2010 Innovation Award Finalist: Ron Mader
Innovation Award: Ron Mader, Director, Planeta.com
It’s a challenge to nominate oneself for an award, but I think my involvement in the Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award is a good example of innovation and I submit the following information.
As a collaborative endeavor, the Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award is the high point of a decade-plus conservation with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Oliver Hillel and numerous friends – indigenous and non-indigenous peoples – about the best ways to develop indigenous tourism. As a non-indigenous person myself, I ask what are the best ways that other non-indigenous peoples connect with individuals and communities who take pride in their indigenous heritage.
We started the work in early 2008 as I posted a query on the Planeta Forum to see how such an award could be developed. Discussion led to the first award in 2009 and continued in 2010 with the generous support of the Heidehof Foundation.
The award is presented to an indigenous tourism operation which has a website that promotes sustainable practices and educates visitors on cultural protocols and biodiversity conservation The objective is to showcase best practices in web-based technologies helping indigenous people manage tourism in a biodiversity-friendly way. The award also creates incentives for indigenous peoples to partner with other indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.
My work was to coach and animate the nominees so they could improve their web presence using traditional ‘home pages’ and Web 2.0. I also kept the organizers and judges in the loop through the entire process.
To see examples of the Web 2.0 in action set in motion by the award, check out the ITBW Twitter List of nominees, jury and organizers. The list is updated automatically every time one of the participants tweets! Another example is the Flickr album featuring the award’s artwork and nominee screenshots. The album documents the variety of options employed by the nominees and the steady development of Web 2.0 skills. One more must-see are the videos posted on YouTube. The ITBW playlist is going viral!
More than one nominee confessed that they were on the learning curve when it came to development a presence on Facebook and Twitter and that the Web and Web 2.0 in particular helps level the playing field. To be honest, we’re all on this learning curve and awards help illuminate the way forward.
On a sidenote, parallel to my work coaching and instructing the nominees around the world, I have been working with indigenous peoples in Oaxaca, training folks in Web 2.0 skills in a series of workshops that have developed the skills among artisans, market vendors, hotel owners and tourism guides alike. The ‘awards’ that will be presented to ITBW winners are folk art purchased from Oaxacan artisans. I also purchased the rights to use the photo of sunrise in a wilderness area for use in the ITBW presentation from a weaver and aspiring photographer. This past month we arranged an exhibition of her photos and her family’s weavings at a local restaurant. This is the best way I know to integrate the online and natural worlds.
Ron Mader (Photo by Tom Buckley)
ITBW 2009 Joe Doherty
ITBW 2009 Willie Gordon
ESTC 2010: Biodiversity and Our Lives
TIES is pleased to collaborate with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to host the following three events during the upcoming Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC): Global Perspective Workshop “Biodiversity and Our Lives” on Wednesday, September 8th; Award Ceremony for the 2010 Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website (ITBW) Award on Friday, September 10th, and ITBW Web 2.0 Workshop on Saturday, September 11th. Learn more at: www.ecotourismconference.org
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ron Mader, Aivar Ruukel. Aivar Ruukel said: RT @ronmader: I'm honored to be a finalist for the 2010 Innovation Award! http://tinyurl.com/tiesaward #itbw10 #estc2010 [...]
We would like to congratulate Ron Mader from Planeta for his well-deserved nomination as finalist in the TIES 2010 Innovation Award. Ron has been an inspirational figure for many people for a long time in promoting indigenous tourism, sustainability and ecotourism in combination with giving a wide range of people a better understanding of how best to utilise web 2.0 technologies to promote their offer. Ron’s extensive knowledge and passion – which he is more than happy to pass on to others – for what he does gives especially smaller tourism operators the opportunity to compete with big organisations by making good use of Social Media. We wish Ron, whom we will meet for the first time at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2010 in Portland/Oregon in early September, the very best for this award!
Neill & Ceillhe Sperath, TIME Unlimited Tours (TIME = To Integrate Maori Experiences) from Aotearoa/New Zealand
Ron Mader has spent more than 15 years around ecotourism and finding the valuable inniciatives promoting comunity base development, Un Abrazo bien fuerte al amigo Ron.
