It’s not often anyone gets invited to England’s famed Westminster Abbey to hobnob with lords, MPs, business and charity leaders, and other influential people. But that’s exactly what happened recently for the owners of Eagle Wing Whale and Wildlife Watching Tours.

They were invited to London because Eagle Wing Tours is one of a small number of Canadian organizations to be included in a new historic commemorative album, or book, titled Commonwealth at 70: From Westminster to the World.

Eagle Wing co-owners Don Stewart, left, and Brett Soberg with a copy of the commemorative book.

Eagle Wing is the only ecotour organization to be featured in the book. It was selected for inclusion by the editorial board of the publisher, St James’s House, based on its conservation and sustainability initiatives, and on its leadership in the whale and wildlife watching industry.

“As Canada’s first 100% carbon-neutral whale-watching company, Eagle Wing has unique credentials in conservation, education and carbon reduction,” says co-author and royal correspondent Robert Jobson. “The environment is a top priority for the incoming head of the Commonwealth, HRH Prince Charles, and these tours make the company a great editorial fit for the book.”

St James’s House developed the book in partnership with the History of Parliament Trust, a major UK research body governed by trustees who are mainly members and officers of both Houses of Parliament in the UK.

Written by academics and experts, Commonwealth at 70 is the Trust’s official commemorative album to mark this anniversary. A thought-provoking and beautifully designed hardback, it brings together key stories of best practice, and offers insights into major Commonwealth institutions, organizations and initiatives.

“We’re honoured to be featured in this important commemorative book and event,” say Eagle Wing co-owners Brett Soberg and Don Stewart. “We began Eagle Wing as a small family-run business, wholeheartedly embracing conservation principles with a mission to lead the industry in best practices. Two decades later, we continue to inspire individuals and organizations around the world to be passionate stewards of marine ecosystems.”

Commonwealth at 70 formally celebrates the announcement of Prince Charles as the future head of the Commonwealth, an association of 53 independent states around the world. Since the modern Commonwealth was created by the London Declaration in 1949, it has helped to strengthen governance, build inclusive institutions and promote justice and human rights among 2.4 billion people.

The Eagle Wing “spread” in the commemorative book.

The book launch celebration took place at Westminster Abbey on June 25.

“The event was awe-inspiring and the ambience was one of sophisticated intelligence,” says Soberg, who had the opportunity to answer questions in front of the gathering about ecotourism opportunities in BC. The occasion was also a chance to connect with other like-minded companies around the world. “Building bridges across the Commonwealth is not only an opportunity to share sustainable wisdom, but a privilege.”

View Commonwealth at 70: From Westminster to the World online.

Eagle Wing Tours is Canada’s first 100% carbon-neutral whale watching company and is certified Gold with Green Tourism Canada. Rated number one on Trip Advisor since 2007, we guarantee transformative marine experiences on the Salish Sea. Environmental stewardship is a core value of our company and we are proud to support 1% for the Planet and a variety of local conservation initiatives that directly benefit the Salish Sea and its inhabitants. Find out more about our award-winning conservation, education and sustainability initiatives.