Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Sustainable development,
capacity building &
community well-being
Ecotourism Training
Center, Thailand
Eco Training, South
Africa
Huaorani Ecolodge,
Ecuador
Ecomantra, India
Rainforest Expeditions, TIES Activities Report:
Peru Our Projects and
Milestones in 2008
Mai Kana Project, Fiji
v e l
T ra
a b le
us ta in
a n d S
mu ni ties
Uniting Conservation, Com
EcoCurrents
This past year has been challenging on many fronts, from the
wars fought to pressing environmental issues, to the eco-
nomic downturn in so many na�ons - we have all felt the im-
pact of global situa�ons affec�ng our local communi�es.
Warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a very happy New
Year 2009!
Ecotourism: “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and
improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990)
2 | ecotourism.org
EcoCurrents
6
EcoTraining: It’s not only about wildlife training
Taflin Tiley, EcoTraining, South Africa
10
Huaorani Ecolodge: Providing a New Model
for Community Tourism in Latin America
Gerard Coffey, Tropic Journeys in Nature,
Ecuador
12
Lessons from Nature: Could More Problems Mean
Experiential learning at MORE Solutions?
Ecomantra Jorge Espinoza
16
Mahrukh Goel,
15
Rainforest Expeditions, Peru
India
21
ecotourism.org | 3
EcoCurrents
EcoCurrents is the quarterly e-magazine of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), featuring current industry trends,
best practice examples and critical issues in ecotourism and responsible travel. As the world’s oldest and largest inter-
national ecotourism association, TIES seeks to be the global source of knowledge and advocacy uniting communities,
conservation, and sustainable travel. As a non-profit industry association, TIES serves its members in over 90 countries.
TIES members of all levels receive the EcoCurrents e-Magazine as part of their membership benefits. To learn more
about TIES’ membership levels and benefits, see www.ecotourism.org or contact: membership@ecotourism.org.
4 | ecotourism.org
EcoCurrents
Ecotourism Associations
around the World
TIES Association Members
Europe: Business and the Environment linked through Small Scale Tourism (BESST) • Ecotourism Norway • Ecotourisme France • Eco-
turismo Italia • Swedish Ecotourism Society • Tilos Park Association, Greece
Eastern Europe & Central Asia: Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) • Armenian Ecotourism Association • Belarusian Association
of Agro and Ecotourism • Central Balkan Kalofer Ecotourism Association • Estonian Ecotourism Association • Kamchatka Ecotourism
Society • Murghab Ecotourism Association (META), Tajikistan
Middle East & North Africa: Iran Ecotourism Society • Ecotourism Israel
Sub-Saharan Africa: Benin Ecotourism Concern (ECO-BENIN) • Ecotourism Society of Ehiopia • Ecotourism Society of Nigeria • Ecotour-
ism Kenya • Iringa Ecotourism Society • Nigeria Ecotourism Foundation
South Asia: Chitral Association for Mountain Area Tourism (CAMAT) • Discover Nepal • Ecotourism Society of Sri Lanka • Ecotourism
Society Pakistan • Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS) • Himalayan EcoTourism Society • Sri Lanka Ecotourism
Foundation
South East Asia: Cambodia Community-Based Ecotourism Network (CCBEN) • Ecotourism Laos • Indonesian Ecotourism Network
(INDECON) • Japan Ecolodge Association (ECOLA) • Japan Ecotourism Society • Kunigami Tourism Association (KUTA) - Okinawa, Japan
• Mongolian Ecotourism Society • National Ecotourism Center, Japan • Taiwan Ecotourism Association (TEA) • Thai Ecotourism &
Adventure Travel Association
North America: Alaska Wilderness Recreation & Tourism Association • BC Wilderness Tourism Association • Green Tourism Association
• Hawaii Ecotourism Association • La Ruta de Sonora Ecotourism Association • Mesoamerican Ecotourism Alliance (MEA) • Society for
Ethical Ecotourism Southwest Florida • The Ontario Ecotourism Society (TOES), Canada
Cental America & the Caribbean: Asociación Ecoturismo Guatemala • Belize Ecotourism Association (BETA) • Camara Nacional de
Ecoturismo de Costa Rica (CANAECO) • Mexican Association of Adventure Tourism & Ecotourism (AMTAVE) • Dominican Sustainable
Tourism Organization (ODTS) • Toledo Ecotourism Association
South America: Asociación Argentina de Ecoturismo y Aventura • La Asociación Ecuatoriana de Ecoturismo (ASEC) • EcoBrasil
TIES is proud to serve our national, regional, and local Association members. Providing the vital links between governments, NGOs,
businesses and citizens, our partners in ecotourism associations are a crucial part of our efforts to further TIES’ mission. We offer
complimentary Association-level membership to non-profit, non-governmental and multi-stakeholder associations with primary