To me, the ITBW Awards are a welcome innovation in that they encourage nominees to further their use of social media and other online channels during the nomination and judging process, and thanks to the extensive information resources at Planeta.com and the Planeta wiki, a great deal of assistance is available to help them help themselves (over and above Ron Mader’s “coaching”). As a first-time judge in the 2010 ITBW Awards, I was impressed by the investments that most of the nominees made during the months of the process in acquiring new skills, creating new channels for communication and engagement, and telling their stories in richer ways. Whether they would ultimately win or not, the ITBW Award seemed to help their business at a practical level and gave them skills and confidence at a personal level; the journey became as meaningful as reaching the destination. As a judge, I also benefited by hearing important new voices in the online dialogue about local culture, biodiversity and tourism, voices I believe will continue to participate for years to come. The ITBW Awards are not simply recognising best practice, but also bringing practical benefits to all participants in the process.
I heartily support Ron Mader’s nomination. Few people in the world have done so much promoting ecotourism. Un abrazo, Ron!
Hotel Eco Paraíso has benefited largely by the teachings of Ron Mader’s online workshops. It has been a pleasure to get to know him and we congratulate him for this nomination. We agree on Carlos Lascurrain’s statement: few people have done so much to promote ecotourism.
ITBW and Planeta.com helps to build global networks at company level, help with marketing and help and support for web2.0 tools.
Well deserved nomination for Ron Mader.
La presencia permanente de Ron Mader,su compromiso con los grupos indigenas y el turismo sustentable, son por si mismas razones de peso apar darle valor a su nominacion.
A lo largo de mas de 40 años que llevo ejerciendo un turismo responsable he conocido pocas personas con la dedicacion y el empeño de Ron. Enhorabuena.
The permanent presence of Ron Mader, his commitment with the indigenous groups and sustainable tourism, are worthy reasons by themselves for this nomination.
I´ve found very few people more persistant and dedicated than Ron along my more than 40 years working in responsible tourism. Congratulations.
Ron verdient diese Ernennung.
I fully endorse Ron’s nomination, we can only praise his lasting involvement to the responsible tourism field, and the various programs he has instigated to further promote the cause; moreover, for us, he has been an inspiration to enter into the new web 2.0 technologies.
Innovation eh? – right – here are a few reasons why Ron should get this award
1.Just look back to who was campaigning for responsible tourism when Ron started Planeta – yep so theres strike one!
2. How many other people do you know who are prepared to share their skills to help the small guys take advatage of the huge marketing opportunity that is social networking – strike 2
3. He is one of the most straight talking people i know – no hidden agenda – he wants openess and change – and it doesnt have to be change he agrees with – as long as it’s chamge that local communities want for themselves he’s cool – strike 3!
4. Give him the award – he will be the best ambassador for innovation you have ever had
In all honesty Ron Mader has been an inspiration to my life and career goals. His committement to cultural diversity as well as natural history resouces within ecotourism has positively affected my choices and those I in turn work with in the country of Belize and beyond. Sustainable and innovative practices in areas of the world where indigenous populations reside is his priority and I am not surprised he is a finalist for the Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Web Site Award. Ron Mader and his work highly deserve the recogintion of WINNING this award. Laura Howard, Beyond Touring Inc. – Meaningful BELIZE Travel
Ron has always been inspirational and innovative in his use of the latest communication technology to help people connect across vast distances. When we (Black Shep Inn, Ecuador) first got an internet connection in 2000 we were astonished to find such a broad based library of information and studies about Ecotourism on the Planeta.com website.
Through Ron’s work we have been able to connect with ecotourism colleagues across the globe from our rural Andean location. It is great to be able to share ideas about common issues with people doing similar work. We had a hard enough time meeting colleagues here in Ecuador, let alone sharing stories with people on the other side of the world.
Ron’s current work helping people to understand the importance of Web 2.0 is also innovative. Biodiversity is extremely important because it provides strength and stability in ecosystems because species are vitally interconnected in the web of life. Communication via the diverse channels of Web 2.0 is also extremely important because it provides strength by reaching a broad audience.
Open communication is a way of strengthening Ecotourism.
Ron Mader ha estado haciendo una labor excelente en Oaxaca México (y en el mundo a través de planeta.com), promoviendo el turismo responsable y muchas otras actividades que favorecen el medio ambiente y la identidad cultural. Un trabajo arduo que sin duda merece el premio.
Ron Mader have been making an excellent work in Oaxaca México (and in the world throught planeta.com), promoting responsable tourism and many activities to benefit enviroment and cultural identity. A hard job that deserves this award.
