We all need to get away and unwind. Travel in our modern world is inevitable. At Big Green Factory we believe that travel should be sustainable, have minimal environmental impact and support conservation initiatives and communities.

We wish to promote organisations that implement and participate in ecotourism activities that follow the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

We will help to promote organisations that follow our principals and list them in our Eco Resort section. If you think a resort or organisation should be listed, contact us and well examine their suitability for listing.

Bird Safari Camp
A tropical paradise lodge set on the meandering river banks of MacCarthy Island in The Gambia. Located approximately 200 miles (300Km) inland in the fresh water region of The Gambia, close to the River Gambia National Park, this idyllic location provides a perfect base to view wildlife as well as offering some of the country's best local bird & wildlife guides. In November 2010 Bird Safari camp will take delivery of a solar powered vessel the 'Safari Queen II' for travelling through the saltwater mangrove habitat along the lower end of the River Gambia. The camp's other vessel 'Lady Hippo' sails through the beautiful freshwater habitat of the River Gambia National Park where you can see hippos, monkeys, chimpanzees as well as a rich variety of birds. Visit http://www.bsc.gm for more information.

Sandele Bay Eco-retreat
Inspired and created by Geri & Maurice of Safari Garden Hotel, Sandele is a new eco-lodge of stunning beauty. It is located in the very south of The Gambia on possibly the country's most beautiful stretch of sandy beach. The accommodation consists of 4 luxury, spacious domed 'lodges' which each share a small plunge pool and a private terrace. The 5 'guest rooms' do not have a plunge pool although they do have a private terrace and are still very comfortable.

Years of research and planning have helped to make Sandele Bay a truly special eco-retreat. It has been designed around principles which include care for the environment, for the community, for the staff and, especially, for the guests. Electricity is supplied by solar and wind power and the plentiful hot water showers are heated by the sun. Other eco-friendly features include composting toilets, rainwater harvesting and waste management systems. The lodges were built using locally-made compressed stabilised earth blocks, an innovative technique which has since spread to other developments in The Gambia and Senegal. Visit http://www.sandele.com for more information.