February 10, 2019 – Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA), the leading association for travel and tourism research announces internationally acclaimed scientist, author, conservationist and explorer, Tim Flannery will be speaking in Melbourne at the 50thTTRA International conference in June 2019 on his recent experiences in the Solomon Islands, known as the Southwest Pacific’s Galapagos.
In this presentation, Tim will explore how tourism can affect the region and the role research can play in supporting positive outcomes while minimizingnegative effects on the communities and environment.
Session description below.
A Modern Tale of Wildlife Conservation, Murder and Redemption: Does Tourism have a Role?
As a British Colony from 1893-1977, coconut plantations were established with a focus on money-making, resulting in violence from and towards the primarily British (and then Australian) settlers and missionaries. As recently as 2003, an Australian missionary Lance Gersbach, 60, was killed in the town of Atoifi, in Malaita, where the local Ramo were renowned for their fierce and independent nature.
In this remarkable region, new species are still being discovered and in spite of their isolation, many indigenous communities have been touched by colonialism, subsequently choosing to remain isolated. Nonetheless,the world is catching up with them, regardless of their own desires…
In 2018, the new Paramount Chief of Malaita, Esau Kekuabata proposed a Reconciliation Ceremony to bring peace to the region. For weeks he walked between villages, gaining agreement. With extensive contacts in the region, and a high regional profile as 2007 Australian of the Year, Tim Flannery was invited to participate in the ceremony. By the time he arrived in July 2018, 90% of people agreed to end their violent ways.
After the powerful Ceremony, the region’s conservation, tourism and community initiatives began with renewed vigor. Tim led a small tour to Malaita in October of that year with Heritage Expeditions, raising the possibility of tourism as a positive conservation and community force. Yet, there are concerns about the impacts of outsiders and the renewed gaze of the world onto this fragile area.
Yet the reconciliation continues, rippling out to north Malaita. Next, Guadalcanal, with the hope that it will cover the whole Solomons. The significant role that Tim is playing in this situation will be discussed and challenged in his Keynote Presentation.
