GREENBOX, IRELAND

Finalist Destination Stewardship Award 2007

The Greenbox is a completely unique region and is a natural choice as a location for Ireland's first ecotourism destination. It boasts unique ecosystems, an unspoiled landscape, centres of learning, a Geo Park and landscapes of high conservation value, including Inishmurray Island.

The geographic area is surrounded by water on all sides by the Shannon Erne Waterway, Lough Erne and The Atlantic Ocean. The region, which was once overshadowed by conflict, is now one of the most peaceful places in Ireland and nine years on from a peace agreement (The Belfast Agreement 1998) the destination is in an ideal position to welcome tourists.
In 2007 an innovative Ecotourism accreditation scheme was implemented by the Greenbox organisation in order to increase the range and quality of unique ecotourism experiences available to visitors. 14 accommodation centres were awarded with European Eco-Label Certification (The EU Flower) in 2006. In May 2008 10 more businesses were audited .The Company was also asked by European Commission to bring the eco label to three hotels, this is under way www.ecolabel-tourism.eu
The Greenbox is a model of tourism partnership and brings together representatives from many national, regional and local agencies. In addition, many sound environmental enterprises; ecotourism products and community initiatives fall under the Greenbox umbrella. A network of 120 businesses is working to reach these standards. The region has much to offer in the range of: health and wellness; seaweed baths; yoga retreats; organic produce and cookery and; the design and building of environmentally sustainable buildings.
The Greenbox is committed to providing guidance, network support, training, strategic focus, marketing intelligence and assistance, branding, certification, and a capital aid programmes to assist small eco businesses.
In 2008 a sister project was launched for the whole country Responsible Tourism Skillnet www.responsibletourism.ie is an exciting new initiative to provide training and networking support to enterprises interested in developing their business in a more environmentally friendly way, with a particular focus on sustainability in the tourism sector. Training will be member-focused and affordable, in the key areas of marketing, business management, environmental management and information technology.