TIES Announces New Program: Global Knowledge & Local Experiences

Read more about: Earth Day, events, fundraiser, International Ecotourism Society

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) will celebrate Earth Day through a unique full-day event entitled “Global Knowledge & Local Experiences ~ Your Travel Choice Makes a Difference!”  This innovative program combining a guided eco-tour of the Washington DC area and a free public evening forum on Indigenous business leaders in ecotourism will be held on April 30, 2008, in Washington, DC.

The first part of this full-day event will involve a dynamic DC Eco-Tour.  TIES’ new interactive program will focus on key principles of ecotourism and sustainable travel by exploring specific sustainable and eco-friendly aspects of: Rock Creek Park, the American Indian Museum, the Senate Rain Garden, the Anacostia Watershed and the National Arboretum.

 The Eco-Tour will feature interpretation on DC’s green initiatives by leading sustainability specialists including National Park Rangers, alternative energy authority Mark Smith, eminent landscape architect Matthew Evans, Indigenous community experts, and environmental biologists.  Featuring green transportation and local/organic meals and snacks, the DC Eco-Tour offers a wonderful and innovative opportunity to experience the Washington area for both local residents and visitors.

“There is an imperative need for the tourism industry and for individuals to change consumption patterns and travel behaviors. There are ways of combining different sustainable elements locally to create a low-impact lifestyle.  You certainly don’t need to travel across the globe to have a sustainable travel experience,” says Christina Cavaliere, TIES Director of Training and Education.

The evening of April 30 will feature the second part of the Global Knowledge & Local Experiences Program. This free public forum focuses on Indigenous business leaders in ecotourism.  This international forum will offer dynamic perspectives on conservation, cultural issues, and sustainable business practices, enhancing local experience with global knowledge.

The speakers and topics will include the following:

• Sylvie Blangy, an international researcher, will share her expertise on Indigenous community business leaders in global ecotourism destinations.

• Lennart Pittja, an Indigenous entrepreneur representing his company, Vägvisaren-samiska upplevelser (Pathfinder Lapland), will discuss his first-hand experience developing ecotourism business strategies incorporating his Sami culture and tradition.

• Dan Jonasson of the Swedish Ecotourism Society and Nature’s Best, Sweden’s premier ecotourism certification program, will discuss his experience implementing ecotourism theory into practice, along with Sami involvement in the Society.

The forum, as part of TIES’ ongoing annual public speaker series, will be held at the House of Sweden, Washington DC, in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden and the Swedish Ecotourism Society.  The enjoyable and inspiring full-day program will be followed by TIES’ annual fundraiser, Ecotourism Auction & Gala, which is held at the House of Sweden on May 1.

For more information on the April 30 full-day event, and to RSVP, please visit www.ecotourismgala.org.

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