The certification scheme recognizes the efforts to develop an ecotourism destination and allows local public authorities to be involved, together with protected area administrations and the business community, in the process.
A local partnership between the local public administration, the private sector, the protected natural area administration, and NGOs acting locally is established, which will lead to the implementation of a destination management structure through its own Destination Management Organisation (DMO) or integration into a DMO (e.g., at the county level).
Clear directions for local tourism development are established.
In the future, certified destinations could also benefit from:
The certification scheme for ecotourism destinations is based on the Global Standard for Sustainable Tourism (GSTC) and the European Ecotourism Certification Standard (EETLS).
The certification system includes a total of 100 criteria grouped into 5 categories set out in the Annex to Government Decision No 358/2019 on the approval of the National Ecotourism Development Strategy – context, vision, and objectives – 2019 – 2029:
This group of criteria refers to the sustainable management of an ecotourism destination.
It applies to various aspects of the management system of an ecotourism destination and requires the implementation of a sustainable long-term plan and compliance with all relevant national and local regulations and legislation. Special attention is given to regular information of staff on their role in the management of the ecotourism destination.
This set of criteria emphasizes the importance of tourist satisfaction and includes specific measures leading to corrective management actions to ensure quality services. Special attention is given to responsible marketing.
Building and infrastructure design plays a central role in the efficient management of resources at the destination level. The criteria specify that local zoning, protected natural areas and landscape should be respected within the destination and that sustainable materials and practices should be used in the design of buildings and infrastructure (e.g., use of traditional materials in the architecture of buildings and infrastructure).
Group A of criteria includes a specific criterion for interpretation, ensuring that the natural environment and cultural heritage are properly informed and interpreted.
Criterion group B addresses a fundamental principle of ecotourism, namely maximizing the social and economic benefits for local communities and minimizing the negative impacts of destination development. In practice, this has been a real challenge for many tourist destinations in Europe. Certain criteria are proposed which aim to stimulate actions to maximize local community benefits arising from ecotourism operations and the inflow of tourists to the destination. For example, it is recommended to support initiatives for social and infrastructure development, so that both the local community will benefit from an improved standard of living and tourists will enjoy a comfortable stay, while respecting the measures required by the management plan and the regulation of the protected natural area, which aim to maintain natural and cultural values.
As regards the local economy, several initiatives are needed to support economic diversification and employment growth. Such actions include engaging local people in tourism activities, thus providing job opportunities for well-qualified young people and the chance to stay in their communities.
In addition to directly supporting the local workforce, local entrepreneurs should be offered the opportunity to sell their traditional and/or certified/certified organic products, considering the traditions and crafts subscribed to the area, as required by the legislation in force.
The criteria of this group also highlight another need: on-the-job training and personal development. This can be achieved through continuous learning and stimulating employees to acquire new skills.
Criterion Group C refers to the cultural heritage present in each destination, referring to actions/measures that aim to maximize the positive effects of ecotourism and minimize the negative ones. This is very important as cultural and natural heritage are the main ingredients of the ecotourism product. Cultural heritage is a collection of resources inherited from the past that people identify, independently of their owner, as a reflection and expression of their evolving values, beliefs, knowledge, and traditions. It includes all aspects of the natural environment resulting from the interaction between people and places over time. (Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society, Faro, 2005) Tangible and intangible aspects are considered, such as historical monuments (archaeological and architectural monuments, ensembles and sites, public monuments, memorials), museums and public collections, traditional events, and crafts, etc.
Criterion Group D refers to maximizing the benefits and minimizing the negative impacts of tourism activities on the environment. Ecotourism activities take place in protected natural areas and thus the protection of the natural environment is very important. The implementation of a green procurement plan favoring environmentally friendly products (building materials, food, consumables) will contribute to the protection of nature and the rational use of natural resources.
Also, making energy and water consumption more efficient and investing in renewable energies can bring economic benefits to tourism operators and increase the competitiveness of the destination. The implementation of a waste management plan monitors the reduction and proper treatment of wastewater, solid waste, and harmful substances (such as cleaning products, pesticides, and other pollutants) in order to protect fauna and flora and keep soil, air, and water clean.
To protect wildlife, the interaction between tourists and wilderness areas must be carried out in a regulated and responsible way. Captive wildlife is only allowed in rehabilitation centers or zoos, in accordance with existing legislation. Protected wildlife shall be treated with respect and products or decorative items that are made from raw materials from strictly protected wildlife species are not recommended. In landscaping outdoor areas in the vicinity of tourist facilities, the use of local flora species is recommended.
The detailed procedure is published on the website of the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism.
The evaluation commission has 5 members, two representatives from the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism and one each from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, the National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism and the Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER).
Ecotourism destination status may be obtained for a maximum period of three years, which may be extended at the applicant’s request.
The Ecotourism Certification System was created to ensure the conservation of nature and the sustainable development of local communities through tourism. Choose Eco-Romania certified services for a special vacation, responsible towards people and nature!
