Most Eco-Friendly Destinations to Visit in 2023

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As awareness about climate change and sustainability grows, more and more people are seeking out eco-friendly travel options. In 2023, there are many destinations around the world that prioritize environmental responsibility and offer travelers an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the planet without leaving a negative impact. Here are some of the most eco-friendly destinations to visit in 2023.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small Central American country known for its incredible biodiversity and eco-tourism. The country has a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and has taken many steps to reach this goal. The government has implemented policies to protect its rainforests, oceans, and wildlife, and tourists can take part in many eco-friendly activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and wildlife watching. Some of the most popular attractions in Costa Rica include the Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. By visiting Costa Rica, travelers can support local conservation efforts and experience the natural beauty of this incredible country.

Iceland

Iceland is an island nation in the North Atlantic known for its stunning natural landscapes and geothermal wonders. The country has set a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2040 and is taking steps to reach this goal by promoting sustainable tourism. Visitors to Iceland can explore the country's glaciers, hot springs, and geysers while supporting efforts to protect the country's delicate ecosystem. Some of the most popular attractions in Iceland include the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the Northern Lights. By visiting Iceland, travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of this incredible country while supporting its efforts to become even more sustainable.

Bhutan

Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom known for its commitment to Gross National Happiness, which includes environmental conservation. The country is carbon-negative, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it emits, and has strict regulations on tourism to minimize its impact on the environment. Visitors to Bhutan can enjoy trekking, cultural tours, and wildlife watching while supporting the country's sustainable development. Some of the most popular attractions in Bhutan include the Tiger's Nest Monastery, the Punakha Dzong, and the Phobjikha Valley. By visiting Bhutan, travelers can experience the unique culture and natural beauty of this incredible country while supporting its commitment to sustainability.

New Zealand

An island country in the southwest Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is renowned for its varied landscapes, which include beaches, mountains, and glaciers. The nation is taking action to safeguard its ecology and biodiversity, so tourists to New Zealand can take part in outdoor pursuits including hiking, skiing, and animal observation while also helping the nation conserve its natural legacy. Milford Sound, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and the Franz Josef Glacier are some of the most well-known tourist destinations in New Zealand. Travelers can take in New Zealand's breathtaking natural beauty and contribute to its desire to boost its sustainability factor by visiting this place.

 
Montague Island

This is a unique destination in Australia that offers visitors a chance to experience the country's natural beauty and wildlife while supporting its conservation efforts. The island is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the Little Penguin, Australian Fur Seal, and humpback whales. Visitors can take part in green Montague Island tours and guided walks to learn about the island's rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. The island is also a popular spot for recreational fishing and diving, with many operators offering sustainable and responsible activities. By visiting Montague Island, travelers can enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience while supporting conservation efforts in Australia.

Norway

Norway is a Scandinavian country known for its spectacular natural scenery, including fjords, mountains, and the Northern Lights. The country has set a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2030 and is taking steps towards this goal by promoting sustainable tourism. Visitors to Norway can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching while supporting the country's efforts to protect its environment. Some of the most popular attractions in Norway include the Geirangerfjord, the Lofoten Islands, and the Tromsø Northern Lights. By visiting Norway, travelers can experience the natural beauty of this incredible country while supporting its commitment to sustainability.

 
Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe known for its beautiful mountains, lakes, and forests. The country is also taking steps to protect its environment and biodiversity. Visitors to Switzerland can enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and biking while supporting the country's efforts to preserve its natural resources. Some of the most popular attractions in Switzerland include the Matterhorn, Lake Geneva, and the Swiss National Park.

Canada

Canada is a vast country known for its natural beauty, including forests, lakes, and mountains. Visitors to Canada can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching while supporting the country's efforts to preserve its natural heritage. Some of the most popular attractions in Canada include Banff National Park, Niagara Falls, and the Canadian Rockies. By visiting Canada, travelers can experience the natural beauty of this incredible country while supporting its commitment to sustainability.

Denmark

Denmark is a small country in northern Europe known for its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. The country is constantly taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint, including investing in wind energy and promoting sustainable transportation. Visitors to Denmark can explore the country's beautiful coastline, bike-friendly cities, and green spaces while supporting its efforts toward sustainability. Some of the most popular attractions in Denmark include Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, and the beaches of Jutland. By visiting Denmark, travelers can experience the country's unique culture and support its commitment to sustainability.

