ECS Policy
Environmental, cultural and social policy within the tourism industry continues to grow rapidly in importance.
The continuing rise in the international development of the tourism industry has caused subsequent pressure on existing cultures, localised consumption patterns, use of natural resources, pollution and sustainability. Fortunately, industry standards such as the internationally recognised ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 have been established providing concise reference to assist with environmental and quality management.
A dynamic environmental, cultural and social management plan will detail all programs, procedures and strategies for minimising environmental, cultural and social impacts designed to maximise performance. ECSMP will be developed in accordance with the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards for environmental management and detail objectives, actions, targets, accountabilities, documentation and reviews for key environmental issues.
All employees will be introduced to environmental issues and practices during their induction, which must be completed before their work can commence. Where applicable, such as wilderness and nature based tourism, managers will be guided to work toward accreditation in the Eco Certification Program previously known as Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program (NEAP).
Tourism development within the world’s delicate ecology demands planning and management processes to ensure sustainability. Irreversible, gradual and cumulative change can be controlled when applying long-term management with a positive attitude. Stakeholders such as indigenous people, communities and governments must be considered. Conservation of the environment and the protection of cultures directly relate to successful sustainable tourism, in effect creating true ecotourism operations.
Ecotourism sustainability:
- Decrease environmental impacts
- Positive contribution to sustainable local development
- Reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources
- Improve the well-being of local communities
- Pro-active initiatives designed to conserve the environment
- Awareness of biodiversity
id Services Australia provides expert consultation achieved from industry knowledge and actual hands-on involvement relating to ecotourism projects. Services provided include consultation on sustainability audits, co-operatives, development, research and training in conjunction with the private sector, tourism bodies and governments.