11 April 2019 12:00 am Views - 287
CITES is a multi-lateral Treaty among Governments for protecting the survival of species in the wild, especially, endangered plants and animals and to counter the International Trade threat. The Conference of the parties to the Treaty meets periodically to review the implementation of the Convention and Sri Lanka is being honoured with the hosting of the next Conference on the dates mentioned below.
The 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is scheduled to be held from May 23 to June 03 at the BMICH in Colombo, with over 3,000 foreign delegates and media expected to participate.
The Global event will raise Sri Lanka’s profile internationally and will showcase to the world our own rich flora and fauna and diverse attractions of tourism value, boosting our country’s Branding.
Sri Lanka has been earning a reputation for whale and dolphin watching in the recent past. Mirissa, Trincomalee and Kalpitiya are the three hot spots on Whale and Dolphins. It is a combination of Blue and Sperm Whales, Dolphins and Turtles that can be seen in and around those three destinations. November to April is the peak season for whale and dolphin watching.
There are Standards and well accepted protocols for sustainable vessel-based whale watching in the world. Similarly, there are well tested commercial permitting systems around the globe that regulate operating procedures, animal protection, vessel quality and safety. There should be a declared whale watching season to prevent off season voyages in unfavourable conditions. Incentives for operators to achieve ecotourism certification should also be introduced.
Wildlife Safari is a Significant potential to broaden the range of experiences offered and provide significant strength to the country. Natural assets are well distributed around the islands with five Ramsar wetlands and many areas of high environmental value to the country.
The 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is scheduled to be held from May 23 to June 03 at the BMICH in Colombo
Sri Lanka has the second highest coverage of protected areas in Asia, with the Department of Wildlife Conservation managing nearly 90 natural areas. The Forest Department Manages more than 500 areas, many with high levels of biodiversity, endemism and values to the country.
National Parks and wildlife sites are core attractions for visitors to Sri Lanka and play a vital role in the tourism industry. Both Marine and terrestrial are critical competitive advantages.
After 2009 Tourism is sounded right mainly with peace, perfect investment climate and most importantly political stability coupled with proper infrastructure such as aviation and shipping facilities, electricity, telecommunication, transportation etc. Hence Tourism is the number three contributor to the national economy in terms of Foreign Exchange Earnings.
Tourism Provided 3.8% of Total Foreign Exchange Earnings in 2010. It was the 5th Contributor to Gross Domestic Production (GDP ) in the same year. Tourism had a drastic improvement of 3.8% to 14.8% between year 2010 and year 2018. Tourism has continued to contribute majorly to the Gross Domestic Production (GDP) from year 2012.
It is significant to the tourism sector as it recorded 7.9% Total Foreign Exchange Earnings with the rank of number four in 2013.Year 2015 to 2019 Tourism maintains the stability to contribute to GDP as the number three ranked contribution whilst it got significantly improved 10.2% to 14.8% in Foreign Exchange Earnings during this period as per Central Bank Report.
Sri Lanka is the Perfect destination for nature tourism. Year around the climate head to the beach. Feel and run to the Ocean to watch waves to relax, Seeing dolphins and whales. Rise with sun to explore Flock of birds. Head to the wellness through tranquility of natural sounds deep in to the jungle and explore the mangroves.
The Content and Alignment of the Brand should be published in the 100 International media who are expected for CITES CoP 18 Facilitates for Brand Alignment and Content. Operate Communication and Media Relations supports the Sri Lanka Tourism in the globe.The Country focuses on storytelling, consistent baseline messaging as Sri Lanka is a Fauna and Flora destination and embraces the authenticity. Also all Media crews should emphasize on Tailor made Itinerary, VIP Programmes, Best Practices and blogs.
There is also considerable potential for Sri Lanka to become the hub for regional and international Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora while the nations branding activities must become aware of the array of Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora activities.
CITES works by subjecting international Trade in Specimens of selected species to certain controls. All Import, Export, re-export and introduction from the sea species covered by the convention has to be authorized through a licensing system. Each party to the convention must designate one more management authority in charge of administering that licensing system and one or more scientific authorities to advise them on the effects of trade on the status of the species.
So Majestic, So Wild, So Welcoming So Sri Lanka
The writer is The Secretary General, Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Tourism Research Conference, Department of Economics, University of Colombo