You may have noticed some changes when you opened this newsletter. As the unfolding of Andaman Discoveries continues with new villages, volunteers, and projects, it was time for our look to evolve as well.
Our new tagline is: Become a part of the story...
What story, you may ask. Well, everyone who visits, volunteers, helps us with encouraging feedback, or simply reads our monthly newsletters, becomes a part of our efforts to build a better future.
Our new logo is an elegant yet simple design that symbolizes our roots and ongoing mission. A few months ago we asked for your help in designing a new logo. The response was incredible; we received some truly inspired artwork, and we sincerely thank everyone who contributed their ideas.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter. As always, we've done our best to present an inspiring mix of news about our efforts to assist with the local communities and environment. Thank you for continuing to be a part of the Andaman Discoveries story!
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Geotourism Challenge - Thank You!
AD Supporters Turn Out in Force!
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 Thank you to everyone who commented on our entry in the National Geographic Geotourism Challenge. We were sincerely humbled by the overwhelming support -- over 80 comments so far, more than any other entry.
It is still possible to post online comments until finalists are selected in July 15. Once that happens, it's up to the Changemakers Community (that's you!) to vote and select three winners. Voting is from July 15 to August 12; and we'll be sending out a reminder email to encourage you to vote.
The distinguished panel of judges, who will be choosing form over 500 entries, includes the VP of the National Geographic Society, a Noble laureate, the co-founder of Lonely Planet.
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Erik's Adventures - Fragile Footing
Can Ecotourism Save the Ban Naa River?
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 P' Lek stares wistfully at the banks of the Ban Naa River, located about 65 kilometers south of Ranong, while he pilots our inflatable raft downstream. On our left is a large concrete tower -- formerly part of a suspension footbridge -- now toppled and half-submerged, enmeshed in a tangle of cables. The surrounding land has all been cleared, stripping its rebar-like root system; recent monsoon rains swept away the tower's vulnerable footing. Across the river a lone tower stands sentinel amongst dense forest.
Further downstream we anchor at an oxbow where rubber tree saplings cling dearly to the abrupt precipice; this year alone the river's dimensions at this location have swelled by several meters through erosion. Lek and his team of five villagers set about measuring the damage -- river width and depth -- using rope, a plumb, a tape measure, a length of blue PVC pipe, and a camera. I'm one of several Westerners who have joined them on this rainy day -- including staff from Andaman Discoveries, N-ACT, and the Peace Corps -- to survey roughly three kilometers of the Ban Naa River and assess its eco-tourism potential.
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Andaman Discoveries at the United Nations
Lessons from the Andaman Coast shared with international commission
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 As you may recall, AD won the prestigious 2008 SEED award. As part of the honors that come with the award, our work was recently highlighted at the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development (UNCSD) in New York. So, we sent Mimi Cheung, our product manager and all around great gal, on a mission to the Big Apple!
After the event, Mimi said, "Winning the SEED Award lends credence to AD's philosophy and work in Thailand. Many people were essential in the success we've achieved thus far. The lessons learned in New York will surely be a part of AD's tomorrow."
At the event, Mimi shared her knowledge with high-profile champions of sustainability including Thailand's Minister for the Environment, the Minister of Agriculture from the Netherlands, and the Director General of IUCN.
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Kelly's Journal
Creating Lifetime Humanitarians
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 I returned to the energy of Andaman Discoveries after a seven-month absence, eager to resume the role of translator and guide. My first assignment was to help a group of YouthLINC volunteers, varying in age from 17 to over 80, organize in-village workshops.
In Ban Talae Nok, we conducted a health fair and first aid training with more than 40 villagers. Led by YouthLINC members, the events provided information on dental care, hygiene issues, family planning, and emergency medical care.
A personal highlight for me was translating during a cross-cultural ladies chatting session. After a delicious dinner, our time with the homestay ladies turned into an enlightening and amusing conversation -- I'm glad the men weren't present!
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Turtle Hurdle Controversy
Naucrates Shares Insights
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 We believe in maintaining an open dialogue with all of our partners. Naucrates has been our partner organization since the tsunami, and responded to a story in our April newsletter about releasing a baby sea turtle in Phuket. Turtle release events may vary drastically from one to another. The best bet is check with a reputable organization like Naucrates, who have a program to sponsor baby turtles and help this critically endangered species.
Dear Andaman Discoveries,
We receive your monthly newsletter and we are always impressed by the work that you are doing in Thailand. Reading the April newsletter, however, I felt sorry to read the article about turtles. The turtle releasing ceremony is very popular, and they are a great event to raise awareness but they are NOT a conservation tool! I am sure the person who had the opportunity to release the young turtle has not realized how hard it was for a green turtle hatchling (not leatherback as it is stated in the article) to be kept in the sun all day in the middle of thousands of people, at risk of dehydration...sea turtles are not social animals. There have even been cases of onlookers taking one of the baby turtles home.
