Island Wildfires: The Ecological Toll of Irresponsible Travel

Island Wildfires: The Ecological Toll of Irresponsible Travel

By Author

Published on September 25, 2023

Wildfires are currently devastating Tenerife, a Spanish island in the Canary Islands, a popular tourist spot. Forbes termed these wildfires the "most complicated fire in 40 years" in the Canary Islands. Over the weekend, more than 26,000 people were evacuated from Tenerife, just a month after wildfires had badly affected La Palma, another Canary Island, leading to the evacuation of about 4,000 residents.

Unlike the tragic loss of life experienced on Hawaii's Maui Island, where 114 people have sadly died, Tenerife has not reported any fatalities due to these wildfires. In Maui, the situation is grim, with officials estimating that up to 1,000 people may still be missing. However, the reasons behind these wildfires on both Tenerife and Maui share common elements: a harmful mix of climate change and excessive tourism.

Climate change is the primary cause of the worsening impact of wildfires worldwide, and islands are especially at risk. In recent years, the Greek islands, the Canary Islands, and Hawaii have all faced more droughts and rising temperatures. In Hawaii, for instance, rainfall and streamflow have significantly decreased over the past three decades, with 90% of the state now receiving less rainfall than a century ago.

One of the unique factors contributing to wildfires on islands is wind patterns. Wind tends to blow more strongly over the ocean than over land, creating a smoother flow. Land features like hills, mountains, and forests can slow or direct the wind, making it more likely to cause and spread wildfires. Strong winds were a significant factor in the devastating wildfires on Hawaiian, Greek, and Spanish islands. In Maui, wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour were recorded, potentially causing power poles to fall and ignite wildfires.

Limited infrastructure on islands exacerbates their vulnerability to wildfires, particularly in remote areas. When wildfires grow uncontrollable, external support from other parts of the country becomes necessary. For example, the Greek wildfires in July required assistance from other European Union member states, including 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles, and seven planes from ten different countries. Similarly, the Canary Islands sought help to combat the wildfire on Tenerife.

Excessive tourism significantly increases the wildfire risk on these islands. The high number of tourists strains limited resources, such as water. Inhabited Greek islands often face severe water shortages due to small catchment areas, low rainfall, and overuse of aquifer resources, which worsens during the summer tourist season. Moreover, the majority of wildfires are human-caused, with humans responsible for about 85% of all wildfires in the United States, according to the National Park Service.

While the exact cause of the wildfires on Maui is uncertain, those in the Canary Islands and Greece were known to be ignited by human activity. Unfortunately, these wildfires often result from negligence or intentional actions. For instance, the regional president of the Canary Islands confirmed that the Tenerife wildfire was deliberately started by humans.

Island ecosystems are particularly delicate, with many indigenous species isolated for thousands of years. The introduction of invasive plant species by settlers in recent centuries has significantly disrupted these ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to wildfires. Invasive, fire-adapted grasses now cover a significant portion of Hawaii, fueling wildfires.

To combat these wildfires effectively, experts are turning to traditional indigenous methods that emphasize preventive measures rather than reacting to wildfires once they start. These methods have been used for centuries but have been largely marginalized due to colonization and persecution of indigenous communities.

The devastating wildfires on islands like Tenerife, Maui, and Greek islands result from climate change and are worsened by excessive tourism. Islands face unique challenges due to their vulnerability to wind patterns, limited infrastructure, and fragile ecosystems. Responsible tourism, support for local communities, and the integration of indigenous fire management practices into policies are essential steps in mitigating these destructive wildfires. By making thoughtful choices in how we travel, we can help protect these beautiful destinations from turning into disaster zones.


Booking.com Reveals 87% of Indian Travellers Embrace Sustainable Tourism in 2025

Booking.com Reveals 87% of Indian Travellers Embrace Sustainable Tourism in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 5, 2025

This World Environment Day, Booking.com’s 10th edition of the Travel & Sustainability Report 2025 offers a powerful glimpse into how Indian travellers are making a difference with conscious, responsible travel choices. With the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” the report reveals that 87% of Indian travellers aim to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months—actively making changes to minimise waste, reduce energy use, and lower the impact of transportation, food, and wildlife activities.

The global survey features insights from over 32,000 travellers across 34 countries, including India, and highlights a shift towards more intentional, eco-conscious travel behaviours.

Conscious Choices for Cleaner Getaways

Indian travellers are embracing sustainability in everyday travel habits:

  • 52% plan to use greener transport
  • 51% aim to reduce waste
  • 50% focus on energy conservation
  • 45% plan to reduce water usage during trips

In addition to these operational efforts, many travellers are being mindful of their broader impact:

  • 48% intend to avoid wildlife-harming activities
  • 49% are prioritising eco-certified stays
  • 49% are making more mindful food choices

Sustainability Is Now a Standard

As sustainability becomes central to travel planning, Indian travellers are asking for more clarity and control in the booking process.

  •  75% want to filter tours and activities by sustainability
  • 74% want this for accommodations
  • 72% for rental cars, and 69% for flights

Furthermore,

  • 71% believe all travel platforms should adopt consistent sustainability labels
  • 72% would feel better about flying if lower-emission flights were offered

Although 61% of Indian travellers perceive sustainable travel options as costlier, many are still choosing them when presented transparently. When offered

  • 29% opt for more sustainable accommodation
  • 26% choose greener tours
  • 15% go for electric/hybrid rental cars
  • 14% pick lower-emission flights or taxis

Top Sustainable Travel Destinations

Booking.com also released a list of top destinations with the highest share of properties having independent third-party sustainability certifications.

