Recognizing the importance of minimizing the environmental footprints of the conference, the organizers have pledged to make the NAEC 2007 as environmentally responsible as possible. Here are some of the actions we are taking to achieve this goal:

LEED Certified Green Venue

The Monona Terrace was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is one of the first buildings to receive LEED-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings) Certification.

Carbon Offsets

TIES is partnering with Native Energy to offer a carbon neutral event. We hope you will join us in actively helping to neutralize the impact of harmful greenhouse gases emitted through your travel to attend the 2007 North American Ecotourism Conference by voluntarily offsetting your own travel impacts. Your offsets will directly support the 30 MW Owl Feather War Bonnet Wind Farm, being developed near the town of St. Francis on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. This project has completed its development work, including feasibility, wind resource assessment and interconnection studies, and is currently finalizing negotiations of the power purchase agreement. The project is moving forward with the approval of the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council. It will be located in a heavily coal-fired electricity grid, and will produce very significant CO2 and other pollution reductions.

Local Organic Gala Dinner

On Friday evening the Gala Dinner will provide an entirely local, organic culinary experience. There will be an emphasis on local, organic food and beverages throughout the conference.

Organic Cotton Merchandise

Official NAEC 2007 organic cotton T-Shirts and tote-bags made with eco-friendly inks and dyes will be available for purchase at Monona Terrace during the conference

Eco-Holiday Auction

Several exciting green vacations will be auctioned off at the Gala Dinner on Friday evening. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the best ecotourism initiatives in North America today.

Local Eco-Tours

Madison, WI is renowned for achievements in green living and leadership in sustainable development. Before and after the conference, TIES and local partners are organizing trips throughout Dane County for conference participants.

Public Transportation

We have made information readily available regarding low-impact transportation options, including car-sharing, bike rentals, an eco-friendly local bus service, and carbon offsets. The Dane County Regional Airport was recently honored for the “extraordinary measures” taken to protect the environment while improving runway safety.

Recycled Paper

When the use of paper cannot be avoided TIES is committed to using recycled paper whenever possible.

Fair Trade, Organic Coffee and Tea

During the session interims and breaks we will be providing fair trade and organic coffee and tea

Minimal Waste

TIES is constantly updating the conference website and sending out an E-Newsletter to avoid using paper products. Furthermore, we are working with local partners in Madison whenever possible to cut down on shipping-related waste.