No guilt trips: Tourism is part of the solution for nature

According to the World Economic Forum, around one in ten people across the globe works in the tourism industry, and around 1.4 billion tourists travel internationally every year. The magnitude of this sector highlights the significant impact it can have on our environment and establishes an incentive to protect our natural environments for the benefit of the industry, the visitors and communities in popular destinations. 

This sector contributes to biodiversity loss through the clearing of land for tourism development and through physical disturbance to sensitive areas caused by tourism activities. For example, coral reefs are at high risk of damage from activities like scuba diving, if not properly managed. This can impact fisheries and undermine the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing for food and income. 

Loss of biodiversity can have adverse effects on visitors, tourism and the wider the economy. Tourism operations must shift from business as usual to make tourism and biodiversity mutually supportive. 

How does sustainability benefit tourism operators? 

• Appeals to engaged consumers: Sustainable operations draw in tourists who care about their environmental footprint.
• Reduces costs: Biodiversity-positive practices are often seen as an expense. In fact, they can lower operating costs in the areas of resource procurement, usage and disposal.
• Improves employee productivity: Research shows that staff are more motivated when their work aligns with their values, such as responsibility to the environment.
• Attracts investment and support: Sustainable practices are more likely to draw support from socially responsible investors, governments and local communities.

Local, regional and national governments, indigenous and local communities as well as other stakeholders (consumers, developers and tourism operators) have the shared responsibility to manage tourism in a sustainable manner.

Where do we start?

A clear framework for action is needed to implement change. The Convention on Biological Diversity has created guidelines on biodiversity and tourism development to maximize the positive benefits of tourism to biodiversity, and vice versa, while minimizing negative social and environmental impacts from tourism. 

The United Nations Environment Programme, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), United Nations Foundation and Rainforest Alliance are partners in the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria initiative. The criteria provide a starting point of minimum standards that businesses, governments and destinations should strive for in social, environmental, cultural and economic sustainability. 

Pangandaran, Indonesia, a popular tourist destination rich in biodiversity, exemplifies the application of sustainable tourism. The 2006 tsunami and weak tourism management had led to detrimental impacts to the area’s coral reefs and marine biodiversity. The Government of Indonesia worked with UNWTO to develop the “Tourism Development Supporting Biodiversity Conservation'' project. It involved all key stakeholders and used the CBD guidelines to establish biodiversity and culture-related tourism products. A zoning process blocked some areas from development to avoid further damage to habitats or threatened populations of species. Other initiatives include the construction of an artificial coral reef to support local fish stocks and provide scuba diving sites. These efforts have generated income for local communities, improved conditions of the ecosystems and raised awareness about the benefits of sustainable tourism. 

Implement simple actions to help protect biodiversity

Many organizations are making efforts towards sustainable tourism, however these strategies must be strengthened for the long-term success of the industry. Environmental features and local biodiversity are part of what attracts visitors to a destination in the first place. Looking after this natural wealth is critical to building a tourism sector that serves the interests of visitors, local communities and future generations.

Do your part to make a difference!

More information:

Tourism and Biodiversity

CBD Guidelines on Biodiversity and Tourism Development

Action Agenda Commitments to Aichi Target 14