Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation
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Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (abbreviated SLEF) is a national association of Sri Lanka that aims to create a wide network of ecotourism actors throughout the country. The organization focuses on developing the economic and social development of rural communities through tourism.[1]
SLEF supports local communities to take part in community based tourism and conservation projects. The organization has been founded in 1998 by Palitha Gurusinghe, who is a member of Advisory Board of The International Ecotourism Society and a famous presenter in Ecotourism and Community Based Tourism.[2]
 | |
| Abbreviation | SLEF |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Palitha Gurusinghe |
| Focus | Responsible tourism |
| Location |
|
Region served | South Asia |
| Method | Ecotourism, Community Tourism, Research |
| Awards | Presidential award for “Outstanding Contribution for Tourism in Sri Lanka” Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2012: Best Model Community Based Tourism Project and Best Initiative for Ecotourism Research, Training and Education |
| Website | ecotourismsrilanka |
Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation aims to use tourism as a tool to support the social and economic development or rural communities throughout Sri Lanka. The foundation has been leading poverty alleviation programs through ecotourism and is motivating local communities to take part in community based ecotourism and nature conservation projects.[3]
The main objective of SLEF is the promotion of a sustainable form of tourism within Sri Lanka in order to position the country as one of the best ecotourism destinations in South Asia. To do so, the foundation urges on community and private sector participation, infrastructure improvements and regional cooperation.
According to SLEF, ecotourism could limit environmental degradation while promoting cooperation between private and public sectors in Sri Lanka. Ecotourism is also viewed as a way to reduce poverty in the tourism generating areas of the island, contribute to economic growth, raise employment and allow the promotion of natural and cultural sites conservation.