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Tofino, British Columbia, Canada to Host 12th International Ethnobiology Congress, May 9-14, 2010

More Than 350 Ethnobiologists, Scientists, Academics, Journalists, Indigenous Scholars and Community Activists to Converge on West Coast Vancouver Island Destination

Tourism Tofino and the Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation, in partnership with the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, today announced that the 12th International Congress of Ethnobiology will take place in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, from May 9-14, 2010.

Expected to attract more than 350 participants from 50 countries, the International Congress of Ethnobiology is a bi-annual gathering of scientists, academics, journalists, indigenous scholars and community activists who study, support and celebrate the complex relationships between human societies and their environments. The Congress also focuses on the biological, cultural and linguistic diversity conservation efforts of indigenous peoples, traditional societies and local communities.

The overarching theme of the 12th International Congress of Ethnobiology is "Hishuk-ish tsa'walk" -- the Nuu-chah-nulth phrase meaning "everything is one." Discussion themes include conserved and protected areas, the role of language and other methods of communication in the preservation of bio-cultural diversity, and food sovereignty -- the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food.

"It is a great honor to host this conference," said Tofino Botanical Gardens Founder, George Patterson. "More countries will be represented here than were at the recent winter Olympics. ICE congresses are noted for international declarations and accords regarding the understanding and conservation of bio-cultural diversity. We look forward to the 'Tofino Accord' becoming a significant part of the global conversation."

"Part of our mission as a destination marketing organization is to support new opportunities for local tourism-based businesses," said Tourism Tofino's Executive Director, Sharon Lingenfelter. "Hosting the Ethnobiology Congress in Tofino demonstrates the potential for an academic and educational tourism sector allowing many more visitors to experience our unique natural environment and cultural diversity while enjoying the area's year-round accommodation, culinary and dining offerings."

12th International Congress of Ethnobiology events will be held at a number of venues throughout Tofino including Best Western Tin Wis Resort, Clayoquot Sound Community Theatre, Middle Beach Lodge, Tofino Botanical Gardens, and Tofino Community Hall. A detailed event schedule can be found at http://www.tbgf.org/ice/home.

About Tourism Tofino www.tourismtofino.com
A division of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Tofino is a not-for-profit destination marketing organization (DMO) that promotes Tofino's extensive destination attributes, local events and hospitality industry businesses. Tourism Tofino also partners with other tourism organizations to create awareness of regional tourism initiatives for visitors word-wide.

About Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation (TBGF) www.tbgf.org
A non-profit organization and a registered Canadian charity, Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation is home to the Tofino Botanical Gardens and the Clayoquot Field Station. Located on a 12-acre waterfront site in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, TBGF's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's temperate, coastal rainforests. The organization endeavors to explore the relationship between culture and nature by pursing interests across disciplinary lines. TBGF is dedicated to the creation of a living classroom where future generations will learn about the natural and cultural history of Clayoquot Sound and the remaining coastal temperate rainforests of the world.

About Tofino
Tofino is a year-round travel destination on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Bounded by the open Pacific Ocean, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is known for its miles of pristine beaches and unparalleled adventures, including whale and wildlife watching, saltwater and freshwater fishing, surfing, kayaking, boating, hiking, and winter storm watching.