By Carolyn Wild – It’s hard to believe I’ve been involved in ecotourism development for over 20 years now. I remember when ecotourism was such a new concept that the first articles in the travel pages of magazines and newspapers always went to great lengths to define it. The controversy over what ecotourism is and the debate about whether protecting nature through developing tourism is an oxymoron were prevalent then and they are still with us today.

Despite the fact that most sharks are among the most threatened marine wildlife in our oceans, shark conservation efforts continue to face great challenges due to sharks’ “reputation” as dangerous predators. Learn more about sharks from Hawaii Shark Encounters and be part of the global efforts to fight misconceptions, support more research and further conservation initiatives. Hawaii Shark Encounters works closely with Shark Allies, a non-profit organization that promotes proper understanding and respect for sharks and supports ocean conservation.

Matava and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters in Fiji are taking a leading role in the international shark conservation efforts, organizing Fiji to become the first country to fully participate in the Shark-Free Marina Initiative (SFMI). The SFMI works with marinas, boaters and fishermen to develop policy designed to protect sharks as a vital component of the oceans health. The SFMI’s purpose is to reduce worldwide shark mortality. Working with marinas, fishermen and like minded non-profit groups, it forms community conscious policy and increase awareness of the need to encourage shark conservation.

In June, Dream Nepal Travel & Tours organized a three-day outdoor rural tourism program in Nagarkot (33km north east of Kathmandu) for the students of Silver Mountain School of Hospitality Management (SMSHM). Working with tourism colleges, Dream Nepal organizes these trips across Nepal, encouraging education and capacity building through outdoor activities. As part of the SMSHM program, the students prepared presentations on their skills and what they have learned about setting up tourism and hospitality enterprises.