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Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism
Certification
The goal of the Florida SEE Certification Program is to certify responsible ecotour providers who contribute to the environmental, social and economic sustainability of Florida. Certified Florida SEE Providers will be recognized as preferred service providers who are committed to using best practices for ecological sustainability, natural area management, and quality ecotourism experiences.
The Certification Program utilizes a certification checklist tool that will be completed by the applicant and Florida SEE. The certification checklist is designed to represent applicable laws, as well as industry best practices, and to be an objective measurement tool.
Tours and attractions can be certified by Florida SEE. In order to be eligible for certification at least 50% of the Ecotour Provider's products must be nature based and have an interpretive aspect. Additional products that are not nature based, such as private events or charters must follow Florida SEE sustainability criteria. Applicants must carry general liability insurance.
The Florida SEE Certification program is in the process of amending its criteria to conform for recognition standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Impacting Travel in Florida
Becoming a Leader in Florida Ecotourism
As a Florida SEE Certified Provider, you are doing more than creating an unforgettable and meaningful experience for your participants.
Certification provides tourists with environmentally and socially responsible choices – it helps consumers to know which businesses are truly socially and environmentally responsible and to make choices on this basis.
As certification programs become better known, this may produce tangible benefits in a business’s reputation and popularity.
Certification in general increases public awareness of responsible business practices.
Certification can alert tourists to the environmental and social issues in an area, allowing them to act more respectfully or contribute to solutions.
Certified businesses tend to offer better quality service.
Why Certify?
Outdoor recreation is a driving force in the tourism industry today and is only growing. The need to balance our enjoyment of nature and the protection of our natural resources is paramount. By promoting and adhering to the highest standards and ethics of ecotourism, certified providers are setting themselves apart as leaders in sustainable tourism and stewardship here in Florida.
Certification is not an end in itself. It is one of a number of tools for motivating businesses and others to improve their environmental, social, and economic performance, while rewarding them for doing so.
Certification Levels
Florida SEE Certified Providers can achieve four possible levels of certification based upon their completed certification checklist and assessment
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Bronze Designation: Ecotour Provider meets all applicable CORE criteria on the Certification Checklist
Silver Designation: Ecotour Provider meets all applicable CORE criteria and 50% - 74% of BONUS criteria on the Certification Checklist
Gold Designation: Ecotour Provider meets all applicable CORE criteria and 75% - 89% of BONUS criteria on the Certification Checklist
Platinum Designation: Ecotour Provider meets all applicable CORE criteria and 90% - 100% of BONUS criteria on the Certification Checklist
Contact us to learn more about the certification program!