AWI Supports Responsible Whale-Watching Workshop in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Release Date:

October 23, 2014

Washington, DC—

International experts in the development and operation of responsible whale watching are conducting a three-day workshop in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from October 22 to 24 2014, to provide training to existing and prospective whale-watch operators.

The objectives of the workshop, which include two full days of instruction and a morning at sea, are focused on educating stakeholders on the importance of protecting whales and dolphins from the impact of vessels, increasing the educational and scientific value of whale-watching trips for passengers and researchers, and maximizing the income potential and community benefits of nature-based tourism.

The agenda includes segments on responsible regulation and passenger safety, as well as business aspects such as marketing and tour design.

The trainers from Fundacion Cethus in Argentina bring years of experience in training whale-watch operators in developing countries to the workshop. It is being conducted in cooperation with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust, with financial support from the Animal Welfare Institute, Cetacean Society International, OceanCare and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.