International Ecotourism Society

International Ecotourism Society is a non-profit organization that aims to promote ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices globally, in collaboration with organizations such as the World Tourism Organization and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The society works closely with National Geographic and the World Wildlife Fund to support conservation efforts and promote environmentally friendly tourism practices. By partnering with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme and the European Union, the International Ecotourism Society seeks to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism and its impact on local communities, such as those in Costa Rica and New Zealand.

● Introduction

The International Ecotourism Society was founded in 1990 by a group of conservationists, including Hector Ceballos-Lascurain and David Fennell, who recognized the need for a more sustainable approach to tourism. The society's introduction to the global tourism industry was marked by its participation in the Rio Earth Summit and its collaboration with organizations like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Today, the society is a leading voice in the global tourism industry, working with companies like Expedia and Airbnb to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts in destinations like Australia and South Africa. The society also partners with academic institutions, such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, to conduct research on sustainable tourism and its impact on local communities.

● History

The International Ecotourism Society has a rich history of promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting conservation efforts. In the 1990s, the society worked closely with organizations like the World Conservation Union and the International Council on Monuments and Sites to develop guidelines for sustainable tourism. The society also participated in the development of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, a set of standards for sustainable tourism practices that was launched in 2008 with the support of organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Rainforest Alliance. Throughout its history, the society has worked with a range of partners, including The Nature Conservancy, the World Resources Institute, and the European Commission, to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts in destinations like Brazil and Indonesia.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The International Ecotourism Society's mission is to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts globally. The society's objectives include promoting environmentally friendly tourism practices, supporting local communities, and conserving natural and cultural resources. To achieve these objectives, the society works with a range of partners, including National Geographic Expeditions, the World Wildlife Fund, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. The society also collaborates with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility to support sustainable tourism development in destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. Additionally, the society partners with companies like Patagonia and The North Face to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts.

● Membership_and_Certification

The International Ecotourism Society offers membership and certification programs for tourism operators and destinations that meet its standards for sustainable tourism practices. The society's certification program is recognized by organizations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the European Tourism Commission. Members of the society include tourism operators like Intrepid Travel and G Adventures, as well as destinations like Ecuador and Rwanda. The society also partners with organizations like the World Travel & Tourism Council and the International Air Transport Association to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts in the aviation and tourism industries.

● Conservation_Efforts

The International Ecotourism Society supports a range of conservation efforts globally, including the protection of biodiversity hotspots and the conservation of endangered species. The society works with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for Conservation of Nature to support conservation efforts in destinations like Madagascar and Papua New Guinea. The society also partners with companies like The Walt Disney Company and Microsoft to support conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, the society collaborates with academic institutions, such as the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Melbourne, to conduct research on conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices.

● Global_Initiatives

The International Ecotourism Society is involved in a range of global initiatives to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts. The society is a partner in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and works with organizations like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to support sustainable tourism development in destinations like China and India. The society also participates in global initiatives like the Global Tourism Forum and the World Travel & Tourism Council's Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which recognize excellence in sustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, the society partners with organizations like the European Union's Horizon 2020 and the National Science Foundation to support research and development of sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts. The society's global initiatives also include collaborations with companies like Google and Amazon to promote sustainable tourism practices and support conservation efforts through technology and innovation.