Awards Received
Battle Harbour Historic Trust receives international recognition from Conservation International and the National Geographic Traveler magazine
January 23, 2003
Battle Harbour, Labrador is only a tiny spot on the world map but it has received world recognition from Conservation International and the National Geographic Traveler magazine this week in the first World Legacy Awards. Battle Harbour Historic Trust received Honourable Mention in the Heritage Tourism category and was the only North American destination recognized by the Awards. It was one of six awards that were presented at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening, January 22nd.
“This is a significant achievement and also a wonderful endorsement for all the people who have worked so hard for Battle Harbour, particularly those who have volunteered their time and energy,” said Gordon Slade, Managing Director of the Trust. “I want to publicly thank all those who have supported the Trust since its beginnings in 1990.
“This award will help us raise awareness of the cultural, historic and scenic attractions in our province and, particularly, in Battle Harbour, Labrador.”
Battle Harbour is situated on a small island off the southeast coast of Labrador and was, for two centuries, the economic and social centre of that coast. A mercantile saltfish company set up base in the 1770s and Battle Harbour became the centre for the Labrador cod and seal fisheries. The first provincial hospital, outside of the capital of St. John’s, was established there in 1893 by Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, and it was the site from which Commander Robert Peary announced his successful expedition to the North Pole in 1909.
With the decline of the fishery, the site was handed over to the Battle Harbour Historic Trust in 1990. After six years of research and architectural restoration by the Trust, this ‘living museum’ commemorating life and society on the Labrador coast in the 18th and 19th centuries was opened to tourists in 1997. Battle Harbour has been designated a National Historic Site and a National Historic District by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
The World Legacy Awards were established by Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine to recognize leading examples in the tourism industry that are helping to protect the planet’s cultural and natural heritage. There are three Awards - Nature Travel, Heritage Tourism and Destination Stewardship - and they honour extraordinary businesses, organizations and places that have made a significant contribution to promoting the principles of sustainable tourism. More than 100 applications were received from 40 countries, representing every region of the world, from entire countries to tiny ecosystems. Each Award has only one winner and one Honourable Mention.
January 23, 2003
Battle Harbour, Labrador is only a tiny spot on the world map but it has received world recognition from Conservation International and the National Geographic Traveler magazine this week in the first World Legacy Awards. Battle Harbour Historic Trust received Honourable Mention in the Heritage Tourism category and was the only North American destination recognized by the Awards. It was one of six awards that were presented at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening, January 22nd.
“This is a significant achievement and also a wonderful endorsement for all the people who have worked so hard for Battle Harbour, particularly those who have volunteered their time and energy,” said Gordon Slade, Managing Director of the Trust. “I want to publicly thank all those who have supported the Trust since its beginnings in 1990.
“This award will help us raise awareness of the cultural, historic and scenic attractions in our province and, particularly, in Battle Harbour, Labrador.”
Battle Harbour is situated on a small island off the southeast coast of Labrador and was, for two centuries, the economic and social centre of that coast. A mercantile saltfish company set up base in the 1770s and Battle Harbour became the centre for the Labrador cod and seal fisheries. The first provincial hospital, outside of the capital of St. John’s, was established there in 1893 by Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, and it was the site from which Commander Robert Peary announced his successful expedition to the North Pole in 1909.
With the decline of the fishery, the site was handed over to the Battle Harbour Historic Trust in 1990. After six years of research and architectural restoration by the Trust, this ‘living museum’ commemorating life and society on the Labrador coast in the 18th and 19th centuries was opened to tourists in 1997. Battle Harbour has been designated a National Historic Site and a National Historic District by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
The World Legacy Awards were established by Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine to recognize leading examples in the tourism industry that are helping to protect the planet’s cultural and natural heritage. There are three Awards - Nature Travel, Heritage Tourism and Destination Stewardship - and they honour extraordinary businesses, organizations and places that have made a significant contribution to promoting the principles of sustainable tourism. More than 100 applications were received from 40 countries, representing every region of the world, from entire countries to tiny ecosystems. Each Award has only one winner and one Honourable Mention.
Three Tourist Experiences Named Best Worldwide for Environmental, Social Responsibility Winners Receive First World Legacy Awards
January 22, 2003 (Washington, D.C.)
January 22, 2003 (Washington, D.C.)
Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine announced today the winners of the 2002 World Legacy Awards. The winners will be officially awarded at a ceremony hosted by Jordan's Queen Noor later tonight at the National Geographic Society world headquarters in Washington.
The three winners operate in South Africa, Thailand and Italy, and are considered the best examples in the tourism industry of the ideal balance between nature conservation, the protection of heritage sites, social responsibility and commerce.
The World Legacy Awards are the result of a new partnership between Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine. They are unique in the world for their focus on environmental responsibility and respecting cultural heritage in the tourism industry. They are the only global tourism award to perform on-site verification visits by a team of scientific, anthropological and tourism professionals.
One winner was named in each category: Nature Travel, Heritage Tourism and Destination Stewardship. Applicants from more than 40 countries on six continents were considered for the Awards.
"Tourism is like fire - out of control, it can burn down your house, but if you harness that energy, you can cook food with it. Through the World Legacy Awards, we want to make tourism a more positive force in the world," said Costas Christ, Senior Director of CI's Ecotourism Department. "These winners are outstanding examples of responsible tourism that both helps to protect nature and promotes the well-being of local peoples."
The winner of the Nature Travel Award, given to a group making significant contributions to the conservation of natural areas and biodiversity, is Wilderness Safaris, based in Rivonia, South Africa. Wilderness Safaris manages more than 2.5 million acres of pristine natural habitat in southern Africa, where they have 36 lodges in six countries. The group provides tourists with extensive instruction about conservation and sustainable management, works with local communities to promote economic growth and provides a free, weeklong safari for 1,000 underprivileged African children each year.
The winner of the Heritage Tourism Award, awarded to a group making contributions to cultural heritage and diversity, is ATG Oxford. Based in Oxford, England, the group won for its work in Italy. ATG Oxford uses ancient pilgrimage and farming paths as a basis for independent or guided walking tours through the Italian hinterland, including Tuscany and Umbria. Traditional agrarian village populations have benefited greatly from increased business during the usual off-season. ATG Oxford is also instrumental in restoring centuries-old works of art and environments and helps local communities maintain their traditional lifestyles.
The winner of the Destination Stewardship Award, presented to a group protecting the overall natural and cultural heritage of a destination, is the REST Project for its work on one of Thailand's most beautiful tropical islands, Koh Yao Noi in the Phuket region. REST, or the Responsible Ecological Social Tours Project, works with local communities to reduce the negative impact of tourism while promoting conservation and increasing the amount of income for participating families. Many of the 5,500 inhabitants of the mostly-Muslim island benefited from REST's help by learning how to form a village homestay program, through which tourists lodge with locals, and by learning how to revive traditional fishing methods.
"Tourism today is one of the world's largest industries. When done well, it provides economic opportunity, and protects natural environments and cultural heritage," said Keith Bellows, Editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine. "My hope is that our readers - indeed all travelers - will support businesses and organizations which promote the ideals of sustainable tourism. Responsible tourism greatly influences the very future of tourism. We must protect the places we love for following generations."
Close to 700 million people travel internationally each year, and that figure is expected to double to 1.4 billion by the year 2020. Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries on Earth, accounting for 11 percent of global gross domestic product.
Because of its enormous size, the travel and tourism industry often wreaks havoc on natural environments and precious cultural sites. Threats include increased development and infrastructure, greater local demand for material, food and water and the growth of extractive industries.
When planned well, local people can benefit from tourism, biodiversity and natural environments can be protected and cultural and historic sites can remain intact.
"These winners are perfect examples of the way the travel and tourism industry should operate," said Jordan's Queen Noor, the 2002 World Legacy Awards Honorary Awards Committee Chair. "I am heartened by their example and hope other extraordinary places are similarly inspired."
Media Contacts:
Brad Phillips 202-912-1532
Conservation International
b
phillips
conservationorg
Heather Wyatt 212-610-5535
National Geographic Traveler Magazine
hwyattngsorg
The three winners operate in South Africa, Thailand and Italy, and are considered the best examples in the tourism industry of the ideal balance between nature conservation, the protection of heritage sites, social responsibility and commerce.
The World Legacy Awards are the result of a new partnership between Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine. They are unique in the world for their focus on environmental responsibility and respecting cultural heritage in the tourism industry. They are the only global tourism award to perform on-site verification visits by a team of scientific, anthropological and tourism professionals.
One winner was named in each category: Nature Travel, Heritage Tourism and Destination Stewardship. Applicants from more than 40 countries on six continents were considered for the Awards.