 
Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Soneva Fushi is a luxury eco-resort located in the Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. The resort isreducing its environmental impact, including using renewable energy, reducing waste, and supporting local conservation efforts. Guests at Soneva Fushi can enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach volleyball while supporting the resort's commitment to sustainability. The resort is also home to the Soneva Foundation, which supports environmental and social projects around the world. By visiting Soneva Fushi, travelers can enjoy a luxurious vacation while supporting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts in the Maldives.

Of course, these aren’t the only sustainable locations to visit all over the world, so start your eco-friendly journey today and keep exploring new destinations!

Catch the British Council's Five Films for Freedom at the FDCP Cinematheque this 21-22 March!

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Watch LGBTQIA+ short films during Five Films for Freedom screenings


· The British Council and BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival launch the 9th edition of the world's widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital showcase

· The British Council in the Philippines partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to run limited screenings of the films in Cinematheque locations throughout the country

· The films are also available for free across the world from 15-26 March through British Council Arts YouTube channel


Five Films for Freedom, the world’s widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital campaign, returns this March. For this year's run, the British Council in the Philippines is partnering with Film Development Council in the Philippines (FDCP) to bring free screenings at Cinematheque Centres in the country from 21-22 March 2023.



Five Films for Freedom

Public screening schedules

FDCP Cinematheque Centre – Manila

22 March 2023, 6:30 PM



FDCP Cinematheque Centre – Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga, Nabunturan, Negros

21 March 2023, 4:00 PM

22 March 2023, 6:30 PM


Outside of the in-person screenings, audiences can also catch the films online from 15-26 March, coinciding with the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival.

The selection of films, chosen by the British Council from BFI Flare’s programme, explores subjects such as violence and security, love across borders and shifting identities. The films in 2023 are:



· All I Know by Obinna Robert Onyeri (Nigeria/USA)

· Butch Up! by Yu-jin Lee (South Korea)

· Eating Papaw on the Seashore by Rae Wiltshire and Nickose Layne (Guyana)

· Just Johnny by Terry Loane (UK – Northern Ireland)

· Buffer Zone by Savvas Stavrou (UK/Cyprus)


Global audiences are encouraged to show solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities around the world where freedom and equal rights are limited by watching the films via the British Council Arts YouTube channel and through other channels in countries with access restrictions.

Since 2015 and with the programmes live for less than 100 days, Five Films for Freedom films have been viewed 20 million times by people in over 200 countries and principalities, including all parts of the world where homosexuality is criminalised, and all countries where the death penalty is in place.



British Council Director of Film, Briony Hanson, said:

“Five Films for Freedom promotes rarely heard LGBTQIA+ stories from around the world, and makes them accessible to a global audience, particularly for people living in cultures where they cannot live or love as they would like.

“People can support this campaign through the hashtag #FiveFilmsForFreedom to drive home the message that love is a human right, no matter how we identify or where we are.”

Michael Blyth, BFI Flare’s Senior Programmer said:

“We are delighted to once again be partnering with the British Council on Five Films for Freedom. This global campaign is an essential part of the BFI Flare programme, and it’s a privilege to share the work of these hugely talented filmmakers with millions of people around the world, many of whom do not have the same level of access to LGBTQIA+ film, or the rights to express themselves freely. This year’s campaign remains as vital and urgent as ever.”

Watch the Five Films for Freedom campaign trailer on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3Inf1ka

Five Films for Freedom continues the British Council’s work building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. This year the five selected titles have been translated and made available with subtitles/closed captioning in 23 languages.

During BFI Flare, the Five Films for Freedom programme and filmmakers are presented at a special reception event for politicians in Westminster.






FILM SYNOPSIS



All I Know

Obinna Robert Onyeri, 16 mins, 2022, Nigeria/USA 

Two friends meet for dinner, one goes to meet a stranger for a hook-up date while the other goes home. We follow a man’s search for his friend that puts him at risk of revealing life-altering secrets they both share.

Obinna is a Los Angeles based filmmaker, born in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied Film at the University of California, Los Angeles, receiving the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Directing Fellowship award and the George Burns and Gracie Allen Scholarship.



