Biodiversity and tourism are natural partners

President James Michel, in his message for World Tourism Day today, has again stressed the appeal of Seychelles’ natural beauty and protected environment to our growing number of visitors.

The full text of his message is as follows:
As the theme of the 2010 World Tourism Day suggests, there is an unbroken link between

tourism and the biodiversity that underpins it.
 
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, uncontrolled land conversion, climate change, pollution and other unsustainable human activities are causing biodiversity loss at many times the rate of natural extinction. It is time to take stock and stop our civilisation from sawing through the branch on which we are sitting.

In Seychelles, we know very well that biodiversity is one of tourism’s greatest assets. We use our unique natural beauty to attract rising numbers of visitors.

However, biodiversity is far from being just a simple attraction. The planet’s ecosystems also sustain life by providing food, energy, health and 40% of the global economy. Our biodiversity is, therefore, a lifeline. That is why we have turned over 47% of our land area into protected areas, making Seychelles a world leader in environment matters.

Tourism and biodiversity are natural partners. Our rich biodiversity sustains our tourism industry. Successful tourism in turn provides the resources for the conservation of biodiversity-rich areas.

We are able to raise awareness among our population, promote community involvement and interest in conservation issues.
The more we earn from tourism, the bigger the incentive to preserve our biodiversity.
 
The more we do to preserve our biodiversity, the greater the potential for tourism to earn more from it.
  
In a recent speech, I highlighted the importance of pursuing a Seychelles “Brand” of tourism. It is a unique way in which we must, each and every one, contribute towards ensuring that we make the very best of all that Mother Nature has bestowed on us, but in a well thought-through, visionary and sustainable manner that will create prosperity, not only for today but for tomorrow as well.

There has never been a better time for Seychellois who dream of a future in our tourism industry to seize the moment and play their part, whether it is the investor or the aspiring student and employee.
 
It is the time, also, for us to raise the bar with a Seychelles quality tourism label. We have to take steps to ensure that tourism industry players across the board provide the welcome, courtesy, professionalism, honesty and value for money that will do our tourism proud and make our beautiful islands among the most sought-after destinations on the planet.

In a world that is becoming busier and more competitive by the day, much of what our islands have to offer should be a refreshing departure from the norm.

Under the Seychelles Brand, our tourism, our biodiversity, are everybody’s business. Greater involvement by our own people in the tourism industry also means increased involvement by our Seychellois in preserving our biodiversity. We build on our achievements.

On World Tourism Day I would like, on behalf of the nation, to say how grateful we are to those among us, and also those before us, who have made significant contributions to preserving our natural beauty.
 
The future is bright. We have our children, the passionate members of the many eco-clubs, who are numerous in the national effort to protect the fragile environment from which we derive our livelihood.  Our children are a future generation of educated custodians of our biodiversity, and our tourism industry. Thank you, children, for your voice.

I wish all stakeholders in the tourism trade and biodiversity field success in their activities.

Thank you all for the partnership.

 

Forrás: http://www.nation.sc/