ASEAN has identified ‘sustainable and inclusive tourism’ as one of the strategic directions under the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025 and, in a similar vein, prioritized the protection and conservation of natural heritage sites. In particular, UNESCO Natural Heritage sites are significant not only because they are an “irreplaceable source of life and inspiration,” but also because they represent the “universal value of nature conservation for future generations.” These natural wonders serve as both practical and inspirational sources of momentum for fulfilling the wider-ranging UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The upcoming workshop on “Sustainable Tourism for Natural Heritage Destinations” will act as a practical meeting for professionals to share expertise and exchange aspirations for sustainable tourism centered on natural heritage.

As a region blessed with a wealth of unique and diverse natural assets, ASEAN has many natural heritage sites which attract tourists from around the globe. AMS as a whole has shown their deeply held consideration of natural heritage as well as the importance of biodiversity by creating the ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme. The declaration on ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserve was issued in 1984, with the purpose of “Regional cooperation to manage ecologically representative protected areas in Southeast Asia effectively.” And in December 2003, a new Declaration on ASEAN Heritage Parks was issued in Myanmar which recognized additional ASEAN Heritage Parks Programme. The network has since grown to have a total of 38 ASEAN Heritage Parks in the 10 AMS. This workshop is meant to build on these successes and allow for the individuals, groups, and nations of ASEAN to meet in Korea to share and collaborate with Korean professionals working towards similar goals.

The workshop will be held in Jeju, Korea, in collaboration with the “World Leader’s Conservation Forum(WLCF) 2018,” hosted by Ministry of Environment of Korea, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Under the theme of “Together for a Sustainable Future,” the WLCF2018 is expected to inspire people around the world to take concrete action in flavor of nature. Collaborating with WLCF2018 will enable the workshop be more inclusive with various spectrum of participants from world leaders.

The technical site visit to Korea’s UNESCO natural heritage site will follow a one and half day workshop with renowned experts in UNESCO Natural Heritage and sustainable tourism, as well as biodiversity. During the workshop, each AMS will share their best practices on sustainable tourism in natural heritage destinations in their nations. Building on the success of the workshop, named “Sustainable Tourism Workshop for Cultural Heritage Destination”, this 2018 workshop will play a crucial role to facilitate and encourage the sustainable development of natural heritage tourism in ASEAN.