Tourism that Doesn’t Cost the Earth Can we make the world’s largest industry respect the limits? Nova Scotia Canada Tourism is now the world’s largest industry • Tourism is the largest migration in human history and it happens every year • Tourism is a significant source of employment for nearly one person in five globally • People will travel, and always have • Asia is the fastest growing source of tourism – more than 20% per year • The only countries which have managed to stop tourism by their citizens are North Korea and for outbound tourism, Cuba • Tourism stresses particular places – the popular destinations. London Eye Tourism is the top of the food chain of consumption • Tourism is the main source of foreign exchange for half the world’s countries and more than half the GNP of many small island developing states • Tourism is growing rapidly – particularly in Asia • Tourism is the only consumer of many goods (toilet seat strips, tacky souvenirs, glass covers, plastic hula dancers, t-shirts with the name of the destination etc.) • Tourists use about five times as much water and energy per day per tourist as locals in most places Can we handle this growing impact? Kimberley BC Costinesti Romania Seven ship day in Philipsburg Sint Maartin Nassau Bahamas The Challeng of Greening Tourism • • • • Greening how you get there Greener hotels and resorts Greening food services Getting the agents and organizers to create greener tours and products • Getting tourists to demand and value more environmentally sound choices • Greening the overall planning process for operators and destinations • Providing technical solutions which work Green transport Canada Thailand Bulgaria Travel by bus Meteora Greece Niagara Falls Lahore Pakistan Tactics to green buses • Low emission buses – electric, propane, fuel cell • No idling when parked (Eiffel tower example) • Air conditioning management • Improved scheduling • Integrated transport systems (public transport options) • Footprinting tours • Marketing solutions (bunching destinations) Swiss Alps Not just green on the outside – how to make air travel more efficient Airline solutions: Fast food? • Fuel efficient planes • Pre-scheduling landing slots for flights (BA, Lufthansa) • Walk-on buffet (Lufthansa) • Destination pick-up for duty free • Packaging reduction for all on-flight commodities • Strong enforcement of weight for carry-on bags • Offsets • Virtual vacations Greening Hotels Evason Hua Hin Thailand Fairmont Chateau Whistler (award winning program) Todos los Santos Mexico Petra Jordan – local design and energy management program Restaurants • Greener methods, not greener food • Smaller portions • Local purchase • Waste separation • Doggie bags • Recycling of grey water for plants, lawns • Re-use of waste – send to local farmers for pig or chicken feed • Energy saving Tianmu Hu China Changing food culture Tblisi Georgia Jiangsu China Attractions • The worst are water slides Aya Napa Cyprus Lianyungang China Golf courses • New initiatives for “green” golf: – Native vegetation – Organic fertilizer – Maintain tree belts and habitat corridors – Use grey water – Collect runoff and treat effluent – Fertilizer management plans – Zero toxic herbicides – Wetland water hazards Muskoka Ontario Canada Water Sports Phang Nga Thailand Aruba • Avoid motorized craft • Trained guides • Separated areas for different uses Conservation Plans for Sites Lanark Highlands Ontario Canada Sports events Rio de Janeiro Brazil • New initiative to “green the games” • Started with Atlanta games – Sydney was greener, China used Games as catalyst to clean Beijing, London pledges to top that • Energy saving, water, recycling, public transport, green procurement • Plan to recycle and reuse facilities • New low-impact transport systems • Crowd management • EMS Green Travel Agencies and Tours • Ecotourism society • Green Globe 21 • Conservation international • Partnerships between Agencies and NGOs • Local links and expertise Phang Nga Thailand Cruise Ship Initiative (reducing physical impact) Cape Verde Islands • • • • • • Water and energy conservation Control of emissions Recycling of water Garbage separation for recycling No dumping of bilge water inshore New steps to control impact onshore Bermuda Nassau Bahamas Tallinn Estonia Juneau Alaska Sustainable Cruise Destinations New initiatives • Scheduling • Shorter voyages from new of origin - repositioning • Joint planning with ports • Plug in the ship (Juneau) • Contribution to conservatio ports and tours • Visitor management Inside Passage BC Surprise: the world’s largest cruise ship is rated the most energy efficient per passenger Allure of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale New Global Initiatives – with local impact • Green Globe • Small Island Developing States green economy initiative • Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria for sustainable properties and (new) for sustainable destinations Greening Criteria: Planning Jeddah Saudi Arabia Plans - Economic ecological and social factors, participatory