Leaves and Twigs: A Weekly Roundup of the Best Sustainability Stories on the Web

Last week, we celebrated the growth of a critically endangered parakeet population; revealed the results from our December “Cupping for Quality;” and said “thank you” for a wonderful 2012.

• The critically endangered Malherbe parakeet is thriving on a predator-free island reserve. [Scientific American]
• How is Nicaragua’s Los Cardones Ecolodge protecting baby sea turtles? [Sustainable Trip]
• It’s official: 2012 was the hottest year on record in the United States. [NY Times]
• Pinnacles National Monument in California – home to endangered black condors – has become America’s newest National Park. [Our Amazing Planet]
• The world’s poor will be the hardest hit by climate change. [The Guardian]
• Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms in Kenya, Peru and Colombia earned top scores at our December Cupping for Quality in Long Beach, California. [Rainforest Alliance]
• 7 resolutions for a better planet. [Mother Nature Network]
• How can you distinguish an ethical tourism operation from one engaging in cultural exploitation? [The International]
• Discover the “champagne of teas” grown high in the Himalayas. [Frog Blog]
• West African lions are on the verge of extinction. [The Guardian]
• The UN General Assembly agrees that ecotourism is the key to eradicating poverty and protecting the environment. [World Tourism Organization]
• A giant “flying frog” has been discovered outside of Ho Chi Minh City. [Mongabay]
• Tips for photographing local people respectfully on your travels. [National Geographic]
• Our staff from around the globe say “thank you” for a wonderful 2012. [Frog Blog]

Tell us: what sustainability stories captured  your attention?