WCA's World Whale Conference 2017 *"Towards Responsible Tourism for Cetaceans"* *Durban, South Africa * *24th -29th June 2017* Dear MARMAMers, The World Cetacean Alliance <http://www.worldcetaceanalliance.org/> (WCA) would like to invite you to register your interest in our forthcoming World Whale Conference: Towards Responsible Tourism for Cetaceans <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/world-whale-conference-whale-heritage-sites-summit/> in Durban, South Africa from 24th – 29th June 2017. The WCA is the world’s largest Partnership working to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises. Through cooperation, our 70+ global Partners aim to conserve and protect cetaceans and their habitats in the world’s oceans, seas and rivers, to ensure their continued health and survival. The WCA invites you to participate in this event to discuss how tourism can protect and celebrate cetaceans and their habitats. “*As an international partnership it is very important for us to reach out to our African colleagues and welcome them to this important event for everybody interested in marine conservation and ecotourism. We have been hugely impressed with Kwazulu-Natal, its friendly people, and its focus on conservation and sustainability – all key ingredients for this conference and summit*.” Dylan Walker, CEO, World Cetacean Alliance. Hosted by the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau <http://www.durbankzncb.co.za/> and eThekwini Municipality <http://www.durban.gov.za/Pages/default.aspx>, the WCA’s 2017 Conference will compose of two parts: The *4th World Whale Conference* will focus on *responsible tourism for whales and dolphins*, and will unite national, regional and global stakeholders from whale conservation and welfare backgrounds, the whale watching industry, travel and tourism representatives, and beyond, to share evidence and discuss strategies to ensure the protection of cetaceans in southern Africa and worldwide. The *2nd Whale Heritage Sites Summit* will bring together representatives from tourist destinations, international institutions and the private sector along with global experts in tourism, sustainability and whale watching to see WHS candidates showcase their destinations, and discuss and explore opportunities for the development of new sites in Africa and worldwide. Conference Schedule: *Saturday 24th June, 2017*: Social events: Community event, excursions, dinner (tbc) *Sunday 25th June, 2017*: Workshops (open for topic registration soon) *Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th June, 2017*: *World Whale Conference* *Wednesday 28th June & Thursday 29th June, 2017*: *Whale Heritage Sites (WHS) Summit* For more information, please register <https://surveyplanet.com/57ff81f5c45a3306bc0eee97> your details: https://surveyplanet.com/57ff81f5c45a3306bc0eee97 *Have your say - What would you like to see at the conference?* The WCA would like to encourage all interested parties and stakeholders to have their say in the development of this conference by taking part in our online questionnaire <https://surveyplanet.com/5808a853cecbdd56235f8e55>: https://surveyplanet.com/5808a853cecbdd56235f8e55 We look forward to seeing you in Durban! Nikki Oliver *Events Coordinator* *World Cetacean Alliance * *T *+44 (0)1273 355011* M *+44 (0)7595 902489 *E *nikki@worldcetaceanalliance.org* W *worldcetaceanalliance.org *W2 *whaleheritagesites.org *A *Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK The WCA is proud to be a finalist at the 2016 World Responsible Tourism Awards <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/2016/09/08/world-responsible-tourism-awards-finalist/> *The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 70 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 35 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. * *The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately.* *Please consider the environment before printing this email or its attachments. *