Earlier this week I heard the most disturbing news that there were plans to establish a helicopter landing pad at Sri Padha, the protected peak wilderness area. This is what I would call, a thoughtless initiative brought forth by those who do not understand that the journey is more important than being at the destination itself. Some of them perhaps have never ever made the pilgrimage (journey) and do not understand the marvel it is, in devotion and worship.
I am someone who made that journey eleven times since childhood and a person who led the initiative of Sri Lanka Tourism as its head for several years. It is my earnest appeal to whoever came up with this suggestion, not be someone who will contribute to instilling irreversible damage to the serenity of this most revered peak wilderness area and the wonderful experience of worship and devotion it is, for all Buddhists and the unforgettable journey it offers all travelers, regardless of religious belief.
It
is within this backdrop that I repost this ‘Out of the Box’ column of mine
published in the ‘Financial Times, Sri Lanka’ during the first week of February
2012. I must state here that I do not believe that declaration of ‘International
Days’ alone, will assist conserve the world’s most valuable natural resources. There
is so much we need to do as routine activity if we are to make an impact and I present
this column rekindle your though and generate action in this regard.
The second of
February was World Wetlands Day, a day dedicated to focusing on conservation of
our wetland habitats. This year’s (2012) theme is "Caring for Wetlands -
an Answer to Climate Change." This year (2013) the theme is "Wetlands and Water Management". Living far
away from the urban centre, in the Deep South of Sri Lanka at the door-step of
a most diverse wetland habitat, it gave me another reason to reflect on our own
environment and that of the rest of the world. Thankfully, Kalmetiya is known as
a bird sanctuary, only among ornithologists and serious bird-watchers and does
not offer much to the mass tourist.
Here, we greet several
peacocks and waders each morning. They in turn entertain us with sun- worship
dances, crafty pickings of fish from the ponds and excellent displays in
formation flying. Amazingly, we still stay well connected with the world at
large too; with A 3G mobile connection with fast-access to the Internet. The
time we spent in mostly useless social pursuits and small-talk is now used to
learn and share thoughts with other likeminded people.
It is in this
backdrop, that I share some thought provoking initiatives I came across during
my leisurely explorations on the Internet. In today’s column, I present a code
of conduct designed by an Arctic region tour operator, which may serve as an
adaptable best practice guideline for our own environment as well.
Natural
Habitat Adventures conducts polar tourism operations in the Arctic, Antarctic,
and South Georgia. They offer tours with a wide range of experiences
extending from viewing of polar bears, brown bears, orcas, and harp seals in
the Canadian and Alaskan Arctic to nature tours of Iceland and Spitsbergen, and
visits to several Arctic Protected Areas. Their operational good practices
include:
- A philosophy of
respect for the conservation of nature and local culture.
- Small groups of
travelers that both minimize impacts and enhance tourist satisfaction.
- Well qualified
expedition leaders that have specialized knowledge of the destinations and
possess essential safety and hospitality skills. The ratio of guide
to tourist is well designed to facilitate both increased appreciation of
the local environment and personal safety.
- The use of the
most secluded accommodations, which benefit local communities,
appropriately represent native culture, and reduce congestion.
- Revenue sharing
with conservation organizations is an integral part of the company’s
philosophy and a cost knowingly paid by the tourists.
- Tourist
education programmes are implemented prior to travel as well as during the
tour. The information contained in the programmes introduce the tourist to
local environments and culture, the physical conditions likely to be
encountered, essential equipment and clothing, and safety considerations.
All of these educational efforts are intended to directly affect
appropriate visitor behavior, safety, and enjoyment.
- Close
coordination with local governments and communities.
- Strong efforts
are made to enlist long-term support of the tourists for conservation
programmes and policies.
- Active
participation in a variety of sustainable tourism programmes such as the
Carbon Pollution Reduction Program, the Conde Naste Traveler Green List,
the Adventure Alliance, and the World Wildlife Fund.
Our own
Jetwing Group also celebrated its Jetwing Earth Day this week (February 2012). It
is yet another commendable initiative, where reforestation, involvement and
information sharing with tourists, school children and the public take the
spotlight. This year we had the good news that Wilpattu was declared the
sixth Ramsey site in Sri Lanka, which should augur well to ensure its
protection on the legal front, at a time when various threats are reported on
this valuable wetland area. While Sri Lanka has a reasonable record on similar
sound practices, some of it remains the exception. The need is for more and
more to come into the fold not only in the legal front, but also on the action
front, to ensure that a brighter future will be made for Mother Sri Lanka and for
Sri Lanka’s tourism.
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