Blue Community Assessment Roadmap

Not my earth, not my problem?

2023-08-09T09:02:00.001-07:00

Fostering Environmental Sustainability in Tourist Destinations: A Collaborative Endeavor

The allure of picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultures draws millions of travelers to tourist destinations around the world. However, this influx of visitors often brings with it an array of environmental challenges that must be addressed to ensure the longevity and vitality of these cherished locales. The issue of environmental quality in tourist destinations is a complex one, involving a network of stakeholders ranging from the tourism industry and local businesses to the conscientious tourists themselves. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the multifaceted nature of this challenge and the shared responsibilities that must be embraced by all parties involved.

The Stakeholders' Role in Environmental Sustainability

The Tourism Industry and Suppliers: A Crucial Role Amid Complex Responsibilities

The tourism industry serves as both a facilitator and a contributor to environmental changes in tourist destinations. The development of new infrastructure, increased energy consumption, and waste generation are often associated with this sector. Consequently, it is reasonable to expect the industry to bear a significant portion of the responsibility for environmental stewardship. However, the situation is nuanced. While the tourism industry plays a pivotal role in driving these changes, it is not the sole contributor to environmental degradation. Collaborative efforts are required to ensure a balanced approach to sustainability.

Local Businesses: Guardians of Economic Well-being and Environmental Integrity

Local businesses in tourist destinations have a unique perspective on environmental sustainability. Their economic prosperity is inherently intertwined with the health of the environment. These businesses can actively engage in preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage that attract visitors. Implementing environmental management systems, participating in certification programs, and fostering cultural change are ways in which local businesses can champion environmental quality. Their involvement goes beyond being mere contributors to the economy; they become custodians of the environment on which their livelihoods depend.

Conscientious Tourists: Catalyzing Change Through Responsible Choices

Tourists themselves have a vital role to play in shaping the environmental landscape of tourist destinations. By demanding high environmental standards and making sustainable choices, tourists can significantly influence the preservation of these cherished locales. Opting for environmentally-friendly accommodations, utilizing public transportation, and reducing waste are powerful measures that tourists can adopt to mitigate their impact. Through their actions, tourists become ambassadors for positive change, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in the industry.

Collaboration and the Path Forward

The shared responsibility for environmental quality in tourist destinations necessitates a collaborative approach. Voluntary initiatives, industry-driven programs, governmental regulations, and shifts in consumer behavior all converge to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism. However, one aspect emerges as particularly critical: effective waste management strategies.

Effective Waste Management: A Cornerstone of Sustainability

Waste management is a linchpin in the pursuit of sustainable tourism. Proper disposal and reduction of waste are paramount to preserving the integrity of natural habitats and cultural landmarks. The United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) "Tourism and Biodiversity: Good Practices" report provides invaluable insights into successful waste management initiatives from various corners of the globe. This report underscores the pivotal role of waste management in promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The issue of environmental quality in tourist destinations is far from one-dimensional. It is an intricate web woven by the collective efforts of the tourism industry, local businesses, and conscientious tourists. Each stakeholder holds a piece of the puzzle and must actively contribute to the preservation of these cherished locales. Collaborative initiatives, driven by voluntary actions, industry commitment, regulatory measures, and mindful consumer behavior, form the bedrock of a sustainable tourism industry. In this pursuit, effective waste management emerges as a linchpin, ensuring that the beauty and vitality of tourist destinations endure for generations to come.

References:

UNDP. (2015, November 30). Biodiversity and Ecosystems Global Framework 2012 to 2020. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/publications/biodiversity-and-ecosystems-global-framework-2012-2020
UNDP. (2016, December 12). Biodiversity and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/publications/biodiversity-and-2030-agenda-sustainable-development
UNDP. (2022, December 19). COP15: The UN Biodiversity Conference. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/events/cop15-un-biodiversity-conference

The Intersection of Outdoor Artist Festivals, UN SDGs, and Measuring Sustainability

2023-05-17T14:39:00.003-07:00

Outdoor artist festivals are a great way to bring communities together while showcasing local talent. However, with the increasing focus on sustainability and meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is important to consider the impact of these events on the environment and society.

Outdoor Artist Festivals, UN SDGs and Measuring Sustainability Impact

One way to measure the sustainability of outdoor artist festivals is by using the SDGs as a framework. These goals cover a wide range of issues such as poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. By evaluating the festival's impact on these areas, organizers can identify areas for improvement and implement more sustainable practices. Measuring sustainability can also involve assessing the festival's carbon footprint, waste management, and energy usage. This can be done by tracking the amount of waste generated, using renewable energy sources, and encouraging attendees to use public transportation or carpool to reduce emissions.

