ECOLNET “ The European Ecotourism Network” National workshop of the ECOLNET project Zoetermeer, 10 May 2013 Naut Kusters – ECEAT Nederland

Content  The ECOLNET Project  The European Ecotourism Network  The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard EETLS  Online evaluation tools  European Ecotourism Training  Best Practices Database

The ECOLNET Project  Supported by the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Commission, Multilateral Networks KA3-ICT  A network of rural/eco/sustainable tourism associations, education institutions and experts:  PRISMA Centre for Development Studies, Greece (project lead)  ECOTRANS e.V, Germany  Estonian Ecotourism Association, Estonia  Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia  ECOTONO - Equipo consultor en turismo y desarrollo, Spain  Silvacultura ltd, Finland  Centro Turistico Studentesco e Giovanile – CTS, Italy  Imaginary srl, Italy  Pan Parks Foundation – the Netherlands  ECEAT – Projects, the Netherlands  Association of Ecotourism in Romania, Romania  Edinburgh Napier University, U.K

The European Ecotourism Network (EEN)  The European Ecotourism Network (EEN) is a network of organisations and individuals committed to promote quality standards in ecotourism  EEN aims to ensure that ecotourism services in Europe contribute to a genuine conservation and sustainability effort.  EEN wishes to build alliances with other networks around the world specialising in ecotourism  EEN supports the development, dissemination and implementation of the European Ecotourism Labeling Standard (EETLS) - an initiative that ensures baseline standards of quality in ecotourism.

What EEN offers to members  Exchange of best practice, information and knowledge, discussion, networking  Library of best practice illustrating the criteria and sub-criteria of EETLS  Business promotion – opportunity to present business’s experience as best practice  online evaluation tools assessing compliance with EETLS criteria: self-assessment of businesses integrated assessment by evaluators  Training package supporting ecotourism businesses wishing to be EETLS certified

Where to sign up?

The need:  Harmonise existing European ecotourism labelling systems and strengthen the position of labelled businesses in the tourism market. Development goals:  EETLS assures comparable standards of service in relation to a core group of baseline quality criteria  EETLS “should not reinvent the wheel”  EETLS to become a platform of communication for European ecotourism initiatives The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard - EETLS

Development timeline:  Participate in the development of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and parallel development of EETLS (11/2007 – 09/2008)  Work jointly with GSTC for the development of indicators (10/2008 – 08/2009)  Publication of EETLS first version (9/2009)  Revision of EETLS and development of indicators through a consultation campaign ( )  Assessment of EETLS based on biodiversity criteria by UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (10/2010)  EETLS becomes the first standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (8/2011)  Finalisation of EETLS second version, 2012 The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard - EETLS

Development process  Review of more than 1200 individual criteria  Filter them through the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) definition of ecotourism  Categorise them according to the GSTC  Adapt them to European conditions  Consult with current European initiatives (EUROPARC,PAN PARKS, Nature’s Best, EcoRomania) on the first draft in February 2009  Consult with tourism and ecotourism experts on the second draft during the ECO-DESTINET training seminar on June 2009  Second round of consultation campaign on the EETLS revision (EUROPARC, PAN PARKS, EcoRomania, Estonian Ecotourism,Travelife, Disciplinare nazionale per la concessione dell’emblema dell’area naturale protetta nel settore turistico)  Development of indicators for certificates and for businesses – The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard - EETLS

Result:  Groups of criteria A. Demonstrate effective sustainable management. B. Maximise social and economic benefits to the local community and minimise negative impacts. C. Maximise benefits to cultural heritage and minimise negative impacts. D. Maximise benefits to the environment and minimise negative impacts. EETLS. Ecotourism specific  40 criteria  80 Sub-criteria  More than 300 indicators for certificates/businesses The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard - EETLS

A – Group of Criteria Demonstrate effective sustainable management A.1 Management System A.2 Legal Compliance A.3 Employee Training A.4 Customer Satisfaction A.5 Marketing Accuracy A.6 Design and construction of buildings and infrastructure A.6.1 Comply with local zoning and protected or heritage area requirements A.6.2 Respect the natural or cultural heritage surroundings in siting, design, impact assessment, and land rights and acquisition A.6.3 Use locally appropriate principles of sustainable construction A.6.4 Provide access for persons with special needs. A.7 Interpretation The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard - EETLS