focus on ecotourism and sustainable travel. For more information, contact: associations@ecotourism.org
ecotourism.org | 5
EcoCurrents
Ecotourism Training
Center: Leading by Example
BY REID RIDGWAY The students of ETC are local disadvantaged Learn more about ETC
young adults, often, though not always, deeply
B
y the definitions of ecotourism, there affected by the tsunami. The program is a nine- Website: www.etcth.org
Email: reid@etcth.org
are few grassroots organizations month intensive training program in English Lan- Phone: +66 (0) 87
that outshine the Ecotourism Train- guage, Computer Skills, and Marine Conservation. 263-6016 (*drop the
ing Center (ETC) in Khao Lak, Thailand. (0) for internation-
al calls to Thailand)
The students graduate with profession-
The program is building local capacity for both al credentials as PADI undersea tour lead- Mailing Address:
the tourism industry and for marine conserva- ers, or SCUBA instructors in many cases, Ecotourism Training
Center (ETC)
tion, and it’s proven a powerful instrument and are placed in jobs that pay them four 56/73-74 Pechakacem
of poverty alleviation as well. But it doesn’t to six times their previous earning power. Road, Moo 5, Tamboon
stop there: ETC, as an educational outreach Khuk Khak, Amphur
Takuapa, Phang-Nga
platform, is helping the whole community to Marine Conservation Province, 82190
better understand their coastal resources. Thailand
A recent report, REEFS AT RISK, co-authored
The Beginning by the World Resources Institute and the
UNEP, and widely considered the seminal
Emerging from the void left by the Indian study on coral reef conservation, advocates
Ocean tsunami 4 years ago, ETC has demon- in its conclusion that local reefs must be
strated effective ways to build opportunities protected at local levels. Both capacity build-
for a community devastated by the waves ing and community education are cited as nec-
that engulfed much of Southeast Asia in 2004. essary ingredients in the fight to save the reefs.
6 | ecotourism.org
EcoCurrents
Milestones
the fight to save the reefs.” capacity building for local peo-
ple, community education, and
it’s all fueled by ecotourism.
ecotourism.org | 7
EcoCurrents
O
numa Dareang “On” is 24 years She admitted that she couldn’t Reid Ridgway is Managing Direc-
old. One of 4 siblings, On was swim, and that she didn’t know tor of ETC. After gaining experi-
born to a family of farmers if she would be able to learn div- ence as the marketing director
in Surathanee Province, Thailand. ing, but that she was excited to for Reflective Arts division of Op-
try and would work hard to learn. tical Media International, Reid
Her father owns a modest bit of land, founded Watershed Communi-
and grows a mixture of crops includ- On finished the program 9 month cations a digital media produc-
ing rubber trees, palm trees for oil, later as a professional PADI dive- tion company, specializing in
and a variety of fruit trees, as well. master, and was selected as one strategic marketing, brand iden-
of 5 top students to go on to the tity, and initial product launch.
He produced and directed
On’s family worked together for many Instructor Development Program,
projects for Apple Computer,
years and saved enough money to she didn’t feel that she was ready, IBM, Grass Valley Group, Steven
send On to college. She was the first and her English was still very weak. Spielberg, blues legend B.B. King,
and only one of her family to ever get and many others. Three years
that opportunity. But when she grad- Today On’s English is exceptional prior to the Tsunami, Reid had
uated, she found that her highest and she is the head of diving in- semi-retired in Thailand, where
job offers, were for 3 or 4 thousand struction for the ETC program. he began a new life dabbling as
baht per month (about $125 USD). a freelance journalist and profes-
She has earned PADI second high- sional scuba instructor, enjoying
The family also took loans out to est instructor rating, and 5 specialty the big change of pace. When
complete paying for her educa- teaching credentials. She has taken the Tsunami devastated Southern
Thailand, the pace swept him up
tion. She heard through a friend of 16 other young Thai people to the
again. Reid took immediate ac-
her family that she could learn Eng- professional level and as- tion to help people. And though
lish from the ETC program for free. sisted in training 5 of them the work has never stopped,
to be instructors like herself. he would be the first to say that
She had struggled with English in col- choosing a path of helping others
lege, failing her courses and felt that She makes about 5 times her pre- beats the stressful life of the cor-
she needed more study, but couldn’t vious salary, and could earn even porate executive—hands down.
