Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 130 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Crazy Mascots Flooded Japan. Can This Grouchy Boar Survive?

Ben Dooley

February 16, 2020 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Japan

Kumamon, a black bear with rosy cheeks, is a mascot for a Japanese town who helped sell millions in merchandise, drive up tourism, and increase tax revenue because citizens can direct some of their income taxes to the locality of their choice. As a result, hundreds of towns rushed to create mascots to cash in on the approach to enticing visitors and investment. Towns spent a lot of money on these oftentimes whacky characters, however there has been no evidence that the vast majority of characters deliver any economic benefits, and therefore most are quietly being discontinued.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Digital platforms help to save traditional Nepalese homes

Deepak Adhikari

December 15, 2019 |

Nikkei Asia |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Nepal, Kathmandu

A Nepalese company called Traditional Homes was formed in order to restore traditional Newari homes to prevent them from being demolished. The houses are by the indigenous Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley and boast beautiful latticed windows and courtyards. These small restoration projects have taken off thanks to websites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com. Not only does the money go directly to the locals supporting the new bed-and-breakfasts, but tourists also receive an authentic and homey experience.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Grassroots campaign saves major wetland in Montenegro

Mark Hillsdon

November 01, 2019 |

Mongabay |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Montenegro, Ulcinj

Encouraging governments to behave transparently can also assist in environmental conservation efforts. Ulcinj Salina, an important saltwater wetland in Montenegro, faced an uncertain future prior to an international lobbying campaign that resulted in the area’s designation as a Nature Park. The effort included a WeMove campaign, as well as crucial intervention by other members of the European Union, encouraging the Montenegrin government to enact environmental standards.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Public art offers morale boost to cities of all sizes

Noah Jones

October 30, 2019 |

Richland Source |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Mansfield, Ohio

Cities enhanced by public art improve the quality of life for their residents. Across the midwest—from Bucyrus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois—cities are investing in public art and murals as a way to revitalize their communities. With the help of grants, cities can hire artists to make their public spaces more vibrant. Spaces that display public art attract tourism and serve as gathering places for community members.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Food is biggest stumbling block on zero-waste nature tour

JoAnna Haugen

October 10, 2019 |

Mongabay |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Natural Habitat Adventures, a tour company, has run the first no-waste, week-long trip through Yellowstone. With ecotourism producing millions of pounds of waste per year, the group wanted to demonstrate that doing so was possible as a way of holding other tour companies to a higher standard. Natural Habitat was able to reach the zero-waste success through composting, sharing meals at restaurants, heavy planning and preparation, and consulting with sustainability and waste experts.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Escape to the country: India's villagers open doors to city tourists

Anne Pinto-Rodrigues

October 09, 2019 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: India, Purushwadi, Maharashtra

A social enterprise based out of Mumbai, India helps connect urban dwellers with rural communities by creating tourism job opportunities for rural individuals, inviting people who live in the city to stay with and learn from their country counterparts. The organization works to stimulate rural economy, provide additional income for struggling families, and act as a bridge between rural and urban life in India.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Some firms give more time off to those who shun plane travel

Christine Ro

September 17, 2019 |

BBC |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, London

Climate Perks is a program that encourages employees to avoid air travel and choose lower carbon-options for their personal travel. It is part of a trend of initiatives from businesses that incentivize slower travel as part of company policies or by offering extra vacation days. Despite slow adoption at Naturesave, another leader in encouraging green travel, environmentally-focused business leaders are hopeful for increased adoption as flight shame and climate change continue to be essential issues for young people.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Cherries and Snow: Hammana Artist House breathes life back into a small Lebanese village

Aina de Lapparent Alvarez

September 10, 2019 |

Beirut Today |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Lebanon, Hammana

Amplifying local culture, history, and food through the arts increases tourism and can revitalize areas struggling with depopulation. The Hammana Artist House, a collaboration between a philanthropist and Collectif Kahraba, a local theater non-profit in Hammana, Lebanon, has resulted in an arts program that attracts new visitors to the town. In addition to the village’s historic cherry festival, the collaboration has resulted in a new artist residency program and projects that enhance the identity and visibility of the community.

Read More
Go to Original Story
A Philippine community that once ate giant clams now works to protect them

Leilani Chavez

July 31, 2019 |

Mongabay |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Philippines, Samal

Ecotourism provides an economic alternative to fishing for coastal communities. On the Island Garden City of Samal, in the Philippines, residents have embraced a giant clam nursery and sanctuary, which attracts mariculture tourists. The giant clam sanctuary is a project of the Decor United Fisherfolk Organization (AdUFOr) and Davao del Norte State College. It offers livelihood for residents of the community, especially to seniors who give tours, and also assists in the conservation of giant clam populations.

Read More
Go to Original Story
How Sonoma's Vineyards Survived a Siege of Fire, Smoke and Ash

Michele Bigley

July 03, 2019 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Sonoma, California

Through collective action and informed practices, such as promoting grazing in vineyards, residents in fire-ravaged communities build a more resilient future. Across California’s wine region, locals have begun to reorient their way of life to mitigate the effects of future wildfires. The Good Fire Alliance, nonprofit group of organizations, focuses on promoting community resilience to wildfires, educating about safe burning practices, grazing, and encouraging general fire-ecology awareness.

Read More
Go to Original Story