2nd World Ecotourism Conference
The Royal Belum World Ecotourism Conference
Urban Ecotourism & Biodiversity Hotspots in Developing Countries: Shifting Paradigms and Strategic Adaptations
8th - 10th July 2010 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Introduction & Background
The 2nd World Ecotourism Conference (WEC 2010), organized by DISCOVERYMICE, an affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), convenes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 8-10, 2010. Building on the foundation of the inaugural conference in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and the resulting "Vientiane Declaration on Ecotourism for Developing Countries," this event represents a critical platform for the global ecotourism community.
The conference is strategically timed to align with the United Nations' declaration of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. As endorsed by H.E. Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, WEC 2010 precedes the World Tourism Day theme of "Tourism and Biodiversity," underscoring its relevance and urgency. This year, the conference places a special emphasis on a national treasure, rebranding as "The Royal Belum Eco-Tourism Conference" to launch and elevate the profile of the Royal Belum tropical rainforest on the world stage.
Rationale
As ecotourism grows into a powerful socio-economic driver, particularly for developing nations, there is an increasing need to address the pressures it exerts on fragile ecosystems. The industry stands at a crossroads, needing to balance economic viability with environmental responsibility. WEC 2010 is conceived as an ambitious initiative to unite global stakeholders—governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society—to foster collaboration and strategic adaptation. The conference seeks to close the divide between tourism's economic pursuits and the imperative of biodiversity conservation, creating a roadmap for a truly sustainable future.
The key challenge is to use ecotourism as a tool for community and conservation, rather than exploiting natural and cultural assets for purely economic gain. This requires a paradigm shift: focusing on building healthy, livable communities for residents, which in turn attract high-value, responsible tourism.
Conference Objectives
The primary goal of WEC 2010 is to advance ecotourism for the betterment of sustainable economies, local populations, and the environment. Key objectives include:
To Foster Collaboration
To bring global ecotourism players together to network, collaborate, and share experiences, best practices, and innovative technologies.
To Promote Sustainable Practices
To champion nature conservation, environmental protection, and the preservation of communities through the advancement of sustainable tourism.
To Support Host Countries
To provide a global platform for countries to champion ecotourism policies and initiatives that drive transformational change for their economies, people, and environment.
To Build Capacity
To empower youth, women, and local communities through knowledge sharing, academic discourse, and practical workshops.
To Showcase Best Practices
To highlight successful models in destination positioning, public-private partnerships, green certification, and crisis management.
To Elevate Royal Belum
To officially launch and promote the Royal Belum tropical rainforest as a world-class ecotourism destination.
Thematic Areas & Conference Sessions
The conference program is structured around a central theme and several critical sub-themes, addressed through plenary sessions, parallel tracks, and interactive workshops.
Plenary Sessions
01
Urban & Rural Ecotourism: New Paradigms?
Examining whether the scope of ecotourism should be broadened to include urban nature-based attractions and education.
02
Market Development & ROI: Viability vs. Responsibility
Analyzing the balance between economic growth from ecotourism and the protection of natural ecosystems, including strategies for e-marketing and green certification.
03
Sustainable Tourism & Roadmaps: Turning Green
Assessing the progress of sustainable tourism, its impediments, and the path forward using measurable benchmarks.
Parallel Tracks
Track 1 & 3a
Academic Research
Focused on "Moving Up Ecotourism Along The Value Chain," this track provides a platform for academics and researchers to present findings that shape ecotourism theory, policy, and practice, particularly concerning the empowerment of local communities and the integration of community-based tourism.
Track 2
Private Sector Success Stories
Showcasing success stories under the principle "Ecotourism: Responsibility First, Profitability Follows."
Track 3b
National & Regional Meetings (MEA & APES)
Registration of new applicants for Malaysian Ecotourism Association and Asia Pacific Ecotourism Society (APES)
Facilitating national, regional, and bilateral meetings.
Special Interest Workshops
- Ask-the-Guru Dialogue Sessions: Offering delegates direct access to top ecotourism experts.
- Green Hotel Workshops: Providing practical tips on greening hotel operations, marketing to eco-conscious travelers, and monetizing sustainability initiatives.
- Ecotourism Destination/Product Workshops: Updates from National Tourism Offices on new sites, products, and incentives.
Structure and Opportunities
WEC 2010 is designed to be an engaging and interactive forum offering diverse opportunities for all participants:
- Networking: Pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings for public-private sector and buyer-seller engagement.
- Exhibition: An International Green Tourism Expo & Mart for businesses to showcase sustainable products and services.
- Technical Tours: Post-conference tours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other significant ecotourism locations in Malaysia.
