Resources

EFB Latest News

New Direction for Global Ecotourism: EFB Announces Change in Leadership

November 16, 2007--In 2007, The International Ecotourism Society (EFB) has made a number of achievements that have helped raise the profile of ecotourism and have positively impacted the ecotourism community worldwide. Having successfully organized two major international conferences (the Global Ecotourism Conference in May and the North American Ecotourism Conference in September), and undertaken several important projects, EFB has strengthened its partnerships with various ecotourism stakeholders from around the world.

EFB numerous successes in 2007 have given it the opportunity to revisit it strategic plan to develop project areas and potential partnerships that will enhance EFB efforts to further its mission.

Based on internal reviews and feedback from its members and partners, EFB Board and staff have revised the organization's strategic direction, with an emphasis on the areas identified as core strengths, and new focus on current issues and critical challenges facing the global ecotourism industry.

Reflecting this important transition in its organizational development and direction, EFB has undergone significant restructuring of staff positions, with stronger focus on core program areas-membership services, communication, branding and marketing, training and education, events, and conferences. 

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Marking the 5th anniversary of the International Year of Ecotourism, GEC07 was an important step forward for the global ecotourism community's efforts to strengthen its voice and to influence the travel industry to become more sustainable.

Serving both as a summary of the discussions that took place during GEC07 and as a practical tool for promoting ecotourism, the Oslo Statement should be used by all ecotourism stakeholders to assess the current state of the global ecotourism community and to evaluate the challenges facing ecotourism. 

EFB Newsletters and e-Publications

Library

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Search the EFB Library

Welcome to EFB' online library. Please enter your search criteria to find the publication you are looking for.

If you would like to contribute to EFB's extensive collection of publications related to the field of ecotourism, please submit the article to article@ecotourismbd.org

EFB Research & Publications

 EFB Publications

To view or purchase peer-reviewed publications containing best-practice strategies for international sustainable tourism development from EFB Online Store or Library, please click here . (working..)

EFB EcoCurrents Quarterly eMagazine and  Digital Traveler eNewsletter are available at: EFB Newsletters & E-Publications . (working..)

Ecotourism Certification Handbooks

The Ecotourism Handbooks on Certification, while particularly relevant to the Bangladesh , incorporate examples from around the world, as well as lessons from certification programs in other industries. Produced by EFB, Sustainable Development, the handbooks are based on a 4-year research project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank's Multilateral Investment Fund. 

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This publication may be reproduced in whole or part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes, provided proper acknowledgement of the source is made. No use of this publication may be made for resale or for any other commercial purpose without prior permission in writing. EFB and UNEP request to receive a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. Please contact EFB at education@ecotourismbd.org to obtain further details.   



Tips for Travelers

 Where do you, the traveler, fit in?  

The traveler can have a tremendous effect on the tourism industry by doing a little homework and making informed choices. 

By choosing responsible travel, you can have the fabulous vacation that you've dreamed of, while ensuring that your dollars are benefiting the environment and the local people at your destination.

Tips for Professionals

 Useful Web Resources for Ecotourism Professionals  

Ecotourism Resources

• Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO) : It operates a fund that provides financial and material support to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity resources in Brazil .
  
• Certification for Sustainable Tourism, Costa Rica : A certification program for tourism businesses in Costa Rica .  Available in English and Spanish.
  
• Conservation International Ecotourism Program : Develops projects in ecotourism throughout the world and has directory of ecotourism locations.
  
• ECOCLUB : This international ecotourism club has a directory of ecolodges, networking and consulting resources for professionals, news, jobs, universities, publications, on-line chat and events
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• U.N. International Year of Ecotourism - 2002 (IYE) :
  
• The Nature Conservancy: Nature Tourism and Conservation : The program works with partners, corporations, indigenous people and traditional communities all over the world to develop ecotourism projects.  The site provides market research, guide training, enterprise development, and business partnerships.
  
• RARE Center for Tropical Conservation : The Rare Enterprises program develops ecotourism and community development programs, including nature-guide training.
  
• World Legacy Awards : Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine offer this award to honor businesses and organizations working in sustainable tourism.

Tips for Businesses (under construction)

 Resources for Ecotourism Businesses

This page provides resources helpful to businesses that are involved in ecotourism and responsible travel, or those interested in becoming involved. If you have questions, comments or questions about the content of this page, please contact: info@ecotourismbd.org

• EFB Online Experts Bureau
• Find or list  job opportunities and consultancy/internship positions
• Learn about partnership opportunities with EFB
• EFB sponsorship information
• EFB membership details
• Get involved in EFB ecotourism events   

Other web resources: Tips for Ecotourism Professionals  

Tips for Academics & Students (under construction..)

 Useful Resources for Academics and Students

TIES Online Resources:

• EFB Bookstore : Select from a variety of titles revolving around different aspects and issues of ecotourism around the world.  EFB members recieve a 15% discount on Bookstore purchases.
  
