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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


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African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

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

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

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

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

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.


Tools and Mechanisms


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Green Economy, Green Business

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/economy/

The transition to a Green Economy is essential for delivering sustainable development and long term growth. The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)’s commitment will be met through leading by example in our own operations as well as working with business and consumers. DEFRA’s policies around waste, valuing the natural environment, and adapting to and mitigating climate change all play an important role in delivering a green economy.

Climatescope

http://www5.iadb.org/mif/climatescope/2012/

Climatescope 2012 is a report and index that assesses the investment climate for climate-related investment in Latin America and the Caribbean. It profiles 26 countries in the region and evaluates their ability to attract capital for low-carbon energy sources while building a greener economy.

To assign each country an overall score, Climatescope examines four overarching and interrelated parameters. These parameters are supported by a series of 30 indicators based on data captured by Bloomberg New Energy Finance through first-hand research, consultation of publicly available sources, and discussions with experts. Together, these indicators and their corresponding parameters form a holistic picture of a particular country's climate for climate-related investment.

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Tourism & Travel

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