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  • 10 Aug 2021

The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) and Corredor Marino del Pacifico Este Tropical (CMAR) collaborated again to conduct a webinar on tourism as a strategy for conservation, scientific monitoring, and citizen science on 22 July 2021.

Dr. Mohd Kushairi Mohd Rajuddin, Executive Director of the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, stated that the webinar is part of the two regional initiatives’ ongoing efforts to collaboratively strengthen the protection of marine and conserved areas for regional economic growth, food security, and sustainable livelihoods for current and future generations.

“We share CMAR’s enthusiasm in exploring marine and coastal tourism and the benefits it can deliver for communities, the environment, and the economy at both national and local levels. Marine and coastal tourism is just one aspect of the Ocean Economy, which is expected to gain momentum and, through its growth, generate further demand in interconnected ocean-based industries,” Dr. Kushairi said.

Mr. Ricardo Meneses-Orellana of the Pro Tempore Secretariat of CMAR highlighted the importance of tourism, especially during the pandemic. He emphasized its role in preserving biodiversity, educating the public about the environment, and creating economic opportunities. He also stressed the need for collaboration with various stakeholders to generate information at the level of marine protected areas.

During the webinar, Dr. Sharifah Nora Ibrahim, Deputy Executive Director of Program Services at the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat, presented CTI-CFF’s pre- and post-COVID-19 tourism scenarios. She highlighted the importance of conservation without heavy reliance on tourism, especially foreign visitors, and encouraged diversifying sources of funding through domestic visitors, virtual tours, online souvenirs, and other methods.

Ms. Jenny Paola Gallo Santos, Tourism Coordinator of CMAR, noted that CMAR considers ecotourism a conservation and management strategy that contributes to the effective management of protected area systems for the benefit of local communities and the region. She also emphasized ecotourism’s role in educating and raising awareness among all participants about the importance of natural and cultural heritage, while ensuring financial sustainability so that national parks fulfill their functions.

The webinar on tourism continued the discussion from the September 2020 webinar, which focused on tourism management and the effective management of MPAs, organized jointly by CTI-CFF and CMAR.