UN SDGs which align with Artist Festivals

SDG 4: Quality Education,

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth,

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities,

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,

SDG 13: Climate Action,

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

It is also important to consider the social impact of these festivals. Are they accessible to all members of the community regardless of income or background? Are local artists and vendors given priority over larger, more commercial entities?

Here are some Questions to Ask to Measure Impact over Time

How can we reduce waste and increase recycling at the festival?
How can we ensure that the festival is inclusive and accessible to all members of the community?
How can we minimize the festival's carbon footprint?
How can we support local artists and businesses through the festival?
How can we encourage sustainable transportation options for festival-goers?
How can we reduce the use of single-use plastics at the festival?
How can we make sure that the festival is safe and environmentally friendly?
How can we educate festival-goers about sustainability and environmental issues?
How can we involve the community in the planning and execution of the festival?
How can we measure the environmental impact of the festival and track our progress over time?

By taking these factors into account, outdoor artist festivals can become more sustainable and inclusive. They can also serve as a platform to raise awareness about important social and environmental issues.

A List of Possible Positive Social Impacts

1. Supporting local artists and businesses 2. Educating the community about sustainability and environmental issues 3. Encouraging sustainable transportation options 4. Reducing waste and increasing recycling 5. Minimizing the festival's carbon footprint 6. Creating an inclusive and accessible event for all members of the community 7. Building partnerships and collaborations within the community 8. Providing opportunities for community involvement and engagement 9. Fostering a sense of community pride and identity 10. Promoting sustainable and responsible consumption and production practices

A list of possible data collection methods:

1. Conducting pre- and post-event surveys to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sustainability 2. Monitoring waste and recycling rates throughout the festival 3. Tracking energy and water usage during the event 4. Collecting data on transportation methods used by festival-goers 5. Conducting focus groups or interviews with community members to gather feedback and suggestions for improvement 6. Analyzing social media and online engagement to measure the festival's impact and reach 7. Tracking revenue and economic impact for local artists and businesses 8. Conducting environmental assessments before and after the festival to measure the impact on the local ecosystem 9. Collecting data on the accessibility of the festival for people with disabilities 10. Gathering feedback from volunteers and staff to identify areas for improvement and best practices for future events.

Outdoor artist festivals are an important part of many communities, but they must also be accountable for their impact on the environment and society. By measuring and improving sustainability practices, festivals can become more inclusive and contribute to the achievement of the UN SDGs. Let us continue to enjoy and support these events while also striving towards a more sustainable future.

Who Do We Blame In The Tourism Industry?

2023-02-14T14:20:00.001-08:00

Sustainable Tourism: A Shared Responsibility for a Greener Future

Tourism is one of the most dynamic and far-reaching industries in the world, contributing approximately 10% to global GDP and employing millions of people across diverse sectors. However, with its significant economic impact comes a substantial environmental footprint. From carbon emissions associated with air travel to the depletion of natural resources in popular destinations, the industry is a major player in both environmental degradation and conservation efforts.

The pressing question remains: Who is responsible for ensuring that tourism becomes more sustainable? The answer is not simple because the entire ecosystem of tourism—businesses, tourists, suppliers, and governments—plays an interconnected role. Sustainability in tourism is a shared responsibility, and only through collaboration can the industry minimize its impact on the environment.

Tourism Businesses: The Frontline of Change

Tourism enterprises—hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and attractions—are at the forefront of sustainability efforts. These businesses wield significant influence in shaping travel behaviors and ensuring that their operations align with environmental best practices.

For instance, Accor Hotels, a global hospitality leader, has committed to cutting its carbon emissions in half by 2030 and implementing water and energy efficiency programs across its properties. Through initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics and investing in renewable energy, Accor exemplifies how the hospitality sector can champion sustainability (Accor, 2023).

Similarly, tour operators like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel have pioneered sustainable tourism by focusing on small-group, low-impact travel. They prioritize local businesses, minimize carbon footprints, and educate travelers about responsible tourism. These companies demonstrate how business models can be reshaped to align with sustainability goals while remaining profitable.

Tourists: The Power of Conscious Choices

While businesses play a crucial role, tourists themselves hold immense power in steering the industry towards sustainability. The choices they make—where to stay, how to travel, and which activities to participate in—directly influence the demand for sustainable practices.