afford to burden her family more more in the private sector, but has Photos by Reid Ridgway
money. When she interviewed for chosen to stay with ETC because
ETC, she couldn’t really speak she loves the program. On says she Read more ETC student stories at:
www.etcth.org
a word of English except Hello. can’t imagine any other job now.
8 | ecotourism.org
EcoCurrents
INTERNSHIP
The International Ecotourism Society interns must obtain the appropriate visas, and all
(TIES) offers internship opportunities year round for interns are responsible for travel to Washington, DC
you to contribute to ecotourism and to learn latest and for their own accommodation and board while
industry trends and gain relevant work experience. in DC. For interns working in Washington DC, TIES
will reimburse costs of local travel to/from work and
• Administrative home.
• Fundraising & Development
• Conference & Special Event Planning How To Apply
• Training & Education Applications are continually being accepted, so you
are welcome to apply any time. Send a cover letter,
• Membership resume/CV, contact information for 3 references,
• Communications and a 3-5 page writing sample to:
• Website & Graphic Design employment@ecotourism.org. Make sure to
• IT Support indicate which internship area you are most
interested in and when you would be available to
About Our Internships intern.
All TIES internships are for a minimum of 3 months.
While most internship positions are located in Further information available at:
Washington DC, we welcome interns working
online from other locations. Overseas www.ecotourism.org
EcoTraining
It’s not only about
wildlife training
BY TAFLIN TILEY place at bush camps which collective- It’s about absorbing nature, learn-
ly open the door to 66,000 hectares ing how to interact with the en-
E
coTraining believes that we of stunning wilderness landscapes vironment, and being part of the
are running out of time on teeming with buffalo, elephant, rhi- ecosystems. It’s about becoming in-
our planet in terms of hu- no, lion and leopard as well as ante- tertwined with the natural environ-
mans’ practices and ways of living. lope and a huge diversity of birds. ment that sustains us and gives us air
to breathe, water to drink and beauty
So the mission is broader than local Not all the camps are accessible to to obtain peace and inspiration from.
field guide training. We seek to instill regular tourists visiting the parks, as
the focus is on wilderness areas that The bush is powerful and on the cours-
an education and appreciation for the
involve private conservation efforts es, you start to realize that the clut-
environment through training local and community-based employment. ter of modern society’s trappings be-
and international learners; using com-
munity-based concession for wilder- comes less relevant. There is a mental,
Selati Camp is situated on the banks emotional and spiritual shift towards
ness areas, and ensuring the learning of the Selati River in the 33,000 hec-
experience is sustainable through an respect, consideration and sensitiv-
tare Selati Game Reserve to the
international community network. west of the Kruger National Park. ity towards nature and your peers.
EcoTraining offers leading profes- Karongwe Camp is situated on the banks EcoTraining is spreading our conserva-
sional Field Guide and other nature of the Karongwe River in the 9,000 hec- tion ethos and message beyond Afri-
training programmes in South Africa. tare Karongwe Game Reserve, to the can soil - We have recently launched
south-west of the Kruger National Park. operations in Australia to offer more
We ensure that the learners are of the specialist nature-based courses.
Kruger Park Makuleke Camp is situ-
right standard and training, and consider
ated in the 24,000 hectare Makule- Australia tempts learners with the
having the right philosophy and approach
ke concession in the far northern marine spectacle of its coastal reefs,
just as important as wildlife knowledge.
part of the Kruger National Park the prolific birdlife of the floodplains,
and the Limpopo Transfrontier Park. the extraordinary life in the deserts
Learners take the countless opportuni-
ties given to them each day to spread the of the world’s driest continent, and
This area belongs to the Makuleke the world’s oldest Indigenous culture.
conservation ethic, and to realize the po-
community, who were forced out of
tential influence that they may have on
the area in 1968. After a lengthy proc- For more information: www.ecotraining.
others after completing a course. It’s not
ess the land was finally re-instated co.za (South Africa), and www.ecotrain-
only about wildlife and nature; it’s also
to the community in 1998 on settle- ingaustralia.com.au (Australia).
a cultural interchange for the learners.
ment of a land claims court case.
