1. Agnese Jakoviča Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs” Green Certificate – Putting in Practice the Green Philosophy

2. Project Green Certificate Project “Development of the criteria for the Green Certificate, implementation and control in rural areas and small towns of Latvia” Implementing authority:Latvian Country Tourism Association Project co-financers:EC LIFE Environment programme Latvian Environment Protection Fund Latvian Country Tourism Association Project partner:Ministry of Environment of Latvia Project duration: 01.10.2001 - 30.09.2004

3. Project Goals Development of environmentally friendly tourism in Latvia’s rural areas, ensuring: Protection of ecosystems and biological diversity Preservation of natural landscapes, cultural and historical heritage Rational use of natural resources Monitoring and preventing pollution Improvement of the life quality of local communities

4. What is the Green Certificate? Eco-label assigned to:Country houses Vacation cottages Guest houses Camping in the countryside and small towns of Latvia.

5. Target Audience Providers Tourists Public Sector

6. Awarding the Green Certificate Providers 3 categories of criteria Inspections by “Lauku ceļotājs” Decision by National Eco-labelling Commission Period of validity: 18 months Environmental plan within 1 year Currently 53 Green Certificates assigned www.eco.traveller.lv

7. Demonstration Sites Providers 4 different types of accommodations Samples of the project, examples for other providers Opening ceremonies – with the Minister of Environment Great reflection in mass media Training film

8. Training Providers Newsletter Seminars 5 training materials Training film

9. Green Certificate Benefits Providers RecognitionEconomy of resources TrainingSupport Sustainability

10. Green Holidays Brand Clean rural environment Traditional farms, natural materials Activities in nature Ecologically clean, local food Information about things to see Celebration of traditional holidays Play areas and pets for the children High-quality tourism services Tourists

11. Green Holidays in Publications Tourists Annual catalogue “Country Holidays” Guidebook “Countryside Bounty” 2003 Map “Worth Seeing” 2002, 2003 Active tourism guide 2004 Coming soon!

12. Green Holidays on the Internet Tourists www.traveller.lv

13. Green Holidays at the Facilities Tourists Information stands Drawings

14. International Recognition Public Sector Joining the European initiative of eco-labels VISIT Following the EC eco-labelling activities Organizing national and international conferences Recognition of the organization

15. Sustainability of Results Reliable system for officials “Best of the best” group for providers Recognized brand for tourists Green Certificate

16. agnese@celotajs.lv www.eco.traveller.lv We’ll be happy to share our experience!