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5th IIPT African Conference on Climate Change

Zambia was the host for the recently concluded 5th IIPT African Conference on Climate Change. The conference was a huge success. Delegates from over 35 countries and 440+ participants attended the conference. From senior bureaucrats to academicians the conference brought together a right mix of audience and speakers.

The President of Zambia, the patron of the conference, and the Minister for Tourism, Zambia both emphasized on peace to promote tourism. The President said, "Tourism also helps to foster peace in the world as every traveller is essentially a peace ambassador."

Ms. Catherine Namugala, Minister said. “We all know that climate change is a global problem that needs a global solution. Moreover, the African continent and the rest of the developing world is amongst the most vulnerable when it comes to climate change. The effects of climate change, such as extreme weather phenomena, are issues that will greatly affect the tourism sector and need urgent actions from all of us.”

The grand opening also had a nice dance outside the hotel entrance, a photo session with the President, and recitation of poem, song amidst other cultural performances.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wPyJgZHVl1Q

20 delegates from the 5th Africa Conference for the International Institute for Peace through tourism (IIPT) went to the spectacular Victoria Falls, Zambia on May 18, 2011 to re-dedicate the IIPT Peace Park. IIPT delegates and their founder and president Louis D'Amore were joined by Zambia's Minister of Tourism, Environment and natural resources Hon. Catherine Namuga, Zoltan Somogyi, Executive Director for Member Relation Services, UNWTO, and local dignitaries from both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

And speaking at the re-dedication ceremony in Livingstone, IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore said the falls is an important part of global tourism.

And World Tourism Organisation Executive Director, Soldan Somogoyi reiterated Mr. D’Amore’s sentiments.

Spectacular Victoria Falls


Taking the blessings of the Princess. The Zambian Tourism minister with other delegates		Cultural dances

Several notable points were discussed in the 4 day conference and some points of the declaration are as follows:

1.	Support the leadership role of UNWTO, UNEP and WMO in the specific actions called for in the Davos Declaration: Climate Change and Tourism – Responding to Global Challenges.
2.	Give emphasis to energy conservation and aggressively make the transition to renewable and clean energy sources as a foundation for carbon/GHG neutral development strategies and a ‘Green Growth’ transformation.
3.	Continue to implement socially and environmentally responsible tourism practices that benefit local destinations and enhances both cultural and natural heritage, giving particular emphasis to fair trade in tourism practices, tourism that contributes to poverty reduction, and tourism that contributes to the restoration of ecological systems.
4.	Provide for quality tourism experiences that include meaningful interactions between visitors (guests) and the host community, and a greater understanding and appreciation of local cultures, customs, and traditions.
5.	Implement environmentally responsible development and operational practices, particularly in vulnerable areas including coastlines, low lying areas, and mountain regions.
6.	Develop and implement waste management plans that give emphasis to reducing, recycling, and re-use.
7.	Incorporate quadruple bottom line reporting with climate change alongside environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic value.
8.	Actively engage local communities in planning and decision-making, empower women and youth, and embrace the wisdom, knowledge, and values of indigenous peoples.
9.	For the transport sector, and particularly the airline industry, continue efforts in improving engine efficiencies and ultimately develop engines that operate with clean and renewable energy sources.
10.	Recognize the important role of media, educational, and religious institutions as agents of change.