01 September 2008

ECOT To Host Thailand Tourism Climate Change Event

For World Tourism Day 2008, ECOT and CCJP will host an event in Bangkok / Thailand: " Responding to Climate Change: The challenge of
adaptation and mitigation for Thai Tourism"

Says Julia Shonharl of ECOT Ã¢â¬ÅâœClimate change is a threat to the planet, and urgent action by governments, business and consumers is needed to protect the climate. Measures have to follow adaptation and mitigation mechanisms. Tourism is contributing to global warming by the emission of carbon and greenhouse gases through air transportation of tourists and goods to holiday destinations, the overuse of fragile ecosystems and sites, and its energy-consuming activities and operations.

The Ecumenical Coalition On Tourism (based in Chiang Mai, Thailand) and the Thai Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace are jointly
hosting an event for Thai civil society and people with an interest in climate protection and tourism to explore the adaptation and mitigation
challenge for Thai tourism.

World Tourism Day is marked around the world. The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is hosting a meeting of high-profile stakeholders in the capital of Lima, Peru, to address the challenge that has arisen for the tourism industry. That gathering, of the 26th of September, supported by ECOT, will focus on Peruvian tourism policy and the climate change challenge for tourism with the involvement of national and international participants.

In Thailand, tourism is the second most important income generating sector. The projected increase in natural hazards due to global warming
could have effects similar to the devastation of the 2004 Tsunami if disaster prevention and preparedness measures are not implemented in
vulnerable areas. It is vitally important to educate local people and raise their awareness about climate change, and train communities in
prevention management.

Tourism is a contributor and a victim of global warming: in Thailand and worldwide. With rising sea levels, scarcity of drinking water, increasing erosion of soil, changing ecosystems and natural habitats, the attractions offered by the tourism sector are under threat - as are the livelihoods of many people depending on the income from tourism.

The event in Bangkok of 25th September features high-profile speakers of Thailand. They will provide in-depth information and insights about
the situation of Thai tourism and how it is responding to the challenge of climate change.

Date: Thursday, September 25th, 14:00- 18:00

Venue: Gabrielite Provincial Center, 2 Soi Konglohr 25, Sukhumvit 55,
Bangkok

Speakers include:
Tara Buakamsri, Greenpeace Thailand (to be confirmed)
Radda Larpnun, IUCN Thailand
Colin McQuistan, WWF Thailand
Jaruwan Kaewmahanin, Mangrove Action Project

Valere Tjolle