Each of the above principles is reflected in specific assessment criteria that establish two categories of certification: Nature Tourism and Ecotourism. Ecotourism certification has two levels Ecotourism and Advanced Ecotourism. Each level of certification incorporates a more stringent set of assessment criteria. The criteria for Advanced Ecotourism also encourage and reward innovative best practice that exceeds the Eco Certification Program standards.
Nature tourism and ecotourism certification provides benefits to operators, managers, communities and travellers:
- criteria to assist operators plan and develop their nature tourism and/or ecotourism product
- a guide to assist operators implement the principles of ecologically sustainable development
- an opportunity for operators to continually improve performance to a standard recognised as best practice
- a recognised logo for operators to use in their marketing material
- a recognised means for protected area managers and travellers to identify genuine nature tourism and ecotourism operators
- a tool for protected area managers to encourage improved practices that lead to less environmental impact
- a tool to help local communities determine a mix of tourism activities that maximises benefits and minimises negative impacts
- an essential educational and information tool.
- The Eco Certification Program includes Membership of Ecotourism Australia at the applicable level based of gross turnover.
Who operates the Eco Certification Program?
The Eco Certification Program is an initiative of Ecotourism Australia, which has established an Eco Certification Program Management Committee to provide policy and management support for the program. The Management Committee oversees an Audit and an Assessment Panel, which are Chaired by a person independent of Ecotourism Australia.
The Eco Certification Program operates as a self-funding, not for profit program. The Ecotourism Australia management team coordinates the day to day activities of the program and provides a help desk and mentoring program for operators completing an application.
How are the Eco Certification Program products assessed?
When an application is received it is forwarded to an independant trained Assessor who reviews and scores the application, and contacts referees and the operator for clarification. The Assessor's report on the application is considered by the Assessment Panel at a monthly meeting before a final decision is made on the applicable level of Certification.
The assessment process is normally completed within eight weeks depending on the complexity of the application and the extent of the background information provided. Applications which are incomplete, fail to clearly define the product for which accreditation is sought or are internally inconsistent will require further clarification by the Assessor and will take longer to process.
How do I apply for certification?
To apply for certification, operators need to purchase a copy of the application document at a cost of $85 mailed, by completing the request form in the Ecotourism Australia brochure or at our website. Up to four ecotourism or nature tourism products may be included in one document.
On receiving the document, operators need at first to carefully define the product/s for which they are seeking certification. Matters to be addressed include the category (tour, accommodation or attraction), the activities undertaken and the inclusions. Then work through the self-assessment questions that apply to the products. At any time through this process operators are encouraged to contact the Eco Certification Program help desk to clarify any issues. Upon completion, return the document to Ecotourism Australia with the appropriate application and annual fees.
If the application is successful, the operator is eligible to display one of the Eco Certification Program logos next to their accredited product/s. Operators also receive a kit including a certificate, logos in electronic form and decals to assist in promoting their product as a genuine ecotourism or nature tourism experience. Certification is valid for three years, after which a new application has to be made. Annual renewals are payable each December.
How much will it cost?
The cost of obtaining the application document (GST and mail inclusive) is $85. Application and annual fees (GST inclusive) are calculated according to the business's annual turnover:
Annual
Turnover |
Once only Application
and Assessment Fee: |
Annual Fee: |
$0 to
$100,000 |
$198 |
$320 |
$100,001 to
$250,000 |
$260 |
$400 |
$250,001 to
$1,000,000 |
$330 |
$580 |
$1,000,001 to
$5,000,000 |
$430 |
$840 |
$5,000,001 to
$10,000,000 |
$530 |
$1100 |
$10,000,001
and Over |
$730 |
$1500 |
* Please note that all fees include full Membership of Ecotourism Australia.
Annual fees are charged on a pro-rata basis to correspond with the standardised renewal date in December. Operators should determine the quarter in which they are submitting their application, and add the appropriate amount to the application fee.
If an operator wishes to upgrade a product from Nature Tourism certification to Ecotourism certification, or from Ecotourism certification to Advanced Ecotourism certification, they must submit a new application with the appropriate application fee and annual fee.
How is the credibility of the program maintained?
Credibility with industry, communities and travellers is at the heart of the Eco Certification Program. This is maintained through:
- a rigorous assessment process including referees (one of whom must be a protected area manager)
- review and updating of criteria every three years to reflect emerging best practice
- feedback from customers of accredited operators
- audits of operators, including an on-site audit on the entire set of the Eco Certification Program criteria at some stage during the period of accreditation
