"Before the Winrock volunteer, I knew nothing about ecotourism," said Shepel. "Now people come to me for advice. The business planning assistance was a great help. Other tour companies and nonprofits ask to see my business plan as an example for their own work. I share everything but financial information. Because of the assistance and training I received from Rinder, I've been invited to participate in an international tourism program that includes Russia, China, and Mongolia. I have also been invited to speak at a territorial conference on tourism." Shepel is now considered a pioneer in the field of Russian ecotourism.

Noosphernoye is promoting Russian tourism by developing affordable, high quality expeditions for family and youth and has hired five people to work on their ecotourism programs. Shepel has gained Russian and international attention for her efforts to teach government, nonprofits and private companies about ecotourism. Noosphernoye sponsored the first seminar on ecotourism in the Far East, which Rinder presented to 35 tour operators and regional tourism and city officials. He also offered a 2-day seminar on Ecotourism Guide Training for eight scientists, biologists, outdoor educators and tour guides. The territorial government of the Russian Far East has invited Rinder back to coordinate another ecotourism seminar in March 2000.

A second Winrock volunteer, Ginger Jones, conducted a 2-day seminar on nonprofit ecotourism management and also facilitated a roundtable discussion on ecotourism. Jones, an expert in intercultural education and nonprofits, helped Noosphernoye design three new programs: a women’s retreat, a family camp on the sea coast, and an environmental education camp in a forested region outside of Khabarovsk. These programs are tailored to the difficult economic conditions currently facing Russians.

"One of the best results from Jones' visit was the creation of an Ecological Tourism Club," said Shepel. "It will serve as a forum for nonprofit ecotourism organizations to support each other and advocate for ecotourism businesses and environmental protection."

Shepel emphasized through the volunteers' assistance, Noosphernoye Obrazovanie has obtained support from both the territorial government and a partnership with a private tourism company. Without this type of support, it is very difficult for a nonprofit organization to survive in Russia today. "I have observed a dramatic increase in the profile of Noosphernoye Obrazovanie," said Rinder. "Governmental agencies, other nonprofit organizations, scientists, biologists, and outdoor educators are calling for greater interaction and partnership with them."