Ron Mader

Homepage: http://www.planeta.com

Ron Mader is the founder of Planeta.com, the Web's first site focusing on global ecotourism. Ron is known for pioneering work in developing online forums and conferences, including a 2002 dialogue commissioned for the World Ecotourism Summit. From 2001-2003 Ron hosted the online Ecotourism Certification Workshop which concluded there is little consensus among professionals regarding the merits of certification. For his work Ron has received honors from the Mexican government and groups including Conservation International and the Council of Latin American Geographers.

Ron was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and received a bachelor's degree in communications from Indiana University (1986). Ron received his masters degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas in 1990.

He is the author of the book Mexico: Adventures in Nature and Latin America correspondent for Transitions Abroad magazine. He has also written for EcoAmericas, Especies, Business Mexico and South American Explorer.