For example, opting for eco-lodges instead of resource-intensive luxury resorts can drastically reduce environmental impact. Lodges like Lapa Rios in Costa Rica and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives operate on renewable energy, source food locally, and engage in wildlife conservation programs.

Moreover, transportation choices significantly impact a traveler’s carbon footprint. Tourists can minimize emissions by choosing train travel over flights, as rail transport is often a much greener alternative. In Europe, Eurail passes promote sustainable travel by allowing visitors to explore multiple destinations while reducing their carbon footprint.

Adventurous travelers can also contribute by engaging in regenerative tourism, which goes beyond sustainability to actively improve the environment and communities. In Iceland, for example, tourists can participate in reforestation projects that help counteract deforestation and climate change (Icelandic Forest Service, 2022).

Suppliers: The Backbone of Sustainable Infrastructure

The sustainability of tourism is also heavily dependent on the suppliers of goods and services, including transportation providers, energy suppliers, and food producers. These stakeholders are integral to the industry's environmental footprint.

Airlines and Transportation Companies

The aviation industry contributes approximately 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, making sustainable aviation practices a priority. Airlines like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and United Airlines have invested in biofuels and carbon offset programs to mitigate their impact. KLM’s "Fly Responsibly" campaign encourages customers to offset their carbon emissions and promotes the use of alternative transportation for short-haul journeys.

Meanwhile, public transportation networks in tourism-heavy cities are crucial for reducing emissions. Destinations such as Vienna, Austria, have invested in electric trams and bike-sharing programs, making sustainable travel within the city more accessible and affordable (Vienna Tourism Board, 2023).

Hotels and Resorts

Beyond airlines, hotels and resorts are major resource consumers, with high energy and water usage. Sustainable initiatives in the hospitality sector include installing solar panels, implementing water recycling systems, and reducing food waste. The Six Senses Resorts chain has integrated sustainability at its core, banning single-use plastics, sourcing local materials, and supporting marine conservation efforts in regions like the Maldives and Thailand.

Government Regulations and Incentives

Governments play a critical role in promoting sustainable tourism through policies, incentives, and infrastructure investments. Their influence is seen in environmental regulations, sustainable tourism certifications, and conservation programs.

For example, Bhutan has adopted a "High Value, Low Impact" tourism policy, requiring visitors to pay a sustainable development fee. This approach limits overtourism, funds conservation efforts, and ensures that tourism benefits local communities.

Similarly, Norway has committed to becoming a carbon-neutral tourism destination by 2030, introducing strict emissions regulations for cruise ships in its fjords and encouraging eco-friendly accommodations through tax incentives.

Funding Research and Innovation

Governments also support research into sustainable technologies. The European Union, for instance, funds initiatives like Horizon 2020, which explores innovations in eco-friendly aviation, sustainable accommodations, and green infrastructure development.

Eliminating Greenwashing: A Collective Responsibility

One of the biggest threats to sustainable tourism is greenwashing—the practice of falsely marketing businesses as environmentally friendly. Tourists, businesses, and governments must work together to ensure that sustainability claims are transparent and verifiable.

Organizations such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) set industry standards for sustainability certification. Tourists can look for GSTC-certified businesses to ensure their choices align with genuine environmental responsibility.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is not the responsibility of a single entity; it is a shared commitment among businesses, travelers, suppliers, and governments. By making conscious choices, implementing responsible policies, and holding businesses accountable, we can transform the tourism industry into a force for environmental conservation rather than degradation.

As travelers, we can educate ourselves, support businesses that align with sustainability goals, and choose experiences that minimize our impact. As businesses, we can innovate and invest in eco-friendly practices. As governments, we can legislate and provide incentives for greener tourism models.

The beauty and wonder of our planet should be preserved for future generations. By working together, the tourism industry can become a powerful ally in the fight against climate change, ensuring that travel remains a source of joy, education, and conservation rather than destruction.

Authoritative Sources:

Accor Sustainability Report, 2023: https://group.accor.com
Icelandic Forest Service, 2022: https://www.skogur.is
Vienna Tourism Board, 2023: https://www.wien.info/en
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC): https://www.gstcouncil.org
Norwegian Government Climate Plan, 2023: https://www.regjeringen.no

Sea Level Rise in South Beach

2023-02-12T13:46:00.003-08:00

South Beach, Miami is renowned for its breathtaking oceanfront views, with tourists flocking to the area to soak in the sun and sand. However, the close proximity of the ocean also poses a significant threat in the form of sea level rise. As the ocean continues to rise due to global warming and melting glaciers, cities like South Beach must take proactive measures to protect their infrastructure and residents.