“
EcoTraining’s formal Field Guide and Have we forgotten that wilderness
Through EcoTraining’s courses, you will is not a place, but a pattern of soul
Nature Training programmes, ac-
gain in-depth knowledge about nature, where every tree, bird and every
credited by the Field Guides Associa-
ecology and wildlife, but that is only beast is a soul maker?” Ian McCallum
tion of Southern Africa (FGASA), take
one aspect of your learning experience.
10 | ecotourism.org
“Education comes
naturally…”
Photos by EcoTraining
“
In an increasingly pressurised western corpo- For my part, the knowledge of fauna & flora,
rate world, candidates applying for any po- geology, human geography (including poli-
sitions in any industry must demonstrate that tics) and the interconnection between all three,
they possess qualities such as self-reliance, lateral that I acquired with EcoTraining, proved invalu-
thought and (an attribute often missing amongst able during my ten year career as an Invest-
the academically bright), basic common sense. ment Banker in London, New York and Frankfurt.
I have found through my experience under- EcoTraining offers individuals from all walks of life
taken on three different EcoTraining courses, more than a ‘good time’ - it also offers structured
that the skills and knowledge acquired dur- personal development. EcoTraining courses, such
ing a month in the bush often prove invaluable as FGASA Level 1 and Trails Guide provide great
tools, not only for those seeking a career in the opportunities for cost-effective, structured, edu-
safari industry, but across the corporate world. cational and, most importantly, fun experiences.”
For example, the ability to use various senses si-
multaneously whilst making split-second decisions
that are safety-critical, the ability to present one-
self correctly equipped for a morning bush walk at
5:30am when you’ve already been up for an hour
preparing breakfast and prepping a land rover, are
organisational skills that are not fully developed.
Huaorani Ecolodge:
Providing a New Model
for Community Tourism
in Latin America
12 | ecotourism.org
EcoCurrents
The result was an innovative part- The social and environmental impor-
nership promoting a new form of tance of the work has not gone unrec-
ecologically friendly development ognized. In November 2008 the project
Huaorani Ecolodge received front page
sensitive to Huaorani traditions. The was awarded by LATA (Latin American
treatment in the weekend travel section
venture began with the develop- Travel Association, www.lata.org) in
of the prestigious UK daily The Guard-
ment of ‘Amazon Headwaters with the UK as the best sustainable tourism
ian (October 2007): “Take me to the
the Huaorani’ operated since 1994. project of the year in Latin America.
river - Under siege from oil companies
and loggers, the Huaorani of Ecuador
The programme proved a huge success There is still a lot to be done: more
are fighting back - through ecotourism.
and gathered a number of awards, in- training, promotion, and the strength-
Piers Moore Ede is the first to visit their
cluding the TODO! Award in 1997 and the ening of the Huaorani tourism associ-
Amazon lodge” (www.guardian.co.uk/
ecotourism showcase award in 2000. ation are all crucial. But the creation
travel/2007/oct/27/saturday.green).
of a new forest reserve of some 30,000
Success brought further plans, this hectares will provide a boost, protect-
time for a more permanent struc- ing the area’s precious wildlife and
ture both organizationally and con- providing further stimulus to tourism. Gerard Coffey is Conservation
cretely: Huaorani Ecolodge (www. in Action Foundation consult-
huaorani.com), an ecotourism The People themselves will also be ant. For more information on
project to be co managed by Trop- winners, their disappearance only a Huaorani Ecolodge, contact:
ic and the Huaorani themselves. matter of time but with the advent Jascivan Carvalho,
of community ecotourism, and the General Manager, at
A tourism association was support of Tropic, this vibrant group manager@tropiceco.com
formed by the five communities now seems to have time on its side. or (593 2) 2234594 / 2225907.
ecotourism.org | 13
EcoCurrents
The Huaorani
Our hosts have long inhabited the
headwaters of the Amazon, living as
nomadic hunters and gatherers with
no outside contact until the end of the
1950s, and at least one clan continues
to shun all contact with the outside
world. According to their folklore,
they migrated to this area a long
time ago to escape from cannibals.
