Ecovante
ECOVANTE

Ecovante Certification™ Standards

What every Project Partner is assessed against. Each of our three pillars sets one standard. Each standard is broken into elements, and each element is measured by specific benchmarks — 26 in all.

The three pillars

Each dot is one benchmark

  • Trust & Transparency

    6 elements · 10 benchmarks

    Standard: “Our impact travel partners trust our organization.”

    • Mission and vision1 benchmark
    • Legal structure1 benchmark
    • Communication2 benchmarks
    • Staffing3 benchmarks
    • Finances2 benchmarks
    • Hosting experience1 benchmark
  • Impact & Engagement

    4 elements · 4 benchmarks

    Standard: “Our impact travelers engage with the local community, culture, and natural environment in ways that create long-lasting positive impacts and learning experiences for everyone involved.”

    • Environmental sustainability1 benchmark
    • Cultural engagement and awareness1 benchmark
    • Local community engagement1 benchmark
    • Meaningful impact1 benchmark
  • Health & Safety

    7 elements · 12 benchmarks

    Standard: “Our impact travelers have safe and healthy experiences.”

    • Risk assessment and emergency response3 benchmarks
    • Healthcare and first aid2 benchmarks
    • Food and water3 benchmarks
    • Accommodation1 benchmark
    • Cultural sensitivity1 benchmark
    • Safeguarding and child protection1 benchmark
    • Data protection1 benchmark

How each benchmark is rated

Every benchmark is assessed on the same five-level scale, from no evidence yet to being able to train others.

  1. Not yet

    No evidence

  2. Approaching

    Discussions and planning

  3. Committed

    Documentation and training

  4. Practitioner

    Implementation and experience

    Certification goal

  5. Model Advisor

    Able to train others

How to earn certification

We guide every Project Partner to the Practitioner level, where practices are implemented and proven in experience. Wherever your project is today, we welcome you to connect with us.

Evidence comes from surveys, documentation, interviews with staff and travelers, and a site visit. How certification works

Free

Certification is free for every eligible Project Partner.

Our short survey takes 5–10 minutes and shows how eligible your project is today. Everyone who completes it is invited to talk with a member of our team.

Check your eligibility