Sustainable Tourism in South Korea

18-08-08

ICLEI Korea Office in August 2008 organised "The Forum for Global Sustainable Tourism". Eight speakers including four international guest speakers, ten panelists and over 300 attendees representing ICLEI Korea members, academics, private corporations, NGO’s and the general public joined in the discussion of global sustainable development conditions and potential alternatives.

Linking climate change and tourism

In the opening address, ICLEI Korea Office Director Chin Dae-shik stated: ‘Now is the time to be alert to dangers of climate change. It is necessary to identify new means of development and new ways of life that will work minimize the effects of new weather patterns and climatic realities. We need to pool our wisdom and share our experiences and expertise in order to mobilize the resources necessary to repair the Earth.’

Presentations at the event

ICLEI South Asia Regional Director Victorino Aquitania presented "Climate Change and Tourism"; ICLEI Korea Office Advisor Dr. Karl Kim from University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii stressed "Climate Change, Sustainable Development: Island Perspective"; ICLEI Korea Office Advisor Dr. Greame Auton from University of Redlands, California spoke "Mitigating Risk in Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change and Sustainability in the Tourism Industry: A Global Perspective"; ICLEI Korea Office Advisor Dr. William Cannon Hunter from Cheju National University presented "How Intergovernmental and Global Organizations Support A Sustainable Global Tourism"; ICLEI Korea Office Advisor Dr. Jang Sung-soo from Cheju National University viewed " Climate Change and Sustainable Tourism: Jeju Island Perspective"; Dr. Lee Min-ho, Director of Climate Change Cooperation Division, Korea Ministry of Environment presented " the National Government's Policies to Cope with Climate Change"; and Director Cha Shin-hui, Bureau of Environment, Changwon City and Mr. Lee Keun-ho, Director of Suwon Local Agenda 21 presented "Environment Capital City, Changwon's Project for Climate Change" and " Implementation of Sustainable Development in the Tourism Industry – A Case of the World Cultural Heritage, Hwaseong Sanctuarization Project" respectively.

Study tour in Jeju Province

Following the Forum, ICLEI Korea members, speakers and attending panelists joined in a study tour exploring best cases of environmental and cultural models in Jeju. The study tour took place with an eye to ensure solidarity in terms of promoting ICLEI campaigns and programs in the foreseeable future. Jeju welcomes over 4 million visitors from mainland Korea, Japan, and China every year. Its sisters cities in the US are Las Vegas and Santa Rosa.

Generous hosts and partners

Generous co-hosts included Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Tourism Association, generous sponsorship from the Korea Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government and Council, Jemin Daily News, Tourism Resource and Development Society, Jeju Academic Society of Tourism, Local Sustainability Alliance of Korea, Korea Green Purchasing Network and Korea Eco-Products Institute