Lights in Lapland to the sacred waters of Jerisjärvi, Finland offers some of the most breathtaking and tranquil settings for ice bathing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, these locations provide a unique way to connect with nature and experience the profound benefits of ice-cold immersion.

As Elina Mäkinen wisely says, “The ice hole is not just about the plunge; it’s about discovering yourself.” So, are you ready to take the plunge?

Source

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About four miles up the mountain from a broken sign that reads “You are inside a protected area,” miners had ripped into the soil in one of the most biodiverse regions of Colombia in search of gold, spilling poisonous mercury used in the extraction process into rivers that nourish this forest.

Colombia has pledged to close the illegal gold mines threatening this park, home to hundreds of species of birds, rare poisonous frogs and the nation’s emblematic Andean bears.

But Jaime Millán, one of only 13 permanent staff members overseeing a national park stretching across more than 480,000 acres and four ecosystems, knows it won’t be easy. “You have to understand the essence of the miner,” Millán said. “Where there’s gold, he’ll go.”

The lack of resources to protect wilderness in some of the most biodiverse places on Earth is at the heart of a major international conference starting Monday, just an hour away from the park.

Leaders from around the world are gathering in Cali for the next two weeks for a U.N. biodiversity summit, called COP16, where Colombia and other species-rich nations will urge wealthy ones to make good on financial commitments to protect natural habitats.

The world is in the midst of a global extinction crisis, with up to a million species at risk of disappearing forever due to shrinking habitats, rising temperatures and other threats posed by humans.

Around the world, ecosystems like this one are deteriorating, with potentially calamitous effects for people who depend on nature for food, water and keeping climate-warming carbon out of the atmosphere. Yet many of the world’s most ecologically rich countries — in South America, Africa and Southeast Asia — are often among the poorest financially.

“Today, those who emit the most are the ones who have the cheapest access to capital and those of us who are absorbing and mitigating those greenhouse gases are offering environmental services that are not recognized whatsoever,” said Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s environment minister.

‘A transfer back’

The conference near this park is a follow-up to a watershed agreement reached two years ago to stem the loss of nature worldwide. Nearly 200 nations promised to safeguard about a third of Earth’s land and oceans.

The deal, forged in talks in Montreal, “was a game changer for biodiversity,” said Astrid Schomaker, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the treaty underpinning the talks.

The conference in Colombia represents the first time nations are officially coming together to assess how close they are to reaching those goals, including voluntary pledges by wealthier nations to support conservation in poorer ones.

“This is the first temperature check of, ‘So what are people doing on this?’” said Charles Barber, a former U.S. State Department diplomat who is now a director at the World Resources Institute.

Early data suggests countries need to give more to meet those money pledges.

Out of a goal of mobilizing $200 billion a year for conservation, developed countries promised to send at least $20 billion per year by 2025. Much of the rest will come in the form of funds that governments spend within their own borders.

Historically, many nations built wealth by extracting resources from poorer ones, noted David Obura, a coral reef ecologist in Kenya who chairs the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, a U.N.-backed science group. “It’s a bit of a transfer back,” he said.
Yet so far, wealthy nations are ponying up only three-fourths of that annual amount, according to a recent report.

“They wrote a check in Montreal that they can’t cover, basically,” Barber said, adding that governments seek to make sure money sent abroad is being spent correctly. “That involves efforts to reduce corruption,” he added.

With territory encompassing huge swaths of the Amazon rainforest and coastlines stretching along both the Atlantic and Pacific, Colombia is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Yet the challenge of protecting a place like Farallones de Cali national park is complex and costly: A decades-long armed conflict, rooted in disputes over land, makes the job especially dangerous for park rangers like Millán.

The country’s protected national parks, often in isolated mountainous or jungle regions, have been used as strategic staging points for armed groups to grow coca, used to make cocaine, and set up hideouts for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, a rebel group.

National parks staff were often caught in the middle, threatened or even killed by these armed groups, according to Colombia’s peace jurisdiction. Millán himself has been threatened, after a group of miners saw him flying a drone over the area.

Authorities have stationed soldiers along the trail to the mines and are building control towers to keep watch. But Millán has many things he still needs: more staff, satellite radios and walkie talkies to communicate; better trekking gear to lead hikes.

Catalina Gutiérrez Chacón, the Colombia director for the Wildlife Conservation Society, said the national parks system needs at least five times more funding than it receives, suggesting it needs a new structure to ensure more funds reach the park staff level to hire more permanent staff like Millán.

Local rangers

Right now, the world is falling short of the Montreal agreement’s biggest goal: Protecting 30 percent of Earth as wilderness.

As of August, only about 17.5 percent of Earth’s land and freshwaters and 8.5 percent of its oceans are safeguarded, according to a U.N. monitoring program. And as of Sunday evening, only 33 nations have provided updates on how they plan to protect nature ahead of the meeting in Cali, though Schomaker expected more plans to be put forward during the conference.

“That’s pretty slow, so we need to see acceleration of that,” said Andrew Deutz, a director at the World Wildlife Fund.

In addition to money, delegates at the COP will also be discussing how to ensure the people who live in these biodiversity havens thrive.

The situation in Colombia shows how fraught that question can be. Heading into Los Farallones, Millán points out one of the park’s greatest challenges: A more than 80-year-old paved road that existed long before the area was declared a protected national park in 1968.

Slicing through the national park, it has long made it accessible to land and gold prospectors. Generations of families built their lives in communities abutting the forest.

Large stretches of farmland, deforested long ago, create gaps in the otherwise lush mountain landscape and reveal the inherent tensions between the park’s environmentalists and its residents, who depend on the land for their livelihoods.

Now, some of those residents are becoming stewards of these wild places.

A brief drive on a dirt road, across a creek, leads to the home of 80-year-old Hernando Bolaños, whose father settled here when the land was considered vacant.

At one point, the Bolaños family raised more than 50 cows on their dairy farm. Now they own about half that number and have signed an agreement with the national park to restore the forest on their land. More than three years ago, Bolaños’s son, José, started separating the cows from a creek and fenced off an area to plant new trees. The area is now lush with vegetation.

He is now one of about 80 contractors working with the national park. But while José Bolaños works for the park, he never wears the uniform. Cutting through his land are the two main paths to reach the illegal gold mines.

“When I’m walking up to the mine, I’m usually alone,” he said. “I’ve run into miners and it’s dangerous.”

Millán, the park ranger, hopes that by turning this area into a tourist destination where locals can take visitors hiking, birdwatching and horseback riding, and offer them food and even cabins in which to stay, perhaps it will help keep the miners away for good.

Long term, he would like to turn the mining route into a hiking route. But it would require setting up training, infrastructure, a marketing campaign — the kinds of investments the park has difficulty making and that foreign money could help fund.

“This needs to be appropriated by the people from the community,” Millán said.

Source
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/10/21/cop16-colombia-biodiversity-wildlife-preservation/

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