The Huaorani speak a language unre-
lated to any other; their name means
“the people”, while everyone else is
cowore, or “non-human” (that’s you).
(Source: www.huaorani.com)
14 | ecotourism.org
EcoCurrents
BY MAHRUKH GOEL
A
t Ecomantra, we believe that Na- a live snake in his hands, one is tempt-
ture is the best, most wonder- ed to shed off his fear and try the same. Ecomantra Nature
Adventures
ful teacher of all. Our experiential
learning programs are carefully woven Some of our most successful experiential pro-
Address: 19, Rajas-
and created around the theme of nature. grams include: Snake Awareness and Common than Technical Centre,
Wildlife around Us; the Tribal Art Workshop, Patanwala Estate,
We try to make the world of animals, which brings one closer to the lifestyle of LBS Marg, Ghatko-
tribes in Maharashtra through their simple par West, Mum-
birds, insects and amphibians in the
bai - 400086, India
backdrop of lakes, rivers, farms and paintings in huts; the Hut Building Program;
mountains interesting to learn from. the Coconut and Bamboo Handicraft Work- Tel: +91 22 25007347
shops; Clay Modelling for Ganesha Idols; Web: www.ecomantra.org
When Ecomantra was conceptualised in the and Holi Naturally, a workshop on making
year 2000 as an ecotourism company, we natural colours during the Holi festivals.
were looking at eco holidays as our primary
activity. To make our eco holidays more inter- Ecomantra has also created its own unique
esting and meaningful for visitors, Ecoman- training modules, as part of our efforts to
tra’s founders Mahrukh and Ravi Goel, make outdoor management training pro-
began adding new activities in the form of grams exciting and accessible. One module
eco adventures and interactive programs. on wildlife even has a name that sounds
exciting and adventurous: the Jungle Book.
Simultaneously, we began offering work- Another module is called Sholay Adventures
shops and interactive programs to pro- – based on one of Bollywood’s most success-
mote our message of nature conservation ful movie in the backdrop of wild mountains.
in the city. Today the most active demand
we receive for these programs is from We also design Theatre workshops on
corporate groups, among the age bracket the theme of nature, which involve
of 20 to 35 years and families who enjoy role play and learning sessions, enjoyed
these programs at our camps and resort. with a great deal of laughter and fun.
Our experiential programs focus on bringing One of the most important goals of our
a sense of wonder among participants and experiential programs is to bring people
strengthen the bonds among participants. closer to the wonders of nature and with
Visitors love the new experiences and ap- those who live closely with nature, be-
preciate the knowledge they gain, as seen cause we believe that without awaken-
in the feedback they give to us. Peer pres- ing this inherent love for nature among
sure plays a great role as a positive element. visitors, no amount of awareness on conser-
If a one sees another participant holding vation would convince people to take action.
ecotourism.org | 15
EcoCurrents
I
n Peru, twelve years of institution- Socially the community has changed in sev- Rainforest Expedi-
al life is reason to write home about. eral ways. There are more decision making tions (TIES Business
That is why, twelve years after its signa- venues beyond the original communal board member) operates
ture, the joint venture contract between of directors. Now there is a Tourism Commit- three award winning
Rainforest Expeditions (RFE) and the Infi- tee, a modestly functional PTA, a community Amazon lodges: Posada
erno Native Community (CNI) which gave office, etc. There are also health and educa- Amazonas (30 rooms),
birth to Posada Amazonas, is still news. tional safety nets and increased capacity to Refugio Amazonas (24
negotiate with public and private corporations. rooms), and Tambopata
Research Center (18
Located in the Amazon district of Tambopata, rooms). Each Amazon
adjacent to its namesake 1.5 million hec- Environmentally, the community has set aside
lodge uncovers a wide
tare reserve, Posada Amazonas is a rustic 30 areas for conservation, mostly around the tour- array of fascinating eco-
room ecolodge that hosts guests on intro- ism resources – the lodge, the lake, the clay lick. tourism experiencies
ductory three or four night tours. It belongs They pay for a government ecotourism conces- in the middle of our
to the CNI, but is co-managed with RFE, sion and have fines for people caught poach- jungle, in the heart of
and profits are shared 60/40, respectively. ing in off limits area, which they have applied. the amazon rainforest.
