ESTC 2008: Greening the Conference : TerraCurve.com: Go beyond green. | Responsible travel news, places, people and events.

Recognizing the importance of minimizing the environmental footprints of the conference, ESTC 2008 organizers have pledged to make the event as environmentally responsible as possible.

The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008 will utilize innovative multi-stakeholder strategies to implement sustainable change for bio-cultural conservation. Implemented by the world’s oldest and largest ecotourism organization, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the conference is committed to promoting the principles of ecotourism and responsible travel.

With the goal of uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel, TIES serves its members in over 90 countries, as the global source of knowledge and advocacy in ecotourism.

The Fairmont Eco-Meet Program
Fairmont continues to be a leader in North America to include green business practices as an intrinsic part of its operations. Another milestone of going green is the brand-wide launch of the Eco-Meet program – an environmentally friendly conferencing program, intended to minimize harm to the environment during meetings, conferences and similar events. For more specific information about the Eco-Meet program, click here.

Carbon Offsets
TIES is partnering with the only high quality, technology-based offsets in Western Canada, Offsetters Climate Neutral Society to offer a climate friendly event. We hope you will join us in actively helping to neutralize the impact of harmful greenhouse gases emitted through your travel to attend the 2008 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference by voluntarily offsetting your own travel impacts during registration (coming soon). Your offsets will directly support one of many Offsetters projects. To see examples of these projects, please visit Offsetters Projects web page, here. Offsetters, based in Vancouver, differentiates themselves from other offsetting companies by focusing on quality and efficiency, which TIES proudly supports.

Local & Organic Dinner
TIES is working with the conference caterers to offer local and organic food in the meals whenever possible. Supporting local and organic food will conserve energy used in transportation and promote local products that are gown using environmentally friendly practices.

Eco-Auction
Several exciting green vacations will be auctioned off at the Eco-Auction Dinner on Tuesday evening. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the best ecotourism initiatives in North America today. In line with TIES’ advocacy campaign: “Your Travel Choice Makes a Difference”, conference attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a more environmentally friendly holiday package at the TIES eco-auction.

Organic Cotton Merchandise
Official ESTC 2008 organic cotton T-Shirts and tote-bags made with eco-friendly inks and dyes will be available for purchase at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver during the conference.

Local Eco-Tours
Vancouver, B.C. is world renowned for livability, and is stepping up in its role to reduce the ecological footprint of the community. In 2007 Vancouver won the Green City Award for the overall quality of planning and urban design. To take advantage of this, before and after the conference, TIES and local partners are organizing trips throughout British Columbia for conference participants.

Public Transportation
There are many options available for partaking in environmental conscience transportation in Vancouver.
Yellowcab Taxi Company has 40 hybrid electric vehicles as part of their fleet. They offer taxi service from Vancouver International Airport to Fairmont Hotel, along with around Vancouver. TransLink, South Coast B.C.’s Transportation Authority offers many options for your commute around Vancouver, including RideSharing, cycling and park and ride along with schedules of buses and trains.

Recycled Paper
When the use of paper cannot be avoided TIES is committed to using recycled and FSD certified paper. All of the conference programs will be printed using soy-based inks.
Fair Trade, Organic Coffee and Tea

During the session interims and breaks we will be providing fair trade and organic coffee and tea.

TIES is constantly updating the conference website and sending out an E-Newsletter to avoid using paper products. For more information, visit www.ecotourismconference.org.