Global Perspective of Ecotourism: Listening to Visitors and Locals -- Ecotourism means something different to everyone and in this review Ron Mader discusses the ways to engage visitors and locals. He presents an overview of key issues are being discussed around the world including the heated debate on carbon emission offsetting and tourism, the role awards play in developing awareness and how the web is being used for distance learning. Results from the recent Planeta.com review of the impact of the International Year of Ecotourism will be included as well as proposals for using grassroots events and Web 2.0 technology as tools to connect visitors and locals. Details http://planeta.com/ecotourismnz2007 Conference http://www.ecotourismnz.com

1. Global Perspectives on Ecotourism Presentation by Ron Mader Ecotourism NZ Conference August 2007 - Greymouth, New Zealand

2. Language Language: Rules of Engagement Planeta IYE+5 Carbon Concerns Distance Learning Awards Recommendations Global Perspectives

3. New Zealand Give it a burl Suck the kumara Australia Dangerous mobs Mexico/Ecuador Chido/Chevere (sweet) Policy Wonks Stakeholders Engagement Ecotourism (?) Web Nerds SEO Wiki

5. QUESTIONS How do travelers search for places to visit? How do operators describe their services? What is the future of ‘tagging’ in the realm of promoting ecotourism and responsible travel?

6. Planeta.com Language Planeta.com IYE+5 Carbon Concerns Distance Learning Awards Recommendations Global Perspectives

7. History Began in 1994 Global Journal of Practical Ecotourism Education Host of 20 online conferences Facilitator of seminars and workshops Natural World Co-host of Rural Tourism Fair Presentations

11. QUESTIONS How should Planeta.com develop Web 2.0 technologies, particularly video and wiki? How should Planeta.com collaborate with individuals and organizations in 2008? How do we train the trainers?

12. IYE +5 Language Planeta.com IYE+5 Carbon Concerns Distance Learning Awards Recommendations Global Perspectives

15. Rate your country

16. UNEP and WTO

17. EXCERPTS In Ecuador, there are many examples of organizations claiming to be ecotourism, but too little regulation. Too many certifications and awards appear to be given with insufficient inspection. In New Zealand ecotourism has moved from being an activity on the fringes of policy development to a place firmly on the radar. The chief obstacles are the lack of communication, collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders. Everybody's talking, but few are listening.

18. QUESTIONS Should we use the word ‘ecotourism’ Should we have World Ecotourism Rankings? How do we evaluate ecotourism development by country and by UNEP/UNWTO?

19. Climate Concerns Language Planeta.com IYE+5 Carbon Concerns Distance Learning Awards Recommendations Global Perspectives

23. QUESTIONS How do we measure the environmental impact of transportation? How do we deal with the carbon emission offsetting debate? Will the demand rise for slow travel?

24. Distance Learning Language Planeta.com IYE+5 Carbon Concerns Distance Learning Awards Recommendations Global Perspectives

29. QUESTIONS What programs have a public online ratings system for student evaluation? What independent index has a ratings system for an index of tourism/ecotourism programs? Do ecotour operators want graduates with an ecotourism degree?

30. Awards Language Planeta.com IYE+5 Carbon Concerns Distance Learning Awards Recommendations Global Perspectives

35. QUESTIONS How do we evaluate ecotourism awards? How do we use awards as an incentive for good practice and communicating the lessons learned?

36. Recommendations Language Planeta.com IYE+5 Carbon Concerns Distance Learning Awards Recommendations Global Perspectives

41. Ron Mader [email_address] www.planeta.com NZ Travel Survey http://tinyurl.com/2csdk7