ESTECAS is a
non-governmental and non-profit organisation, that connects individuals,
organisations and authorities for tourism development that contributes to the
local communities and conserves the natural and cultural heritage of
Estonia.
ESTECAS was established in September 1996 as
a result of the various activities and undertakings of Kodukant Ecotourism
Initiative - the multidimensional project of Rural Development Programme
KODUKANT.
The Kodukant Ecotourism Initiative was set
up in September 1994. The intent of this project has been to visualise the
opportunities tourism could offer people living in or near attractive areas, so
that they would become allies of sustainable development in their regions,
rather than being subjected to excessive uncontrolled tourism developments. Also
to inform the Estonian Ecotourism life-support system, made up of various
authorities, NGOs and the private sector, about the Ecotourism guidelines that
could provide a framework for utilising the natural and cultural resources in a
sustainable way.
ESTECAS was established in order to
formalise the network created by the project, to facilitate cross sectorial
co-operation and to help formulate the conditions for the utilisation of natural
and cultural heritage in tour production in Estonia.
The experiences of Estonia are unique and interesting compared to other
Eastern European countries with similar background, socio-economic
characteristics and natural and cultural resources.
Information Source
Prepared by
...
Aivar Ruukel
Chairman, ESTECAS (Estonian Ecotourism
Association)
PO Box 84, Paernu,
Estonia, EE-3600
Facsimile
+372 44 43779
E-Mail
[email protected] Web URL
http://www.ee/ecotourism/