Steve Noakes has been awarded the inaugural Ecotourism Australia ECOTOURISM MEDAL at the Conference on Green Travel, Climate Change and Ecotourism held in Adelaide, South Australia from 17 to 20 November 2008.

Ecotourism Australia is the industry body in Australia focussed on the promotion of environmental best practice and a sustainable approach to tourism.

The Award recognizes Steve’s extensive 30 years active engagement in the Australian and international industry – particularly his interest and experience in ecotourism and the broader sustainable tourism agenda.

Steve is Director of international development company, Pacific Asia Tourism Pty Ltd, Director of Ecolodges Indonesia (www.ecolodgesindonesia.com) and an Adjunct Professor (Sustainable Tourism) at Griffith University, Australia

He is also:

• Founding Partner: Oceania Sustainable Tourism Alliance (OSTA) modelled on USAID funded www.gstalliance.org

• Advisory Board, Sustainable Travel International USA www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

• Temporary Executive Board of the Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council, 2008 – 2009: a proposed global accreditation body for sustainable tourism and ecotourism certification programs. & Steering Committee Member, Sustainable Tourism Stewardship Council, Rainforest Alliance, Costa Rica. 2006 – 2008

• Special Advisor VISION on Sustainable Tourism

• Asia Pacific Focal Point for SAVE Travel Alliance - connecting responsible travellers willing to provide scientific, academic, volunteer or educational services or resources with visitor destinations.

• Co-Chair, International Advisory Group, Ecolodges Indonesia, www.ecolodgesindonesia.com

• Charter member of the Global Development Society