In response to the disbandment of the Japan Ecolodge Association, the GSTC recognized standard, Environmentally Sustainable Accommodations International Standard (ESAIS), has transferred all its rights to Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN) as the end of year 2017. The revision of the original standard took place within AEN to reflect 1) the changes made to comply with the updated GSTC Industry Criteria and 2) the Asian ecotourism contexts and deleted the Japanese contexts that were not relevant for other Asian countries.

 

AESA has been fully recognized as equivalent to the GSTC Industry Criteria by the GSTC Accreditation Panel at its meeting on 30 July 2019. Specifically, it has been demonstrated to comply with changes introduced with the release of GSTC-I in December 2016. The stated scope of the standard is ecolodges and ecoresorts or nature-based lodges in the Asia Pacific.

 

On April 22, 2024, AEN released the revised Asian Ecotourism Standard for Accommodations (AESA) Version 2, aligning it with the GTS Industry Criteria and the latest global sustainability standards. The revised AESA incorporates essential topics, including:

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1. Climate Resilience and Adaptation

2. Meat Products

3. Cryptocurrency

4. Electric Cars

5. Local Registration

6. Involuntary Resettlement

7. Host Residence

8. Land and Water Rights

9. Security

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By addressing these key areas, AEN aims to ensure that accommodations across Asia adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility and community engagement.

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As part of its strategic direction, AEN is shifting its focus toward engaging small and medium-sized businesses in the ecotourism sector. By targeting this demographic, AEN seeks to democratize sustainable tourism practices, fostering inclusivity and collaboration within the industry through the adoption of the revised AESA Version 2.

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Rules for Meeting the Standard

All criteria are encouraged for use by all nature-based lodges and resorts, regardless of size. The standard can serve as a checklist, though some criteria may be challenging to apply depending on the country or geographical setting. For this reason, certain criteria are designated as optional. AEN will establish recognition and/or awards for accommodations that meet the standard, with opportunities for annual internal assessments and periodic third-party audits.

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To ensure transparency and track the development of AESA, Version 1 will remain available as a reference, while the revised Version 2 reflects the latest updates and improvements:

AESA Version 1 

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Click here to go through to the AESA Standard Platform : asianecotourismstandards.com