Ecoclub: Tourism sans plastic

The Ecoclub is an international ecotourism network that is based in Athens but incorporates individuals and organisations from over 80 countries.

Every year, on July 1, the founding anniversary of Ecoclub, the members fund micro-projects implemented by their members.

This is Ecoclub's fifth year running, and the year's theme is 'Tourism Without Plastic', with five winners receiving a cumulative prize amount of $4,750 (Dh17,447).

Previous projects that have been successfully implemented are:

Cambodia - Carpe Diem Travel Limited created a micro enterprise with plastic bags. Rinsed plastic bags were hung out to dry, before being turned into 'yarn' for knitting.

Rwanda - Rwanda Eco-tours Agency and Iteganyirize Association members formed projects by which they turned gorilla poachers into farmers.

Malaysia - Sukau Rainforest Lodge rehabilitated a section of the riverbank near their lodge, by planting a diverse range of trees to provide a means for migrating wildlife and other birds and animals.