www.rainforest.com.pe
The contract was conceived because However, amongst the unforeseen effects of
the CNI wanted to compete in the tour- the project is the distribution of dividends
ism industry and RFE required a com- amongst families (rather than reinvestment in Jorge Espinoza is
mercial location to complement its older, community projects) which in turn has caused among the most
more remote Tambopata Research Center. all sorts of diverse family investments or ex- experienced expert
penditures, much like a free market scenario. guides at Rainforest
Along the way, RFE has made sustainable Expeditions, and is
development and conservation projects the Furthermore, outside of the reserved ar- also an author of
core of its business. The project was also eas, a business as usual scenario still un- several pieces for
designed to generate economic incentives folds, albeit increased income accelerates it. local newspapers.
in the community to leave forest stand-
ing. A brief analysis of each arena follows. The community has had its share of inter-
nal conflict over the decisions of how to
Economically, the community receives its spend its dividends, and often after diffi-
most significant impacts from dividends cult meetings, is learning to cope with con-
and employments, including over a dozen flict. Families have tended to keep two
bilingual guides. These have signified an homes – one in the city, and one in the farm.
increase on community families annual in-
come. Succesful communal suppliers include It may be that the community has more
small handicrafts, port, ethnobotanical serv- problems than it did twelve years ago, Photos by Rain-
ice and fish farm/ restaurant companies. but better prospects of solving them! forest Expeditions
16 | ecotourism.org
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TIES Lifetime
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ecotourism.org | 17
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Ingredients:
- 25 pieces of medium size shrimp, or Fiji river prawns, head and tail
on, body shell and gut tract removed For the Salsa:
- 25 bamboo skewers - 1 pineapple (keep the pineapple top with a li�le of its base intact
for presenta�on)
For the Guava Jelly Glaze: - 1 cup loose packed mint leaves
- 3 cups guava jelly (mine is made by Vi� Whippy, and hers in - 3 cups diced seasonal fruit such as watermelon, pawpaw,
legendarily the best)
- 2-3 tablespoon sweet chili sauce (depending on desired heat) OR mango or the like, cut into a ½ dice
2-3 fine chopped fresh chilis - 2 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 inch of fresh ginger, finely sliced - 2 teaspoon masala or other favorite fragrant spice (5 spice or
- 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup coriander are good also)
- juice of 2 limes (the small orange ones are good) - 3 local limes
1. Thread the prawns onto the skewers lengthwise.
What’s it good for?
2. Mix the guava jelly glaze ingredients together in a small pot and warm quickly to combine.
Guava: Very high in Vitamin C
3. Skin and core the pineapple and cut into large chunks. Toss in the oil with the masala or
other spice. Grill or pan sear the pineapple, making sure it browns a Chew baby guava leaves for
li�le. Cool and cut into a ½ “ dice and combine with the other salsa ingredients. “running stomach” - which
can be caused by eating too
4. Grill the prawns and generously brush with the guava jelly glaze and serve with the salsa. many guavas!
20 | ecotourism.org
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ecotourism.org | 21
EcoCurrents
Sponsors & *Increase in the total number of members from 2007 to 2008.
Supporters
Membership Benefits Updates:
All new members joining at the Business member-
level will receive a free copy of the bestselling book
“The Ecolodge Sourcebook for Planners & Developers”
New video and mul�-media resources, includ-
ing the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Con-
ference 2008 (ESTC 2008) session videos, are
available for download to TIES members of all levels.
22 | ecotourism.org
EcoCurrents
Canadian Mountain Holidays Inc. (CMH): Legitify: Legitify offers Digital Media Professional
With the vision to be the leading sustainable tour- Services and Publishing Tools. Legitify designs web-
ism operator in North America, CMH collabo- sites, produces content for websites, and devel-
rates with employees, governments, business, opes sophisticated tools for digital content man-
scientists, and local communities to operate as an in- agement online. Legitify has been a member of
tegral part of the community. TIES member since 2002. TIES and avid supporter of ecotourism since 1998.
Ecocamp Patagonia: Based in Torres del Paine Leisure Hotels: Leisure Group values India’s rich
National Park in Patagonia, Ecocamp Patagonia is natural heritage, and supports various eco-friend-
the first hospitality company in Chile to receive ly activities and community initiatives through
the prestigious ISO14001 Environmental Manage- the Group’s propertoes. TIES member since 2007.
ment System certification. TIES member since 2007.
