Organizations

that Promote

Ecotourism,

For

Environmental

and Cultural

Sustainability

Ed MayerEarth Matters

Ednsue74@earthlink.net

Blue Ridge Parkway Vista

Tarahumara Ceremony, Mexico

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) www.ecotourism.orgMission

TIES promotes ecotourism, which is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people," by:

Creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry;

Educating tourists and tourism professionals; and 

Influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies.

TIES Vision

As the world's oldest and largest international ecotourism association, TIES seeks to be the global source of knowledge and advocacy uniting communities, conservation, and sustainable travel.

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) www.ecotourism.org

Principles of Ecotourism:

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

Minimize impact.

Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.

Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.

Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.

Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

TIES Offers

Members Ecotourism Network

Listings of Eco Destinations

Certification and Sustainable Tourism Management with George Washington Univ.

Publications

Annual Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference

Travel Green Guide

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) www.ecotourism.org

Eco Lodge

New Guinea Vista

Sustainable Travel International (STI)www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

Promoting responsible travel and ecotourism, supporting sustainable development, and helping travelers and travel providers protect the cultures and environments they visit.

Mission:

Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a global leader in sustainable tourism development. The organization’s mission is to promote sustainable development through responsible travel by providing programs that help travelers, businesses and destinations protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage and promote economic development.

STI is dedicated to taking a holistic approach to addressing sustainable development within the travel and tourism industries by providing solutions-oriented programs that generate tangible results and affect long-lasting change.

STI Programs

Advisory Services

Eco-Certification

Carbon Management

Eco-Directory

Education and Training

Traveler’s Philanthropy

Sustainable Travel International (STI)www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP)

STEP is STI’s flagship program and is the gold standard for accommodations, attractions, tour operators and transportation services

STEP features an online Sustainability Management Framework and Self-assessment Tool

Standards are aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and have been developed transparently in collaboration with the travel and tourism industry.

Carbon Management

Reduce Carbon Emissions and Invest in Carbon Offsets

STI provides comprehensive carbon management and reduction services to help individuals and businesses easily and affordably balance their environmental impact.

Sustainable Travel International (STI)www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

World Tourism Organization www.unwto.org

Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism sets a frame of reference for the responsible and sustainable development of world tourism.

With international tourism forecast to reach 1.6 billion arrivals by 2020, WTO believe that the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism will help minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and on cultural heritage while maximizing the benefits for tourism destinations.

Green Lodging News www.greenlodgingnews.com

The lodging industry’s leading environmental news source

Eco Tour, New Guinea

Trekking in Papua New Guinea

Moving Forward

Establish a WNC Ecotourism Network

Advise members on certifications standards and assist with meeting standards and criteria.

Explore possibilities for group certification to reduce costs for individual operations.

Join International Ecotourism organizations as a business association.

Establish WNC as an ecotourism destination and advertise on behalf of certified members.

Other ideas??

Earth MattersCollaborative Approach to Project Design and

ImplementationConservation, Ecotourism, Forest Carbon

Ed Mayer and Susan Brownednsue74@earthlink.net

828-505-1080