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.

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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