The Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (SLEF) is the pioneer "Ecotourism Society" in Sri Lanka, and was established in 1998. It is registered as a non-profit Tourism NGO at the Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka and Central Environmental Authority (CEA), comes under the purview of Ministry of Environmental and Natural Resources, Sri Lanka.
VISION
MISSION
“ To make Sir Lanka one of the most sought after ecotourism destination in the world and to built a professional ecotourism network, which serves as a model for ecotourism in the Asia and pacific Regions ”
“Ecotourism in Sri Lanka to be used as a tool to conserve the environment, to assure maximum economic benefits to the host community, preserve age-old cultural heritage, provide in-depth information about Sri Lanka and to satisfy the needs of both national and international Ecotourists visiting genuine eco sites in the island”
GOALS
The long term goals of Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (SLEF) are :
• To place Sri Lanka as an outstanding destination on the world ecotourism map
• To trigger the transition of Sri Lanka's tourism industry from the traditional "sun, sea and sand" based mass tourism to nature based tourism, with an emphasis on ecotourism
• To play a pivotal role in facilitating ecological preservation and community benefits, by educating communities, tour operators and ecotourists to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
MEMBERSHIP
The membership base of SLEF is drawn from a cross section of the tourism industry, academia, environmentalists, travel and environmental journalists of both print and electronic media. Internationally, SLEF is working closely with professionals in ecotourism and conservation organizations in 70 countries and with more than 2000 professionals
Latest News
Asia-Pacific Regional Ecotourism Conference 2009 (APREC 2009)
Organized by Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation, and Sri Lanka Eco Tours in association With Sri Lanka Tourism
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) believes that tourism –which has become one of the most dynamic economic sectors- is in a very good position to contribute to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) regarding poverty alleviation...
Akita International Symposium on Sustainable Tourism 13th to 18th February, 2008, Akita, Japan
Presenters and Resource Persons
on a filed trip to Ani Region Akita
An International Symposium on “Searching for Sustainable Tourism” was held in Akita International University, Akita, Japan, from 15-16th February, 2008. The symposium was organized by the Centre for Regional Sustainability Initiatives (CRESI) of AIU.
Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (SLEF) promotes community based tourism at
the 'Deyata Kirula' National Development Exhibition - 2008
SLEF has been assigned by the Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka, to promote Community Based Tourism and Ecotourism at the recently concluded 'Deyata Kiruala' Exhibition, held at BMICH.
Laos and Sri Lanka are
two countries that
have only begun
developing ecotourism
in the past 9 years, but
both have seen an early
success in the large numbers
of tourists keen to experience
the natural wonders of these
countries.
GLOBAL ECOTOURISM CONFERENCE 2007 (GEC 07) CONCLUDED SUCESSFULLY
Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation is happy to record that the GEC 07 has concluded successfully in Oslo, Norway, on the 16th May, 2007, with very positive outcomes.
Ecotourism Australia 2006 international conference and meeting of National Ecotourism Associations Around the World
Palitha Gurusinghe, President, Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (SLEF) has been invited by the ‘Ecotourism Australia’ to represent Sri Lanka ecotourism. SLEF has been recognized as the ‘National Ecotourism Organization in Sri Lanka’ to take part at the Ecotourism Australia – 2006 International Conference and the meeting of National Ecotourism Association world wide.
Palitha Gurusinghe, President, Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation has been invited by the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) to deliver a Keynote Speech on ‘The Challenges in Running Community Based Ecotourism Projects’