In response to this growing concern, city officials in South Beach have announced plans to raise West Avenue, one of the most popular streets in the area, by between one and a half to two feet. This move is aimed at mitigating the impacts of sea level rise, as the elevated road will be better equipped to handle the expected rise in water levels. To accomplish this, the city will have to improve its underground infrastructure, including storm water drainage and sewage systems, with the installation of more pumps to prevent flooding from rain and high tides.

This proactive approach to addressing sea level rise is an example of a best practice for sustainable tourism, as it prioritizes the long-term protection of the environment and the well-being of tourists and local residents. By investing in resilient infrastructure, South Beach can ensure that its tourist industry remains sustainable for years to come.

As sea level rise continues to threaten coastal communities across the world, it is important for cities like South Beach to take proactive steps to protect themselves. According to a study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels are projected to rise by 26-82 centimeters by the end of the century, with even higher increases expected in some areas (IPCC, 2013). This highlights the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure and taking action to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise on coastal communities.

In conclusion, the plans to raise West Avenue in South Beach serve as a positive example of how cities can respond to the threat of sea level rise and prioritize sustainable tourism. By investing in resilient infrastructure and taking proactive measures to protect the environment, South Beach can ensure that its tourist industry remains sustainable for generations to come.

References:

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2013). Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. IPCC.

How to Manage Tourism Impacts on the Environment

2022-12-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

Travelers can help protect the environment by being mindful of their actions when visiting new places. They can reduce their environmental footprint by using public transportation, carrying reusable water bottles, and avoiding single-use items. They can also support local businesses and visit attractions that are managed in an environmentally friendly way. Finally, it is important to ensure that the environment is protected from the negative impacts of tourism.

As we have discussed, the environmental impacts of tourism can be both positive and negative. Tourists can have a positive impact on the environment when they visit natural areas and take part in eco-tourism activities. On the other hand, they can also have a negative impact if they are not managed properly. Therefore, it is important to consider how to manage tourism impacts on the environment. One of the most important ways to manage the environmental impact of tourism is to encourage travelers to be mindful of the environment. This can be done by providing information to travelers about ways to reduce their environmental footprint when visiting a destination. For example, travelers could be encouraged to use public transportation, to carry reusable water bottles, and to avoid buying single-use items. These simple steps can help to reduce the amount of waste that is generated by tourists. Another way to manage the environmental impact of tourism is to support local businesses. Buying local produce, renting equipment from local businesses, and eating in local restaurants can all help to support the local economy while reducing the environmental impacts of tourism. In addition, tourists can be encouraged to visit attractions that are managed in an environmentally friendly way, such as national parks or wildlife reserves. Finally, it is important to ensure that the environment is protected from the negative impacts of tourism. This can be done by designing tourism sites and attractions in a way that minimizes their environmental impacts. For example, waste management systems should be put in place to ensure that waste is disposed of properly, and energy-efficient lighting and water systems should be installed. By following these tips, it is possible to manage the environmental impacts of tourism and protect the environment for future generations. It is important for tourists to be aware of their impacts and to take action to reduce their environmental footprint when visiting a destination.

What is Sustainable Tourism?

2022-12-06T10:06:00.004-08:00

In the past few posts we have discussed the concept of tourism, both the positive and negative environmental impacts of tourism and how tourism can both improve and at times destroy the natural environment. Today, let's talk about responsible tourism, otherwise known as Sustainable Tourism.

Sustainable tourism is a way of visiting places while taking care of the environment. It means understanding the importance of the environment, making sure tourism doesn't damage it, and making sure local people benefit from tourism. It also means using renewable energy sources and public transportation. Sustainable tourism helps to protect the environment and make sure everyone benefits.

Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that seeks to minimize the negative environmental and cultural impacts of tourism while maximizing the positive impacts. It is defined as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.

Sustainable tourism is an important part of any environmental conservation effort, and is especially important when considering the environmental impacts of tourism. The first step to creating a sustainable tourism industry is to have a comprehensive understanding of the environment and its resources. This includes understanding the importance of the environment, the ways in which it can be used, and the potential impacts of tourism on it. It also includes understanding the needs of the local communities, and how they are affected by tourism.