A.7. Interpretation Criterion Information about and interpretation of the natural surroundings, local culture, and cultural heritage is provided to customers, as well as explaining appropriate behaviour while visiting natural areas, living cultures, and cultural heritage sites. Rationale Interpretation is one of the core values of Ecotourism that clearly differentiates it from other forms of tourism. The Ecotourism business should strive to provide engaging interpretation and support environmental education. Sub-criteria The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard - EETLS

A.7. Interpretation - Indicators for Certificates The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard - EETLS

A.7. Interpretation - Indicators for Businesses The European Ecotourism Labeling Standard - EETLS

A.7. Interpretation – Implementation Tips Online evaluation tools

The training packages of EEN target evaluators, labelling agencies and ecotourism enterprises and aim to provide knowledge and skills for efficiently and reliably carrying out the assessment of EETLS compliance. E-learning packages:  Available via Moodle:  Login available to registered EEN members EEN Training Offer

Introduction to Training Packages (For businesses) The following training packages include a series of topics linked to the three main areas. 1) Establishing and Managing Your business Establishing your business 1.1 Is Ecotourism the way forward 1.2 How to write a business plan 1.3 The Law and your business 1.4 Documenting your business 1.5 Ethics and your business Managing Staff 1.6 Managing Staff 1.7 Health and Safety at work Marketing, Certification and Awards 1.8 Marketing your business 1.9 The role of certification and awards Involving Local Communities 2.0 Involving local communities and people 2.1 Community payback Supporting Biodiversity 2.2 Supporting biodiversity 2)Service and Your Clients 1.1 Meeting customer demands 1.2 Guiding and interpreting 1.3 The role of customer feedback 1.4 Visitor payback schemes 1.5 Client Health and Safety and Risk Assessments 1.6 Providing food and drink 3)Sustainable Business Practice 1.1 Managing sustainable businesses 1.2 Environmental legislation and Codes of Practice 1.3 Environmental Impact Assessment 1.4 Servicing your business 1.5 Sustainable building design and construction 1.6 Environmental sensitive accommodation and business practice

Table of Contents Basics – Background to topic, the main written text as provided by ECOLNET with appropriate references; Additional web sites which offer specific training will be listed Case Studies – as per the ECOLNET network, although may need some additional specific examples for some topics Exercises – using a variety of methods which will also be used in the assessing competency section (e.g. evidence such as a business plan or document file; matching exercises (e.g. link activity to impact to mitigation); multiple choice review questions (self evaluated); fill in the blank; exercises such as SWOT analysis, bench marking, lesson drawing, process flow charts (e.g. for impacts)) References – General references including texts, web sites, other material available via Ecodestinet Indicators – Examples of relevant materials, evidence of discussions with tutors (if available), self test; Link to the Learning record of the participant Links to other relevant training package topics – although overlap will be kept to a minimum, many of the topics are inter-related and will be given in this section Individual Learning Portfolio Layout of a Specific Topic within a Training Package - Title (colour coded to link with Training packages) Brief Description / Introduction – 250 words maximum

Contents 1)Why is it important ? 2)How do I acquire it? 3)How frequent, how often? 4)How do I address any issues? 5)How do I build upon my strengths? Basics – e.g. How do I acquire it? Feedback can be as immediate as a few words from a parting client or guest, some short sentences on a comments notepad or can involve a more detailed questionnaire. Additional material will include how to write a questionnaire, simple analysis, ways of addressing comments. Case Studies Exercises – Design a feedback strategy for your business; Write a simple questionnaire;. References – General references including texts, web sites, other material available via Ecodestinet Indicators – as above Links to other relevant training package topics Individual Learning Portfolio Example: 2.3: Service and your Client - The role of Customer Feedback Feedback lets you know what customers think about your business. You can use it to highlight good practice and consider how to improve any aspects that are less good. Additional content in attached Word File

Library of Best Practices

Thank you for your attention! European Knowledge Network – ECOLNET LLP Transversal Programmes – Key Activity 3 ICT –NETWORKS