While 95% of national tourism policies acknowledge nature as a primary asset for tourism, actual detailed plans for sustainable management practices are often lacking, a new report from UN Tourism reveals.
Published on International Day of Biodiversity, the report “The Integration of Biodiversity in National Tourism Policies“, explores the intricate relationship between the tourism sector and biodiversity, which encompasses the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. It assesses how 80 national tourism policies incorporate biodiversity values and aims to deepen the understanding of the references to biodiversity within these policies.
The report comprises four detailed subsections that examine the integration of biodiversity within policy narratives, policy statements, strategic programs, and commitments to monitoring. By providing insights into the breadth and depth of current integration efforts, it serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, stakeholders, and the global community, urging further action towards a sustainable future.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “As custodians of the Earth’s natural resources, it is crucial that we foster a harmonious relationship between tourism and the environment. This publication not only highlights the interdependence of biodiversity and tourism but also underscores the essential role of well-integrated policies play in ensuring a sustainable future for everyone.”
Tourism answering nature’s call to action
“Be part of the Plan” is the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2024, serving as a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. This involves supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also known as the Biodiversity Plan.
This new report comes as a part of the commitments set out at the UN Biodiversity Conference COP-15, held in Montreal in December 2022, where the historic Biodiversity Plan was adopted Furthermore, the report complements the recently launched publication “Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action” amplifying the momentum towards environmentally responsible practices within the tourism sector.