Once the environmental impacts of tourism are understood, the next step is to create a plan for sustainable tourism. This involves making sure that the environment is managed responsibly, and that the tourism industry is not damaging the environment. This can be done by creating regulations that limit the amount of pollution and waste created by tourists, and by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. Additionally, it can involve promoting sustainable tourism practices, such as the use of public transportation and the inclusion of local communities in tourism activities.

The final step to creating a sustainable tourism industry is to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed fairly. This means that the local communities should benefit from tourism, rather than just the tourism industry. This can be done by ensuring that local communities are consulted on tourism development, and that they are given a fair share of the benefits. Additionally, it involves supporting local businesses, and creating incentives for businesses to use sustainable practices.

Overall, sustainable tourism is an important part of any environmental conservation effort. It helps to ensure that the environment is managed responsibly, that the local communities benefit from tourism, and that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed fairly. By following these steps, it is possible to create a sustainable tourism industry that minimizes the environmental impacts of tourism while maximizing the positive impacts.

Real world examples of sustainable tourism:

1. Developing and installing regulations that limit the amount of pollution and waste created by tourists, such as prohibiting the use of disposable plastics and encouraging the use of reusable containers.

2. Promoting sustainable tourism practices, such as the use of public transportation and the inclusion of local communities in tourism activities.

3. Ensuring that the local communities are consulted on tourism development, and that they are given a fair share of the economic benefits.

4. Supporting local businesses, and creating incentives for businesses to use sustainable practices, such as providing tax credits for businesses that use renewable energy sources.

What are Some Negative Environmental Impacts of Tourism?

2022-12-05T13:19:00.002-08:00

In our last couple of posts, we discussed What Tourism Is and how responsible tourism can have a positive impact on the environment in destination communities. Today, we will look at the other side of the coin and take a peek at how environments can be negatively impacted by irresponsible tourism.

Negative Impacts of Tourism

Tourism is a major industry that has been growing rapidly in recent years, and as we have discussed, it can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. While tourism can bring economic benefits for local communities, it can also cause significant environmental damage.

Negative environmental impacts of tourism can include air and water pollution, deforestation, and disruption of wildlife habitats.

Air pollution is an important environmental impact of tourism. Tourists’ activities, such as air travel, can produce large amounts of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming. Additionally, many tourist destinations, such as ski resorts, require large amounts of energy for snowmaking and other activities, which can lead to the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Water pollution is another negative environmental impact of tourism. Tourist activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing, can lead to the introduction of pollutants and other contaminants into local water sources. These pollutants can then harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and cause water shortages.

Deforestation is also a major environmental impact of tourism. Tourist infrastructure, such as roads and hotels, often require large amounts of land, and this can lead to the destruction of forests and wildlife habitats. This can have serious consequences for both the local environment and wildlife populations. Finally, tourism can also disrupt wildlife habitats.

Tourists often flock to certain areas to observe wildlife, and this can lead to the disruption of animals’ normal behavior. Additionally, many tourist activities, such as off-road driving and boating, can damage wildlife habitats and lead to the displacement of animals.

Overall, tourism can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. While it can bring economic benefits to local communities, it can also cause air and water pollution, deforestation, and disruption of wildlife habitats. It is important that tourism activities are managed responsibly, in order to minimize their negative environmental impacts and ensure the protection of local ecosystems.

Responsible Tourism: What is it?

What are Some Positive Environmental Impacts of Tourism?

2022-12-05T13:08:00.002-08:00

In our previous post we discussed "What is Tourism?" and today we will go just a bit further. Responsible tourism is a way of traveling that helps the environment. It includes activities like wildlife watching, using public transportation, and using eco-friendly products and services. It can help protect habitats and endangered species, reduce pollution, reduce waste, and protect local cultures. When people travel responsibly, they can help make the world a better place.

Responsible Tourism: What is it?

Tourism can bring a number of positive environmental impacts when it is done responsibly. Responsible tourism is a form of tourism that has the least amount of negative environmental impacts while still providing economic benefits to destination communities.

Here are some examples of the positive environmental impacts of tourism. First, tourism can help conserve and restore habitats and species. Responsible tourism often includes activities such as wildlife watching, photography, and bird watching, which can bring conservation awareness and help protect endangered species and habitats. Tourists also provide economic incentives for local people to conserve and protect their natural environments. Second, tourism can help reduce pollution. Responsible tourism encourages visitors to reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation, biking, or walking. It also encourages the use of eco-friendly products and services, such as reusable water bottles, solar-powered hotels, and eco-tourism activities. Third, tourism can help reduce waste. Responsible tourism encourages companies to reduce their waste by using recyclable materials, composting, and reducing water and energy consumption.

