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| Media Release | |||
Taking action on climate change - Ecotourism Conference "THE debate is over" as Al Gore has stated, the evidence is in and it is time we take responsibility for the choices we make in business. This is the message Intrepid Travel CEO, Darrell Wade, will present as just one keynote speaker who talks "solutions" at Ecotourism Australia's National Conferencein Melbourne and regional Victoria from November 19-23. Prompted by his decision to become a Carbon Neutral company by 2010, Mr. Wade sheds light on how best to identify areas where large emissions occur and the response by consumers. He answers the questions: Why take the responsibility? Where do you start? What emissions should be offset? And who pays? "The travel industry will be among the first affected by climate change with coral reefs disappearing, beaches going under water, desertification of large areas of landmass and reduced economic wellbeing generally," Mr Wade said. "So we have a vested interest to change." Operators also come away knowing how to calculate their own Carbon Footprint as taught by Steven Andrew from Carbon Balance Consulting. They will understand why a robust audit can add value to the triple bottom line, save money and provide a powerful marketing tool in an increasingly competitive green marketplace. "There are national standards and reporting guidelines in place and understanding these are essential to claim ‘carbon neutrality' and avoid ‘greenwashing' your product," Mr. Andrew said. Themed, Leading Global Challenges, Ecotourism Australia Chairman, Alastair McCracken, says attendees want to hear industry leaders debate challenges and propose solutions to climate change. "Climate change and what the Ecotourism industry is doing to address issues is the focus of this year's Conference because tourism now contributes more export earnings to Australia than any other single industry sector," Mr. McCracken said. "Stakeholders are mindful that next year is too long to wait to educate themselves about reducing their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Some ten keynote speakers and more than 20 plenary session delegates have been drawn, nationally and internationally, from a knowledge base of private sector operators; NGOs; National Parks and Protected Area Managers, State and Regional Tourism Organisations, Government agencies; education institutions; consultants; and the media. Best practice case studies also address critical challenges such as overcoming indigenous tourism issues, balancing park protection and use, educating future leaders, branding and destination planning, understanding changing tourism markets and community attitudes, and nurturing partnerships. There are various packages available: Attend the main program of speakers on Wednesday and Thursday, November 21-22 with optional networking functions each night at the Melbourne Zoo and MCG Gala Dinner. Alternatively, take in the full program and also participate in an excursion from Monday to Wednesday at one of three flourishing examples of sustainability at Bendigo and the Goldfields, the Grampians National Park, and Mt Buller. Additionally, there is a five-hour Tourism Operators Workshop on Friday, November 23. The Victorian Government's Department of Sustainability and Environment, Tourism Victoria and Parks Victoria are major sponsors of the Conference in Melbourne and regional Victoria from November 19-23. Registration closes this Friday, November 16 at 5pm. For further information – including to download registration forms – visit: www.ecotourism.org.au/conference/ or to register and book accommodation contact: Ms Kim Deitman – P (03) 9534 8856 or ecotourism@southboundaustralia.com.au ENDS For more information contact: |