"Tourism is like fire - out of control, it can burn down your house, but if you harness that energy, you can cook food with it. Through the World Legacy Awards, we want to make tourism a more positive force in the world," said Costas Christ, Senior Director of CI's Ecotourism Department. "These winners are outstanding examples of responsible tourism that both helps to protect nature and promotes the well-being of local peoples."
The winner of the Nature Travel Award, given to a group making significant contributions to the conservation of natural areas and biodiversity, is Wilderness Safaris, based in Rivonia, South Africa. Wilderness Safaris manages more than 2.5 million acres of pristine natural habitat in southern Africa, where they have 36 lodges in six countries. The group provides tourists with extensive instruction about conservation and sustainable management, works with local communities to promote economic growth and provides a free, weeklong safari for 1,000 underprivileged African children each year.
The winner of the Heritage Tourism Award, awarded to a group making contributions to cultural heritage and diversity, is ATG Oxford. Based in Oxford, England, the group won for its work in Italy. ATG Oxford uses ancient pilgrimage and farming paths as a basis for independent or guided walking tours through the Italian hinterland, including Tuscany and Umbria. Traditional agrarian village populations have benefited greatly from increased business during the usual off-season. ATG Oxford is also instrumental in restoring centuries-old works of art and environments and helps local communities maintain their traditional lifestyles.
The winner of the Destination Stewardship Award, presented to a group protecting the overall natural and cultural heritage of a destination, is the REST Project for its work on one of Thailand's most beautiful tropical islands, Koh Yao Noi in the Phuket region. REST, or the Responsible Ecological Social Tours Project, works with local communities to reduce the negative impact of tourism while promoting conservation and increasing the amount of income for participating families. Many of the 5,500 inhabitants of the mostly-Muslim island benefited from REST's help by learning how to form a village homestay program, through which tourists lodge with locals, and by learning how to revive traditional fishing methods.
"Tourism today is one of the world's largest industries. When done well, it provides economic opportunity, and protects natural environments and cultural heritage," said Keith Bellows, Editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine. "My hope is that our readers - indeed all travelers - will support businesses and organizations which promote the ideals of sustainable tourism. Responsible tourism greatly influences the very future of tourism. We must protect the places we love for following generations."
Close to 700 million people travel internationally each year, and that figure is expected to double to 1.4 billion by the year 2020. Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries on Earth, accounting for 11 percent of global gross domestic product.
Because of its enormous size, the travel and tourism industry often wreaks havoc on natural environments and precious cultural sites. Threats include increased development and infrastructure, greater local demand for material, food and water and the growth of extractive industries.
When planned well, local people can benefit from tourism, biodiversity and natural environments can be protected and cultural and historic sites can remain intact.
"These winners are perfect examples of the way the travel and tourism industry should operate," said Jordan's Queen Noor, the 2002 World Legacy Awards Honorary Awards Committee Chair. "I am heartened by their example and hope other extraordinary places are similarly inspired."
Media Contacts:
Brad Phillips 202-912-1532
Conservation International
phillipsconservationorgHeather Wyatt 212-610-5535
National Geographic Traveler Magazine
ngsorgManning Award of Excellence, Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (HSANL)
Created in 1995 by the HSAN, the Manning Award for Excellence in the Public Presentation of Historic Places recognizes and encourages the fine work being done by these groups. The award honours the late Bill Manning, former Parks Canada Superintendent of Historic Sites for Newfoundland and Labrador, who realized that the preservation and presentation of the province's heritage needed the involvement of the people in these communities. The Manning Award is under the distinguished patronage of His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Battle Harbour received a Manning Award in 2003.
Battle Harbour received a Manning Award in 2003.
Southcott Award, Newfoundland Historic Trust
The Southcott Awards program was developed by the Newfoundland Historic Trust in 1984 to recognize excellence in the preservation of the architectural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of the program is to commend the first-rate preservation of built heritage undertaken by individuals and organizations, corporations and governments. The Southcott Awards are named for one of the most important nineteenth century Newfoundland building firms: J. and J.T. Southcott. This award recognizes that the quality of Newfoundland and Labrador's architectural heritage has come to be one of the defining aspects of the province.
Battle Harbour Historic Trust received a Southcott Award in 1996.
Battle Harbour Historic Trust received a Southcott Award in 1996.