Top 10 Indian Destinations:

  1. Kanha, Madhya Pradesh

  2. Khawasa, Madhya Pradesh

  3. Panaji, Goa

  4. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

  5. Jodhpur, Rajasthan

  6. Hyderabad, Telangana

  7. Candolim, Goa

  8. Bengaluru, Karnataka

  9. Mumbai, Maharashtra

  10. Pune, Maharashtra

Top 10 Global Destinations for 2025:

  1. Winnipeg, Canada

  2. Den Haag, Netherlands

  3. Hamburg, Germany

  4. Ankara, Turkey

  5. Geneva, Switzerland

  6. Aarhus, Denmark

  7. Puebla, Mexico

  8. Newcastle, UK

  9. Seoul, South Korea

  10. Roanoke, USA

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, said:

“Indian travellers are demonstrating a clear and growing commitment to sustainable travel — not just in their intentions, but in their actions. From opting for greener transport and reducing waste, to actively seeking accommodations with credible sustainability credentials, Indians today are looking to make a meaningful difference.”

He added,

“At Booking.com, we aim to make every step of the travel journey more meaningful and aligned with the values of today’s conscious Indian traveller— through highlighting stays with credible third-party sustainability certifications or equipping properties with the training and guidance they need to reduce their environmental impact.”

As the world moves toward a greener tomorrow, Indian travellers are already taking meaningful steps to ensure that travel experiences remain beautiful, responsible, and accessible for generations to come.


Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram Shares Tips on Menstrual Hygiene

Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram Shares Tips on Menstrual Hygiene

By Vaidya Smita Naram of Ayushakti

Published on May 30, 2025

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, renowned Ayurveda practitioner and Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram sheds light on the essential practices every woman should follow during menstruation to ensure better health and hygiene.

“Menstrual hygiene is simply normal hygiene that every female must maintain during her monthly cycle,” says Vaidya Smita Naram. Since menstrual bleeding occurs from the vaginal area, it’s crucial to keep the area clean—not just during periods but throughout the month—to prevent infections and maintain overall health.

She shares practical and easy-to-follow tips to promote safe menstrual hygiene:

 Choose Clean Period Products: Whether using pads, tampons, or cloth, ensure the material is clean. Change it every 3–4 hours to prevent bacterial infections. Opt for organic cotton pads, wash cloth pads in warm water, and dry them in the sun for natural sterilization.

 Wash the Area Regularly: Before every pad change, rinse and wash the area. Dry it with tissue to prevent moisture buildup. Use antibacterial water or Ayurvedic herbs like Neem leaves to further protect from infections.

 Avoid Scented Products: Fragranced period products may irritate sensitive skin and disrupt hormones. Stick to unscented, skin-friendly alternatives.

 Refrain from Sexual Activity: Avoiding intimacy during periods reduces the risk of STDs and UTIs, which can be more likely during this phase due to increased sensitivity.

 Practice Cleanliness: Always wash hands before and after using the restroom, especially in public places. Carry wet wipes or sanitizers for convenience.

 Track Your Cycle: Monitor emotions, symptoms, and medication through apps or calendars. Early tracking can help detect any unusual patterns.

 Stay Hydrated & Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and give your body the rest it needs. Periods are a window into physical health, and it's essential to listen to what your body is telling you.

Vaidya Smita encourages everyone to be mindful and respectful of their body’s needs during menstruation. “Not everyone has easy periods, and that’s okay. What matters most is understanding and supporting your body during this natural phase.”


How Fire-Resistant Are Our Hotels? A Closer Look at Safety Standards

How Fire-Resistant Are Our Hotels? A Closer Look at Safety Standards

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

The increasing number of hotel fires across regions has triggered growing concern over how well our hospitality spaces are prepared to handle such emergencies. Fires in hotels can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, serious damage to property, and lasting reputational harm. Strengthening fire safety measures is no longer optional—it's a vital necessity.

Effective fire safety begins at the foundation - literally. It starts with proper building design, continues with the careful selection and application of materials, and is enforced through adherence to required permits like building licenses, occupancy certificates, and operational approvals.

Recent cases have pointed to multiple causes behind hotel fires—user negligence, kitchen-related mishaps, outdated or faulty electrical systems, and delays in maintenance work. Many of these risks are made worse by the absence of comprehensive fire safety designs, allowing small incidents to turn into large-scale disasters.

Key Elements for Strengthening Fire Safety in Hotels:

Design Integration:

Incorporating both passive and active fire safety elements into architectural, electrical, and mechanical designs is essential. One of the most important aspects is ensuring well-thought-out evacuation routes to allow for the safe and timely exit of guests and staff.

Material Matters:

One major hazard is the use of combustible or non-certified materials on hotel facades. These can catch fire quickly, enabling flames and smoke to spread vertically through the building and putting occupants at serious risk. Every material used must have test certifications from accredited laboratories to ensure fire compliance. Without such validation, they must not be used, especially on high-rise structures.

Correct Application:

Even certified materials, if poorly installed or used incorrectly, can compromise an entire building’s fire resistance. Following proper application procedures is crucial to preserving the effectiveness of all safety measures.

Routine Inspections:

Improper usage of building spaces, unauthorized storage of flammable items, or renovations that bypass safety norms can reduce a structure’s fire resistance. Regular expert inspections help identify these vulnerabilities and ensure continued compliance with fire safety regulations.

One organization leading the way in this area is Efectis, a global expert in fire science and safety. With more than 70 years of experience and a highly qualified team, Efectis offers customized fire safety strategies for various types of buildings in Türkiye and beyond, ensuring structures meet the highest fire resistance standards.

As the hospitality industry continues to grow, fire safety must evolve as a priority. Through better planning, strict material compliance, and continuous inspections, the industry can ensure safer environments for everyone.

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