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Global Ecotourism Conference 2007
May 14-16, 2007
Oslo, Norway
Organized by:
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
Ecotourism Norway
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Learn more about the Conference Organizers
Why the Global Ecotourism Conference 2007?
This is the inaugural Global Ecotourism Conference, which TIES, in
partnership with a national or regional ecotourism association, will be
organizing every five years starting in 2007, in the
co-organizer’s country.
As the first major global conference on ecotourism since the
UN’s International Year of Ecotourism in 2002, the Global
Ecotourism Conference 2007 will review and celebrate the achievements
in the ecotourism field, as well as assessing challenges facing the
industry.
This conference brings together national and regional ecotourism associations and networks from around the world, along with other interested organizations and individuals, to discuss common issues and to help strengthen the collective voice of the ecotourism community.
The participants of the conference will be given the invaluable opportunity to be part of the growing global movement for ecotourism,
which is playing a crucial part in ensuring that travel and tourism
remains a viable sector of the global economy and that it is
environmentally, as well as financially, sustainable.
TIES and Ecotourism Norway are collaborating with the key UN
agencies to organize and promote this historical conference. Their
contributions will provide the participants with an opportunity to
learn about ongoing and potential ecotourism initiatives around the
world.
Who Should Attend
This conference is aimed at ecotourism professionals and practitioners,
that is, people who in a variety of ways are involved, either full time
or as part of their work, in ecotourism, including: officers of
national and regional ecotourism associations, NGOs, ecotourism
business owners, national and local governments, park and protected
area services, academics, host communities and indigenous
peoples’ groups.
In order to help strengthen the global movement for ecotourism, the
conference provides the participants with an opportunity to network
with various types of leading ecotourism professionals and
practitioners from around the world. Workshops and plenary sessions are
being crafted to cover practical issues.
The centerpiece of this event will be the first-ever gathering of national and regional ecotourism associations from around the world. There will be a special networking meeting for representatives of ecotourism associations on the afternoon of Monday, May 14, before the conference officially opens.
If you wish to be added to the mailing list for the Global Ecotourism Conference 2007, email Ayako Ezaki at
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Ecotourism in Norway
While Norway’s unique natural beauty attracts a
large number of international visitors, and many Norwegian tourism
businesses offer great nature-based activities, the potential of
ecotourism has yet been fully exploited in Norway, as few operators and
companies use the brand “ecotourism” to define or describe
their products. However, many small-scale tour operators in Norway
offer a wide range of quality ecotourism experiences all year round.
In Norway, as with in many other countries, the tourism
industry is of special importance, accounting for over 20% of the
municipality income in 20 districts. Tourism activities in Norway have
steadily been increasing, providing new possibilities for businesses,
while at the same time presenting major challenges for nature
conservation.
Recognizing the need to raise awareness among all
tourism stakeholders about the importance of responsible and
sustainable tourism development, Ecotourism Norway has been established
as a project of GRIP, WWF-Norway and Innovation Norway with the
following objectives:
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Motivate nature-based tourism businesses to manage
and develop their businesses in a socially, environmentally and
culturally responsible manner, providing fair benefits for the local
community members and high quality experiences for visitors.
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Help market Norwegian ecotourism products in relevant
markets so that Norwegian small-scale and nature based tourism
operators can compete in the
growing international ecotourism market.
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Promote the concept of ecotourism within the tourism industry and the general public.
Ecotourism Norway’s main activities include:
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Develop a Norwegian ecotourism concept with
guidelines and environmental standards for the tourism industry and for
operators within and outside protected areas.
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Help the development of ecotourism products and help secure their quality.
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Develop and carry out market strategies to promote Norwegian ecotourism products in relevant markets.
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Establish a Norwegian ecotourism network in order to secure continuity and identity for Norwegian ecotourism.
In Norway, a large proportion of the tourism industry
consists of small- to medium- sized businesses based in rural areas,
who, without realizing, have been practicing the key principles of
ecotourism, such as locally based low-impact tours, and positive
contribution to local economies. The development of nature and culture
tourism products has been increasing in recent years in Norway, and the
country has started embracing the concept of ecotourism as a way of
promoting and strengthening the profile of Norwegian tourism, as well
as a means to achieve high standards and quality in tourism products.
International Advisory Committee & National Program Committee
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Grants & Prizes 
