Link below
http://www.virtualseychelles.com/webcam/webcam2.html
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Escape the Rain with the Seychelles Beach Cam!
Link below
http://www.virtualseychelles.com/webcam/webcam2.html
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES 10
Leading to the official Launching of TESS on Saturday 1st March 2008.
Adding Value to the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No.10 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
Entitled: “Here is some good old Chinese wisdom”.
Enjoy it and have a weekend full of love, happiness and joy for jobs well done during the week.
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
HERE’S SOME GOOD OLD CHINESE WISDOM!
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.
“I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”
The old woman smiled, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side?
That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.”
“For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.”
Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”
Each of us has our own unique flaw…
But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.
You’ve just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
To all of my crackpot friends,
have a great day and remember to smell the flowers, on your side of the path.
Take the time to send this message
to all your friends Who have a cracked side…
And God knows how many we are!!!
Adding Value to the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No.10 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
Entitled: “Here is some good old Chinese wisdom”.
Enjoy it and have a weekend full of love, happiness and joy for jobs well done during the week.
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
HERE’S SOME GOOD OLD CHINESE WISDOM!
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.
“I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”
The old woman smiled, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side?
That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.”
“For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.”
Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”
Each of us has our own unique flaw…
But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.
You’ve just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
To all of my crackpot friends,
have a great day and remember to smell the flowers, on your side of the path.
Take the time to send this message
to all your friends Who have a cracked side…
And God knows how many we are!!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES 9
Leading to the official Launching of TESS on Saturday 1st March 2008.
Adding Value to the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No.9 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
Subject: Embargoed not for publication
Attached please find TESS Logo which is still subject to three Minor Modifications.
The final version will be revealed to all of Seychelles and beyond during the Launching Ceremony.
The core groups of TAREC / TESS have agreed that it should be big in “size and scope” and so it will be …!
Yes it does project a lot of meanings.
To me it means …..Abundance, God’s given gifts of life to the one and only Seychelles…. Varieties needing recognition, protection, love, care and undivided attention by us “humans”. Together we are all moving forward as one for we are all part and parcel of this unique Environment in which we live and we do depend heavily on each other for our mere survival.
Your “intake” please.
Thanks
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
Adding Value to the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No.9 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
Subject: Embargoed not for publication
Attached please find TESS Logo which is still subject to three Minor Modifications.
The final version will be revealed to all of Seychelles and beyond during the Launching Ceremony.
The core groups of TAREC / TESS have agreed that it should be big in “size and scope” and so it will be …!
Yes it does project a lot of meanings.
To me it means …..Abundance, God’s given gifts of life to the one and only Seychelles…. Varieties needing recognition, protection, love, care and undivided attention by us “humans”. Together we are all moving forward as one for we are all part and parcel of this unique Environment in which we live and we do depend heavily on each other for our mere survival.
Your “intake” please.
Thanks
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES 8
Leading to the official Launching of TESS on Saturday 1st March 2008.
Adding Value to the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No. 8 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
World Summit on Eco-Tourism 19th to 22nd May 2002.
Quebec City, Quebec. The Commonwealth of CANADA
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
The Challenge of Regulating Ecotourism in a Small Island Developing State
Seychelles’ “Vision 21”
Thematic Area B
“Regulation of Ecotourism: Institutional Responsibilities & Frameworks”
Presentation by
Ambassador Marc MRM Marengo
Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism & Transport of the
Republic of Seychelles
Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation (IOTO)
Chairman of the Committee on Ecotourism of the Republic of Seychelles
at the
World Summit on Ecotourism 19th to 22nd May 2002
Quebec City, Quebec. The Commonwealth of CANADA
1.0 In December 2001, Seychelles launched its new tourism policy document, Vision 21: Tourism Development in Seychelles 2001-2010”. The “Vision” is that
“Tourism in Seychelles shall continue to be developed to the highest standards for the optimum social and economic benefit of the Seychellois people while maintaining a commitment to the protection and conservation of the natural environment and biodiversity”.
