Dear Marmamers, The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative – Whale Heritage Sites – to recognise those destinations worldwide which champion responsible whale and dolphin watching and celebrate the cultural importance of the cetaceans living in the waters around them. Due to be launched on 28-29 October 2015, Whale Heritage Sites will be a globally recognised way to identify destinations that implement and celebrate responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin watching. Whale Heritage Site accreditation will be awarded to destinations leading the way in sustainability and responsible management of whale and dolphin watching, and generating an appreciation of the culture and heritage surrounding cetaceans and their habitats. They will provide the travel industry with a clear marker to identify and support sustainable practice, and create a platform for destinations to promote their whale related culture, heritage and biodiversity. Whale Heritage Sites will give tourists a clear way to select responsible whale and dolphin watching holiday destinations, encouraging them to experience these incredible animals in their natural habitat in a sustainable and responsible way. Whale Heritage Site status will be designated to destinations that: 1. Maintain the highest standards of responsible whale and dolphin watching; 2. Celebrate the cultural importance of whales and dolphins by engaging communities and tourists with the arts, science, music, education and events Designation of a destination as a Whale Heritage Site will facilitate marketing and promotion, boost visitor numbers and the incomes of tourism providers, enable sustainable management of marine resources and celebrate history, the environment, and cultural identity. Twelve destinations are currently being analysed to understand how their frameworks could be adapted as 'best practice models' for Whale Heritage Sites. These are: Azores, Portugal; Silver Bank, Dominican Republic; El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, Mexico; Hervey Bay, Australia; Iceland; Kaikoura, New Zealand; Massachusetts, USA; Outer Barrier Reef, Australia; Washington State / British Columbia (USA/Canada); Peninsula Valdez, Argentina; South Africa; and Tonga. NEXT STEPS The first Whale Heritage Sites Summit will be held 28-30 October in the Azores Islands, reflecting the islands’ long standing position as a mecca for whale and dolphin enthusiasts, for its contribution to cetacean research, and its close cultural links with cetaceans. For more information about Whale Heritage Sites: http://whaleheritagesites.org/ For more information about the Whale Heritage Sites Summit to be held on Faial in the Azores on 28 – 30 October 2015: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/conference-programme/ Please contact me if you require further information about Whale Heritage Sites or the Summit. Regards, Dylan Walker *WCA Secretariat* *Without collaboration we will achieve nothing more than a drop in the ocean. ~ Jean-Michel Cousteau, Honorary President, WCA* *WCA, Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK * *Office: +44(0)1273 355011 <%2B44%280%291273%20355011>. Mob: +44(0)7900 471490 <%2B44%280%297900%20471490> * *www.worldcetaceanalliance.org <http://www.worldcetaceanalliance.org>*