BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS—Dr. David Suzuki, one of the world’s most celebrated voices on preserving the environment, will deliver the keynote address at the 10th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development to be held April 28 to May 1, 2008 at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa (by Sandals), a Green Globe Certified hotel.
The conference, organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board and the Caribbean Hotel Assn., is designed to provide attendees with information on the development and implementation of tourism practices in a responsible manner. Many experts have identified the Caribbean as a region that would be greatly impacted by the continued adverse effects of global warming and other environmental issues. The conference also aims to examine how member nations of the CTO can implement sustainable tourism policies while providing a regional forum for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people.
Dr. Suzuki, the Canadian geneticist and environmental scientist, is the co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, whose mission is to promote energy efficiency and ecological fiscal reform. He rose to international fame in 1979 as host of The Nature of Things, an award-winning science program syndicated in more than 50 countries. His efforts to educate the public on issues such as climate change have been recognized by the Canadian government, The United Nations, and numerous universities. Dr. Suzuki has authored more than 40 books, including the best-seller The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Planet in Nature.
Focus on Sustainable Caribbean
As keynote speaker, Dr. Suzuki will have the opportunity to address environmental issues in keeping with the theme of this year’s conference, Keeping the Right Balance—Sustaining the Caribbean Coastal Product.
“We are extremely pleased to have a person of Dr. Suzuki’s stature and accomplishments address this conference,” said Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, secretary general and chief executive officer of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. “Dr. Suzuki has been a leading voice on environmental issues for many years and our conference attendees will most certainly benefit from his teachings.”
According to Alec Sanguinetti, CEO for the Caribbean Hotel Assn., the Caribbean region will benefit from Dr. Suzuki’s global perspective.
“Sustainability is an issue of vital importance both regionally and globally,” Sanguinetti said. “Having an international figure such as Dr. Suzuki provide his own perspective and in-depth knowledge on the subject will help us all to better address this important issue.”
In addition to Dr. Suzuki, the conference will feature a dynamic program itinerary, including study tours of the host country, Turks & Caicos Islands. One such comprehensive tour will include a visit to the world’s only conch farm. For more information or to register for the conference, visit, www.OneCaribbean.org.
