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Opening Ceremony of WEC2010
From Left: Prof. Trevor Sofield, Conference
Chairman; H.E. Datuk Dr Victor Wee, Chairman of UNWTO
Programme Committee; YB Dato Dr Awang Adek, Deputy Finance
Minister; YAB Dato Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Chief Minister
of Perak; YBhg Dato Dr Ong Hong Peng, Secretary-General,
Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia.
 Thursday
June 10, 2010
Perak to put Royal
Belum on world map
TELUK
INTAN: Perak is planning to put its
Royal Belum tropical rainforest on the
world map for eco-tourism during an
international conference in July.
Mentri
Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir
said the state would officially launch
the Royal Belum’s eco-tourism industry
during the three-day World Eco-Tourism
Conference in Kuala Lumpur on July 8 to
10.
“The
conference will also be renamed as the
Royal Belum Eco-Tourism Conference,” he
told reporters after chairing an
executive council member meeting here
yesterday.
Conference Convenor Lee Choon Loong said
the name of the conference was changed
to elevate the status of Royal Belum
tropical rainforest into a world-class
eco-tourism spot.
“About
400 participants from 40 countries will
take part in the conference.
“Promoting Royal Belum will be our main
priority during World Tourism Day in
September,” said Lee, who is also
Malaysian Ecotourism Associa-tion
secretary-general.
Lee said
the conference was also a platform to
promote other eco-tourism spots that had
yet to gain recognition.
Laos
hosted the conference last year.
The Objectives:
For
the betterment of sustainable tourism economies,
people and environment
The World Ecotourism Conference is an
ambitious initiative to bring global
ecotourism players together to network,
collaborate and share their experiences,
best practices and technologies for the
betterment of nature conservation,
environment protection, preservation of
communities and consequently the
advancement of ecotourism around the
world.
A key objective of WEC is to support
host countries that are in need of a
global platform and leverage to
champion, position or support ecotourism
policies and initiatives that will bring
transformational changes for the
betterment of their economies, people or
environment. Each and every peer
participant would be recognised for
their collective intellectual and moral
support to this not-for-profit common
cause.
Reference Link:
1st World
Ecotourism Conference, Vientiane, Lao
PDR
The Speakers:
Leaders who
inspire others to dream more, learn more, do
more and become more
View list of
eminent speakers at WEC
WEC2010:
The
most important platform for ecotourism
development and the future
 The
forthcoming 2nd World Ecotourism
Conference 2010's (WEC2010) theme is
"Urban Ecotourism & Biodiversity
Hotspots in
Developing Countries: Shifting Paradigms
and Strategic Adaptations".
Besides discussing the impact of climate
change and adaptation on ecotourism and
the need for a paradigm shift
resolution, topics include other equally
critical issues.
The Conference has taken into
consideration of affirmative actions in
the Vientiane Declaration for Ecotourism
particularly capacity building and role
of academia as well as the empowerment
of youth and women in organising this
Conference.
Programme in brief
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CONFERENCE THEME
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Urban Ecotourism &
Responsible Travel in Developing
Countries: Shifting Paradigms
and Strategic Adaptations. |
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BUSINESS SESSIONS -
International Green Tourism Expo
& Mart |
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TOURS & VISITS -
WEC2010 Technical & Post-Tours
to UNESCO World Heritage Sites &
Potential Sites |
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NETWORKING -
Public - Private Sector & Buyer
- Seller Pre-Scheduled
One-to-One Networking Meetings |
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PARALLEL TRACKS |
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Track 1 - Academic &
Research |
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Track 2 - Travel and
Tourism Trade |
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Track 3a - Academic & Research |
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Track 3b - National & Regional
Meetings |
Global Overview
To provide a global overview of
ecotourism around the world, the results
and outcomes of various international
ecotourism conferences will also be
invited to be presented at the World
Ecotourism Conferences.
Examples of developing areas given
special emphasis are The Greater Mekong
Sub-region (GMS), the
Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth
Triangle (IMT-GT), the
Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore (IMS-GT)
Growth Triangle and the Brunei
Darussalam- Indonesia - Malaysia
-Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Networking & Learning
Opportunities
 The
2010 World Ecotourism Conference, with
the contribution, support and enthusiasm
of committed partners, will provide an
exciting and engaging forum for
discussion of current issues, solutions
and best practice case studies. Get to
know the Speakers and "who's who" in the
ecotourism fraternity. Great networking
opportunities will be engaged in a set
of cultural program and technical tours.
Moving up ecotourism along the
value chain
 The World Ecotourism Conference 2010 is
introducing a parallel track for an Academia Session in which
postgraduate students, academics & researchers are given the
opportunity to present their papers and
posters.
This novel idea is in response
to the overwhelming feedback and queries
from academics who felt that they
could have added value to WEC2009
held in Vientiane, by presenting their
latest research findings on areas
related to ecotourism
(Link:
Vientiane Declaration on
Ecotourism for Developing Countries).
