Spain 'top' for whale watching
THE FIRST Whale Heritage Site in Europe has been created off the Canary Islands.
The initiative is a certification programme established by the UK-based World Cetacean Alliance (WCA).
The WCA noted that the Tenerife-La Gomera marine area in southwest Tenerife ‘has been awarded a prestigious title, showcasing a great alternative to wildlife entertainment activities’.
They explained that Whale Heritage Sites are a global accreditation scheme ‘that recognises outstanding destinations that offer and celebrate responsible and sustainable wild whale and dolphin watching’.
“The scheme offers the travel industry a way to protect marine wildlife and support sustainable practices,” they stated. “The site in Tenerife has long been a popular spot to see whales and dolphins in the wild and this accreditation recognises the community’s commitment to respecting and celebrating these animals.”
There are 28 cetacean species found in the island’s waters, most of which are migrant or seasonal, according to the WCA, although some are local residents, including shortfinned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
The area identified covers some 22 kilometres in length.
To qualify for this global accreditation, candidate destinations must meet set criteria which recognises their commitment to cetacean conservation through responsible wildlife interactions and sustainability.
These include encouraging respectful human-cetacean coexistence; environmental, social and economic sustainability; and research, education and awareness.
“Whale Heritage Site status provides tourists with an easy way to select responsible whale and dolphin watching destiwatching nations; places where people can experience cetaceans in their natural habitat and in an authentic and respectful way,” added the WCA.
Elizabeth Cuevas, Whale Heritage Sites Manager at the WCA , said: “The designation of Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site is a wonderful step forward for responsible tourism.
“We believe the site is fast becoming a world leader in sustainable whale and dolphin and this certification will help the local community by recognising responsible whale watching practices supported by the latest research and conservation efforts.”
Nick Stewart, Global Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection, said the sites are ‘immensely important in the protection of wildlife because they showcase a viable, sustainable alternative to wildlife entertainment activities’.