ECO-TOURISM APPROVAL SCHEME
Travel Lists has sought the help of independent ezine, Ecoescapes.co.uk to identify and flag up properties, companies and organisations with good eco-tourism credentials.
Listings that meet Ecoescapes standards are marked with the Ecoescapes seahorse
About Ecoescapes
Ecoescapes is an independent online magazine and resource, dedicated to finding inspirational ideas for ecologically and culturally responsible getaways.
Ecoescapes Criteria
- Holidays and hotels should use renewable energy sources as much as possible e.g. solar power, desalinisation units.
- There should be a minimal impact on the local environment, indigenous peoples, religion and way of life.
- Little or no impact on local livelihoods and as much use of local staff and specialist knowledge as possible in the capacity of guides etc.
- Preferably some of the profits will be put back into the local community or environment. This can take many forms such education, health, replanting etc.
- 'Fair Trade' in tourism.
- Small and individual hotels without multinational hotel chain links are preferable to bigger locations. However some large hotels are respected, such as the Hilton in Borneo.
- Community interaction is preferable such as visiting local projects.
- Some education on respecting the local ecology during activities that may impact upon it including diving, trekking, safaris, skiing etc
- Some use of local materials or low impact materials for the actual structures of hotels.