2.0 Among the mission statements is a commitment that:-
“Tourism will be developed on a sustainable basis and not exceed carrying capacities, and the unique land and marine environment and cultural heritage of the Seychelles will continue being protected and conserved”.
3.0 To this end, Vision 21 contains two chapters that directly address environmental issues and concerns, and which aim to (a) promote ecotourism and community benefits; and (b) integrate tourism for environmental sustainability.
4.0 Indeed in Seychelles, the tourism product is based more or less exclusively on the attractions of its natural and pristine environment, and with a total landmass of just 454 square kilometres, we believe that whole country can be legitimately defined as an ecotourism destination. There are already a considerable number of well-established sites that have developed very specific ecotourism attractions, including the World Heritage Sites of Valle-de-Mai and Aldabra, and the nature reserves of Curieuse, Aride and Cousin Island (among others). In addition, the National Parks and protected areas of the main granitic islands (which account for around 50% of the total land mass) offer many more opportunities for the development of ecotourism.
5.0 Until now, ecotourism products and attractions have generally been developed through the initiative of various actors from the public, private and NGO sectors, and there has been no coordinated attempt at regulating such ventures, other than through the application of general policies and legal frameworks relating to the protection and conservation of the environment.
6.0 However, “Vision 21” recognises that the further development of ecotourism will require Government to take a more proactive regulatory role, in order to ensure that ecotourism is further developed in a manner that is genuinely sustainable. To this end, the Ministry of Tourism is working closely with all other stakeholders, from the tourism-related industry and local communities, to develop a national ecotourism strategy based on the widest possible consultation.
7.0 It is at this point to be noted that our definition of ecotourism is considerably broader than the conventional definition. In view of our small size and because of the centrality of the environment to our tourism product, we define ecotourism as:-
“a specialty segment of the larger nature tourism or “eco-travel” market, which covers a variety of travel industry segments, including adventure, heritage, culture, educational and sports, all linked together by an emphasis on fun, environmental sensitivity and social responsibility”
8.0 As all our tourism establishments can have negative impacts on the fragile environment, which would in turn threaten the very existence of our tourism, we propose to develop a national eco-certification scheme that takes into consideration the specific nature and needs of the local environment. It is our aim that such a scheme will eventually be compulsory for all tourism establishments, without exception, since we are not of the view that eco-labelling is just a marketing ploy to attract “eco-friendly” visitors from markets with a high level of environmental consciousness. For us, eco-labelling is a necessity, to protect and conserve our environment and to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
9.0 It is a fact that many SIDS like Seychelles have been unable to receive due recognition by certain people in the eco-labelling “Industry” due to the fact that they cannot afford the exorbitant fees being requested in order to market themselves as green.
10.0 In our case, the proposed scheme will not rely on the payment of membership fees, but on implementing environmental standards and practices that will ensure that future generations of Seychellois will have a tourism industry to provide their daily needs and sustenance.
11.0 It is also to be noted that the proposed scheme will further strengthen and consolidate existing requirements for all developments, in tourism and other sectors, to undergo an exhaustive environmental assessment.
12.0 While we do acknowledge the value and purpose of various independent initiatives aimed at promoting better environmental practices , we also believe that to be seriously “green”, we have to move beyond voluntary compliance and self-regulation, for we firmly believe that the future of our environment cannot be left to the good intentions of a conscious minority. With 50% of its landmass dedicated as reserves and protected areas, indeed the country with the highest ratio of protected areas to the total land area, it is clear that the relative success of the Seychelles tourism industry has been based on a continuous effort to strike a balance between the expansion of the industry for economic development and environmental sustainability. But for us, it is not just the 50% that is protected that is important, but also the 50% that is note protected.
13.0 It is clear therefore that our intention in Seychelles is not merely to create the illusion of safeguarding the environment, but rather to ensure that the environmental integrity of our small archipelago is maintained for the benefit of succeeding generations. This can only be realised if each and every individual is made to understand that they are part and parcel of the environment in which they live, but are not its masters.
