Web-Conference on Sustainable Development of Ecotourism
Wednesday, April 03, 2002
The World Tourism Organization (WTO<.>) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP<.>) present the Sustainable Development of Ecotourism Web-Conference in the framework of the International Year of Ecotourism 2002.
The Conference takes place online between 1-26 April 2002 and its results will be presented at the World Ecotourism Summit (Quebec City, Canada, 19-22 May 2002). The prime objective of this web-conference is to provide an easy access forum for a wide range of stakeholders involved in ecotourism to exchange experiences and voice comments, especially for those who have not been able to attend regional preparatory conferences that have taken place between March 2001 and March 2002.
Discussion will be focused on the four main subject themes defined for the IYE process:
Ecotourism Policy and Planning: The Sustainability Challenge
Regulation of Ecotourism: Institutional Responsibilities and Frameworks
Product Development, Marketing and Promotion of Ecotourism: Fostering Sustainable Products and Consumers
Monitoring Costs and Benefits of Ecotourism: Ensuring Equitable Distribution among all Stakeholders
Cross-cutting issues to be discussed throughout the following themes:
The sustainability of ecotourism from the environmental, economic and socio-cultural points of view.
Involvement and empowerment of local communities and indigenous people in the ecotourism development process, in management and monitoring of ecotourism activities, and in the sharing of benefits resulting from it.
Who can participate?
The event will be of great interest for government agencies, private sector organizations, NGOs, development agencies, local community representatives, researchers and experts involved in ecotourism-related activities.
Registration
There is no charge to register for the Sustainable Development of Ecotourism Web-Conference. However, active participation by the posting of messages will be limited to professionals with two years of relevant experience. Others are welcome to register and participate as observers. Registration will remain open throughout the conference.
Calendar
Messages will be cleared for posting between April 1-26 2002. Each week will focus on one of the four Themes.
April 1 - 5: Ecotourism Policy and Planning
April 8 - 12: Regulation of Ecotourism
April 15-19: Product Development, Marketing and Promotion of Ecotourism
April 22-26: Monitoring Costs and Benefits of Ecotourism
April 26-May 1: Production of Web-Conference Final Report
May 19 2002: Presentation of the Summary Document at the World Ecotourism Summit
The imminent privatization of Olympic Airlines is expected to change the fate of this debt-laden airline. What do you think the new owner should do in regard to the brand name of the Greek national flag carrier?.
