| Basecamp Explorer has over the last 10 years developed and operated ecotourism destinations in countries like Kenya, India, Russia, Svalbard and France. In collaboration with the Basecamp Foundation a practical concept of Sustainable Tourism Destination Development took shape in early 2008 and, as a response to this Eco Storm was developed. The very first international Eco Storm workshop was organised in Dharamsala, Northern India by Basecamp Foundation. The workshop brought together a group of 30 participants from a wide range of places; Russia, UK, Norway, Japan, Kenya, Sweden, Austria, Taiwan, South Africa, Tibet and India.
Identifying sustainable tourism as a tool for peaceful development, in solidarity, the workshop acknowledged the difficult and pressing situation in Tibet by supporting the local Tibetan community in Dharamsala by actively taking part in different events arranged by local Tibetan organisations.
The aim of the Eco Storm workshops is to create a local destination development model through a hands-on participatory methodology and lectures by invited internationally renowned ecotourism professionals. The first workshop, which took place on March 24-28, 2008, was successfully carried out with a development plan for an international ecotourism training centre located to Dharamsala as one of the main outputs.
The main presenters at the workshop included: Dr Martha Honey, Director of the Centre for Ecotourism and Sustainable Development (CESD), Washington DC, USA, Arild Molstad, Writer, photo journalist, Norway, Judy Kepher Gona, Executive Director, Ecotourism Kenya (ESOK), Stefan Norris, International Conservationist , Basecamp Foundation, Norway, Dr Lars Lindkvist, CEO Basecamp Foundation, Kenya. Other international presenters were Les Carlisle and Claire Howse CC Africa, Masaru Takayama, Japan Ecolodge Association.
The workshop opening was honoured by His Holiness Karmapa’s presence and speech on responsible travel from a spiritual and practical perspective. The workshop ended with a private audience with His Holiness Karmapa and further discussions on the future of sustainable tourism in Northern India and Tibet.
The next Eco Storm takes place in the Masai Mara 17th – 20th November 2008 and on the Island of Lamu 29th – 30th November 2008, Kenya. For more info, contact tina@basecampexplorer.com Registration opens by end May 2008.
Sustainable greetings from Eco Storm and Basecamp. |
