Thank you for this excellent summary. i think this website (Indagare) would be an invaluable resource for members to consult before traveling to become more aware of the cultural as well as natural sensitivity issues facing a particular destination. i just received the email below from the Turks and Caicos, Caribbean. The Turks and Caicos is another example of tourism presenting a double edged sword to the sustainability of a irreplaceable natural wonder: one of the world's most exquisite coral reefs. Below is a personal note from a native "belonger" from the Turks and Caicos and part of the tourist industry. Tears run down my face as I try to write this to you. I know that you are a good person and you in the past have had the environment at heart, you cherished nature, you tried to save the planet so that it can be enjoyed by our children for years to come. I know that you have retired from law and are probably having fun in Europe. Very rarely has anything in life been done that has literally brought me to tears, I guess being a father changes people and one tends to become more sensitive towards one surroundings. I went to Middle Caicos some time ago and marveled at its beauty, untouched from the day I left 21 years ago, when I moved to Provo in 1992 it was truly paradise and the only place that I thought was remotely close in natural beauty when compared to Middle Caicos. Today April 9th, 2008 Provo is on the verge of an ecological disaster, please read the newspaper article and I am personally asking for your help. I know that you know very powerful people who care a lot about the environment and can make the lives of those who try to destroy it very miserable. PLEASE HELP!! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/time-to-draw-a-line-in-the-sand-in-the-tci Wayne.. <'(((>< Wayne Hall Director, Ocean Vibes Scuba & Watersports Ltd Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands B.W.I Tel: (649) 231-6636 Tel/Fax: (649) 941-3141 Email : info@oceanvibes.com or wayne@oceanvibes.com Web: www.oceanvibes.com or www.diveturksandcaicos.com Toll Free North America: (866) 450-DIVE

Tiffany Schauer