Stories
What’s inside the only accessible volcanic magma chamber in the world?
There is one volcano unlike any other. Normally, after a volcano eruption, its craters and the chamber below, filled with magma during the eruption, are closed off by lava and become inaccessible. But in [...]
What is the great Orion Nebula and how can you see it for yourself?
Chances are, you’ve seen images of this nebula countless times online, on TV, in movies and in books and magazines - but what is it? And how can you see it for yourself? If [...]
How do you become an active steward of nature?
"The biodiversity and reforestation volunteering project in Mt. Balagbag Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines on September 2023 has been my first action in becoming a more responsible stewardess of nature." This was the first path we’d [...]
The African Wild Dog: What makes it one of nature’s most successful predators?
The African Wild Dog, with its unique adaptations, complex social structure and astonishing hunting prowess, stands as one of the most successful predators in the animal kingdom. Their cooperative nature, incredible endurance and efficient hunting [...]
What was it like to freedive with the legendary Ama from Japan?
Voiij by Andi Cross, Edges of Earth (Expedition Lead). This was a highlight of our expedition so far. But I certainly didn’t have the best luck on my first attempt diving with these legendary women. [...]
Are Bats One of Our Most Misunderstood Creatures?
Much of the general population has extreme and profoundly negative connotations to bats—often seeing them as dirty, creepy, and disease-ridden. However, most of these perceptions are rooted in myths and fear. These perceptions paint a [...]
What is the Importance of Protecting Endemic Species in the Galapagos?
The Galapagos, located off the coast of Ecuador, is one of the most treasured places in the world.The Galapagos is highly biodiverse and home to thousands of endemic species of flora and fauna. An endemic [...]
Could floating treatment wetlands be the solution to keeping our fresh water clean and healthy?
What are floating treatment wetlands (FTW) and how do they work?Not only does FTWs improve the overall quality of water it also creates opportunities for economic growth that can improve the environment.Anneke Smit's Voiij introduces [...]
Great White Sharks: Why are they the Enigmatic Giants of the Deep?
Beneath the shimmering surface of the world's oceans lies a realm of mystery and intrigue, where some of the most enigmatic creatures on Earth dwell. Among these oceanic marvels, one species stands out as [...]
The Silent Roar: Are Lions Under Siege in Africa Due to Poaching?
Lions, the iconic symbol of Africa's wildlife, have long been revered for their majestic presence and the vital role they play in maintaining the ecological balance of the African savannah. However, beneath their regal exterior [...]
Can Colombia’s ancient stone pathway tell a story from the past?
We were awakened by the aroma of coffee prepared by the owner of the lodge in the municipality of Guaduas, Colombia. After we drank the morning “tinto” and ate a simple breakfast of corn cakes [...]
What’s all the fuss behind the world’s second most popular beverage, loose leaf tea?
After water, tea is the most popular beverage around the globe. As part of the preparations of an educational programme, we visited the tea fields in rural Guiyang, Guizhou province, China, to learn more about [...]
The Baitoushan eruption: can beauty really be created from chaos?
We made a visit to the location of one of the world’s most powerful volcanic eruption sites, in history.A must-mention, and to the pride of locals, are the Julong hot springs at Changbaishan with steam [...]
Are nature-based solutions the answer to our globally faced challenges?
Ecological engineering is the application of ecological principles and knowledge to design and manage ecosystems. Can this really be a solution to our currently faced global, environmental challenges? If so, then how?Voiijer Anneke Smit explains [...]
