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ECOCLUB, Issue 93
ECO & MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
World: Oslo Statement on Ecotourism released
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) released on 15 August the Oslo Statement on Ecotourism, which is an outcome of
the Global Ecotourism Conference 2007 (GEC07), in Oslo, Norway, 14-16 May. Marking the 5th anniversary of the
International Year of Ecotourism, GEC07 was an important step forward for the global ecotourism community's efforts to
strengthen its voice and to influence the travel industry to become more sustainable. David Sollitt, TIES Executive Director,
says, "Serving both as a summary of the discussions that took place during GEC07 and as a practical tool for promoting
ecotourism, the Oslo Statement on Ecotourism should be used by all ecotourism stakeholders to assess the current state of the
global ecotourism community and to evaluate the challenges facing ecotourism." The Statement highlights ecotourism's past
achievements and future challenges, and puts forward recommendations about ecotourism's roles in safeguarding the world's
natural and cultural heritage and bringing positive changes to the travel industry. It also calls upon international agencies and
governments to recognize the valuable role that ecotourism plays in local sustainable development. The statement can be
downloaded at:
World: Davos Declaration calls for Tourism action against Climate Change
A new Davos Declaration on tourism & climate change, reached at the conclusion of a three-day UNWTO-backed meeting in
the Swiss town better known for its annual economic forum, recognises that "the tourism sector must rapidly respond to climate
change, within the evolving UN framework, if it is to grow in a sustainable manner." The 2nd International Conference on
Climate Change & Tourism discussed the role tourism can play in addressing climate change to meet the UN's Millennium
Development Goals, and concluded that the tourism sector must lessen its greenhouse gas emissions, derived from transport and
accommodation activities, adapt tourism businesses and destinations to alter their practices, utilize technology to bolster energy
efficiency and obtain financial resources to assist poor regions and countries.
"We know that the solutions for climate change and for poverty are interrelated," said UNWTO Assistant Secretary-General
Geoffrey Lipman, while Stefanos Fotiou, who heads UNEP's Tourism Unit, pointed out that the Tourism industry is "challenged
by climate change and at the same time is not an insignificant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions".
Americas
Peru: Enviros oppose reduction of National Park for Oil extraction:
The protected and pristine forest to the west and south of Tambopata Research Center in Peru, a famous ecotourism destination,
can be profoundly affected by a legal amendment proposed to the Ministers Council on September 25, 2007. The amendment
aims to reduce the Bahuaja Sonene National Park by 209,000 hectares (516,000 acres) and open it to oil and gas exploration,
among other activities. The area at risk is an uninhabited and pristine tract of rainforest in the Candamo and Tambopata basins,
home to record numbers of plant and animal species, declared by The National Geographic Society as one of the world's seven
"iconic natural sanctuaries." Thousands of ecotourists visit Madre-de-Dios every year to visit the incredible spectacles of
hundreds of parrots and macaws at clay licks. This is also one of the last strong holds of the world's largest otter - the Giant
otter, and jaguars and other large wildlife are also abundant in the area. Environmentalists allege that a consortium of oil
companies have been behind a new bill which aims to reduce the area of Bahuaja-Sonene National Park by 19.22%. It is thought
that the oil and gas companies may be capitalizing on the country's recent misfortunes caused by an earthquake to push through
what would have been an unpopular proposal under normal circumstances. A high-ranking government official linked to
protected areas has already resigned in protest.
Saba: "Change is in the Air" - El Momo goes 100% smoke-free
El Momo aims to become the first 100% smoke-free hotel on Saba. The hotel's new policy is a result of guests expressing a
demand for a healthy, smoke-free hotel experience. El Momo considers a smoke-free policy as a natural evolution to its eco-
friendly philosophy. Industry research has confirmed a clear consumer demand for a clean, smoke free hotel environment. El
Momo’s staff will also benefit enormously from this effort to improve the quality of life rather than being required to enter
smoke-filled rooms, experiencing holey sheets, burned matresses, stinky ashtrays, smelly rooms, curtains and walls. No
employees should be required to risk their good health for the sake of their jobs. Second-hand smoke toxins and residue can stay
in fabrics anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of months after initial exposure, even after they have been washed. The
new policy will come into effect on January 1, 2008.
Ecuador: Pachijal Ecological Reserve introduces new Ecolodge
Pachijal Ecological Reserve is pleased to announce the opening of a new Ecolodge and preserve in the world-renowned birding
and naturalist haven of the Mindo Cloud Forest, Ecuador. Easily accessible via a newly opened modern roadway just two hours
from Quito, Pachijal guarantees visitors a unique ecological wonderland experience. Set in one of the most bio-diverse areas on
the planet, boasting 500 bird species in a delicate paradise of orchids, see-through butterflies and mammoth tree ferns, Pachijal
