Exodus Travels has launched a collection of Citizen Science departures as part of its work with NatureMetrics.
The new initiative will enable client involvement in environment DNA (eDNA) sample collection across 20 of its trips throughout the world. These samples will play a vital role in building the eBioAtlas, a joint initiative of IUCN and NatureMetrics, which aims to monitor biodiversity worldwide in order to map the distribution of various species and contribute to global knowledge of ecosystems through genetics and cutting-edge technology.
In OCT 2021, Exodus announced its 'Nature First' commitment and set the goal of becoming Nature Net Positive by 2024. This means that when creating and running its trips, not only will negative impacts on natural ecosystems be reduced, but it will proactively seek to support nature’s restoration and regeneration. Its focus is to reduce the negative impacts of travel, including carbon emissions, waste and pollution, and ecosystem exploitation.
“As an adventure travel company with a mission to improve life for people, places and planet, we’re excited to work with NatureMetrics on the innovative eBioAtlas project to enable our clients to collect freshwater samples on their global adventures, thereby using our business model to contribute towards this crucial work for the long-term conservation and restoration of biodiversity,” says Kasia Morgan, Group Head of Sustainability for Exodus Travels.
Guests on the Citizen Science trips will be able to collect eDNA samples from freshwater sources on location, which will then be examined to collate the eBioAtlas, a distribution map of various species. Traces of DNA are left in different environments, such as waterways, wetlands, and forests, so using eDNA technique, it is possible to know the species present in different ecosystems, as well as their migration habits.
Water samples will be packaged and sent to NatureMetrics’ laboratory in the UK for analysis. Every guest on a Citizen Science departure will receive a report from NatureMetrics explaining what species have been within the vicinity of where the water samples were taken.
Samples will provide information for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is a comprehensive guide on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungi, and plant species. Guests can contribute to identifying sites in need of biodiversity protection and restoration, as well as increasing the understanding of endangered species around the world.
“By creating the world’s most comprehensive knowledge base on freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity, the eBioAtlas will contribute to identifying priority areas for biodiversity conservation and restoration, supporting the IUCN Red Data List, and protected areas. It is fantastic that Exodus is engaging their clients in the process of citizen science to help global biodiversity,” continues Morris.
In the lead up to the launch of this initiative, Exodus has produced a new mini documentary entitled Footprints of the Forest, which was filmed and directed by Olly Pemberton and features leading wildlife biologist Lizzie Daly. Set in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the film showcases the eBioAtlas project, explains how samples are taken, and details how visitors will be involved on the Citizen Science Departure trips. The clip can be viewed here.
The following trips are a selection of the available Citizen Science departures:
The Zambezi Valley: priced from CAD$3,345
This eight-day trip will allow guests to take water samples from the Zambezi whilst canoeing down the river before pulling up to beaches to overnight camp. Away from the water there is also plenty of time for game walks and drives in the Chiawa Game Management Area, known for its elephant sightings.
· Water sampling location: Lower Zambezi National Park
· Departure dates: 24JUN and 16SEP 2023
Discover Costa Rica: priced from CAD$5,645
Costa Rica has proportionately more protected land than any other country, with conservation efforts paramount to this success. On this 15-day itinerary, guests will take water samples in Piedras Blancas National Park and Savegre Cloud Forest to discover the biodiversity of its rainforests and cloud forests. Wildlife sightings of howler monkeys, caiman, toucans, and sloths are all likely. Guests will also visit the waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles.
· Water sampling locations: Piedras Blancas National Park & Savegre Cloud Forest
· Departure dates: 29MAR, 08APR, 06MAY and 22JUL 2023
Vietnam Adventure: priced from CAD$2,575
This 14-day trip explores the rich heritage of the imperial cities, the coastal scenery, and the vibrant life of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, and the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Visitors will take a boat trip through the limestone formations of Ha Long Bay, discover the history of Hoi An and crawl through the Cu Chi war tunnels. Guests will also embark on a Hanoi city tour to explore the Old Quarter and experience traditional cuisine. There will be the opportunity to visit the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and Tu Duc Mausoleum in Hue.
· Water sampling location: Vinh Long Province, Mekong River Delta
· Departures dates: 07MAY and 24SEP 2023
Portugal: Walking and Wine – Premium Adventure: from CAD$3,795
This eight-day tour through Portugal’s vineyards will be led by Exodus’ guest guide Madalena Patacho. The tour includes walks and cultural visits provide an introduction to Portugal, once a dominant trading power in the world. Guests will learn the history of Portugal from grape to bottle on this gastronomic journey through the city of Porto, and the Basto and Douro wine regions, where Port wines are produced.
· Water sampling location: The Cabril river, a tributary of the Tâmega river
· Departure dates: 07MAY and 03SEP 2023
For more information, please visit Exodus Travels.
