2.4 Characteristics of an Eco-Certification Program
• A credible ecotourism certification program should include the following:
• Adequate, reasonable, appropriate and clearly defined standards that are
developed and accepted by all involved interests;
• Trained, qualified assessors - standard defining training and qualifications;
• Professional/ethical operations at all levels with no biases or conflicts of
interest;
• Qualified, financially stable certifying body - an accreditation mechanism is
required for all certifiers;
• Even-handed certification and accreditation;
• Transparency;
• Defined procedures;
• Appeals mechanism;
• Recognition by relevant international agencies (e.g. Green Key) and the
customers
• Acceptance in the marketplace