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*UN Award for Ecotourism
Project for Ecolodge Members in Laos UNESCO-National Tourism
Authority of Lao PDR Nam Ha Ecotourism Project is Awarded the 2001 United
Nations Development Award - On 24 October the UNESCO-Lao PDR international project
"Nam Ha Ecotourism: Integrated Planning for Culturally and Ecologically
Sustainable Tourism Development through District and Local Community
Management" was awarded the 2001 United Nations Development Award for the
outstanding contribution the project team has made towards poverty alleviation
in the Lao PDR. The National Tourism Authority of the Lao PDR is the project's
primary implementing agency, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry and Ministry of Information and Culture. Technical assistance and
monitoring is provided by UNESCO's Office of the Regional Advisor for Culture in
Asia and the Pacific. The projects main donors are the Government of New Zealand
and the International Finance Corporation. The awards focus on sustainable human development and poverty
alleviation is especially relevant, as one of the Nam Ha Project's main
objectives is to develop an economically viable ecotourism development model
that contributes to the conservation and protection of the Lao PDR's unique
cultural and natural heritage. Because this is the first community-based
ecotourism project ever implemented in the Lao PDR, the creation of an
equitable, economically viable model that also supports genuine conservation
initiatives is of particular importance. The economic benefits that local people derive from the
community based cultural and nature tours developed by the project team are a
result of their direct involvement in the planning, development and management
of such programs. Guides and community members trained in the principles of
sustainable tourism development and heritage conservation form the critical mass
of local ecotourism providers, vested in the protection of the resources that
sustain their new-found profession. In addition, permit and management fees
generated by the ecotourism programs support conservation activities in the Nam
Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area and also provide the Provincial
Tourism Authority with financial resources to monitor the operations. With vibrant traditional culture and stunning natural beauty,
ecotourism development represents a tremendous opportunity that can be an
important component of overall economic development and heritage conservation
initiatives in the Lao PDR. To this end, UNESCO and the National Tourism
Authority of the Lao PDR are presently exploring strategies to expand the Nam Ha
Project and replicate its success on a wider scale. First
Urban Ecotourism Conference, in Herzliya, Israel The world's first urban ecotourism conference was held in
Herzliya on December 2, 2001, in preparation for the International Year of
Ecotourism in 2002.
Jerusalem learned from Toronto's Green Tourism Association how our organizations' innovative approach may be just the answer to promote the OTHER
side of Jerusalem. I was invited to be a keynote
speaker in Herzilya, Israel about urban ecotourism and the possibility of
developing and promoting this sustainable tourism option. The Tourism Ministry,
local government, and the private sector are exploring urban ecotourism as a
form of sustainable tourism. Over 130 delegates from across Israel attended this
tourism conference and looked at niche marketing through urban ecotourism and
ecotourism development. Who would have thought you could go to a city such as
Jerusalem and: - See gazelles while waiting for the bus? - Birdwatch in the
middle of the city and contribute to an urban greening project at the same time?
- Appreciate the most spectacular view of the old city and hear that this view
may be threatened by development? - Visit Ein Karem, a magical village 8,000
years old that has incorporated ecotourism principals in their truest form to
keep this village authentic? - Visit the old forest and learn about
environmental restoration projects that involved local school children? The Sustainable Jerusalem Charter was formed in 1998,
representing over 40 Non Governmental Organization's and community groups. The
group now see urban ecotourism as a way of marketing their initiatives and
improving tourism. "Environmental issues transcend divisive forces and help
forge unexpected alliances. In a society fraught with ethnic, religious and
political conflicts, the participants found that different sectors of the
community could be brought into closer harmony." The purpose of the charter
"provides a realistic framework for economic and physical growth while
improving the quality of life for present and future generations" (The
Sustainable Jerusalem Charter, SPNI, 1998). Three Cheers
for Ecotour Samoa! 2001 EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AWARDS: Also to celebrate 2002 UN Year of Ecotourism, they are launching a GREEN TURTLE bus which will be a round-the-island shuttle to all the village-based community tourism projects. For details: http://ecoclub.com/ecotoursamoa Expert Member in India seeks cooperation for environmental initiatives
2002 has been declared as IYE 2002. What activities can we do in Agra to make the
residents more environment conscious and eco friendly and what support can be
generated in India. who are the other people in our country so that we can
develop a network and do something for environment. The feedback and essential
inputs are required. thanks again waiting for your mail. SPECIAL ECOTOURISM EVENTS IN NEPAL
The following exciting events are taking place at our Ecolodge Member Aqua Birds
Camp, Nepal: World Wetland Day: 3rd, 4th & 5th Feb 2002. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1976, and covers an area of 175 sq. km. The reserve is named after the biggest river of Nepal, the Sapta Koshi. It is a major residing, staging and wintering site for waterfowls and waders in the sub-continent. Due to its international importance for the conservation of waders and waterfowl, it has been accorded the Ramsar Site in 1987. The reserve and the adjacent area supports more than 462 bird species. During October to April one could be able to spot more than 100 species in a single day birding. Massive flocks of ducks numbering more than 50,000 chiefly Northern Pintails, Mallard and Northern Shoveler is a common sight during fall and winter. Globally threatened species occurring in this area includes Black-necked Stork, Greater Adujtant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Peregrine Falcon, Bengal Florican, Great Stone Plover, Black-bellied Tern, Dusky Eagle Owl, Swamp Francolin, Marsh Warbler etc. February is the best time for birding in Koshi Tappu, species list may increase more than 140. It is a great opportunity to increase your life list. Please contact us at the address mentioned below, seats are limited. Program Day I - 3 Feb. 2002 Arrival at Aqua Birds Unlimited Camp at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve followed by welcome drinks. 1.00 pm Lunch 3.00 pm Workshop of importance Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, the only Ramsar site of Nepal 7.00 pm Jhangad Cultural Dance followed by Nepali Dinner. Day II - 4 Feb. 2002 5.30 am Wake up call followed by breakfast 6.30 am Full day Birding inside the Reserve with pack lunch. Boat ride on Koshi River. Sun set and Birding along the embankment of Koshi River. 6.30 pm Cultural dance perfomed by Jhangads followed by Dinner Overnight at Aqua Birds Unlimited Camp Day III - 5 Feb. 2002 5.30 am Wake up call followed by breakfast 6.30 am Half day birding inside the Reserve 1.00 pm Lunch Break 2.30 pm Half day birding and Gangetic DolphinXX-Mozilla-Status: 0009and Pink Tower 6.30 pm Dinner and overnight at Aqua Birds Unlimited Camp Day IV - 6 Feb. 2002 6.30 am Wake up call followed by breakfast 8.30 am Departure For, Aqua Bird Unlimited Camp Rajib D. Shrestha Director
For details: http://ecoclub.com/aquabirds News from Vietnam The views that appear in this section do not necessarily represent those of ECOCLUB S.A. We reserve the right to edit for brevity. Send your ecotourism news report or article for the next issue to news@ecoclub.com |