• IYE background
  
• UNEP activities for IYE
  
• Outcomes and follow-up projects
  
• IYE documents and publications
  

Background

In July 1998 the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) proposed to members of the UN General Assembly to designate 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism (IYE).

The members of ECOSOC consider the designation of the IYE as an encouragement for intensified cooperative efforts by Governments and international and regional organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations, to achieve the aims of Agenda 21 in promoting development and the protection of the environment.

Recognizing the growing importance of ecotourism, the UN General Assembly in December 1998 accepted the proposal and declared 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism. The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and other venues were advised to implement the Year. Within the UN system the CSD's Interagency Committee on Sustainable Development (IACSD) mandated the World Tourism Organization (WTO/OMT) and UNEP to prepare and coordinate supportive activities for and during the year.