Following the total loss of his home and work, Bodhi Garrett was inspired by the people around him who had somehow lost much, much more. Out of a desire to improve the lives of those affected by the 26 December, 2004 tsunami Bodhi began organizing relief projects FOR community members. Not long after, he began co-organizing development projects WITH community members, and now assists with projects led BY community members.  Partnering with the Andaman Coast Community Tourism network, Andaman Discoveries, the North Andaman Tsunami Relief program has grown and reached new heights in leveraging tourism, ethically and sustainability, to rebuild lives and communities in Thailand.

Current projects include:

• Protecting the critically endangered water lily
  
• Volunteer programs bringing income and educational opportunities to disadvantaged children in the Southern Thailand Orphanage and the Burmese Learning Center
  
• Sponsoring livelihood and marketing training for increasing orders for local handicraft cooperatives

See more at The International Eco-tourism Society website, here.

In order to qualify for this posting these organizations must have a proven track record of:

• Fair working conditions
  
• Fair prices
  
• Integration into the local economy and regional development
  
• Fair trade partnerships between all actors in tourism
  
• Sustainable resource use and environmental justice
  

Per Dr. Linda Ralston's definition of fair tourism cornerstones. (Dr. Ralston, The University of Utah)

Is it possible to "experience the untouched magic of Indonesia, walk with Komodo dragons, experience dolphins by boat, ride on Sumatran elephants...see endangered Sumatran rhinos and tigers...and other primate species in the rain forest jungles of" Indonesia without abusing natural resources and taking advantage of a people in desperate need of employment?

Ecolodges Indonesia is making a dent in Eco-tourism through it's certified and innovative lodges and activities, and by:

• ­Playing an active role in conserving the natural resources which provide the visitors their experience.
• Provide first-hand, participatory, and enlightening experiences 
• Encourage all-party recognition of the intrinsic values of the resource.
• Involve acceptance of the resource on its own terms, and in recognition of its limits, which involves supply-oriented management.
• Promote moral and ethical responsibilities and behaviors towards the natural and cultural environment by all parties.
• ­Providing long term benefits -to the resource, to the local community, and to industry (benefits may be conservation, scientific, social, cultural, or economic) (Wight, 1993).

(These bullet points come from Linda Ralston's International Tourism course and her own ecotourism definitions. Most quotes came directly from ecolodgesindonesia.com.)

The very same tsunami which destroyed major parts of Indonesia, obliterated neighboring Thailand. In her blog "Traveling to Thailand Now," Rachel beautifully illustrates how tourist dollars NOW can save lives, improve economies, and rebuild communities.
http://ifwritingwerelikefootball.blogspot.com/

Steven's blog is an excellent source to learn more about how Asian countries have been ravaged by tsunamis frequently during the past decade. His blog is a great tool for people to understand the impact their tourist dollars can have as well as understand how these particular areas have been affected. _

Last year 8.8 million of your friends around the world sun-bathed on white sandy beaches no one else had ever been to, hiked through tropical forests no one else had ever explored, stood atop steaming volcanoes no one else had ever conquered, and ate foods no one else had heard of while watching sunsets no one else had ever witnessed! For an average of $1,136, your friends earned memories and stories that no one else they know will ever be able to tell. Did you? $1,136, that's one-fifth what I spent on ONE semester of college tuition! Your dream vacation is calling, "come do something no one else has ever done!" This year is going to be different.