If the news hasn't reached you yet, learn from us that the image designated as the best nature photo of the year was taken in an archipelago in Norway by the British photographer Nima Sarikhani.

The award was given based on the public vote in the People’s Choice Photographer of the Year for the "Wildlife Photographer of the Year," a competition organized by the Natural History Museum of London.

It is an image that "is thought-provoking, it is a clear warning about the indispensable link between an animal and its habitat and serves as a visual representation of the harmful impacts of global warming and habitat loss," emphasizes Dr. Douglas Gurr, the director of the Natural History Museum.

Gurr also pointed out that "Sarikhani's stunning and poignant image allows us to see the beauty and fragility of our planet."

The author said that indeed, the picture evokes strong emotions, but he is optimistic that it will also offer hope.

"While climate change represents the greatest challenge we face, I am confident this photo also inspires hope; we still have time to fix the problems we've caused," said Nima.

Why are we, the creators of a blog and a tourism platform, telling you all this? Because we want to offer you one more argument to the theory that caring for nature starts with each of us. And that includes the way you choose your vacation.

That's why we recommend you opt for sustainable accommodations. How do you do that? Ask if they follow a few important, but basic, rules:

• Do they recycle waste?
• Do they promote local culture and traditions?
• Do they serve local products?
• Do they respect and protect nature?
• Do they use renewable energy?

If the answers to these questions are yes, then put them on your list or make your reservation!

We also remind you that starting from June, after the launch of our online booking platform stayhere.ro, you will be able to book your vacation based on the sustainability score that will be listed for each accommodation.

The platform will feature a labeling system for sustainable accommodations in Romania, through the completion of a 17-question survey. This score will be available and displayed to tourists at the moment of booking, representing a significant step towards promoting sustainable tourism in Romania.

The questionnaire was developed in collaboration with experts in sustainable development and addresses the Sustainable Development Goals included in the UN strategy, part of the European Union's 2030 Agenda.

So, when you book your vacation, think about the polar bear losing its habitat due to environmental issues and try to become part of the solution, not the problem!