PLANETA EVENT

NGOs in Tourism and Conservation

PLANETA FORUM

More than 170 people from around the globe took part in the NGOs in Tourism and Conservation Conference that took place online in October and November, 2002.

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Follow-up work includes the development of an online seminar.

ABOUT THIS CONFERENCE

The NGOs in Tourism and Conservation Conference examined the role of non-profits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Participants reviewed how stakeholders interact with other sectors including business, government, academia, media and the general public.

Two of the immediate products of the conference were an index of ngo/non-profit players and a summary of key points.

The NGOs in Tourism and Conservation Conference was Planeta.com's 11th online event and co-sponsored by ECOCLUB.com, International Centre for Ecotourism Research, Latin America Bureau, Mexicanwave, Rainforest Alliance, Sustainable Sources and Travelmole.

QUESTIONS

Reflect upon the following questions:

What is the role of NGOs in the tourism and conservation?

How are the leaders of tourism and conservation projects within NGOs treated by their internal organization?

What are the best-case examples of collaboration among NGOs and other stakeholders?

What criteria are used to evaluate NGO work?

Do non-profits compete unfairly with for-profits in sustainable tourism operations?

How are effective are NGO websites?

To whom are NGOs accountable?

Have NGOs/non-profits changed their operations in the past five years?

What future changes are likely?

CALENDAR

Jan 2002: NGOs in Tourism and Conservation Conference Announced; Forum established
Jan-September 2002: Background readings published
October 8-11: Conference opens
November 4-8: Conclusions
Late November Administrative Matters; Final Observations
2003: Presentation of Key Comments
2005: Development of online seminar

BACKGROUND READING

Spotlight on NGO Websites
NGO Landscapes: Conservation in the Maya Biosphere - Juanita Sundberg
Membership Based Sustainable Ecotourism - Jim Dion
Conversation with Serge Dedina - Ron Mader
Participation and training in two ecotourism projects in Mundo - Ron Martens
Oneges - Byron Real
Book Review: The Economics and Politics of NGOs in Latin America
NGOs in Ecuador - Charlie Conner
When Members Talk Back - Personal Democracy
NGOs: Do the Watchdogs Need Watching? - Akhilesh Upadhyay/Inter Press Service
'A Challenge for Conservationists' - Mac Chapin/WorldWatch (PDF, login required)
Where the Money Is - Newsweek
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KUDOS

Thanks in advance to everyone (individuals and institutions alike!) for assistance in developing this event. For promoting the event, special thanks to our co-sponsors as well as Green-Travel

ABOUT PLANETA

Planeta.com is an award-winning website that presents articles and discussion about the environment and travel. The site debuted in 1994. Travelers will find tips on choosing eco-friendly, people-friendly and place-friendly trips. Professionals will find a number of helpful resources, including the Exploring Ecotourism Resource Guide. If you have questions about our site, contact us.