Yearly on Sept. 27, we have fun World Tourism Day. This big day has been noticed since 1980 and commemorates the adoption of the Statutes of the Group in 1970, which paved the way in which for the institution of the United Nations World Tourism Group (UNWTO). This yr, the theme is “tourism and inexperienced investments.” On the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), we’re captivated with actions and initiatives which have a inexperienced focus — guaranteeing that the pure great thing about the Caribbean may be preserved for generations to come back. Not too long ago, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Caribbean Lodge and Tourism Affiliation (CHTA) and the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) aimed toward collectively selling the conservation, safety and administration of biodiversity and pure sources within the Caribbean.
Making the Case for Sustainability on World Tourism Day 2023
Why is that this so vital? Effectively, not solely is it important for the setting, but it surely’s additionally essential for the Caribbean’s financial system. Many Caribbean nations rely closely on tourism, with the journey and tourism sector contributing over 39 billion U.S. {dollars} to the area’s GDP in 2021. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic taught us a useful lesson in regards to the vulnerability of this sector. In 2020, the Caribbean misplaced a good portion of its GDP because of the pandemic’s influence, primarily as a result of tourism, which makes up 14 % of the GDP, plummeted by two-thirds.
As a lifeline for a lot of Caribbean nations, tourism isn’t solely pivotal to their economies but additionally helps employment, meals manufacturing, and leisure alternatives. In actual fact, tourism accounts for a considerable share of many Caribbean economies, starting from 7 % to a staggering 90 % of GDP in sure nations. It additionally supplies direct employment for almost 12 % of the inhabitants and not directly helps one other 20 %. Happily, we’re witnessing optimistic developments in tourism’s restoration, with some Caribbean nations even surpassing their 2019 information. By the tip of 2022, vacationer visits to the Caribbean had elevated by a outstanding 50% in comparison with 2021 figures.
The Magnetic Pull of Caribbean Tourism
So, what makes the Caribbean such a magnet for vacationers? It’s a paradise recognized for its tropical local weather, white sandy seashores, and crystal-clear waters. Whether or not you’re swimming with sea turtles in Barbados or marveling on the majestic Pitons in St. Lucia or lounging on the pristine seashores of Punta Cana, the Caribbean gives a plethora of experiences for each traveler. Vacationers are additionally drawn to the area’s cultural and historic websites, native cuisines, and, after all, the rum!
What actually units the Caribbean aside although is its extraordinary biodiversity, together with mangroves, iguanas, sea turtles, varied hen species, beautiful seashores, and majestic mountain peaks. This wealthy biodiversity is the beating coronary heart of our tourism sector, attracting guests yr after yr. However to make sure that vacationers proceed to flock to our shores, we should defend this pure heritage.
A wholesome setting not solely lures vacationers but additionally serves as a significant useful resource for meals manufacturing and acts as a pure barrier in opposition to waves, winds, and rain. Roughly 350 million folks journey to our coral reefs annually, producing $9.5 billion in annual vacationer expenditure within the Caribbean. Moreover, as much as 100 million Caribbean residents profit from coral reefs, with 41 million relying on them for his or her meals and livelihoods. Our fish species depend on coral reef ecosystems for meals, shelter, nurseries, and breeding grounds.
Caribbean Biodiversity and Tourism Go Hand in hand
The tourism business and its companions acknowledge the significance of preserving biodiversity to keep up vacationer numbers. A number of initiatives supported by the CBF exemplify this dedication:
Fundación Grupo Puntacana, Dominican Republic: With 5 million vacationers visiting in 2021, Punta Cana is likely one of the hottest locations within the area. By means of a CBF grant, Fundación Punta Cana has taken vital steps to guard the setting.
Serenity Dive and Dive Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Native diving operators have obtained funding to determine coral nurseries and restore native coral reefs, utilizing varied coral species like elkhorn corals.
St. Lucia Divers Affiliation-Anbaglo, St. Lucia: Supported by the St. Lucia Nationwide Conservation Basis, this affiliation is creating new dive and snorkel websites, establishing synthetic reefs, and coaching kids in scuba diving and coral restoration abilities.
Grenada Sustainable Improvement Belief Fund, Grenada: This fund helps infrastructure upgrades for eco-tourism actions in Dragon Bay Protected Space and Morne Gazo Nature Reserve.
Alloa Fisherman’s Co-operative Society Restricted (Alloa), Jamaica: Alloa obtained funding from the Nationwide Conservation Belief Fund to develop sustainable tourism throughout the Discovery Bay Marine Protected Space.
These tasks illustrate that the private and non-private sectors, even on the native stage, are taking vital steps towards supporting sustainable tourism. Guaranteeing a sustainable tourism sector is a collective effort of all stakeholders concerned.
Methods to be a Sustainable Vacationer
However what are you able to, as a person vacationer, do to contribute to sustainable tourism and defend the Caribbean setting? Listed below are some ideas:
Select licensed lodging: Search for motels and reserving choices that prioritize sustainability. The Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards might help you establish eco-conscious locations.
Offset your carbon emissions: Flying is a significant supply of carbon emissions throughout holidays. Contemplate carbon offset packages provided by airways to mitigate your influence. As an example, Wayaj Inc and the St. Lucia Nationwide Conservation Belief Fund have partnered on a Carbon Offset Venture.
Assist moral wildlife tourism: Be conscious of encounters with wild animals marketed as vacationer points of interest. Be certain that such interactions are performed ethically, with out hurt to the animals.
Search out Inexperienced Fins licensed dive operators: When you’re into underwater tourism, select operators licensed by Inexperienced Fins, which promotes accountable practices to guard coral reefs.
Eat native: Get pleasure from regionally sourced produce, which not solely helps native economies but additionally reduces the carbon footprint related to imported meals.
Use eco-friendly sunblock and bug repellent: These merchandise can hurt coral reefs, so go for environmentally pleasant options.
Keep away from souvenirs sourced from wild animals or vegetation: Respect the setting by refraining from shopping for merchandise made out of endangered species or pure sources.
Cut back single-use plastics: Deliver your reusable water bottle, keep away from littering and reduce your use of single-use plastics throughout your journey.
Your particular person actions matter and contribute to a extra sustainable Caribbean tourism business. Let’s work collectively to guard this stunning area for future generations to get pleasure from.
References
- Caribbean Tourism Group. (n.d.). Sustainable Tourism Division – Awards & Competitors Winners. Retrieved fromhttps://www.onecaribbean.org/our-work/sustainable-tourism-dept/awards-competition-winners/
- Little Misplaced Journey. (n.d.). Methods to Decide the Final Moral Journey Exercise. Retrieved fromhttps://littlelosttravel.com/how-to-pick-the-ultimate-ethical-travel-activity/
- (n.d.). Why Eat Native Meals? Retrieved fromhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-eat-local-food
- Inexperienced Fins. (n.d.). Discover a Inexperienced Fins Licensed Dive Operator. Retrieved fromhttps://greenfins.net/
- My Animals. (n.d.). Is It Incorrect to Take Shells from the Seashore? Retrieved fromhttps://myanimals.com/latest-news/is-it-wrong-to-take-shells-from-the-beach/
- Ecotourism World. (n.d.). Sustainable Journey: Take Solely Pictures, Go away Solely Footprints. Retrieved fromhttps://ecotourism-world.com/sustainable-travel-take-only-photos-leave-only-footprints/