process Holistic approach – examining options, selection of concept /project area Site selection Siting of structures and activities should site sensitivities. (seek most appropriate site to minimize negative impacts) Project design Design standards for siting, design compatibility, aesthetics, impact reduction re ecological and cultural values (design to minimize negative effects on site and surrounding areas) Design for wastewater, water use reduction, energy conservation,. Build in energy conservation technology Impact assessment Formal environmental and social impact review procedure Participatory processes Plans/programs should involve local suppliers/guides etc - Ongoing participation in facility and site management/decision process for local community/stakeholders Green Criteria: Construction Phase • Construction standards for: site disruption during construction, transportation, noise, debris, site cleanup. (bonds posted to cover cost of any ecological damage, restoration) • Selection of local/suitable materials re protection of species, energy reduction, local benefits, recycling when replaced) Red Sea coast Saudi Arabia Operations • Management -Facility should have EMS in place • Grounds operator has ecological inventory of grounds and sites, ongoing monitoring of state of indicators species, trails, impacted areas • Clear management plan based on risk management and visitor management criteria. Specific plans for key fragile sites or specific activities Staff training with specific training modules for guides, interpreters, groundskeepers, hotel staff • Burj Dubai Mandina Lodge The Gambia Conservation(1) Aruba • Specific plans/actions to promote conservation, • Participates in and/or supports protection of natural protected areas.. • Complies with trade laws on selling illegal products • Site management –in place and monitored • Consumption -Must have water management plan - to include technical measures (low flow toilets, showers) greywater recycling, education and awareness, laundry reduction programs etc, (can have separate systems for drinking/cooking) • Program /audit to minimize fossil fuel use. Conservation(2)• • • Diani Beach Kenya • • Liquid Waste management100% treatment of wastewater Stormwater - separation, controlled runoff, grey water reuse, water consumption reduction,) Solid Waste management Waste reduction and recycling programs required with goals monitored and recorded. for separation, composting, recycling emphasized for organic and inorganic waste. Program to seek local products, products which can be recycled or re-used. Regular monitoring of consumption. Use of third party waste audits) Tourist activity management Otway Sound Chile • Marketing and pre-visit materials stress natural /sensitive tourism and appropriate tourist behaviours • Information program for tourists, effort to direct tourists to trained guides and eco-sensitive tours, • Guests informed of conservation, recycling and specific environmental measures adopted by property. Manual provided with sustainability mission and policies. • Communication and involvement of guests in conservation efforts. Info on local plant species, natural areas. • Program to limit engine, tourist noise in areas sensitive to natural environment and wild animal behaviour. • Opportunities provided for visitors to contribute financially or otherwise to habitat conservation. Community involvement/benefit • Appropriate process established to involve local community in planning and oversight process and to facilitate ongoing linkages between tourism property and surrounding residents. • Menu should contain/favour locally purchased foods, local cuisine. • Opportunities to purchase local crafts and produce The Gambia Planning the Best Environmental Resorts (Maldives case and global applicastions) • 10 specific areas for greening – part of review process 1)Understanding of Baseline Environmental Conditions and Assets of the Site • Survey/state of the environment. • Sensitivity analysis done on key biophysical features, rare or fragile species, physical processes, identifying potential impact of these on the design, siting, management and mitigation; • Identifies impact on water production, waste disposal, need for tourist behaviour management. • Reference to current and/or past human use(s) and potential factors to consider in development, including local sensitivities and level of participation. 2)Energy Generation Methods Male Maldives • Excellent plan with innovative elements. • Full exploration of alternatives. • Commitment to test alternative sources. • Full fuel management plan with spill containment, pipe testing, vacuum systems etc. • Generator management with high efficiency, heat recuperation from other operations, real-time energy use monitoring, contingency plans, backup systems. 