VESS Launches Guidelines to Interact with Dugongs

Vanuatu/Abu Dhabi, 23 September 2018 – A set of guidelines for interacting with dugongs was launched last week by the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society (VESS)and is now available online. The guidelines are intended to facilitate a friendly environment to interact with dugongs for anyone in and around dugong habitats. The launch event was attended by the Vanuatu Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Director of Tourism along with diving and tour operators, hoteliers, sporting groups, NGO and other members of the public. 

Along with the guidelines, a code of conduct for tourism operators was also published. The code of conduct guides members of the tourism industry with actions to ensure safety for dugongs and spread awareness among visitors. VESS has also produced a couple of posters to accompany the guidelines. 

The Vanuatu Department of Tourism have indicated that the guidelines will be incorporated into their minimum standards for the tourism industry. The guidelines were developed under the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project.

Last updated on 24 September 2018

Type: 
News
Country: 
Vanuatu
Region: 
Oceania
Species: 
Dugong dugon
Species group: 
Marine mammals