Founded in 1990, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is the largest and oldest ecotourism organization in the world dedicated to promoting ecotourism. As a non-profit, non-governmental and multi-stakeholder association, TIES is unique in its efforts to provide guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research and publications to foster sound ecotourism development.
TIES’ global network of ecotourism professionals and travelers is leading the efforts to make tourism a viable tool for conservation, poverty alleviation, protection of culture and bio-diversity, sustainable development and educational, as well as enjoyable, travel.
TIES currently has members in more than 90 countries, representing various fields including academics, consultants, conservation professionals and organizations, governments, architects, tour operators, lodge owners and managers, general development experts, and ecotourists.
Dr. Scott Underwood and the Mother Lode River Center were honored by TIES in October of 2008 by being selected as a presenter in the Green Operations and Technology Track, Conservation Section at their Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. Chosen from several hundred applicants, The River Center was recognized as an outstanding example of leading edge best practices not only in achieving decreases in carbon emissions through green technologies, but also successful advocacy of conservation through education and political action through a long history of letter writing in support of California rivers.
As a continuing supporter of TIES, Mother Lode urges its participants to join and contribute to TIES and to support its mission of achieving environmentally and socially responsible tourism. Donations of any amount are welcome. TIES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.