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In the Spotlight
National Geographic recommends Andaman Discoveries
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 The third edition of the award-winning "National Geographic Traveler: Thailand" hit bookshelves recently, and the current version recommends Andaman Discoveries for responsible tourism in Thailand. Guidebooks are an important way of sharing information with travelers, and we are grateful for another opportunity to shine light on responsible tourism.
In addition to the National Geographic guidebook, Andaman Discoveries is featured in the Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, Natural Guide, and Beach Huts in Thailand (Denmark). We're also part of the responsibletravel.com network, as well as the Conservation International Community-Based Tourism Program, which supports and promotes community-based tourism ventures that offer significant conservation and development benefits to local communities.
View the article (430 kb pdf)
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Drafting the Next Chapter
Team Andaman Looks Inward and Onward
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 An unexamined life is not worth living, said Socrates more than two millennia ago, and, like life itself, the complexities of community development and conservation also require an introspective spirit. With that in mind, Andaman Discoveries dedicated the entire last weekend of May to a working staff retreat.
Teamwork was the common goal, from the opening icebreaker in which everyone bunched together in a circle, then bent down and attempted to walk as one, to a finale of "Twister!" For the two days in-between the team worked as one, reviewing the Andaman Discoveries' mission statement, organizational chart, and everyone's individual contributions, with fresh feedback and ideas. The retreat was intense at times, as everyone delved deep into planning and direction. But with expert facilitation from seasoned veteran and friend Bill Tuffin, a firm team commitment, and a common vision of future viability, amorphous ideas crystallized into firm plans and clearer roles.
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Getting Branded
Potter Logo Design Captures the Andaman Discoveries Story
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 Andaman Discoveries proudly unveiled our beautiful new logo last week. Congratulations and many thanks to Michaela Potter, co-founder of Briefcase to Backpack and owner of Wanderlust Productions. Michaela's passion for travel inspires her creative side, and she gained firsthand knowledge of the Andaman Discoveries story during a four-day, three-night cultural tour in 2007.
After considering many outstanding submissions to our call for a logo design, we concluded Michaela's design best represents the story of Andaman Discoveries. Her simple and elegant design is symbolic of our mission and history on several levels. The Andaman Discoveries' story began after the tsunami in 2004 and continues to this day. We continue to invite people to become a part of our ongoing story, in contributing to the sustainability of communities in the North Andaman Region in Thailand.
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Make a Difference in Marketing and Development for Sustainable Tourism
Andaman Discoveries Seeks Long-Term Volunteer/Intern
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 Are you a student or recent graduate eager to gain more hands-on experience in marketing, tourism, and community development? Or are you a professional ready to take a career break, but want to utilize your skills? If yes, then Andaman Discoveries wants to hear from you.
Andaman Discoveries is a leader in sustainable travel in Thailand that allows visitors and volunteers to directly support community education, village-led conservation, and cultural empowerment. We are seeking a long-term volunteer and/or intern to join our team.
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Copyright
2009 Andaman Discoveries
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Why Us?
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Andaman Discoveries' internationally recognized community development and tourism projects make a real difference. Our International and bilingual staff have extensive knowledge, allowing guests to enjoy a true cultural exchange.
We have developed comprehensive teaching materials for those planning to volunteer in a school. And for folks new to Thailand we can arrange regional transport and accommodations, and even offer advice on traveling (our staff loves to explore the country, too!).
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Stay Connected!
Join our mailing list, become a friend on Facebook, follow our moves on Twitter, or join our LinkedIn group!
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"The professionalism and skill sets of the staff are unparalleled. The itineraries are impeccable. Safety, flexibility and accommodating changes in itineraries are things AD does with absolute care and capability."
Lindsay, YouthLINC, USA
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"I'm very impressed with Andaman Discoveries commitment to eco tourism and relief recovery. What a great way to experience a country and its people. This is just what I was hoping for. The people in the village are very hospitable, friendly and conscientious. I felt very welcome. It's been a wonderful experience. Thank you so much!"
Angela, YouthLINC, USA
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"I fully enjoyed my experience. It was a unique and beautiful time with the gracious and kind host family. I felt welcome in the home and at the village and will treasure my time here. I would highly recommend this to anyone -- it was a trip of a lifetime."
Emily, YouthLINC, USA
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"What a humbling experience. I felt very welcome and at ease and have never been happier in my whole life. Thanks for the opportunity. I definitely plan on returning, hopefully next time as a volunteer."
Jackie, YouthLINC, USA
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