- Global Overview: Presentations on the outcomes of other major international ecotourism conferences, with a focus on developing regions like GMS, IMT-GT, and BIMP-EAGA.
Target Participants
The conference is targeted at a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the tourism and environmental sectors:
Private Sector
Tourism entrepreneurs, investors, tour operators, lodge owners, hoteliers, architects, and guides.
Public Sector
Government ministers, parliamentarians, local authorities, and policymakers in tourism, culture, and environment.
Academia
Deans, professors, researchers, and university students.
NGOs
Non-governmental organizations involved in social, economic, and environmental conservation.
General Interest
Anyone wishing to learn, invest in, or contribute to the sustainable tourism industry.
Expected Outcomes
Strengthened Partnerships
Strengthened global and regional partnerships for sustainable ecotourism development.
Best Practices Adoption
Increased adoption of best practices in environmental conservation and community engagement.
Comprehensive Understanding
A comprehensive understanding of emerging trends, challenges, and solutions in urban and rural ecotourism.
Enhanced capacity for developing countries to leverage ecotourism for sustainable economic growth.
The successful positioning of the Royal Belum rainforest as a premier international ecotourism destination.
Conference Chairman & Keynote Speakers
Conference Chairman & Rapporteur
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Plenary Session Speakers
Day 2 Plenary Session Speakers
Session 1 - Urban & Rural Ecotourism: New Paradigms?
Session 2 - Market Development & Ecotourism: Viability versus Responsibility
Session 3 - Sustainable Tourism & Roadmaps: Turning Green
Day 3 Private Sector Success Stories Speakers
Academic Research Presentations - Day 3 (Selected)
Conference Programme - Day 1 (8 July 2010, Thursday)
Conference Programme - Day 2 (9 July 2010, Friday)
Conference Programme - Day 3 (10 July 2010, Saturday)
Parallel Tracks Programme
Track 3B: National and Regional Meetings - MEA & APES (14.30pm - 15.30pm: Asia Pacific Ecotourism Society Meeting; 15.30pm - 17.00pm: Malaysian Ecotourism Association Annual General Meeting)
Technical Tours - Day 4 (11 July 2010, Sunday)
Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary
Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, Pahang is a rare and fantastic opportunity to get up close to endemic Malaysian elephants. This truly unique Elephant Orphanage of Kuala Gandah in Pahang will give you a very rare opportunity to learn about these displaced gentle giants. Get the chance to ride them through the jungle, with the help of an elephant guide, or mahout. For the brave and adventurous, there are opportunities to take the elephants down to the river and help give them a bath! There really is no better opportunity than this to get in touch with these grey giants. The elephants here have been rescued from all over Peninsula Malaysia, providing them a safe sanctuary in the wild.
Recommended Gear: Sport shoes, T-shirt, long pants, sunglasses and hat.
Photo placeholder: Elephant sanctuary
Tentative Itinerary
Additional Technical Tours
Kuala Selangor Nature Park & Fireflies
Depart: 5.00pm | Duration: 6 hours
Photo placeholder: Fireflies
This is a enchanting experience where you watch millions of fireflies displaying the most amazing "nature light show" resembling fairy-like miniature Christmas lights along the banks of a certain river in Kuala Selangor where the Berembang trees grow. Cruising along the river bank on a sampan, a small wooden row boat, the boatman will row the boat along the river where you can see the glowing display along both sides of the river.
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
Depart: 9.00am | Duration: 4 hours
Photo placeholder: FRIM canopy walkway
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), as a world reputed centre for tropical forestry research, has more than 100 years of experience in forestry and forest products research. With many outdoor recreations and public education on the ground, FRIM has become a popular spot for picnickers, joggers, cyclers, tourists and nature study groups. Experience the Tree Canopy walkway which is 30m above ground and spans about 200m.
Putrajaya Wetlands
Depart: 5.00pm | Duration: 6 hours
Photo placeholder: Putrajaya wetlands
The Putrajaya Wetlands is said to be the largest constructed freshwater wetlands in the tropics and the first of its kind in Malaysia. It functions as a flood control system and a natural filter system for the Putrajaya Lake. The park comprises the Taman Wetland and the wetland areas. More than 70 species of wetland plants have been planted.
Banghuris CBT Rural Village Experience
Depart: 9.00am | Duration: 4 hours
Photo placeholder: Banghuris village
Feel and experience a truly living lifestyle and the hospitality of the village folks in Banghuris, Sepang. This is a rare chance of experiencing a rapidly diminishing traditional lifestyle. Banghuris also offers a host of agro-tourism activities. Visitors will be taken for an educational tour to the coconut, star fruit, guava and palm oil plantations.