In recognition of the
crucial role of academics and
researchers in shaping the philosophy,
theories, concepts and techniques
associated with ecotourism, the Academic
Session is aimed at showcasing and
disseminating research findings that are
focusing on moving up ecotourism
along the value chain.
 The
Conference is held in Malaysia which has
won several ecotourism awards and the
individuals in the private sector have
received international acclaims and
accolades for their best practices in
ecotourism.
Malaysia is an amazing country with
countless abundance of biodiversity. It
is not surprising to find that 75
percent of Malaysia’s land area remains
forested, with 60 percent virgin
rainforest, unchanged for millions of
years.
The country is bestowed with numerous
natural attractions such as amazing and
diverse flora and fauna, white sandy
beaches, exotic marine aqua life, dense
rainforests and the oldest and largest
caves in the world.
Unlock the mysteries of Malaysia, one of
the twelve mega-biologically diverse
countries in the world, which boasts at
least 15,000 species of flowering
plants, 286 species of mammals, 150,000
species of invertebrates, and 4,000
species of fishes in addition to the
countless micro-organisms.
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Opening Ceremony of WEC2009 in Vientiane, Lao
PDR
15
- 17 July 2009
From Left: H.E. Shri Sultan Ahmed, State Minister of Tourism
India; H.E. Mr Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Lao Minister of Tourism;
Mr. Eugenio Yunis Asst Deputy Secretary General
UNWTO, H.E. Mr. Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of Lao
PDR
Website:
www.weco2009laos.com |
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MESSAGE OF H.E DR. TALEB RIFAI,
SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE WORLD
TOURISM ORGANIZATION
ON THE OCCASION OF THE WORLD
ECOTOURISM CONFERENCE 2010
The United Nations declared 2010 to be
the International Year of Biodiversity.
It is a celebration of life on earth and
of the value of biodiversity for our
lives. The tourism industry and
travelers at large are invited to take
action in 2010 and beyond to safeguard
the variety of life on earth:
Biodiversity.
In joining and consolidating this global
campaign, UNWTO and the international
tourism community will be celebrating
the 30th World Tourism Day (WTD) in
Guangdong Province of China on 27th
September 2010 under the theme Tourism
and Biodiversity.
It is not too late for Governments, the
private sector, academia, civil
societies and media to act upon the
challenges of safeguarding biodiversity,
and I am confident that the tourism
community will work hand in hand with
the scientific community and forge ahead
to develop viable solutions, innovative
ideas and strategic adaptations that can
close the divide between tourism
socio-economic pursuits and conservation
of biodiversity.
While ecotourism plays an important role
as a socio-economic driver to boost
local economies and communities,
ecotourism industry stakeholders from
both the public and private sectors are
strongly urged to assess ecological
impacts, embrace best practices in
sustainable tourism development and rise
as true champions of tourism and
biodiversity.
On this note and preceding the
celebratory launch of Tourism and
Biodiversity on World Tourism Day 2010
in China, I must congratulate
DISCOVERYMICE, an affiliate member of
UNWTO on organizing the 2nd World
Ecotourism Conference 2010 in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia from 8th to 10th July
2010. UNWTO lauds noble initiatives that
bring global tourism players together to
network, collaborate and share their
experiences, best practices,
technologies for the betterment of
nature conservation, environment
protection, preservation of communities
and consequently the advancement of
sustainable tourism around the world.
UNWTO endorsed the
Vientiane Declaration
on Ecotourism for Developing Countries
in 2009 on the occasion of the World
Ecotourism Conference held in Vientiane,
Lao PDR.
I am confident that with the
participation of eminent speakers and
delegates from over 30 countries, the
discussions and proceedings of the Kuala
Lumpur Conference will help to assist
countries that are in need of global
knowledge and leverage to champion,
position and support ecotourism policies
and initiatives that will bring
transformational changes for the
betterment of their economies, people or
environment.
I wish the Conference every success.
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H.E.
Dr Taleb Rifai
Secretary-General
World
Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
15th June 2010
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The Challenge:
A new roadmap for solving Global Warming?
Climate change presents the region with
tremendous challenges. The Asia-Pacific Region
is the world’s fastest growing region and one of
the major sources of greenhouse gases, likely to
be severely affected by the impact of global
warming on regional economies, environment,
society and the lives of ordinary citizens.
The mission and aims of the new UNESCO Chair in
Sustainable Urban Development in Asia and the
Pacific Region are in line with the UNESCO
mission and programmes: International research
collaboration and capacity building, with a
special focus on initiatives within the region.
The forecasts of the UN Habitat Forum indicate
that over 90 per cent urban growth over the next
15 years which will occur primarily in
developing countries.
Asia alone will account for more than half of
the world’s urban population. While the
Asia-Pacific Region is experiencing rapid
economic growth and extensive urbanization,
coupled with continued population increases, the
region still faces the challenging issues of
poverty and insufficient sustainable management
of its urbanization processes.
Many of the current developments negatively
impact on natural resources and the environment
through poor planning, misinformed urban design,
air and water pollution and an increase in waste
generation.
The UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Urban
Development
for Asia and the Pacific Region
http://www.slab.com.au/unescoslab.php
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The Responsible Tourism Network:
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Traversing the globe, we are one community
Although this Conference aims to bring
global ecotourism players physically together
but this is obviously not possible. Here they
reach out to you with what they do for others.
Across the 5 continents are these
examples of responsible tourism entrepreneurs
who give back to communities that they work with
and respect the nature and environment that they
impact on. They are ambassadors of their own
world to the world.
You are touched when they share with you
the experiences of their rich cultures and
traditions, their pristine nature and abundant
wildlife ever so openly. You know that you have
touched them too, by their smiles when you
arrive but cry when you leave. Welcome to the
World Ecotourism Conference Responsible Network.
Marketing
Inviting eco-tour operators and
entrepreneurs ..
 If
you are a passionate ecotourism
entrepreneur, operator,
caretaker or stakeholder who
strives to promote and deliver
quality interpretative
experiences of local
communities, conservation of
nature and heritage or
preservation of environment and
cultures of your own country,
all in a sustainable manner, we
welcome you to join the WEC
Responsible Tourism fraternity
and invite you to submit your
special ecotourism tours or
programs for consideration to be
published and promoted through
this official website of the
World Ecotourism Conference.
Write & send info to
:
eco-operators@WorldEcotourismConference.com
Acceptance of content for
publication is at sole
discretion of the Organisers.
Presentations
Public Sector-Private Sector
Meeting Sessions
and Inter Governmental Bilateral Meetings
Advance
appointments to schedule one-to-one meetings for confirmed delegates
 Delegates from the public and private sector in
the region are expected take this opportunity to
strengthen collaboration in addressing social,
economic and environment challenges. Companies
in Asia, Europe and US that want to cooperate
with partners in the Asia Pacific region on
sustainable tourism can arrange meetings at
World Ecotourism Conference 2010.
Bilateral Meeting rooms are provided subject to
early booking and confirmation.
Ecotourism
Destination/Product Workshops
Update Workshops by NTOs/National Ecotourism
Associations
National Tourist Offices and National
Ecotourism Associations from countries
with strong ecotourism products will be invited to
present their destination update on
their ecotourism destinations and
attractions; award-winning products, new
ecotourism sites, popular eco-lodges and
eco-tours as well as NTO development and
marketing incentive offers. This
is an excellent opportunity for both
Sellers and Buyers to be part of the
ecotourism suppy chain, network and
build business connections.
Ask-the-Guru
Dialogue Sessions
Do you have nagging issues about the rave and
rant about the principles of ecotourism?
Top ecotourism experts will share with
you their knowledge, experiences and
outlook in their professional and
practical application of ecotourism in
various situations and scenarios. For
those in need of a reality check, this
is a must-attend.
Green
Hotel Workshops for Hotel General Managers and Director of Sales &
Marketing
How to green a hotel? Who are the green
travellers? How to market green hotels? Who
cares about green?
These workshops are fast and straight to the
point with quick and easy tips in making green
work for you. * Monetize your customers
environmental initiatives & contribution. *
Price your green products/services comparable to
existing prices. * Emphasise health and saving
benefits to sustainability initiatives * Learn
more at WEC2010.
Food for
Thought
Focus on Ecotourism
- Dato Seri Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism,
Malaysia
UNWTO Tourism Resilience
Committee Report and Roadmap for Recovery -
Resilience,
Stimulus, Green Economy
Asia's permanent
advantage: Leaving Europe and North America
further behind? - E Turbo News
Feature
Vientiane Declaration on Ecotourism
in Developing Countries
- 1st World Ecotourism Conference,
Vientiane, Laos
Who
should attend?
The Conference is targetted at :-
PRIVATE SECTOR
Tourism entrepreneurs, investors, operators,
tour operators/owners, lodge owners and lodge
operators, owners of budget hotels to five star
resorts, park authorities management staff,
tourist guides, eco-accommodation architects and
engineers, hoteliers,
ACADEMIA
Deans. professors, lecturers, researchers and
university
students
PUBLIC SECTOR
Ministers,
parlimentarians, local government authorities,
public sector agencies in tourism, culture or
environment, researchers, members of think
tanks and policy makers
NGOs
Not-for-profit non-governmental organisations
involved in social, economic and environmental
conservation activities
ANYONE
Those who wish to
learn, invest, operate or contribute to the
growing sustainable tourism industry.
Those who
wish to know about the latest information on
ecotourism markets, trends and marketing
strategies will find the Conference relevant and
rewarding.
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for World Ecotourism Conference. All Rights Reserved.DisTravel Channel. All Rights Reser
I
wish to thank all Sponsors especially Tourism Malaysia,
distinguished Keynote Speakers, Invited Speakers, Academic
Presenters, Suppliers, Volunteers and Delegates who came
near and far from 45 countries, contributing to the success
of this Conference. 
