2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
Tasmania is at a critical junction, with decisions being made right now that will affect this state’s economy, environment, brand and market position for many generations to come.
Join us for a community conversation exploring Tasmania’s present and future opportunities, organised by tourism operator Ben Rea and hosted by Judy Tierney, Tasmanian and national award winning journalist with ABC radio and television for over 35 years.
The evening will feature a multi-media presentation by Ben Rea on his three week investigation of sustainable tourism practice in northern Canada, followed by a panel and audience discussion featuring Tasmanians with expertise in tourism, sustainability and cultural knowledge management.
Panelists include:
Peter Mooney: Former General Manager Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service for 12 years, and sustainable tourism partnerships consultant
Greg Lehman: Tasmanian Aboriginal writer, historian and cultural heritage consultant.
Andrew Timbs: Creative Director, Red Jelly, tourism branding and advertising expert
With more speakers to be announced …
Where University of Tasmania School of Art, Hunter St Hobart
When Wednesday 6 September 5.45-730 pm
RSVP via http://efs.tas.edu.au/localsteps/
Presented in partnership with Education for Sustainability Tasmania, a UN recognised regional centre of expertise and supported by the University of Tasmania.
About the Education for Sustainability Tasmania network
Education for Sustainability Tasmania is a growing network of organisations who use education as a means to build a stronger, interconnected cultural identity, with a common goal of sustainability. More information can be found at efs.tas.edu.au
About Ben Rea
In July, 2017 Ben Rea, owner of adventure tourism business Tasmanian Ebike Adventures, completed a three-week sea kayak expedition through Gwaii Haanas National Park Canada interviewing local experts on the subject of sustainable tourism.
Co-Managed by Parks Canada and the Haida Nation, Gwaiii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage site is an archipelago of 138 islands, encompassing over 500 square kilometers. Situated below SE Alaska, facing Russia, Japan, Hawaii and the British Columbia, Gwaii Haanas lays some 150 kilometers west of the North American continent and is surrounded by some of the most notoriously wild waters in the World, such as the Hecate Straight, Gulf of Alaska and Pacific Ocean.
Ben first visited the Haida Gwaii in Canada 25 years ago as a 19-year-old adventurer sea kayaking the Archipelago for three months. 5 years later Ben returned to build a wilderness guesthouse with friends in Rose Harbor and guide sea kayak expeditions. “This time, 20 years later I returned to reconnect with the land and its people.”
With 2017 as the UN designated year of sustainable tourism for development, Rea has now returned to share this knowledge of the tourism model in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site works, and highlight how it is relevant to Tasmania.
“Gwaii Haanas is arguably one of the best examples of sustainably managed wild Country on Earth. Also known as Canada’s Galapagos, it has been recognised by National Geographic as one of the most outstanding National Parks in North America for its Natural and Cultural values, that is a Big call with competition like Yosemite and Yellowstone,” said Ben Rea.
The Haida have lived on Haida Gwaii for 14000 years occupying their land as did Aboriginal Tasmanians through the Ice Ages. Like the Palawa Tasmania’s first people the Haida were colonized by the British and suffered the catastrophic impacts of disease and cultural disintegration.
Rea’s interest has been to understand this reimagined system and what it offers to Tasmania. There is much inspiration to be found in how the Haida have walked their long road of rediscovery and healing to reoccupy their place as managers and custodians of their island culture and environment. They through their Elders, Matriarchs, Custodial Chiefs and clan system operate a contemporary system of cooperative management for Gwaii Haanas with Parks Canada and the Canadian Government.
Maria Clippingdale
