KENYA TO HOST WORLD ECOTOURISM & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CONFERENCE 2013

Nairobi, Kenya, will be the proud host destination of the World Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Conference 2013 (ESTC13).
The World Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Conference 2013 will be the fifth edition of the conference organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES); to bring global ecotourism players together to network, collaborate and share their experiences, best practices and technologies in order to improve nature conservation, environment protection, preservation of local culture and advancement of ecotourism worldwide.


In order to realize these objectives, the conference employs various activities including plenary discussions on topical issues, presentations by academia on developments and challenges that impact on Eco-tourism, interviews with eminent players in Eco-tourism, exhibitions of relevant technologies, networking sessions, senior government officials as well as delegates roundtable discussions.

Kenya is a land of intriguing natural attractions with various ecosystems including Aquatic, Terrestrial, Mountain, Lake, Semi-arid, Arid, Forest, Highland and Wetland ecosystems. Whilst the local tourism sector has embarked on diversifying the country's tourism offering, Kenya presently remains a largely nature based tourism destination. In view of the country's natural tourism endowment and its rich cultural diversity, Kenya is a fitting choice of host for this conference as the goals of nature and environment protection and preservation of local culture embody the country's tourism sustainability goals.


"Tourism has been recognized by the United Nations and various international organizations as an effective tool for sustainable development, supporting alleviation of poverty, promoting education, empowering communities, and preserving biodiversity...Kenya and East Africa next year will provide a unique opportunity for industry practitioners from around the world to experience first-hand how businesses and destinations can utilize tourism to support these sustainable development agenda both at the local and regional level." - Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair, TIES Board of Directors

Additionally, Kenya is proud to host this conference having been the setting of the birth of The Eco-tourism Society, where Mr. David Western, recipient of TIES Lifetime Achievement Award 2012, was the society's founding chairman. TIES evolved from The Eco-tourism Society.
Eco-tourism Kenya as well as Kenya Tourist Board are among main sponsors of ESTC13, and may provide further details about the conference.

A NEW CRYPTIC SPIDER SPECIES FROM AFRICA

The species from the genus Copa are very common spiders found in the leaf litter of various habitats. Being predominantly ground-living, they occur widely in savanna woodlands but also occasionally in forests, where they are well camouflaged. They usually share the litter microhabitats with several other species of the family Corinnidae. The spiders from this cryptic, ground-dwelling genus in the continental Afrotropical Region are revised in a study published in the open access journal Zookeys.

The number of continental species in the Afrotropical Region has been reduced from four to two, one of which is newly described. While C. flavoplumosa is widespread throughout the region (from Guineé in the west to Tanzania in the east, and from Nigeria in the north to South Africa in the south), the new species, C. kei, is endemic to southeastern South Africa.
The two species represent extremes regarding both vagility and ecological flexibility. C. flavoplumosa provides a useful example of extreme habitat flexibility, occupying habitats from forests to semi-deserts. It is particularly prevalent in savanna habitats on the continent, but also occurs in various forest types and grasslands. They have been occasionally collected in agroecosystems, specifically from the canopies of orchard crops in South Africa (avocadoes, macadamias and pistachios), which is in stark contrast to their almost exclusive ground-dwelling habits in natural habitats. The reasons for this ecological divergence, however, are unknown.
The newly described species, C. kei, is very closely associated and believed to be endemic to the Afromontane and coastal forests in South Africa. The species has a distribution falling entirely within the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Centre of Endemism in South Africa, where an extraordinary amount of endemic species is found, with around 30 endemic reptiles and emblematic mammals such as the blue duiker antelope.
The new species, C. kei, can be easily recognised by a distinct dorsal black spot on the anterior of the abdomen. The specific name of the species refers to the type locality, the town Kei Mouth, located at the estuary of the Great Kei River in the Eastern Cape Province.

Kenya Safaris

Kenyan safaris rekindle the imagination associated with thrilling wildlife adventures. When you think of a Kenyan safari, you no doubt picture roaring African lions, herds of elephants, wildebeests and zebras thundering across vast sweeping savannas, and the joy of basking in Africa's long sunshine and wilderness. The range and variety of Kenyan safaris has never been larger or more attractive than it is today.
There are many options to suit your taste and preference, covering different kinds of unique wildlife experiences and different levels of wildness, comfort, luxury, adventure and cost.

From balloon adventures, wildlife safaris, beach camping and luxury resorts to extreme, special-interest safaris that incorporate additional adventures such as mountain climbing, Easy Go Safaris Company (www.easygosafaris.com)can tailor an organized tour to meet your specific needs and interests. For those who prefer to be in control of planning when and where you go, you can always take a tour by yourself or plan one with family or friends. You are only limited by your imagination.