The End
Adding Value to the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No. 8 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
World Summit on Eco-Tourism 19th to 22nd May 2002.
Quebec City, Quebec. The Commonwealth of CANADA
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
The Challenge of Regulating Ecotourism in a Small Island Developing State
Seychelles’ “Vision 21”
Thematic Area B
“Regulation of Ecotourism: Institutional Responsibilities & Frameworks”
Presentation by
Ambassador Marc MRM Marengo
Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism & Transport of the
Republic of Seychelles
Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation (IOTO)
Chairman of the Committee on Ecotourism of the Republic of Seychelles
at the
World Summit on Ecotourism 19th to 22nd May 2002
Quebec City, Quebec. The Commonwealth of CANADA
1.0 In December 2001, Seychelles launched its new tourism policy document, Vision 21: Tourism Development in Seychelles 2001-2010”. The “Vision” is that
“Tourism in Seychelles shall continue to be developed to the highest standards for the optimum social and economic benefit of the Seychellois people while maintaining a commitment to the protection and conservation of the natural environment and biodiversity”.
2.0 Among the mission statements is a commitment that:-
“Tourism will be developed on a sustainable basis and not exceed carrying capacities, and the unique land and marine environment and cultural heritage of the Seychelles will continue being protected and conserved”.
3.0 To this end, Vision 21 contains two chapters that directly address environmental issues and concerns, and which aim to (a) promote ecotourism and community benefits; and (b) integrate tourism for environmental sustainability.
4.0 Indeed in Seychelles, the tourism product is based more or less exclusively on the attractions of its natural and pristine environment, and with a total landmass of just 454 square kilometres, we believe that whole country can be legitimately defined as an ecotourism destination. There are already a considerable number of well-established sites that have developed very specific ecotourism attractions, including the World Heritage Sites of Valle-de-Mai and Aldabra, and the nature reserves of Curieuse, Aride and Cousin Island (among others). In addition, the National Parks and protected areas of the main granitic islands (which account for around 50% of the total land mass) offer many more opportunities for the development of ecotourism.
5.0 Until now, ecotourism products and attractions have generally been developed through the initiative of various actors from the public, private and NGO sectors, and there has been no coordinated attempt at regulating such ventures, other than through the application of general policies and legal frameworks relating to the protection and conservation of the environment.
6.0 However, “Vision 21” recognises that the further development of ecotourism will require Government to take a more proactive regulatory role, in order to ensure that ecotourism is further developed in a manner that is genuinely sustainable. To this end, the Ministry of Tourism is working closely with all other stakeholders, from the tourism-related industry and local communities, to develop a national ecotourism strategy based on the widest possible consultation.
7.0 It is at this point to be noted that our definition of ecotourism is considerably broader than the conventional definition. In view of our small size and because of the centrality of the environment to our tourism product, we define ecotourism as:-
“a specialty segment of the larger nature tourism or “eco-travel” market, which covers a variety of travel industry segments, including adventure, heritage, culture, educational and sports, all linked together by an emphasis on fun, environmental sensitivity and social responsibility”
8.0 As all our tourism establishments can have negative impacts on the fragile environment, which would in turn threaten the very existence of our tourism, we propose to develop a national eco-certification scheme that takes into consideration the specific nature and needs of the local environment. It is our aim that such a scheme will eventually be compulsory for all tourism establishments, without exception, since we are not of the view that eco-labelling is just a marketing ploy to attract “eco-friendly” visitors from markets with a high level of environmental consciousness. For us, eco-labelling is a necessity, to protect and conserve our environment and to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
9.0 It is a fact that many SIDS like Seychelles have been unable to receive due recognition by certain people in the eco-labelling “Industry” due to the fact that they cannot afford the exorbitant fees being requested in order to market themselves as green.
