On October 1, 2018, the Rainforest Alliance and Preferred by Nature, formerly known as NEPCon, formally completed its acquisition of the RA-Cert business unit. RA-Cert previously managed the Rainforest Alliance’s certification, assurance, and auditing services.
Preferred by Nature is a global non-profit organization based in Copenhagen, Denmark that promotes and delivers sustainability certification services. The Rainforest Alliance and Preferred by Nature have been working together on certification and other initiatives since 1998.
Forestry certification
We have transitioned our forestry certification business, including all related services, personnel and clients to Preferred by Nature. They have been a member of the Forest Stewardship Council© since 1996.
Tourism certification
We have also transitioned our sustainable tourism certification standards and business, including all related personnel and clients, to Preferred by Nature.
Preferred by Nature is assuming our Sustainable Tourism Standards for Hotel and Lodging Services and Inbound Tour Operators. These standards include all elements of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators.
Preferred by Nature offers eligible clients promotional benefits, including the use of the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal.
Please visit the Preferred by Nature Sustainable Tourism website to learn more about the tourism certification service and its benefits.
FAQ
Questions?
Prior local RA-Cert representatives can now be reached at Preferred by Nature, or via email at rautz@preferredbynature.org.