WA ecotourism operators to meet world-first standards

13/4/2000

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes has launched a stringent, world-first accreditation system for ecotourism operators.
The new initiative was launched today by Mrs Edwardes on behalf of the WA-based Forum Advocating Cultural and Ecotourism (FACET) and the Ecotourism Association of Australia (EAA) who are hosting the program in Western Australia.
The scheme - the Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program (NEAP) - aims to encourage an understanding and appreciation of nature, integrate opportunities helping to represent best practices, contribute to conservation and local communities, involve different cultures - particularly Aboriginal culture - and consistently market accurate information to meet customer expectations.
Mrs Edwardes said it built on an earlier program that provided accreditation for niche market ecotourism products but did not cater for the many operators who were licensed to operate in national parks and World Heritage listed areas but did not fit into the niche market category.
It was developed as a joint initiative between the country's peak ecotourism body, the EAA and the Australian Tourism Operators Network (ATON), with seed funding provided by the Office of National Tourism.
"The revised program is the first scheme in the world to define stringent criteria against which nature tourism and ecotourism can be assessed and accredited, and assures that Australia remains the world leader in the provision of quality nature tourism and ecotourism experiences," Mrs Edwardes said.
"The program marks the foundation for improvement and recognition of the State's environmentally-conscious tour operators who provide a diverse range of tours to the many and varied natural attractions WA offers."
The Minister said the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) had endorsed the scheme and would offer incentives for operators who ran tours on lands and waters managed by CALM to gain accreditation.
From next year, CALM would offer tour operators conducting tours in national parks the opportunity to be licensed for three years if they complete the revised NEAP accreditation. Currently, licences for tour operators are only issued yearly.
To gain accreditation, products have not just met environmental standards - they must also ensure stimulating and responsible experiences by providing interpretation and educational material, give something back to the local community, help with local conservation, and ensure sensitive cultural interactions.
Dr Ross Dowling, vice chairperson of FACET, said the launch of the accreditation program was a great leap forward for the State's tourism industry for the state as it would provide the industry, government, public and tourists with a quality assurance of nature-based and ecotourism products.
Dr Dowling said nature-based and ecotourism in WA was estimated to be worth $75 million a year and growing rapidly.
Media contacts: Ministerial:Steve Manchee on 9421 7777
FACET: Dr Ross Dowling on 9400 5841
CALM: Colin Ingram on 9334 0576