7.0 CONCLUSIONS
Throughout the discussions of each agenda item, recommendations were
noted. The Workshop asked that the Chairperson (Wray) extract those recommendations
and present them to the Workshop as a part of the second draft of the report
which was submitted by mail (airmail, e-mall and fax) to each participant
for further comments and approval.
In making these recommendations, the Workshop noted that some countries
where whale watching is just developing may be unable immediately to implement
such recommendations as tour guide training, regulations and certifications
and other time- or cost-intensive suggestions. The recommendations should
not discourage pioneering efforts, but should be used by new and old operations
as guidelines.
7.1 Recommendations
- It is recommended, recognised and agreed strongly that whale watching
is a tool for educating people at all levels, at all ages and at all localities
in natural history, cultural history and conservation, and that all whale
watching must have an educational component.
- It is recommended that local, national and international NG0s and community
groups assist in the identification and distribution of resource materials
appropriate for various sites.
- It is recommended that whale watching in an academic setting not only
emphasise disciplines such as biology but should strive to develop critical
thinking skills, sharpen problem-solving skills, provide exposure to the
elements of scientific inquiry, and enhance awareness of the environment.
- It is recommended that an Internet clearing-house for whale watch educational
materials be developed and its use encouraged.
- It is recommended that standardised mechanisms for evaluating information
transfer in whale watch education be pursued for its long- and short-term
effect.
- It is strongly recommended that professionalism in whale watch tour
guides be encouraged and that it be viewed as a career.
- It is recommended that tour guides be recruited from the local area
of the whale watch operation wherever possible so that a sense of local
stewardship and involvement is fostered.
- It is recommended that a system of certification of tour guides and
tour operators be established, either by local or national authorities,
wherever whale watching exists.
- It is recommended that a system for licensing and regulating tour guide
operators be established wherever whale watching is practiced, and believed
that the quality of tours would increase were there regulations mandating
the presence of a qualified tour guide, naturalist or scientist in the
operation to secure a permit.
- It is recommended that workshops and other educational methods be encouraged
for the training of tour guides and tour operators; and such training tools
be developed by cooperation between local authorities, regional and national
governments, local and international NG0s.
- It is strongly recommended that codes and regulations for whale watching
education and operation be established where they do not exist.
- It is strongly recommended that tour operators, guides, authorities,
NG0s and whale watchers encourage or insist upon a high standard of credibility
among tour operators in the production of their advertising and promotional
materials so that the level of client expectation is realistic and educational
goals are served.
- It is recommended that communities should, where possible, take an
active role in promoting the educational aspects of whale watching.
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7.2 Post-Workshop life of the report
The Workshop wished this report to have as wide a dissemination as possible,
believing it to be of value to government agencies at all levels, ministries
(environmental, tourism, educational) and local authorities, tour guides
and operators, scientists, NG0s and educators. The publication of a summary
brochure version of the report was encouraged.
The report will be translated into several languages, including Spanish,
Portuguese and Japanese. Representatives of NG0s present at the meeting
offered funding for translations, which generosity was applauded by the
Workshop.
The report will be submitted to the International Whaling Commission
at its 49th meeting in Monaco in October 1997.
8.0 CLOSING OF THE MEETING
Following a vote of thanks to all participants and observers, and to
the support personnel and rapporteurs, the meeting was adjourned. The draft
report was then circulated via e-mail, fax and airmail for further comment.
The Workshop approved the preliminary draft report in Provincetown.
This was refined and circulated after the meeting by the Chairperson to
all participants for additional comments. The summary, acknowledgments
and introduction were prepared by Wray after comments were received.
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