- Martha Honey, Executive Director, Centre for Ecotourism and Sustainable Development (CESD), Washington DC, USA, Ph.D. Martha has written and lectured widely on ecotourism and certification issues. Her books include Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise? (Island Press, 1999) and Ecotourism and Certification: Setting Standards in Practice (Island Press, 2002). She worked for 20 years as a journalist based in East Africa and Central America and holds a Ph.D. in African history. She was the Executive Director of TIES from 2003 to 2006
- Arild Molstad, Writer, photo journalist and international consultant on environment & culture nationally and internationally. Arild is a member of the Royal Geographical Society. He has worked with UNESCO and National Geographic. His latest book includes "Hvor skal vi reise for det er for sent? Turismens to ansikter". He is the co-producer for a number of documentaries/TV productions for BBC, NRK and TV Norway
- Judy Kepher Gona, executive officer, Ecotourism Kenya (EK), Judy has a MA in Sociology, experienced speaker on a number of global and national eco conferences and seminars, and most importantly has taken Eco Tourism Kenya to a nationally and internationally important organization implementing the first-ever voluntary certification scheme for tourism sector in Africa- the ESOK Eco-rating Scheme.
- Stefan Norris, International Conservationist and Senior Advisor to the Basecamp Foundation, Norway, Stefan has an MSc in Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Agriculture, his experience includes positions as Head of Conservation, WWF International Arctic Program and development of work programs on climate change and on sustainable tourism, Climate Change Advisor, WWF International Arctic Program, and as Freelance advisor to WWF on arctic ecology, climate change, and sustainable tourism
- Dr Lars Lindkvist, CEO, Basecamp Foundation, Kenya, director BCEK, Lars has during the past decade developed several eco destinations in Africa, India and Europe, utilizing his long theoretical and practical experience in international, environmental and development work. His background from geographical studies within sustainable development & ecology resulted in a PhD in Natural Resource Management & Climate Variability. He has ten years hands on experience lecturing and tutoring at university level.
- Representatives, International & Environmental Desk, Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala, India,
- Representatives, Indian local authorities, Dharamsala, India
- Most important is the worldwide expertise brought to the seminar by participating practionners, decision makers and scholars in sustainable tourism.
Introductory notes and blessings will be given by His Holiness the XVII Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, spiritual leader. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be in Dharamsala during the seminar, and has shown an interest in the program.