10.0 In our case, the proposed scheme will not rely on the payment of membership fees, but on implementing environmental standards and practices that will ensure that future generations of Seychellois will have a tourism industry to provide their daily needs and sustenance.
11.0 It is also to be noted that the proposed scheme will further strengthen and consolidate existing requirements for all developments, in tourism and other sectors, to undergo an exhaustive environmental assessment.
12.0 While we do acknowledge the value and purpose of various independent initiatives aimed at promoting better environmental practices , we also believe that to be seriously “green”, we have to move beyond voluntary compliance and self-regulation, for we firmly believe that the future of our environment cannot be left to the good intentions of a conscious minority. With 50% of its landmass dedicated as reserves and protected areas, indeed the country with the highest ratio of protected areas to the total land area, it is clear that the relative success of the Seychelles tourism industry has been based on a continuous effort to strike a balance between the expansion of the industry for economic development and environmental sustainability. But for us, it is not just the 50% that is protected that is important, but also the 50% that is note protected.
13.0 It is clear therefore that our intention in Seychelles is not merely to create the illusion of safeguarding the environment, but rather to ensure that the environmental integrity of our small archipelago is maintained for the benefit of succeeding generations. This can only be realised if each and every individual is made to understand that they are part and parcel of the environment in which they live, but are not its masters.
The End
Monday, May 11, 2009
CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES 7
Leading to the official Launching of TESS on Saturday 1st March 2008.
Adding Value to the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No. 7 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
Subject: Eco-Tourism Product Enhancement Project in the Au Cap District
The Massive Granite Outcrop
The Granite Outcrop by the roadside in the Au Cap district is in my view a National Treasure that must be preserved.
Indeed, it should not be kept hidden from view under invasive creepers but should be turned into a show piece as it was the case before.
As such the need to stop breaking down this 650 million years old work of Art, in this particular area to build houses is an immediate must.
As an Ecotourism attraction a rock museum can be created next to it…where people can learn about the history of mother earth and buy souvenirs made out the granite varieties, sand stone, coral, sea sand, sea water, spring water etc. etc. etc.
In the process jobs will be created and more dollars will be added to the Seychellois “kitty”.
Observation
It will be recalled that about six / seven years ago, the Ministry of Tourism working in close collaboration with the Department of Culture undertook an extensive exercise the aim of which was to identify the various attractions of cultural value for the Tourism Industry in each and every district on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
A comprehensive list was compiled – but to date not much follow-up action has been taken.
TESS would be most grateful to have a copy of the in question list so as to include it in its plan of action for all the districts.
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
Adding Value to the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No. 7 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
Subject: Eco-Tourism Product Enhancement Project in the Au Cap District
The Massive Granite Outcrop
The Granite Outcrop by the roadside in the Au Cap district is in my view a National Treasure that must be preserved.
Indeed, it should not be kept hidden from view under invasive creepers but should be turned into a show piece as it was the case before.
As such the need to stop breaking down this 650 million years old work of Art, in this particular area to build houses is an immediate must.
As an Ecotourism attraction a rock museum can be created next to it…where people can learn about the history of mother earth and buy souvenirs made out the granite varieties, sand stone, coral, sea sand, sea water, spring water etc. etc. etc.
In the process jobs will be created and more dollars will be added to the Seychellois “kitty”.
Observation
It will be recalled that about six / seven years ago, the Ministry of Tourism working in close collaboration with the Department of Culture undertook an extensive exercise the aim of which was to identify the various attractions of cultural value for the Tourism Industry in each and every district on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
A comprehensive list was compiled – but to date not much follow-up action has been taken.
TESS would be most grateful to have a copy of the in question list so as to include it in its plan of action for all the districts.
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES 6
Leading to the official Launching of TESS on Saturday 1st March 2008.
Re-Activating the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No. 6 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
Subject: Eco-Tourism Project in the Beau Vallon District
The “Laflut” Granite Castle
On the way down the road to Beau Vallon, in the Beau Vallon District, in a bend by the roadside, next to a meandering river with breadfruit trees and bamboo all over, is a granite house that has been under construction for eons. To date, it is still being built rock by rock, year in year out. I remember it being built 34 years ago when I was working at the Coral Strand Hotel.