Lindblad Expeditions: A world leader in ad-
Ecoventura: Ecoventura is dedicated to preserving venture travel, Lindblad continues to pro-
the ecological integrity of the Galapagos Islands for vide real value to guests and to the local com-
both its scientific value and economic benefit through munities, following the belief that business and
various ongoing conservation projects including Smart- conservation go hand in hand. TIES member since 2004.
Voyager and the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund.
Maho Bay Camps: Maho Bay Camps opened in
Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn: Since 1985, Finca 1976 on the US Virgin Islands, based on the philoso-
Rosa Blanca has had one important goal in mind: to phy that environmental sensitivity, human comfort
leave the minimum trace on the local environment. and responsible consumption are all compatible and
Finca Rosa Blanca operates in a sustainable manner, that they can enhance your vacation experience.
through regenerating resources, raising social con-
sciousness and providing educational opportunities. Mithun: A national leader in sustainable design
and urbanism, fresh ideas have emanated from Mit-
Fachhochschule Eberswalde: Eberswalde Univer- hun since 1949. Through an innovative blend of de-
sity of Applied Sciences offers Germany’s only Master sign, technology and nature, Mithun creates plac-
program in Sustainable Tourism Management, focusing es that excel in beauty, spirit and performance.
on destination management, CSR, sustainable market-
ing, ecotourism and tourism in developing countries. OARS: OARS strives to enrich people’s lives by
providing outstanding adventure experiences.
Holbrook Travel: With the goal of helping help travel- Since 1969, OARS has been actively supporting
ers experience incredible journeys, Holbrook trips show- awareness, deeper appreciation, and preserva-
case the world’s natural and cultural wonders. Through tion of the world’s rivers and natural ecosystems.
these journeys, Holbrook encourages travelers to truly
embrace travel and to seek new ways to see the world. Rivers Fiji: Rivers Fiji is committed to sustain-
able tourism practices and works very closely with
InkaNatura Travel: InkaNatura Travel is the only leading neighboring riverside villages. Rivers Fiji guides
tour operator in Peru owned by a nonprofit conservation are local experts who grew up along the rivers
group, Peru Verde. InkaNatura contributes to the mainte- and know their environment better than anyone.
nance of national parks, reserves, and archaeological sites.
Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge: Sadie Cove
International Expeditions: A founding mem- was built by hand from local driftwood and re-
ber of TIES, International Expeditions offers envi- claimed barn lumber by Alaska pioneer, Keith Iver-
ronmentally responsible expeditions to some of the son. The Lodge has been benchmarked by Green
world’s most remarkable places, providing guests Globe International. TIES member since 2008.
with the opportunity to enhance their appreciation
for the natural and cultural wonders of the world. Trans Niugini Tours: Trans Niugini Tours is Papua
New Guinea’s leading inbound tour operator. Trans
Intrepid Travel: For travelers with a yearning to get off Niugini Tours owns and operates a number of award
the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world. winning Wilderness Lodges in Papua New Guinea.
With a huge variety of travel styles available, Intrepid
travelers explore the world’s most amazing places.
Worldnomads: World Nomads travel insurance is
Jungle Expeditions: Through special itineraries and el- available to people from over 150 countries. Through
egant River Boats, expert naturalist guides and crew will its Footprints initiative, World Nomads gives back to
lead you on a voyage to discover our 20 year old secret: communities by contributing to social and educational
the Majestic Amazon Jungle! TIES member since 2008. projects that help improve the lives of local people.
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The workshop par�cipants also engaged in a site visit in the Western re-
gion of El Salvador, highligh�ng the areas where the Improved Manage-
ment and Conserva�on of Cri�cal Watersheds Project by USAID is taking place.
ESTC 2008 Des�na�on Host: Bri�sh Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
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EcoCurrents
ESTC Student Scholarship Sponsors: Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Thompson Rivers University.
ESTC Indigenous Leaders Scholarship Supporters: the Tourism Company, Sir Andrew
and Lady Fairley Foundation, Canadian Ecotourism Services, Hitesh Mehta, HM Design.
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ecotourism.org | 29
Uniting conservation, communities and
sustainable travel, ecotourism is about reducing
environmental footprint and maximizing positive imacts.
ECOTOURISM
n. Responsible travel to natural
areas that conserves the
environment and improves the well-
being of local people.