UNDP/GEF
Conservation of Biodiversity on Kamchatka's 4
Protected Areas
Contact the Kamchatka Ecotourism Society
Kamchatka Ecotourism Society
For nature and people!
The Kamchatka Ecotourism Society was founded to help develop responsible tourism on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The regional non-governmental organization was chartered in April 2006 under the following principles:
- Respect local traditions and avoid negative impacts on nature and culture
- Support local economy
- Strive to work in an environmentally sustainable manner
- Actively participate in conservation
- Stimulate joy, knowledge, and respect for local culture and nature
- Quality and safety throughout all of our tours
Priority projects in 2008
- Documentation of "Best Practices in Ecotourism" on Kamchatka in 2008 resulted in the publication of a brochure (in Russian) recognizing the protected areas, tourism companies, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and ethno-ecological centers and aboriginal organizations who participated.
- Development of certification for ecotours and tourism services like hotels and bed and breakfasts on Kamchatka is being developed by a working group of tourism stakeholders. This process will continue in 2009.
- Raising local awareness of principles and techniques of ecotourism as many Kamchatka residents are choosing to vacation and recreate on the Peninsula. Supporting guide and other service staff training to increase the quality of the level of service given to visitors and local tourists.
- Providing training seminars in ecotourism and sustainable tourism principles and practices.
Join the Kamchatka Ecotourism Society
The Kamchatka Ecotourism Society is an all volunteer organization supported through membership fees, and occasional project grants to help us finance special projects like certification and membership development. Annual membership fees for Russian members are:
Students 100 rubles
Adult members 500 rubles
Click here to fill out a membership application.Membership benefits
All members receive our periodic e-bulletins on ecotourism developments on Kamchatka and announcements of events.
Student members receive a copy of our principles and discounts or free admission to KES training courses or events.
Regular members receive copy of our principles and discounts or free admission to KES training courses or events. If they are a tour operator or tourism-related business, they also may participate in the documentation of “Best Practices in Tourism Kamchatka,” and certification of ecotours.
Sponsors
We invite you to become a sponsor member of Kamchatka Ecotourism Society. Sponsorы donate funds to assist the ongoing operation of the KES because they support our principles and also have an interest in conserving Kamchatka’s outstanding cultures and wilderness.Our sponsors include:
UNDP/GEF project “Conserving biological diversity on four special protected areas and Kamchatka” 2nd phase
World Wildlife Fund of Russia