The 2004 tsunami in South-East Asia affected areas that play an important role in international tourism. These countries have thus temporarily lost a significant source of income. Tourism activities had damaged ecosystems before the tsunami through, for instance, deforestation of mangroves, over-exploitation of coral reefs, unregulated and inappropriate building activities in costal zones. The reconstruction and rehabilitation of tourism infrastructure offers a unique opportunity to maximise sustainable design and construction, benchmark key performance areas such as energy, water conservation, minimise pollution, ensure adequate land use planning, and enhance ecosystem conservation. Such a process needs to be participatory, involving consultation among all stakeholders within that landscape. It should build on traditional knowledge available on the management of natural and managed ecosystems within local communities. The CBD Guidelines on Biodiversity and Tourism Development, adopted in 2004 by the seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties, constitute an internationally recognized instrument for sustainable tourism development. Against this background, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the government of Germany have decided to work jointly on the integration of the Guidelines in decision-making processes at national and local level. We believe that this will guarantee a sound tourism redevelopment of tourism in the tsunami affected countries. We will provide consultation and assistance to national and local governments. Focus will be given to improving capacity, knowledge sharing and participation processes to develop sustainable tourism practices. This collaboration will help demonstrate that tourism development and biodiversity can be mutually supportive.

Sigrid Hockamp-Mack (hockamp@unwto.de) is Coordinator, UNWTO Consulting Unit Bonn on Biodiversity and Tourism for Tsunami Affected Countries.