Ecolnet Conference - Topic 2: Multi-Stakeholder Approaches to Developing Ecotourism Destinations

[Isabelle Trinquelle]

During the 2^nd European Ecotourism Conference in Brasov, we agreed on the fact that ecotourism needs a Multi-stakeholders Approach and an Active Participation of Local Communities (see the conclusions of the workshop.pdf).
Yet, in practice, how can we strengthen the cooperation between local administration, tourism businesses, NGOs and other stakeholders?

The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism developed by the EUROPARC Federation proposes a participatory planning methodology;
The European project Eurotour Heritage developed by APARE proposes the creation of local Heritage Participatory Workshops;

Do you know other good practice/method that puts into practice this multi-stakeholders approach and participative processes?

[Kathy Velander]

Community engagement is not easy, but can produce some really interesting results.  I recommend people have a look at the EU Interreg funded project, COMCOT, http://pk.emu.ee/en/comcot.  It is currently in the final stages and the results should be of interest to anyone engaged or wishing to become involved in Community based nature tourism.  

[Isabelle Trinquelle]

For methodology - "how to work together" - you can also have a look to the very interesting guide "A starter guide to developing sustainable tourism in protected areas" of our Ecolnet Partner ECEAT (European Centre for Ecological and Agricultural Tourism)