Geotourism
The Yachana Lodge Geotourism charter:
"A Place for Learning"
Geotourism as defined by the National Geographic Society is:
Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.WHEREAS the Geotourism approach is all-inclusive and integrated, focusing not only on the environment, but also on the diversity of the cultural, historic, and scenic assets of the Amazon region of Ecuador where Yachana Lodge has an influence,
WHEREAS the Geotourism approach encourages Ecuadorian nationals and international visitors to Yachana Lodge to get involved rather than remain passive tourism spectators,
WHEREAS the Geotourism approach helps build a sense of national identity and cultural pride, stressing what is authentic and unique to the Amazon region of Ecuador,
THE UNDERSIGNED parties to this Agreement of Intent commit to support these geotourism principles, to sustain and enhance the geographical character of the Amazon region of Ecuador - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents:
Yachana Lodge agrees to commit to support these Geotourism principles, to sustain and enhance the geographical character of its environmental, cultural diversity, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents:
Integrity of place: To enhance geographical character by developing and improving it in ways distinctive to the locale, reflective of its natural and cultural heritage, so as to encourage market differentiation and cultural pride.
International codes: To adhere to the principles embodied in the World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the Principles of the Cultural Tourism Charter established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