Ron’s dedication to exploring the possibilities of technology and innovation with regard to responsible tourism is truly inspirational. Ron is a constant source of knowledge and he and his work have proven to be an incredible resource when it comes to all things web 2.0.
Congrats on the nomination Ron, and good luck from all of us at Journey Mexico!
Thank you so much Ron for doing such a great job, you have always done your best to accomplish your goals and people´s goals, and you have also motivated a lot of people all over the world!! Besides all your effort, time, courage to keep going……and too many things … you have always been a very honest human being, a person who cares about people and their lifes, and you have also been an excellent friend!! you deserve this award!! congratulations!!
Tengo el placer de haber compartido un poco del enorme esfuerzo que realiza Ron Mader en Oaxaca y entender como también lo realiza en todo el mundo, como crea grupos de trabajo comprometidos en Ecoturismo, motiva y enseña y lo mas importante lo comparte. Esto tiene que ser innovación, porque esta siempre a la vanguardia con todos los recursos disponibles.
No creo que haya alguien mas calificado para el reconocimiento, es un profesionale en toda la extensión de la palabra y su trabajo abarca cada continente de este mundo su http://www.planeta.com es un ejemplo a seguir para cualquiera que este interesado en el desarrollo del Ecoturismo.
I´m proud of share just a little of the big effort of Ron Mader in Oaxaca and understand his work all arround the world, how he develope work groups with the Ecotourism comitment, he encourage and teach, and the most important share. This have to be innovation, because he is allways looking for the newest with all the available resources.
I don´t believe if anyone else is better qualified for this nomination, he is a real profesional in all the word extention and his work is worldwide in this worl and his http://www.planeta.com that is an example to follow to whoever who´s be interested in the Ecotourism developement.
I would support Ron Mader in his nomination for this award. Ron has proven to be a staunch supporter of the Indigenous Tourism Industry and has implemented initiatives to encourage grass roots development of Indigenous Tourism. Ron would be a great ambassador for the Innovation Award as it supports his core work within the international Indigenous community.
Haydyn Bromley
Cultural Director Bookabee Tours Australia
Ron has been a much appreciated and tireless proponent of ecotourism for many, many years. Hands down, this award is for him. Best of luck, Ron, and keep up the excellent work you do for the good of the world!
i would like to recommend ron mader very highly for the 2010 ties innovation award . . .
for over a decade, ron has been at the very front of the curve on ways to use the internet to foster, support and advance indigenous, ecological tourism that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable . . .
at the same time, he has always organized his activities in ways that made the participation and engagement of local indigenous people paramount . . .
in my courses on sustainable development i often use ron’s various projects as exemplars of sustainable tourism . . .
yours,
craig harris
Ron Mader is a very well-deserving finalist for the Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Award. Ron has contributed so much on a local, regional, national, and international level to the development of ecotourism and to the protection of nature. He has positively affected the lives of more people than perhaps he himself realizes. Planeta.com is the premiere website for ecotourism in Latin America and its scope has expanded to many other parts of the world. Through his innovative use of webinars he has connected a wide range of people. His commitment to indigenous peoples and projects is unparalleled. Best wishes to you, Ron, on all your future endeavors.
I just received the good news that Ron has been selected as one of the five finalists for the 2010 Innovation Award. That by itself is an acknowledgment for the exceptional work he has done. He has given the most innovative technology to a diversity of groups all over the world, specially to indigenous groups. Giving tools and teaching how to use them, his altruistic job has given an impulse to the 21st century to those communities that have been more distant of innovation and technology. Congratulations Ron.
Me acabo de enterar que Ron ha sido seleccionado entre los 5 finalistas del 2010 Innovation Award, es si mismo, eso ya es un reconocimiento al trabajo excepcional que ha hecho. Ha llevado a diversos ámbitos del Turismo sustentable y en particular a los grupos indígenas en todo el planeta lo más innovador de la tecnología, les ha dado herramientas y les ha enseñado a usarlas, dando con su labor altruista un impulso hacia el siglo 21 a las comunidades que han estado más alejadas de la innovación y la tecnología. Felicidades Ron.
Thank you Ron for your staunch support of Indigenous Tourism. Your unwavering passion for information sharing and positive development among indigenous peoples the whole world over is to be commended, acknowledged and infectious.
