Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President and Prime Minister - Ruler of Dubai,  Zayed International Prize for the Environment organizing Dubai International Conference on Eco-Tourism from 20 - 21 April, 2010  in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Department of Tourism, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),Environment Agency AbuDhabi and supported by Dubai Police and Dubai Municipality

Theme
Conservation of nature and human heritage for Sustainable Tourism

Venue and Dates:
The Dubai International Conference on “Eco- Tourism” will be held in “Mohammad Bin Rashid Confrerence hall“, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 20 - 21 April 2010.

Invitation:
The Organizing and Scientific Committees invite papers addressing environmental, social and economic aspects of tourism, strategies, policies, and management tools for sustainable tourism. The Conference will also address regional and international cooperation, guidelines and mechanisms towards achieving sustainable tourism.  Papers may also address local, regional and global trends and patterns of tourism development in a sustainable manner.

Objectives

1. Review the  interaction between tourism, natural environment, and socio-economic development;
2. Review present and future tourism development trends and patterns and their environmental impacts;
3. Assess management strategies and tools to address their share in sustainable development;
4. Highlight best practices and success stories that can serve as models.
5. Develop mechanisms for decision-making by governments and the tourism industry leading to sustainability of tourism in its three interconnected aspects: economic, environmental and socio-cultural;
6. Propose schemes for capacity building and awareness raising for major stakeholders on the management of sustainable tourism;

Invitation:
Scientists, specialists and tourism and environment protection organizations are invited to submit abstract(s) on the following topics reflecting the theme of the conference.

Topics
I. Global and regional trends of Eco- tourism:

• Management of Eco- tourism
• The role of international and regional organizations
• The role of the Civil Society

II. Environmental aspects of Eco- tourism:

• The Concept of Eco-tourism
• Coastal and marine environment
• Terrestrial environments, especially deserts, including eco-lodging.
• Interaction with biodiversity

III. Socio-economic aspects of Eco- tourism:

• Socio-cultural aspects
• Economic aspects
• Interaction with human heritage

IV. Governance  

• Regional and International Guidelines and standards for Eco-tourism
• International cooperation
• Regional conventions, protocols and cooperation
• Management tools for Eco-tourism
• Promotion of capacity building, education and public awareness
• Developing a national code of practice

Keynote Speakers
Several distinguished personalities from the UN, World Tourism Organization (WTO), universities, research centers, regional and international organizations, as well as the private sector will be invited to speak on special subjects related to the theme of the conference.

Panel Discussions

• The conference will include speakers and Panel discussions involving the tourism industry, governments, international organizations and NGOs, with focus on areas of sensitive marine ecosystems and ecolodging management.
• Keynotes will be in the Opening Session only.
• Speakers will be given short time to throw in points for discussion by the panels of different topics.

Abstracts and Proceedings
Abstracts are to be up to one page, typed in Arabic or English, single-spaced using “Times New Roman 12”. The abstract should contain sufficient information for evaluation.

Conference Language
Papers may be presented in English or Arabic languages. Translation facilities will be available.

Deadlines
Receipt of abstracts   : 15 March 2010
Receipt of full papers : 31 March 2010

Visas
Conference organizers will arrange visas for participants and accompanying persons.  The first two pages of valid passports (6 months) are required at least one month before the conference. A list of nationalities who do not need visa to enter the UAE can be found on our website (www.zayedprize.org.ae).

Accommodation
Reduced-rate accommodation for participants will be arranged at the venue in Dubai. Information on hotel rates for single and double rooms will be provided on our websites. Accommodation may be covered for a limited number of speakers. A special application form will be provided and will be available on line.

Airlines
The official travel sponsor for the conference is the EMIRATES Airlines. Special fares will be provided for the conference participants through this sponsor only.

Field Trips
An evening Safari field trip will be arranged by the Dubai Departmnet of Tourism  and Commercial Marketing to a Desert area on April 21st.

Exhibition
Interested institutions and companies related to Tourism Industry or environmental technology are cordially invited to take part in the comprehensive Commercial Exhibition, ENVIROTEX2010, which would be held in tandem with the conference.  Details for participation will be provided separately to exhibitors.

Sponsorship
Interested institutions and companies are cordially invited to sponsor the conference.  Sponsors will benefit from the promotional package locally, regionally and internationally. Please contact the Zayed Prize secretariat for further details.

Organizing Committee

Scientific Committee

Registration
For early registration, please fill out the form on our website: under “Conference” and email to zayedprz@eim.ae

For further information:

Prof. Abdulrahman Alsharhan,
Chairperson of the Scientific Committee
Zayed International Prize for the Environment
P.O.Box: 28399, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel. +9714-3326666 // Fax: +9714-3326777
E-mail: zayedprz@eim.ae
Please copy: maria@ zayedprize.org.ae / Secretary@ zayedprize.org.ae
Web Site: www. zayedprize.org.ae