Thinking of traveling to Belize? Then check out this amazing interview with Eco Tourism pioneer Lucy Fleming! In powerful Q & A, she reveals life lessons of four decades in the jungle! Get her take on how to live in harmony w/environment that’s lush, teeming, unfurling, changing, challenging, primal, unpredictable, light, dark & certainly inspiring & instructive! #Belize #ChaaCreek #EcoTourism

Do you believe there are places that have a special power? Here's BCD's take on what gives a place an aura of power...and a locale that embodies this power: the Burren in Ireland. Take this 7-minute tour and prepare to be wowed by this mystical, inspiring cultural landscape! And Subscribe to be part of BCD's community!
#Burren #Ireland #CulturalLandscape #PowerofPlace

Fascinated by distinctive cultural landscapes? Then dive into this Q & A with Brendan Dunford, co-founder of the Burrenbeo Trust, a landscape charity dedicated to connecting all of us to our places and our role in caring for them, and based in the Burren in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland. If you've not heard of the Burren, its one of the most intriguing, mystical and inspiring places on the planet, and Brendan offers his take on the why and how of that in this lively interview. #Burren #Ireland #CulturalLandscapes #SDG15 #PeopleAreCulture

One of BCD's guiding principles is mutual respect--we all matter, and we each have something to offer. This ideology is embodied in every inch of Colombia's Tayrona National Park, and is a way of life for the people who call this area home, who include Harold, my guide to the area, and the Kogi.

The Kogi are an indigenous ethnic group that live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Their civilization has continued since the Pre-Columbian era. My visit to the area was inspired by the Kogi's view of Earth as a living being, and humanity as its "children".

I have always sought, relied on and valued the services of guides in my travels. While I enjoying exploring on my own, I understand that some dimensions of a culture cannot be absorbed or understood through osmosis--there needs to be a living, breathing transmission line. Harold was one of the best--he not only introduced me to the beliefs of the Kogi, he shared his own personal story, which is equally powerful. Read on to be inspired by Harold & the Kogi!

#PeopleAreCulture #Colombia #Tayrona #Kogi #MotherEarth #Respect

One of BCD's guiding ideals is the power of listening--to ourselves, to others and to the Universe. Inherent in that ideal is the conviction that everyone matters, and that simply by sharing our experiences, we can offer each offer perspective, hope and inspiration.

This week I offer you a piece about Tartu Estonia, as revealed to me by four residents of the small city that is considered Estonia's "Culture Capital."I visited Tartu at the end of a journey across Estonia on the 20th anniversary of the country's break from the Soviet Union, and locals Elina, Kaido, Piret and Tairi gave me a window into Tartu's deep history as an important trading center of the Hanseatic League in the 13th century, their personal experiences of life under Communism, and how the freedom of fulfilling dreams comes along with the need for determination, fortitude, persistence and love.

Click on the link below to meet Elina, Kaido, Piret and Tairi for yourself. They might just offer some insights that will resonate with you today! #Tartu #Estonia #PeopleAreCulture #Storytelling #Listening

It has been a while my friends! I am happy to be back amongst you! Let me brighten your day with a a glimpse into how multi-dimensional #Armenian culture is...in one afternoon in the small village of Sasunik, I learned about the carpet-making #tradition, Armenian folk song and dance, the legend of Daredevils of Sassoun, and how, at the end of the day, it is the every day very human heroes who keep our cultures alive. I invite you to visit this page and click on the video link...I promise the lovely people of Sasunik will charm and inspire you! #PeopleAreCulture #Armenia #Heroes #Culture

Alvaro Restrepo, is founder of El Colegio del Cuerpo or “The School of the Body” in Cartagena, Colombia, South America. The school merges his passions for modern dance and social justice, offering a pathway out of poverty for inner-city, low-income youth.

My conversation with Alvaro reinforced several beliefs that I have developed along my own circuitous path—among them, that as random as life’s route may seem to be, a logical progression does reveal itself. Alvaro’s story also reminded me of the wonders that can come to pass when we heed our own desires and apply energy to fulfilling them and how, in doing so, magical encounters occur or inspiring mentors appear--just when we need them.

#PeopleAreCulture #Colombia #SchooloftheBody #Dance

Ajay Reddy of Bangalore India is founder of GoUNESCO, a UNESCO-supported umbrella of initiatives that seeks to promote heritage tourism and understanding.

Started by Ajay in 2012 as a challenge to his friends and acquaintances to visit all the world heritage sites in India, GoUNESCO is now a global program that has proven particularly successfully in engaging young people with cultural heritage attractions as well as traditional crafts, conservation sites and nature preserves.

#PeopleAreCulture #Bangalore #India #WorldHeritage

Iain Morrison is skipper of Turus Mara, a family business that runs wildlife boat trips from their base on Scotland’s Isle of Mull. The second largest island of the Inner Hebrides, Mull lies off the west coast of Scotland. It is the fourth largest Scottish island and has a year-round population of about 2,600.

Iain has made a career out of doing something he loves while sharing his passion for Scotland’s spectacular scenery and wildlife with visitors. Let him introduce you to the wonders of Mull and its neighboring islands, as well as acquaint you with some of the area’s history. Last but not least, see if you might qualify for some Puffin Therapy!

#PeopleAreCulture #InternationalWorldOceansDay #Ocean #Scotland