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Specifically, ecotourism possesses the following characteristics :

Specifically, ecotourism possesses the following characteristics : . Conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity Support for local conservation efforts Sustainable benefits to local communities

Roberta
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Specifically, ecotourism possesses the following characteristics :

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  1. Specifically, ecotourism possesses the following characteristics: • Conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior • Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity • Support for local conservation efforts • Sustainable benefits to local communities • Local participation in decision-making • Educational components for both the traveler and local communities

  2. Ecotourism Defined Ecotourism can be defined as “travel that is small scale,low impact, culturally sensitive, community & conservation orientated, primarily nature based, educational and capable of broadening peoples minds and enlivening their souls while providing a unique experience, firmly grounded in sustainable principles and practices”

  3. One key issue for regional tourism: product development • Between 2000 and 2004 North West down by 19.4% • Very low spend on product dev under NDP BMW Op. Programme • Tourism Product Development Scheme – 1% of forecast spent (forecast - €155.13m) • Current lack of product dev focus amongst tourism agencies • Revised regional tourism structures to change this

  4. Resources • Kingfisher Cycling Trail -200Miles –Covers same borders As Greenbox • Marble Arch Geopark /Cuilcagh Mountain Park. • Wide range of Natural Resources /Lough Erne /Shannon Waterways, Unspoilt Natural Landscapes . • People – Organic Centre, Western Organic Network , Creative Industries , Renewable sector • Vibrant Arts Sector , Leitrim Sculpture Centre • Complimentary Programmes Leader Enterprise Boards ,Local Authorities. • Due To Troubles a history of partnership with Peace Funding on Regional Basis .

  5. The GreenBox Area Covers County Leitrim ,Fermanagh ,Cavan ,Monaghan ,Sligo ,Donegal

  6. The Greenbox history • 2002 –Feasibility Study • 2004 Funding approved • 2003 –Funding Applications submitted • 2004 Steering Groups- Capital & Research • Marketing & Communication/ Training Certification Scheme . • Board appointed/Chairman • Staff Appointed Sept 2004 • Network Formed- 82 members at present. • Training currently in process

  7. Board Representation • Leitrim Co Co • Fermanagh District Council • Failte Ireland • North West Tourism • Organic Centre • WDC • ICBAN –Irish Central Area Border Network • Private Sector Chair/ 2 representatives.

  8. The broader Greenbox Network • What businesses are currently in the GB network • Currently 80 members • Accommodation • Organic operators • Activity centres • Chefs • Reservation systems • Guides • Health farms • People accessing capital grants • Ecotourism experts • Filmmakers • Artists • Retailers • La Nua-cross border group building 10Eco Houses

  9. Budgets • Intereg 1.1 €867,400 over 3years • Intereg 1.4 €1.4 Million ( Grant Aid €1.1for smes) • Peace Funding €298,000 Over 2 years . • Matching Funds – • International Fund Ireland €138,850 • WDTP€21,000 , • Fermanagh Dist Council€15,000 • Leitrim Co Co €12,000 • Private Sector €30,000

  10. The Greenbox Company • Working with product providers & communities • Dedicated team of six • Delivering a unique certification scheme • Delivering marketable awards • Valuable assistance in international marketing

  11. Eco labels • Eco labels are a method of assessing environmental performance .The EU has developed a label which is for accommodation The Greenbox has chosen this in conjunction with its own standard to apply to more sectors . In most countries now some system is in place .Only Pilot projects to date in The North and South Has taken place . We hope to have the first 30 on island of Ireland June 06 .

  12. How do we put ecotourism into practice locally? Think global, act local

  13. Certification & Standards • What are the strengths of the Flower • Strong on renewable /energy efficiency 11% Cheaper Commercial Rates for our members • Strong on biodiversity • Flexible for different accommodation types • Strong on record keeping/actual cost savings • Sits reasonably well with other quality ratings • Good focus on involving guests • Involves staff

  14. Training & Mentoring Delivery to Small Businesses Listen to their needs deliver training at right level/time/venue. 4 mentors employed to deliver the Eu Flower Eco label (Technical Environmental advise) Unbeaucratic /User Friendly/Hands on training. Tourism Marketing for many members first time involved with tour operators/journalist / Packaging Training. Attending Consumer/trade

  15. B&Bs 12 • Hotels 2 • Self catering 3 • Activity/Education Centre 1 • Hostel 1 • Health Farm 1 • Eco Lodge 1 • Special needs 1

  16. The Greenbox Ecotourism label • The Greenbox want to act as the guarantor of ecotourism in the region • We want to provide ecotourism certification in the following product categories: Tourist accommodation & Campsites • Food service establishments • Visitor attractions • Tour operators • Festivals & Events

  17. Capital Development Programme1.1 Intereg • Cross Border expert assessment panel. • Fund a minimum of 42 small eco-projects • Fund two Flagship projects • Focus on the following areas: • Accommodation • Food • Products • Services

  18. Marketing Eco Tourism • Brand Marketing with a quality standard. • Creating new products/added value to current businesses. • Small scale events based biodiversity/food/culture /resources. • Niche Marketing events/Web Based marketing • Few Eco Tour Operators Feature Ireland. • European/USA Branding can be done different Nature based /Wildlife /learning experience type holidays etc • Leave no Trace on Environment /Carbon offset programmes /contributing to conservation Projects /Green tax etc

  19. Marketing angles • A Traditional holiday breaks • B Corporate Environment responsibility market • C Educational tours focusing on sustainability/ecotourism (Largest cluster of sustainable tourist accommodation in Ireland ) • D Niche markets (Caving, biodiversity, spirituality, green building)

  20. Future Eco Tourism Ireland needs to have strong Policy at Failte Ireland ,NITB ,Dept Of Tourism .We need to avoid Green washing products- promoting product with no Certification Standards and not based on Eco Tourism Principles. Sustainable Tourism is not Eco Tourism, there has been much damage to our Environment in last 3 Tourism Development /Tax Shelters eg Seaside Resort /Rural Renewal Schemes.

  21. Come To Greenbox You Are Invited to Greenbox Eco Tourism Conference June 8th Carrick on Shannon Co Leitrim International Speakers /Field Trips

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