Buffer Zone

Savvas Stavrou, ​​​​​​​16 mins, 2022, UK/Cyprus

Two young soldiers across enemy lines fall in love and find escape from their oppressive environments through music.

Savvas was born in Cyprus and studied Film at the University of Westminster, London. He works as a director across advertising, music video and short film, and he is developing his first feature. He is a Sundance Lab alumnus.






Butch Up!

Yu-jin Lee, 12 mins, 2022, Korea

"Stop being miserable." After hearing her ex's last words to her, Mi-hae, a lead singer of an independent band, cannot get herself to sing the band's most popular song, Oppa's Girl.

Yu-Jin Lee studied film directing at the Korea National University of Arts. Her first short film, A Good Mother, was the most talked about queer film of the year in Korea.



Eating Papaw on the Seashore

Rae Wiltshire, Nickose Layne, 18 mins, 2022, Guyana 

A coming-of-age film about Asim and Hasani, two queer Guyanese boys, navigating their feelings in a homophobic society.

Rae studied literature and linguistics at the University of Guyana. As a playwright, he won Best New Guyanese play at Guyana’s National Drama Festival in 2015, he recently won the Guyana Prize for Literature in Drama, 2022, for his play Don’t Ask Me Why. Nickose is a playwright, poet and actor. studied Theatre Arts at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago.





Just Johnny

Terry Loane, 19 mins, 2021, UK - Northern Ireland



Maria and Dermot's straightforward family life takes a sudden turn when their son Johnny announces that he wants to wear a dress for his Holy Communion. Both parents are keen to do what is best for Johnny, but their different opinions almost pull the happy family apart.

Terry was born and bred in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and studied photography at Ulster University. He began designing for film in 1996 on the Oscar-nominated short Dance Lexie Dance, and in 1998 he wrote and directed his first short film comedy, CLUCK. His latest feature as director, The Last Rifleman, starring Pierce Brosnan and John Amos, is released this year. The film was written by former Hollyoaks actor Gerard McCarthy who came out last summer as non-binary.

From Console to Casino: How Video Game Culture Has Influenced Online Gaming Trends

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Initially rooted in the emergence of consoles such as Atari, Sega and Nintendo, video gaming has experienced a meteoric surge in popularity over the years. This is largely due to its increasing accessibility through online platforms; this transition towards digital entertainment has sparked an explosion within the industry that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Video game culture is truly at an all-time high - inspiring countless fans around the globe!


The Rise of Console Gaming


When thinking about video gaming, it is impossible not to immediately think about console gaming. This niche is one that has always improved over years because of the technologies that have been made available, as gamers can enjoy some of the most immersive experiences around.


With the rise of mobile devices and other portable gadgets, it can be argued that console gaming is not quite as popular as it once was, but there is no doubt that these devices changed and revolutionized the industry and made it what it is today. You only have to consider tech such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to see how far console gaming has impacted online gaming trends.


The Emergence of Online Gambling


As more people gained access to high-speed internet and powerful computers, online gambling at a casino became increasingly popular over time. With its convenience and wide range of options available for players to choose from, online gambling on platforms such as Betway quickly rose in prominence; especially as many countries began legalizing it or at least regulating it more closely.


As a result, many modern-day gambling websites were designed with gamers in mind; they feature user interfaces that are similar to those found on popular console games and draw heavily on themes from classic arcade titles. This makes them easier for gamers who had never gambled before to understand how they work, and thus helps increase their popularity even further. This is why you can normally find old-school titles that offer a throwback experience on platforms like Betway, as operators recognize the impact nostalgia can play.


The Influence of Esports on Online Gambling


In addition to classic console games, esports has also had an impact on modern-day online gambling trends. Esports tournaments have become incredibly popular over the last few years; not only do they bring together professional gamers from across the globe but they also offer lucrative prizes for those who can prove themselves worthy enough to compete against others at top levels.


Consequently, more individuals than ever before are captivated in competitive gaming. This has led to an increase of gamers searching for ways to prove their abilities and reap financial gains from their victories. Esports betting offers an exciting opportunity for players who lack any knowledge about the teams or opponents competing in a match to place bets on tournaments between two rival groups or individual players.


Verdict


All things considered, it is clear that video game culture has had an enormous impact on modern-day online gambling trends.