• EFB Library : Search a variety of documents about ecotourism on our online library.  You also have the option of posting an article as well.
  
• EFB Business to Business : This section provides information and facilitate dialogue about how to make businesses more environmentally and socially responsible.
  
• EFB Newsletters : Access EFB online archive of newsletters e-publications
  
• EFB Research and Publications
  
• EFB Training and Education  
  

International Policy Organizations:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) : This multilateral convention has a program dedicated to Biodiversity and Tourism
  
• International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) :  IPPG is based in Nepal and is a grassroots organization advocating to improve the conditions of mountain porters in the tourism industry worldwide.
  
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) : The IUCN is a global coaltion of experts and stakeholders whose mission is to encourage and assist societies around the world to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainablity. The Sustainable Use and Specialist Group may provide important informatio for tourism specialists.
  
• U.N. Environmental Program (UNEP) Sustainable Tourism Site : This site provides information and assistance for governements, private sector specialists involved in sustainable tourism. 
  
• U.N. Internation Year of Ecotourism- 2002 (IYE)
  
• UNESCO World Heritage Site : This site provides a directory of World Heritage sites, news and events, publications, and resources, and other information.
  
• World Tourism Organization (WTO) : The WTO is a specialized UN agency serving as a global forum for tourism policy issues and practical source of tourism information.
  
• World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) : WTTC is the forum for global busniess leaders in tourism. The site includes information on sustainable tourism and various WTTC initiatives and services.
  
• The World Bank Group: International Finance Corporation (IFC) : The IFC promotes sustainable private sector development in developing countries.

Multipurpose Sustainable Tourism Sites:

• Big Vocano Ecotourism Resource Center : The Ecotourism Resorce page provides information about certification programs, ecotourism papers and articles, and Ecotourism definitions among other resources.
  
• Business Enterprises for Sustainable Travel (BEST) : Highlights businesses, communities, and travelers that exemplify sustainable toursim practices.
  
• Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) : This organization, a subsidiary of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), helps Caribbean travel businesses implement effective sustainable management of natural resources.
  
• Cultures on the Edge : The online magazine is publsihed quarterly discussing issues of cultural diversity. The 'Learn' section provides articles about the affects of tourism on culture.
  
• Greentour : This is an interactive forum for discussion, collaboration and networking for many topics including sustainable tourism. It's managed by the Conserve Africa Foundation .
  
• International Centre for Responsible Tourism : Sponsored by responsibletravel.com , this site provides links to international initiatives, reports, working papers, tour operator initiatives, training programs, conferences, and relevant tourism destinations.
  
• International Tourism Partnership (ITP) : This site has resources for education and research, includign relevant publications. The Academic Advisory Panel (AAP)  brings together academic leaders with professionals in the  field of sustainable tourism.
  
• International Institute for Peace through Torusim (IIPT) : The IIPT organizes conferences and initiatives for peace through tourism.  The site gives links to past and future conference programs.
  
• Island Resources Foundation : This NGO is based in ST. Thomas ,  U.S. Virgin Islands , and is dedicated to research, conservation, and education.  It provides publications biographies and papers on island tourism issues.
  
• NativeWeb : This international NGO is dedicated to disseminating information, fostering communication, and conducting research about indigenous nations, peoples and organizations around the world.
  
• Planeta.com : This site focuses on ecotourism issues around the world and features articles, an eco-travel directory, recommended readings, multiple education resources, and online seminars.
  
• Sustainable Travel Cooperative Research Center (STCRC) : Funded by the Austrailian government, this site provides useful project information, research reports and publications This site offers scholarships to students planning to undertake relevant PhD projects.
  
• Task Force on Tourism and Protected Areas : This task force was created by the World Commission on Protected Areas within the IUCN.  The Web Page provides information about conducting surveys, management guidelines, best practice models, and tourism manegement theory.
  
• Tourism Concern : This site provides sustainable tourism resources and information for students and academic professionals in addition to links to other relevant sites.
  
• Tourism Watch : This organization was established by the Church Development Service in Germany to deal with issues surrounding tourism development. This site provides a quarterly magazine and educational resources.
  
• World Heritage Information Network (WHIN) : WHIN provides information about the natural and cultural sites on the World Heritage List.
  
• World Parks Congress : Within the World Commission on Protected Areas, the 10 yearly event provides the major global forum for setting the agenda for protected areas.
  
• WWF Community-Based Ecotourism in Brazil : Information on current ecotourism projects being developed in Brazil .
  
• WWF Mediterranean Responsible Tourism Program : This program aims to protect nature from the negative impacts of mass tourism with focuses in Croatia , Libya , Tunisia , and Turkey .

If there is a website you would like to see posted here please contact: education@ecotourismbd.org .