Ko te manu e kai ana I te miro, Nona te naghere
Engari ko te manu e kai ana I te matauranga, Nona te Ao
The bird who feasts on the miro berry his domain is the forest
But the bird who feasts on knowledge his domain is the world
Koro Carman and the TEAM at Footprints Waipoua and Crossings Hokianga
This nomination is well deserved. As long as I’ve been involved with Indigenous tourism in Australia, Ron has been there to support and promote. Congratulations Ron and hope to do more work with you in the future. Angelique Fransen and the WAITOC team.
Ron is a preacher of the power of web 2.0 demonstrating people from around the globe how they can meet, share and develop ideas online. I wouldn’t know anyone else who supports indigenous communities better in entering the big stage in global tourism. He works genuine and replicable using affordable tools and providing all the technical skills that are required. Such efforts cannot be ranked high enough as a valid and feasible counterpart to paid access to information and long distance flights to conferences and meetings.
For me, Ron’s work in the field of ecotourism is characterized solidarity, creativity and generosity. He richly deserves the 2010 Innovation award!
Ron’s astounding achievement has not just been to promote Indigenous tourism and biodiversity, it is that he is empowering Indigenous tour operators to embrace the power of web 2.0 technologies to market their products themselves. He has also opened our eyes to the possibilities of the web and social media in sharing our diverse cultures and educating others. He has brought together Indigenous operators from across the globe so we can all help and support each other. And he has done this with passion, dedication, generosity, creativity, and a dogged determination which is second to none. It would give us enormous – just enormous – pleasure if he were to win this award. He richly deserves it.
Ron’s astounding achievement has not just been to promote Indigenous tourism and biodiversity, it is that he is empowering Indigenous tour operators to embrace the power of web 2.0 technologies to market their products themselves. He has also opened our eyes to the possibilities of the web and social media in sharing our diverse cultures and educating others. He has brought together Indigenous operators from across the globe so we can all help and support each other. And he has done this with passion, dedication, generosity, creativity, and a dogged determination which is second to none. It would give us enormous – just enormous – pleasure if he were to win this award. He richly deserves it.
Congratulations to Ron for his nomination. He is deserving of the 2010 Innovation reward for his work with indigenous people.
Congratulations Ron. Merging the information tools of the digital era with some of the long standing and thorny issues that make up part of sustainability. More power to your keyboard Ron.
I strongly support Ron’s nomination for this award. He has been a tireless promoter of indigenous peoples and biodiversity conservation in the tourism sphere for many years.
I have had the privilege of knowing Ron for over two decades. It’s exciting to see ideas that began with “what would happen if” or “why not try” turn into realities that transform the experiences of travelers and natives alike. The key to Ron’s ability to innovate is his willingness to be both a teacher and a learner, and to demonstrate to others that they can be both as well. When he’s working to help someone new to technology learn how to write an email or upload a photo, he remembers—and reminds his collaborators—that he learns along with them. He provides opportunities for travelers to experience themselves as people who have come to learn about another place and people, while sharing something of their own places and selves.
GREAT JOB! Congratulations!
[...] Winner, Individual Category: Ron Mader, Planeta.com [...]
kia ora and congratulations to Ron Mader for this achievement. he has been a key driving force behind the Indigenous Tourism and Biodiversity Website Awards and just reward and recognition for such a brilliant and far-reaching initiative. Yesterday, we closed the 2 day Ecotourism NZ conference in Rotorua and the inventor of the phrase “Think Global, Act Local”, adventurer/explorer Robert Swann was the opening key note speaker. I believe The Indigenous Biodiversity Website Awards is a perfect example of such an initiative – by connecting participant indigenous operators and their communities to each other across the globe and creating a buzz locally and for the rest of the world to hear. Our company, Te Urewera Treks is a runner-up award recipient and the benefits to us as a Maori business have been and will continue to be significant. And of course as a business that embraces the principles of ecotourism our communities and the natural environment in which we operate and that we are all responsible for, benefit. Kia ora and well done Ron.
Felicidades Ron por el premio que recibirás proximamente
Un premio muy merecido por todo lo que has aportado a muchos de nosotros que estamos inmersos en actividades y proyectos ecoturisticos siempre pensando sea una alternativa que mejore la calidad de vida de los participantes conservando el entorno ecológico
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