Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development - Initiative on Indigenous Peoples and Ecotourism Certification

About this grant

Ecotourism – a development strategy that protects the environment and promotes the welfare of local communities – is emerging as a growing industry promoted by donors, conservation organizations and others. However, discussions about the impact of such conservation-related activities on indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent communities have recently been brought to the fore. This grant will support a project to develop international standards for ecotourism projects that respect the rights and interests of indigenous peoples.Funding will enable the Institute for Policy Studies’ Center on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development – Initiative on Indigenous Peoples and Ecotourism Certification project to host an international workshop of indigenous leaders and organizations involved in ecotourism and certification in partnership with Stanford University; hold discussions on ecotourism and indigenous rights; form an Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council; analyze criteria and operations of several "green" tourism certification programs; and organize a series of virtual consultations with indigenous leaders.The Institute for Policy Studies, established in 1963, provides resources for social change locally, nationally and globally.