Vietnam attends World Congress on Wildlife Tourism in Venezuela

Vietnam is ready to share with the global ecotourism community its experience in developing “Green” tourism, responsible tourism, activities based on nature and indigenous culture, and the connection of local communities towards the goal of sustainable development.

Scene at a discussion session at the Congress. (Photo: Embassy of Vietnam in Venezuela)

On October 11 and 12, in the city of Merida, western Venezuela, the First World Congress on Wildlife Tourism (Congreso Mundial de Aviturismo) took place with the participation of experts, scholars, and scientists from more than 21 countries, including Vietnam.

Speaking at the opening of the Congress, Venezuelan Tourism Minister Leticia Gomez emphasized that the event aimed to position Venezuela as an “ecological paradise” in the world. With 1,426 bird species, of which 58 are endemic, Venezuela is gradually asserting its potential to become a center of attraction for international tourists who love to explore and experience wild nature. According to Ms. Gómez, developing ecotourism is not only an economic strategy, but also a “green path” towards the country’s sustainable future.

Minister Leticia Gómez said that the first World Congress on Wildlife Tourism held in Venezuela, one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, is an opportunity to promote solidarity and international cooperation to promote new tourism models, explore wildlife, and build a green and sustainable global tourism.

Presenting a speech at the closing ceremony of the Congress, representing the Vietnamese delegation, ornithologist Nguyen Hoai Bao emphasized the role of ecotourism in promoting socio-economic development, bringing stable income to local people through guiding activities, providing accommodation and food services, and trading in local handicrafts and agricultural products.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoai Bao, founder of Wildtour - a pioneer in the field of wildlife discovery tourism in Vietnam, ecotourism also helps preserve the environment by creating direct funding for protecting ecosystems, biodiversity and raising community awareness of resource protection. In addition, responsible tourism activities also help tourists experience and learn about nature, while preserving, honoring and promoting the traditional cultural identity of indigenous communities.

Mr. Nguyen Hoai Bao emphasized that Vietnam is ready to share with the global ecotourism community its experience in developing “Green” tourism, responsible tourism, activities based on nature and indigenous culture, and the connection of local communities towards the goal of sustainable development.

With the gathering of many leading experts, scholars and researchers in the field of environment, ecosystem and sustainable tourism from more than 20 countries, the World Congress on Wildlife Tourism is considered a milestone in the trend of ecotourism associated with biodiversity conservation on a global scale.

Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Minister Tatiana Pugh Moreno (second from left) and the Vietnamese delegation attending the Congress. (Photo: Embassy of Vietnam in Venezuela)

Held in the city of Merida in the Andes Mountains – one of the most biodiverse regions in the world – the First World Congress on Wildlife Bird Tourism opens up a wide range of cooperation opportunities between countries, including Vietnam, in sharing conservation experiences, developing environmentally friendly bird watching tourism products, as well as connecting travel businesses between Southeast Asia and South America.

Earlier, speaking at a friendly reception for the Vietnamese delegation, Venezuelan Deputy Foreign Minister Tatiana Pugh Moreno stated that the World Congress on Wildlife Tourism is not only a meeting place for nature lovers, but also a forum for countries to share their aspirations to turn biological resources into a driving force for green development. Vietnam's participation and leaving its mark at the event shows the image of a dynamic country, ready to accompany the world in efforts to conserve and develop sustainable tourism.

At the reception, Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My affirmed that Vietnam is proud to be present at this international forum - where countries join hands to preserve the natural heritage of humanity. With more than 1,000 bird species and a rich ecosystem, Vietnam considers ecotourism associated with biodiversity conservation as a sustainable development direction. On that basis, Vietnam wishes to expand cooperation with Venezuela and South American countries, so that tourism is not only a journey of discovery, but also a bridge of friendship and responsibility for the green Earth.

Khanh Lan

Source: https://nhandan.vn/viet-nam-tham-du-dai-hoi-the-gioi-ve-du-lich-kham-pha-doi-song-chim-hoang-da-tai-venezuela-post915146.html