|
Last Updated
|
Urban Ecotourism Conference Participants Agree on Declaration
|
|
|
PLANETA.COM -- The first international Urban
Ecotourism Conference has set the stage for greening tourism
in cities around the globe.
The event had participants representing more than a dozen countries.
Participants in the first International Urban Ecotourism Conference
respect Urban Ecotourism as an ongoing opportunity to conserve
biological and social diversity, create new jobs and improve
the quality of life.
Participants created a declaration
which sets the stage for greening tourism in cities around the
globe and have submitted the document to the organizers of World
Environment Day 2005.
|
URBAN ECOTOURISM DECLARATION
Recognizing urban centers as cradles of civilization, socio-political
progress, examples of co-existence between diverse cultures
... and
Recognizing the importance of ecotourism in facilitating cultural
exchange, environmental conservation, sustainable and equitable
development...
We, the participants of the first international Urban
Ecotourism Conference, ask interested stakeholders -- officials
at the local, federal and international levels, relevant cultural,
historical and environmental organizations, the private sector,
travelers and residents -- to focus on common goals:
• Restoring and conserving natural and cultural heritage
including natural landscapes and biodiversity, and indigenous
cultures;
• Maximizing local benefits and engaging the local community
as owners, investors, hosts and guides;
• Educating visitors and residents on environmental matters,
heritage resources, sustainability;
• Reducing our ecological footprint.
|
RECOMMENDATIONS
We propose that local authorities and other stakeholders should
work together in taking the following measures:
|
|
|
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
• Share news about local endeavors towards environmental
and biodiversity protection.
• Improve existing information centers with details on
urban environment and culture or create new centers.
• Conduct surveys of best practices from other cities,
and share with all interested stakeholders.
• Improve interpretation of natural and cultural features
for residents and visitors.
• Showcase urban ecotourism models to stimulate broader
awareness, acceptance and interest.
• Create and distribute green maps
BIODIVERSITY
• Showcase biodiversity conservation
COMMUNITY
• Increase public green spaces and guarantee the free use
of public space.
• Create opportunities for positive interaction among residents
and travelers.
• Encourage participation by all stakeholders -- particularly
small and
medium-sized enterprises that are the core of sustainable tourism
and urban ecotourism.
• Integrate municipal development of Urban Ecotourism bottom-up
with regional, national and international allies.
• Encourage connections between the tourism industry and
the cultural heritage and environmental sectors
• Focus on enhancement/cleanup of the urban environment
ENERGY
• Encourage renewable energy sources
FINANCING
• Finance adequate infrastructure, public spaces, personnel
to develop Urban Ecotourism in an organized fashion.
• Provide incentives to develop tourism and employment
in marginalized areas.
• Develop and promote natural and organic product markets
(particularly those with local goods).
TRANSPORTATION
• Develop interconnected bicycle lanes/trails and walking
paths.
• Support and promote a user friendly system of public
transit for tourists and residents
• Encourage transportation innovation and research to develop
new solutions
|
PLANETA.COM
Planeta.com is an award-winning
water cooler that presents articles and discussion about the environment
and travel. Planeta.com debuted in 1994. Travelers will find tips on choosing eco-friendly, people-friendly and place-friendly trips. Professionals
will find a number of helpful resources, including
the Exploring
Ecotourism Resource Guide. If you have questions about
our site, contact
us.
|
UPGRADE YOUR WORLD
Learning never ends. Upgrade your world! See if Ron's workshop is right for you. |
|
|
|
|
