SA a whale of a world leader in regulation
SOUTH Africa is a “world leader” when it comes to responsible whale watching.
This is according to chief executive officer of the World Cetacean Alliance Dylan Walker, who arrived in Durban on Thursday, along with marine scientists and researchers, tourism operators and non-profit organisation representatives from around the globe for the first World Whale Conference to be held in Africa from today until Thursday.
Speaking to Independent Media, Walker said: “South Africa is recognised as one of the world’s responsible whale-watching destinations.
“It’s a world leader and in terms of regulation and legislation, it is second to none.
“When Durban bid to host the conference, I came out last year to have a look.
“Durban and KwaZulu-Natal are expanding their whale tourism and it is very well managed.
“There are many places where legislation with regard to whale watching is not being followed or it just doesn’t exist,” said Walker.
With the focus being on responsible whale-watching, part of the conference will also include the Whale Heritage Site Summit which will look at case studies of possible sites around the world and identifying a list of potential sites in Africa.
Walker said criteria to be accepted as a Whale Heritage Site were strict.
“Accreditation is only given where there are the very highest standards of whale watching, with community education and engagement, as well as visitor learning, being required.
“South Africa is hot on equality and sustainability which are reflected in the whale watching industry, with community engagement high on the agenda,” he said, adding that with 2009 global figures on whale-watching tourism revenue being reported as $2.1 billion (R27bn), demand for eco-tourism had grown.
“Developing parts of the world such as Africa and Asia are growing exponentially,” said Walker.
Conference delegates from around the world, including Belgium, Brazil, the US, Canada, Australia and the UK, continued to arrive yesterday.
Hawaii-based David Schofield, who is with the US National Marine Fisheries, is looking forward to networking, as well as giving presentations at the conference on stranding and rehabilitation of large marine creatures.
Having worked with marine mammals for 30 years, Schofield said the inter national conference provided a better understanding of global issues in the industry.
Last night, Department of Environmental Affairs spokesperson Zolile Nqayi confirmed that department scientists and management officials would attend the conference. He said South Africa had responsible whale and dolphin protocols in place.