July 3: Bermuda To Hold First Official GeoTour

Mr. Speaker,

I rise this morning to report to the Members of this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda on the efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Planning to support the National Tourism Plan by developing innovative ways to capitalize, but not detract, from Bermuda’s unique natural assets.

To this end I am pleased to announce the launch of Bermuda’s first official GeoTour on July 3rd, 2013. This tour has been developed by the Department of Conservation Services, in conjunction with the Bermuda Island GeoCachers group.

Mr. Speaker,

Geocaching is a growing hobby that brings together cutting edge technology and a love for the outdoors. Essentially a self-guided treasure hunt, this activity has captured the interest of literally millions of people, both young and old. It is proving great fun for the single explorer, family or group who want to explore parts unknown, in order to find the elusive geocache (pronounced geocash).

A geocache is a cleverly hidden weather proof container that includes a logbook and small trinkets for trade or for keep sakes. The new Bermuda Conservation GeoTour consists of a series of 20 such geocaches hidden throughout the island, linked by the theme of exploring Bermuda’s natural environment.

Mr Speaker,

When starting their tour an explorer will begin by visiting the Bermuda webpage on www.Geocaching.com where they will be provided general coordinates and a description for each geocache. On the website they will see eye catching pictures of the area they are about to visit and learn interesting facts about Bermuda’s critically important habitats and the species that rely on them.

Starting at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, the tour will take participants “off the beaten path” and into some of Bermuda’s most spectacular parks and nature reserves. Using a GPS device or the Geocaching app. for iPhone, Android or Windows Phone, participants will search for the trail of hidden containers while at the same time hiking, kayaking and cycling, their way around Bermuda or using more conventional transport, such as bus, ferry or taxi, if they so prefer. Not only will they have the satisfaction of finding the treasure but they will explore and experience some of our most remote and interesting natural areas and the wildlife that exists in them.

As the tour is self-guided and available all year round explorers can organize the search to match their own itinerary. However, once players have found all 20 caches they are entitled to a uniquely designed GeoCoin. One side of the coin depicts the Department of Conservation Services logo and on the other side is a mosaic showing the Bermuda Cahow, Bermuda Cedar, corals, Skink and the islands themselves. This coin will be a small memento that visitors can keep to commemorate their visit to Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker,

One of the greatest threats to Bermuda’s marine and terrestrial ecology is lack of awareness. People cannot appreciate and care for something they do not know about or understand. The objectives of the Department of Conservation Services include delivering educational materials and outreach programs to promote the appreciation of Bermuda’s natural environment and marine heritage. The Bermuda Conservation GeoTour is a unique and inexpensive way to achieve that goal.

With the establishment of an official GeoTour with Geocaching.com, Bermuda can now take advantage of what is becoming a very exciting activity, that is played and blogged about by over 5 million people globally. It is anticipated that this GeoTour will:

• 1. Raise awareness and promote appreciation for Bermuda’s natural environment;
• 2. Provide a free, healthy, family friendly activity for both visitors and local residents; and
• 3. Promote Bermuda internationally and draw more visitors to the island;

Mr. Speaker

We are already aware of a number of geocaching groups on cruise ships sailing to Bermuda. The technology behind the GeoTours will enable us to track the number of visitors to the website and the number of actual participants, thereby giving us an opportunity to measure performance.

We should note that this initiative does not compete with private sector tours. It is our hope that this GeoTour would generate additional business for our taxi operators, busses, ferries, moped rentals, as well as through the rental of GPS equipment and the use of local telecommunications services.

Mr. Speaker

You might imagine that a project such as this requires the efforts and coordination of a number of individuals and groups. We are particularly grateful for the assistance provided by the Bermuda National Trust, the Audubon Society and our own National Parks Commission. In addition, special thanks must be extended to Mrs Darlene Fortin of the not-for-profit group the Bermuda Island Geocachers for her advice and support and to Mandy Shailer of the Department of Conservation Services for coordinating this exciting and innovative project.

Mr. Speaker,

In celebration of the launch of the Bermuda Conservation GeoTour there will be a GeoTour Launch Party at the Azu Beastro, located at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo on Friday July 12th from 5:30 – 7pm. All are welcome to come and learn more about the GeoTour and to find out how they can get started.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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