The Long Run

Long Run Destinations (LRDs) - GER^® certified, are institutions - mostly tourism-driven enterprises or businesses involved in sustainable agriculture - that directly manage or significantly influence the management of a natural area of conservation value with defined geographical boundaries. They demonstrate their ability and commitment to achieve sustainability through the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce).

LRDs - GER^® certified pursue a range of environmental goals such as biodiversity conservation or forest restoration. Most of the destinations generate income from sustainable tourism by providing a bundle of superior services including luxury accommodation in simple yet elegant surroundings, unique nature experiences guided by conservationists and the opportunity to understand local culture by engaging in an exchange with local communities. Guests get a chance to experience the local way of life, sampling culinary specialities (LRDs serve food and drinks), visiting nearby villages and schools, and generally enjoying a wide range of holiday activities. These sites have been carefully selected and assessed by the Zeitz Foundation.

As a Long Run Destination, you will have access to a host of benefits which include:

1. One-of-a-kind certification - Global Ecosphere Retreats® (GER) Certification: In receiving this certification your institution stands out as a leader in sustainable management practices making potential guests, media and public aware that you are at the pinnacle of your trade.
2. Tangible demonstration of your commitment to sustainability: GER® Certification demonstrates that you have acted upon your commitment to sustainability; highlighting your institution’s integrity and trustworthiness.
3. Expert input to strategic planning and implementation activities: Benefit from the assistance of Zeitz Foundation experts and international sustainable development leaders.
4. New funding opportunities: The Zeitz Foundation provides small grants to individual Long Run Destinations to assist you in carrying out innovative (GER® certification does not guarantee funding).
5. Branding as centres of excellence: In the long-term, through continuous innovation as a Long Run Destination (GER® certified) your business will earn a reputation as a centre for excellence.

Long Run Alliance Members who successfully undergo the GER^® certification process become Long Run Destinations – GER^® certified. This process involves the completion of a baseline assessment, the development of an E4C Plan and Annual Activity Schedule, external assessment by the Zeitz Foundation team and thereafter annual monitoring and reporting and the implementation of the E4C Plan.

The current Long Run Destinations include all existing founding members of the Long Run Initiative; Long Run Alliance Members who have undergone this rigorous GER^® assessment process.