Good afternoon Judges and good afternoon to those tuning in through Fiji One and Sky Pacific. My presentation, Ladies and Gentlemen, will solely focus on Eco-tourism and how it contributes to the protection of our environment.
During my presentation I’m going to show you what eco-tourism is about ,the ingredients of eco-tourism, it’s principles, how it’s useful to the locals and the society, also I’m going to show you how eco-tourism can contribute to the conservation of our environment.
Eco-tourism is defined by The International Ecotourism Society as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. Ladies and gentlemen, my understanding of eco-tourism is growth in greater active tourist participation but at the same time conserving our natural environment which in turn improves the livelihoods of the people.
To further elaborate on “What Eco-tourism is?”, my dear audience I would like to highlight on the three main ingredients that makes up Eco-tourism, that is, “Conservation ,Communities and Interpretation” Conservation in the sense that eco-tourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our beautiful planet, such examples in Fiji are, Bouma National Heritage Park and Namena Marine Reserve to name a few.
Eco-tourism involves Communities through increase in local capacity building and employment opportunities, empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development, such examples are Turtle Island Resort(has the largest solar plant , 5 acres locally produced farm and tremendous support from local villagers), Bagata Village Tour, ladies and gentlemen, which provides employment and income earning opportunities as tour guides and the sale of handicrafts and Matava Resort(with 52 plot organic farm and training, community honey production and 100% Solar power solution).
The principles of Eco-tourism, ladies and gentlemen, is that it minimizes impact towards the environment, builds environmental and cultural awareness and respect in both visitors and hosts, provides positive experiences for both visitors and hosts, provides direct financial benefits for conversation and provides financial benefits and empowerment for local people, and supports human rights and democratic movements.
Eco-tourism is beneficial to the locals and the society as it improves the welfare of local communities through employment, fosters and appreciation for nature and local cultures within locals and visitors whilst also respecting the aspirations and traditions of those visited.
Therefore, Ladies and gentlemen, “Can Eco-tourism contribute in the protection of the environment?
YES it can, because theoretically the finances gained can be used to find more initiatives to conserve the environment and Fiji or any Pacific country for that matter should consider practising Eco-tourism in a global market scale as this will expose visitors to be more aware of the ecology of Fiji’s unique natural attractions, as a result, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a win win situation as we are improving the wellbeing of our local communities and helping to conserve the natural and cultural environment. Vinaka Vakalevu Ladies and Gentlemen for your time.
