Sustainability & Conservation

Corfu - Nat Geo Day Tour: Flavours of Corfu, Cook with Locals at an Organic Farm

Feel the soul of Corfu at Bioporos Organic Farm, situated on the banks of Korission lagoon. Your deep dive into Corfiot farming begins with an introduction to your hosts for the day and the true stars of the show: the farm's owners.First, you'll join the host's mother who will teach you how to make organic cosmetics, such as face masks, beeswax cream, and more. You'll use ingredients which you can find in your kitchen or garden back home, and take your creations with you at the end of the day.Next, prepare a traditional Corfiot pie, mix up your own tzatziki and knead bread. Your host will light the wood-burning oven and soon you can enjoy the aromas of the slow-cooked pie and bread you helped to prepare.While your lunch bakes, the owner himself will lead you through the farm, proudly showing off his collection of farming tools, his olive trees and bee hives. His tales illuminate the relationship between Corfu and olive farming, and his passion for regenerative agriculture shines through when he demonstrates how he promotes the conservation of endemic plant species. You'll also discover the history of this EU-protected lagoon and its impact on the local people, as well as details of the surrounding wildlife, rare flora and numerous bird species found here.After your trip around the farm, you'll savor lunch fresh from the oven, paired with a fresh salad from the farm's garden. For dessert, relax with a cup of coffee while you gaze over the idyllic scenery.

Madeira - Nat Geo Day Tour: Sustainable Agriculture in Quinta Pedagógica da Camacha

Drive through Funchal's bustling town and Madeira's magnificent rolling hills towards Quinta Pedagogica da Camacha, a small farm committed to sustainable agriculture. Here, your National Geographic-trained guide will offer insights into the region and introduce you to the farm's owner, Bruno Santos. Having left accounting for agriculture, Bruno now dedicates his life to helping his neighborhood through sustainable farming, a lowered environmental footprint, and community outreach. Follow Bruno through flowering groves as you explore the grounds. You'll learn about the many uses for their freshly grown herbs and visit their strawberry plantation. Observe the fields and poios—what Madeirans call the terraced areas where they grow their crops—as you learn about the farm's produce and animal husbandry. The farm is home to various animals including chickens, goats, sheep, and more. There's even a small market Bruno created, to help other local vendors reach their greater community, inspired by the ‘buy local' mantra. You'll also experience a host of seasonal activities, offered exclusively to National Geographic travelers. Harvest ripe fruits and learn the proper techniques for sowing seeds in a planting workshop. This hands-on learning environment brings Bruno's sustainability and bio-friendly philosophy to life. Afterwards, you'll relax and enjoy refreshing tea brewed from the farm's own herbs, as well as homemade cakes, toast, and jams preserved from local fruits.

Cancun - Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration

Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour a delicious burrito lunch. During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.

Rhodes - Nat Geo Day Tour: The Fascinating World of Bees

Your introduction to this fascinating world begins at the Bee Museum of Rhodes, featuring engaging interactive exhibits. Learn about the importance of beekeeping as your National Geographic-trained guide explains the history of maintaining colonies of bees and their hives in the South Aegean islands. Watch bustling beehive life through transparent observation hives and discover intriguing facts about pollination and apitherapy—the medicinal use of bee products. You'll also learn various simple ways to protect these creatures so crucial to our planet's ecosystem. National Geographic travelers will then enjoy an exclusive, live demonstration of honey extraction by one of the Bee Museum staff in a private room. Learn about professional techniques like honeycomb scratching and the use of tools such as manual extractors to fill empty jars. Afterwards, you'll be able to sample the freshly extracted honey in a dedicated space exclusively available to National Geographic groups. Try other types of honey, too, including varieties like pine, thyme and erica. Plus, try the famous Melekouni, a traditional sweet snack from Rhodes. After the tasting, don a protective suit and take a look at an active apiary, examining the open hive with an experienced beekeeper. Surrounded by happy buzzing, you'll learn about important tools, such as frames, smokers and scrapers, as well as gain a practical understanding of how bee colonies are organized. Leave with a new understanding of the humble honeybee and what you can do to protect it.