4)Water Drawdown/Production Soneva Fushi Maldives • Design of system to respond to ecological conditions and sensitivities. • Clear consideration of impacts of siting, disposal of salt from desalinization, capture of rainwater, ongoing monitoring of infiltration and impact on freshwater aquifers, real time monitoring of demand and water budget, contingency plans. • Clear grey water management system with grey water budget, methods to monitor grey water quality and to control quality before use/release. 3)Energy Conservation • Full cradle to grave energy management plan beginning with construction phase. • Real time monitoring of use, efficiency. • Regular energy audit. • Design of structures to reduce energy demand (insulation, lighting, shade, heat retention). • Energy efficient appliances, cogeneration/heat extraction, • Employee training program for energy savings, information program for guests, • Reduction of energy hungry attractions (e.g., powerboats) • Integration of energy management into overall management process. 5)Water Conservation • Comprehensive water management and monitoring plan which includes real time monitoring of use(s) • Design strategy for low consumption in all parts of resort; • Education for staff; sensitization for guests; attention to specific conservation strategies for major water users such as laundry, restaurants, irrigation systems, guest facilities in all areas. • Integrated plan for water generation/conservation/ sewage (often as water budget) with specific capture, cleaning and use plans for grey water 6) Sewage/Waste Water Management: • Full cradle-to grave management of waste water, integrated with water production and conservation. • Efficient monitored system with quality control at all stages. Best plans included detailed procedures for grey water separation, quality monitoring and use, and methods to control and monitor impacts of grey water use (for e.g. Irrigation) on aquifer. • Indicators defined re water quality for effluents to be recycled. • Clear contingency plans for water spills, excess release; zero discharge of untreated effluents into either sea or land. • Specific technologies cited which will ensure suitable quality of wastewater. Clear plan to clean/reuse sludge. 7)Solid Waste Garbage • Complete plan for waste management, from procurement, design for reduction, specific plans for waste monitoring, • Program to integrate waste management into each part of the resort (e.g., kitchen, housekeeping, recreation, grounds keeping, office). • Means to handle all waste with zero discharge (with some recycling exceptions which are sent to suitable depots). • Integration with wastewater/incineration/heat recapture as part of comprehensive EMS or equivalent. 8)Conservation of Flora and Fauna • Complete conservation strategy for site and surrounding ecosystem(s), ongoing conservation/enhancement of key species and ecosystems. • Comprehensive ongoing monitoring program involving scientific experts, on-site full time environmental managers and protection officers, specific scientific and educational programs for guests, staff, other local community members, • Links to national and international conservation organizations, certification under international ecological programs. 9) Mitigation of Impacts of Development Process • Full cradle to grave impact management plan beginning at design/construction phase. • Best proposals provided complete tables of sensitivities, expected impacts and effects of construction, operation and visitor activities, expected areas of concern and mitigation/control measures to be undertaken for each. • Co-management of the site during the entire process. 10)Management of Tourists • • • • Clear identification of key sensitivities and likely range and impact of tourist activities (on site and in visited areas). Full visitor management plan, with sensitivity analysis and proposed responses for each predicted tourist activity, and also examined comanagement options. Range of built solutions to reduce potential for impact, human solutions – awareness, monitoring, incentives, regular reporting system, educational approaches for visitors, staff, local communities likely to interface with the tourists. Clear consideration of a range of visitor management techniques, suitability of such techniques from both local and visitor cultural perspectives, monitoring and steps towards implementation of e.g. EMS, ISO14000, Green Globe or similar as comprehensive ongoing mitigation/management process. Reducing the footprint of tourism globally Meeting “Juan Valdez” Cartagena Colombia • Will be difficult because travel does consume energy • Can be used to lever environmental improvement and cultural understanding • Can be used to transfer resources to those who need it. • May be effective in substituting experiences for material consumption Reduce your personal footprint • Home exchange • Plan efficient itineraries • Travel in public transportation • Choose environmentally responsible agents and hotels/resorts • Buy locally • Contribute to conservation • Learn about local culture • Live where practical like the locals do Local tourists Lahore Pakistan Cruise – it is the most efficient way to travel Quebec City Canada For more information and sources see www.Tourisk.com Photography ©Ted Manning