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Tourism and Travel

About this sector

Based on its contribution to global gross domestic product, the number of people it employs, and the number of clients it serves, tourism has been described as the world’s largest industry. In 2008 these figures were 9.5% of global GDP, over 200 million jobs – one in 13 of all jobs worldwide – 924 million international travellers in 2008, and perhaps 10 times the number of domestic travellers.
The industry forms one of the top five export earners in 150 countries, and is particularly important for developing countries. For the world’s 40 poorest countries, tourism is second to oil as a source of foreign exchange.

Impacts

Tourism facilities and infrastructure can threaten natural and important habitats.
Excessive use of natural resources, such as fresh water, energy and food can threaten supplies and lead to pollution through waste.
Tourist behaviour can threaten species and ecosystems (introduction of invasive alien species, harvesting of wild species for souvenirs).

Opportunities/Risks

The rise in demand for nature-based and eco-tourism creates business opportunities that can be tied with wildlife conservation.
Consumer awareness of ethical and environmental issues creates markets for responsible tourism.
Environmental impacts can limit access to capital insurance and incur legal risks.
Brand and reputation are strongly influenced by a company’s environmental performance.

Case Studies

African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

Elizabeth Dlamini, herbalist and skincare adviser to a whole of local women, has skin that glows. She beams as she explains why. “Here in the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland we proud of our plants that we use in our traditional beauty regimes. Our grandmothers taught us how to prepare cosmetics from the oil of the Marula nut”. Now, Ubuntu Natural is bringing Swaziland’s best-kept beauty secret to the international cosmetics market.

Biodiversity and Access to Affordable medicines

Recognizing the importance of medicinal plants offers a unique opportunity to link biodiversity, health and sustainable development. Biodiversity is the source of primary health care for the majority of the world’s population. The research and development of medicinal plants is thus a way to safeguard and advance health care, which is essential for much of the population. Moreover, the ethical sourcing of medicinal plants can play an important role in the conservation and sustainable use of these species and their ecosystems, as well as provide a significant avenue for local sustainable development.

Building local plant nurseries for the rehabilitation of quarries

As part of its quarry rehabilitation process, Lafarge has developed local plant nurseries that respect indigenous species and are adapted to the local environment. This initiative is part of broader methodologies and best practices

developed by the company to optimize its quarry reclamation, with the ﬁnal objective of strengthening the acceptability of its operations in the long run.

Implementing “zero impact” invoices

Committed to neutralize the environmental impacts associated with its paper invoicing process, EDP has engaged in a compensation program based on (1) life cycle assessment and (2) externalities compensation through agroforestry good practices that restore the ecosystem service originally impacted by invoicing activities.

Setting private natural heritage reserves

Owning large natural reserves as part of its forestry activities in Brazil, Fibria has chosen to register its most biodiverse lands as part of the Brazilian-specific Private Natural Heritage Reserves scheme. Recognition of Fibria’s conservation efforts is expected to further increase public and stakeholder awareness on company conservation activities.

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Tools and Mechanisms

Green Economy Initiative

http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/

The Green Economy Initiative is designed to assist governments in “greening” their economies by reshaping and refocusing policies, investments, and spending towards a range of sectors such as clean technologies, renewable energies, water services, green transportation, waste management, green buildings, and sustainable agriculture and forests.

United Nations Environment Programme Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (UNEP-SBCI)

http://www.unep.org/sbci/

Together with key stakeholders in this sector, UNEP-SBCI works to promote sustainable building practices worldwide. They have produced a number of publications that mostly relate to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

The UNEP-SBCI’s activities are guided by four key goals to ensure that the Initiative achieves its mission and promotes the worldwide adoption of sustainable buildings and construction practices.

Provide a common platform for dialogue and collective action among building sector stakeholders to address sustainability issues of global significance, especially climate change.
Develop tools and strategies for achieving greater acceptance and adoption of sustainable building practices throughout the world.
Establish baselines, which are globally recognized and are based on a life cycle approach. Focus has initially been concentrated on establishing baselines for energy efficiency and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, but is now expanding to account for additional indicators such as materials and water.
Demonstrate through pilot projects and inform policy developments of the important role buildings have to play in mitigation and adaptation to climate change at local, national and/or global levels.

High Seas Task Force

http://www.illegal-fishing.info/sub_approach.php?s...

The High Seas Task Force was established in 2003 by a group of fisheries ministers and international NGOs to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing on the high seas. The Task Force identified nine practical initiatives necessary to expose IUU fishing activities, deter their undertaking, and improve enforcement against those responsible. The final report of the task force is now available.

ICMM Mining Dialogue

http://www.icmm.com/page/1672/iucn-icmm-dialogue

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) have been engaged in an ongoing Dialogue on mining and biodiversity since 2002.

The overarching aims of the Dialogue are:

To improve the performance of mining industries in the area of biodiversity conservation, with a focus on reducing the negative impacts of the industry’s operations and enhancing the industry’s positive contribution to biodiversity.
To raise mutual awareness and understanding between the conservation community and the mining industry, so that both can contribute to improved outcomes for conservation and development in areas where they interact.

Reducing the Impact of Textiles on the Environment

http://www.ritegroup.org/

Formed in 2007, this industry association endeavours to reduce the environmental impact of textiles throughout the global supply chain by providing guidance on best practices. Additionally, the associations hosts an annual conference addressing the potential benefits of, and barriers to, producing sustainable textiles and clothing.

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Tourism & Travel

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