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Does NZ stand for anything other than rugby?
Does NZ stand for anything other than rubgy? Ecotourism Conference - Challenged.
World renowned environmentalist Robert Swan, speaking today at the first
day of the Ecotourism NZ Conference in Rotorua, has challenged NZ to stand
for more than rugby.
“In my generation, growing up in England, we knew New Zealand for
standing up to the US on the nuclear issue. You educated and inspired the
whole world. What does New Zealand stand for today aside from rugby?
Nothing – and it’s time it did,” he told the first day of the two-day
conference.
“You have the ability and opportunity to inspire the world again, this
time for renewable energy. You can lead the world in renewable energy.
You are 80 percent there, why not go the whole way?"
Ecotourism NZ spokesperson Joe Doherty says ecotourism, more than any
other tourism sector, is doing a lot for the environment “but we can
always do better”. The conference is a chance to share ideas, explore new
opportunities and develop strategies to improve and enhance ecotourism,
the fastest growing sector of New Zealand’s tourism industry.
Robert Swan is one of the world’s top polar explorers and environmental
leaders. By age 33, he became the first person to walk to both the North
and South Poles. His 900 mile journey to the South Pole - ‘In the
Footsteps of Scott’, stands as the longest unassisted walk ever made on
earth. Swan is currently on a five-year global ‘Voyage for Cleaner Energy’
aboard his renewable energy sailboat. He aims to showcase sustainable
living practices and transport alternatives that run solely on renewable
energy.
Swan says he supports ecotourism because he believes it is an excellent
tool for promoting environmental awareness and educating people about
sustainable energy.
"The greatest challenge on earth is the energy challenge. Renewable energy
must be on the New Zealand agenda. You have a chance to show serious
global leadership on renewable energy, you’re almost there - you just need
to make the commitment.”
