Knowledge Networking Portal for Sustainable & Responsible Tourism
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Toward a continuous discussion
Greetings, all
I'd like to thank the organizers for creating this virtual space for sharing thoughts about Europe and ecotourism, preparing the way for your 2012 conference.
First I'd like to agree with Aivar's comment that we need a continuous discussion and I'd propose that instead of seeking a single platform that we use the array of Web 2.0 channels including Flickr and Twitter. Just include the #euroeco hashtag for easy aggregation.
Looking toward 2012 as the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Ecotourism, I'd like to challenge us as to whether or not 'ecotourism' has reached its use-by-date. Later in June Planeta.com will be releasing our public survey asking about the developments in the past 10 years. Details
http://planeta.wikispaces.com/iye
As for Europe, my recent trips across the Atlantic to Estonia and England have convinced me that there is a great need for a 'Who's Who of Regional Players.' Again, if the Planeta wiki can be of assistance, I'd be happy to collaborate with potential editors. Details
http://planeta.wikispaces.com/editors
Elsewhere on the Web, I'd like to invite colleagues to share photos of ecotourism and responsible travel in our Flickr groups:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/ecotourismeurope
http://www.flickr.com/groups/cityparks
http://www.flickr.com/groups/worldparks
Finally, let me recognize the good work from the 2011 conference. What made it successful was the amount of buzz it generated beforehand on various platforms. Speakers had the chance to engage beforehand and those not attending were able to take advantage of the event to learn more about the timely issues.
Please do what you can to talk up and tweet about European ecotourism, protected areas and the need for creative collaboration across borders. If I cannot attend in person, find ways that I and other potential allies, can participate online.
