New to California-based Ethical Traveler's annual list of most ethical destinations, Samoa recently co-signed a $1 million project for improving biodiversity and managing threats of climate change.
2015 ethical destinations: Samoa —
New to California-based Ethical Traveler's annual list of most ethical destinations, Samoa recently co-signed a $1 million project for improving biodiversity and managing threats of climate change.
Courtesy Samoa Tourism Authority
Famed for a ritual in which locals with vines tied around their legs <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2014%2F03%2F30%2Ftravel%2Fvanuatu-land-divers%2F">jump off platforms</a>, Vanuatu made progress with land reform that supports indigenous rights.
Vanuatu —
Famed for a ritual in which locals with vines tied around their legs jump off platforms, Vanuatu made progress with land reform that supports indigenous rights.
Steve Davey
In 2015, Ha'aapai will become Tonga's first island to institute organic farming. It aims to reduce 50% of its diesel importation by 2020.
Tonga —
In 2015, Ha'aapai will become Tonga's first island to institute organic farming. It aims to reduce 50% of its diesel importation by 2020.
TOURISM TONGA
Chile scored highest in environmental protection among all 10 ethical destinations. It approved the first carbon tax in South America, to take effect in 2018.
Chile —
Chile scored highest in environmental protection among all 10 ethical destinations. It approved the first carbon tax in South America, to take effect in 2018.
Courtesy Explora Patagonia
Lithuania's renewable energy use is currently at 22%, well ahead of schedule toward a goal of 23% by 2020. It also scored the highest on this year's UN Development Program's Human Development Index.
Lithuania —
Lithuania's renewable energy use is currently at 22%, well ahead of schedule toward a goal of 23% by 2020. It also scored the highest on this year's UN Development Program's Human Development Index.
Courtesy Vilnius Tourism & Convention Bureau
Cape Verde has one of Africa's highest scores for social welfare, according to the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index. It received a perfect score on a Freedom House report on civil and political rights.
Cape Verde —
Cape Verde has one of Africa's highest scores for social welfare, according to the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index. It received a perfect score on a Freedom House report on civil and political rights.
Capeverde.com
Dominica gets high marks for a clean energy initiative and concern for wildlife, including continued resistance to commercial whaling.
Dominica —
Dominica gets high marks for a clean energy initiative and concern for wildlife, including continued resistance to commercial whaling.
Courtesy Dominica.DM
Palau was designated an "Environmental Star" by the Small Island Developing States for its extensive care of marine and terrestrial areas.
Palau —
Palau was designated an "Environmental Star" by the Small Island Developing States for its extensive care of marine and terrestrial areas.
Courtesy Ketchum Hong Kong
Loved for its white beaches, Mauritius has embarked on a campaign to plant 200,000 trees by the end of 2014. In terms of social services, it's praised for being the only African country that has comprehensive income security programs for citizens over 60.
Mauritius —
Loved for its white beaches, Mauritius has embarked on a campaign to plant 200,000 trees by the end of 2014. In terms of social services, it's praised for being the only African country that has comprehensive income security programs for citizens over 60.
Courtesy Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
Uruguay hopes to see electric buses and taxis on its streets by 2015, says Ethical Traveler. In Colonia del Sacramento, tourists can already cruise the UNESCO World Heritage site by electric car.
Uruguay —
Uruguay hopes to see electric buses and taxis on its streets by 2015, says Ethical Traveler. In Colonia del Sacramento, tourists can already cruise the UNESCO World Heritage site by electric car.
MIGUEL ROJO/AFP/Getty Images