For nearly 20 years, CI has brought together key stakeholders in critical destinations to develop ecotourism models that support communities and protect biodiversity. Our work spans 18 countries, including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Suriname and Venezuela. Here are a few of our favorite ecotourism destination stories.
Deep in the Bolivian Amazon, the Chalalán Ecolodge is a much-needed economic alternative to logging and just won the Equator Prize for notable achievement in poverty reduction. It is a great example of community-driven ecotourism with powerful economic effects.
CI was one of the first organizations to contribute to the Galapagos Trust Fund – developed to direct tourism financing to support the implementation of ecologically sound tourism in the Galapagos.
Madagascar is one of those thousands of places travelers have to see before they die. For this reason – and because of its high-priority conservation status and commitment to poverty reduction – the country embraces ecotourism initiatives and welcomes responsible, ecologically sound tourists.
Called “magical, mystical, and historical,” the luxury Ibo Island Lodge in Quirimbas National Park, Mozambique is an outstanding example of how tourism, economic growth and conservation can go hand in hand.
With post-war reconstruction now complete, efforts are under way to attract scientific researchers and eco-tourists to Tiwai Island.