Hi, divemaster training, eco tourism

[enviro_drew]

Hi,
Just a quick hello to everyone, this place looks amazing for advice and knowledgeable people.
I'm currently on a bit of a diving adventure after taking an extended break from work. Recently completed rescue diver and looking to do dive master training soon. Dived Gili T, Malapscua, Ko Tau, and Pertentian islands in the last few months.

I have a question I hope someone will be able to help with. When I'm not diving I work in environmental management and during my recent travels, I've noticed a lot of opportunity for eco-tourism in diving. I am just not sure how to progress this idea. I'm currently thinking that I would work with resort owners/managers to identify opportunities and work towards environmental certification. Then look at marketing the resort on this basis.

Just a rough idea, happy for any thoughts on it? Or a dive resort that will let me use them as a trial run in exchange for some diving?

Cheers,
Drew

 

[DevonDiver]

It's a good idea - but more credible if you aligned yourself with one, or more, of the existing bodies that provide the certification.

The Ecotourism Society

Ecotourism Travel Society

 

[enviro_drew]

Thanks Devon Diver,
I'll look into those organisations. Much appreciated. Like I said, a very early stage of what I think is a good idea. Much work to do though!

Drew

 

[freshorangina]

Hi Drew,

If you have not already, I would definitely look into the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria), the full set are available on their website. The criteria go beyond environmental conservation to the idea of the triple bottom line. Educational tourism is a huge emerging sector, including voluntourism, where travelers get to work with different projects such as those being conducted by conservation NGOs. A good idea might be to work as a liaison between conservation NGOs and the private sector to set up these types of programs and then market them.

Carey