Usain Bolt Engages with Ecotourism in ‘The Long Run’

Jamaican sprinter and Olympic champion Usain Bolt has launched the Long Run Initiative aimed at supporting global ecotourism projects, which the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says are vital for conserving natural and cultural heritage.

Taking a significantly environmentally-focused break from the track, Bolt was joined by British sprinter, Colin Jackson, to signature the Zeitz Foundation’s Long Run Initiative, which aims to create and support ecotourism projects around the world.

The pilot project of the initiative is, Segera Global Ecosphere Retreat, a 50-acre solar and wind-powered conservancy in Kenya’s Rift Valley region with a negligible carbon footprint, according to a UNEP press release.

It also plans to launch projects in Brazil, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Indonesia, New Zealand, Sweden and Namibia. The Long Run Initiative projects are expected to contribute to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in these countries.

“Although I am known for running short distances, I want to inspire others to join me in the long run. Anything worth doing is worth striving for and the future of our planet is the ultimate cause”, said Bolt, the Zeitz Foundation’s Cultural Ambassador.

Zeitz Programme Director, Liz Rihoy, said she was hopeful that the project will be a driver of green growth in the region by creating a model for using tourism to promote the protection of natural habitats.

Jochen Zeitz, CEO of the German luxury sports goods manufacturer, Puma, and founder of the Zeitz Foundation, said the main inspiration for the project was the 2009 film about the state of the planet, Home, by renowned French filmmaker and UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

“The stunning depiction of the workings of the planet demonstrates that we can all make a contribution to a sustainable world.”

UNEP is particularly interested in ecotourism for its impact on conservation, sustainability, and biological diversity.

The agency noted that ecotourism advances the basic goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity by strengthening protected area management and increasing the value of ecosystems and wildlife.

It also offers a sustainable approach to conservation by helping generate income, jobs and business opportunities, benefiting businesses and local communities.

As a development tool, ecotourism advance the basic goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity by strengthening protected area management and increasing the value of ecosystems and wildlife. Ecotourism projects also offer a sustainable approach to conservation by helping generate income, jobs and business opportunities, benefiting businesses and local communities.