The other day I met a nice lady of 68 years old living at Danzilles Bel Ombre and she told me that construction started since she was very young.
Then she told me an interesting story namely that one day, in the early days of our tourism industry, when Mini Mokes were still the preferred method of transportation for the tourist to move around the island, the bag of a foreign visitor fell off the Moke at the bend at Laflut’s house.
The owner of the bag never noticed it, but Laflut happened to pick it up. He opened the bag and found a lot of money and other valuables in there. He was shocked by what he saw, he took the bag and ran down to the Beau Vallon Police Station where his son was working as a policeman and reported it.
The owner of the bag was called to the Police Station to collect the bag and Laflut was nicely rewarded. He was again shocked by the compensation he received, and was scared to go back home with his reward alone and the police had to accompany him.
Apparently Laflut has passed away some years back, his brother has also passed away, and his son has taken over and the construction of the granite castle continues.
Observation
Whether or not we should help Laflut’s family to finish the granite castle is an issue to be considered. We can offer assistance, but the choice should be theirs not ours.
But in my mind it is an eco-tourism cultural attraction of immense proportion that will add much value to our overall tourism product.
As such, it is suggested that Culture do some research on Laflut and his family and that the granite castle be declared as a Beau Vallon District Monument.
In line with our 2007 theme “Ansanm, pour Lanmour Sesel” the granite castle on the hillside of the Beau Vallon District is in my modest view a perfect sign of endurance, perseverance, commitment and unconditional devotion to succeed over time, no matter what …!
Have an enjoyable and fruitful weekend.
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
Re-Activating the Eco-Tourism process
Measure No. 6 of 25 (In no particular order)
FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BY THE COMMUNITY
“Turning Possibilities into Realities”
Subject: Eco-Tourism Project in the Beau Vallon District
The “Laflut” Granite Castle
On the way down the road to Beau Vallon, in the Beau Vallon District, in a bend by the roadside, next to a meandering river with breadfruit trees and bamboo all over, is a granite house that has been under construction for eons. To date, it is still being built rock by rock, year in year out. I remember it being built 34 years ago when I was working at the Coral Strand Hotel.
The other day I met a nice lady of 68 years old living at Danzilles Bel Ombre and she told me that construction started since she was very young.
Then she told me an interesting story namely that one day, in the early days of our tourism industry, when Mini Mokes were still the preferred method of transportation for the tourist to move around the island, the bag of a foreign visitor fell off the Moke at the bend at Laflut’s house.
The owner of the bag never noticed it, but Laflut happened to pick it up. He opened the bag and found a lot of money and other valuables in there. He was shocked by what he saw, he took the bag and ran down to the Beau Vallon Police Station where his son was working as a policeman and reported it.
The owner of the bag was called to the Police Station to collect the bag and Laflut was nicely rewarded. He was again shocked by the compensation he received, and was scared to go back home with his reward alone and the police had to accompany him.
Apparently Laflut has passed away some years back, his brother has also passed away, and his son has taken over and the construction of the granite castle continues.
Observation
Whether or not we should help Laflut’s family to finish the granite castle is an issue to be considered. We can offer assistance, but the choice should be theirs not ours.
But in my mind it is an eco-tourism cultural attraction of immense proportion that will add much value to our overall tourism product.
As such, it is suggested that Culture do some research on Laflut and his family and that the granite castle be declared as a Beau Vallon District Monument.
In line with our 2007 theme “Ansanm, pour Lanmour Sesel” the granite castle on the hillside of the Beau Vallon District is in my modest view a perfect sign of endurance, perseverance, commitment and unconditional devotion to succeed over time, no matter what …!
Have an enjoyable and fruitful weekend.
Marc MRM Marengo
Chairman of TAREC
Monday, May 4, 2009
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