Indecon has previously worked in developing sustainability quality system in 2004. Indecon worked with Bina Swadaya Foundaton, Bumi Kita Foundation, Bali Fokus Foundation, and many other local networks in Bali to develop Eco-Rating system. The research was published in “Towards Ecotourism in Bali: A Best Practices Guide for Small and Medium Enterprises”. The system was also used in assessing hundreds of tourism enterprises in Bali; whose results were published in the popular Natural Guide to Bali.

Based on this, Indecon has established Standard for Ecotourism Products, which comprises a more detailed Principle and Criteria. The standard has been used by Indecon and our local networks in Indonesia to develop new tour products. The Standard for Ecotourism Products endorsed three principles, which are :

·   Environmental Friendly; the activity is designed to minimize the negative impact on the environment and contribute to conservation initiatives

·   Pro Community; the activity is designed to contribute to improve local welfare and enhance local culture

·   Tourist Friendly; the activity is designed to give interesting and joyful experience for tourist,  in order to increase tourist’s respect on local nature and culture

These principles are applied to different part of product operation and management, including the tour activity, destination management, transportation, food beverage, guide, and tour operators. These principles was detailed into various indicators, which cover different aspects; such as commitment to support nature conservation, management on consumption of energy and natural resources, tourist participation to improve local welfare, enhancement of local culture, educational content, and quality of facilities.

Indecon and IndonesiaEcoTravel have then developed the Standard into a certification mechanism. IndonesiaEcoTravel is currently assessing and giving certification for ecotourism tour products in Indonesia; as well as marketing the certified products.  Assessment was conducted by IndonesiaEcoTravel team and/or Indecon network members from different areas or organizations IndonesiaEcoTravel under supervision of Indecon.

Standard on Ecotourism Product : download