As a reflection back of the several months I have been writing in this blog, I aim to review some of the relevant topics presented and existing in the world today regarding.

Tourism is not a new thing and in the past century has grown immensely with the increased ease of world travel. More individuals travel now than ever before, and it’s not just the rich of the rich. International travel is becoming a way of life. This is great, good and sometimes bad. There are many unique sites in the world and tourism allows cultures and ideas to be spread and understood by the rest of the world. Communication is becoming less of a hindrance. Most nations are welcoming to the tourists, and governments are taking steps to ensure local communities can benefit without dealing unwanted blows to the tourist populations.

However there are still ways to improve tourism. While the world may be mostly peaceful there are a still many places haunted by war, civil unrest, poverty, and natural disasters. It is imperative that tourists be respectful of the cultures they are visiting, encouraging equality, understanding, and conservation. This with help developing countries a great deal to become economically stable, encourage tourism growth and preserve uniqueness of attractions be they animals, landscape, or cultures. A great many vacations can have service opportunities, creating memorable experiences, and help bridge cultural stereotypes.

The decisions we make will determine the fate of countless endangered species, equality between races and nations, build economic prosperity, fostering war or encouraging peace, and ultimately mold the face of the world for the future. Through tourism we each are responsible for the part we play in preserving, building, and ultimately creating a better world.

One man doing a great amount of work can do some good, but, many people working together can move mountains, and that is when the world really changes.

The whale shark is unique, size wise it’s the world’s largest fish, with no known natural enemies. It takes at least 25 years for it grow to maturity and, unlike other fish, is born live like whales. Despite its size it moves slowly, often near the surface of the water. This makes it a popular attraction for aquatic tours all over the world. It is unknown what the whale shark population is, estimates range from 30,000 to over 3 million(Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme). However, these enormous creatures remain elusive and difficult to track because of their migratory behavior; following food sources and ideal ocean temperatures thousands of miles(The Nature Conservancy).

Currently the whale shark is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as vulnerable for extinction, and is most affected by man-made threats. This means that the greatest threats are a result from human interactions.  Because whale sharks spend so much time near the surface they often get hit by high speed boats and ships. Besides accidentally getting trapped in fishing nets, they are also hunted illegally which may be the greatest threat to the species. In the long term pollution and rising ocean temperatures ultimately determine whether this species will survive in the wild in the future.

The thought of potentially losing the whale shark to extinction should stir inside everyone some desire to act in support of its conservation. However, too often this thought is followed by assumptions like “I’m only one person. I can’t possibly make a difference.” Or “I don’t live anywhere close, so there isn’t anything I can do.” In reality thoughts like this are the most detrimental to the survival of the whale shark. The fact is there are amazing opportunities small and large for everyone regardless of where they may live. The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme has volunteer opportunities, conducts research, and works to raise awareness. This and a plethora of other conservation organizations accept donations and provide opportunities for you do your part to protect whale sharks and other endangered species.  

But don’t think your first attempt to make a difference needs to be the biggest, start small by using reusable grocery bags, buying less bottled water, recycle, or make small donations to respected organizations. But when you’re ready step it up a notch, check out these sites for opportunities to continue to make a difference.

• Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme
  

• The Shark Alliance 
• World Wildlife Conservation
• Wildlife Conservation Society
• The Nature Conservancy