A cake for World Tourism Day (Huff Post)

Additionally, tourists can help reduce waste by minimizing their own consumption of single-use items and disposables. Finally, tourism can help protect cultural diversity.

Responsible tourism can help preserve and promote local culture, customs, and traditions. It encourages community-based tourism, which provides economic benefits to local communities while also preserving their culture. Overall, responsible tourism can help create positive environmental impacts that benefit both nature and people. By choosing to travel responsibly, tourists can help conserve and restore habitats and species, reduce pollution, reduce waste, and protect cultural diversity.

Real Life examples of responsible tourism:

1. Visiting a nature reserve and participating in a wildlife watching tour

2. Staying in a solar-powered hotel

3. Using public transportation or biking to get around

4. Purchasing local, eco-friendly products

5. Minimizing consumption of single-use items and disposables

6. Participating in a cultural tour to support local communities

7. Taking part in a beach clean-up or initiating one locally

8. Using refillable water bottles instead of disposable plastic bottles.

In our next post, we will discuss the negative impacts that tourism can have on destination communities.

What is Tourism?

2022-12-04T14:27:00.001-08:00

Let's begin a new conversation around sustainable tourism by first discussing a simple definition of tourism.

Tourism is when people travel for leisure, business, or recreation. It can help the environment by creating job opportunities, but can also harm the environment if not carried out responsibly. Some of the ways tourism can harm the environment are air and water pollution, waste management, and climate change. It is important for people to be aware of these impacts and take steps to minimize them when traveling. We will cover these impacts in greater details in future posts, but for the moment, let's talk about what tourism is.

What is Tourism?

Tourism is a form of travel that involves visiting places for leisure, recreation or business purposes. It is one of the world’s largest industries, if not the largest and contributes significantly to the global economy. As the number of people traveling for leisure and business continues to increase, so too does the environmental impact of tourism. Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment.

On one hand, tourism brings money and resources into a region, stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities. This can, in turn, help to protect and conserve the environment by providing incentives for local communities to maintain and protect their natural resources.

On the other hand, tourism can lead to increased pollution, and have a damaging effect on the ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife of the areas that it affects. As tourist numbers continue to rise, it is increasingly important to consider the environmental impacts of tourism.

Some of the most common environmental impacts of tourism are water and air pollution, waste management, and climate change. Water pollution is a major issue in many tourist destinations, as the influx of visitors often leads to an increased demand for water resources. This can lead to over-extraction of groundwater, which can deplete aquifers and lead to water shortages. Furthermore, the increased demand for water can also lead to increased discharge of pollutants, such as sewage, into rivers and lakes.

Air pollution is another environmental issue that is often linked to tourism. This is due to the large number of vehicles used to transport tourists around a destination, as well as the burning of fossil fuels to power hotels and other tourist attractions. This can lead to an increase in air pollution in the area, which can have a damaging effect on the local environment and human health.

Waste management is another environmental impact of tourism. Tourists often generate a large amount of waste, including plastic packaging, food waste, and other items. This can lead to an increase in the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of, which can put pressure on local waste management systems and cause pollution if not properly managed.

Finally, climate change is another environmental impact of tourism. Tourism requires energy to power hotels, transport, and other activities, and this energy often comes from burning fossil fuels. This can contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which can lead to global warming and climate change.

In conclusion, there are many environmental impacts of tourism, such as water and air pollution, waste management, and climate change. It is important for tourists to be aware of these impacts and take steps to minimize them, in order to ensure that tourism has a positive impact on the environment. In future posts we will discuss these environmental impacts in greater detail. In closing, here are a few objective examples of the positive and negative impacts tourism can have on an environment in a destination community.

Learn more about the Blue Community and our 12 Strategies for achieving more sustainable tourism.

Examples of positive environmental impacts of tourism:

- Creating job opportunities, which can incentivize local communities to preserve and protect their natural resources

- Bringing money and resources into a region, which can stimulate the local economy

Examples of negative environmental impacts of tourism:

- Over-extraction of groundwater and water pollution, due to increased demand for water resources

- Air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels to power hotels and tourist attractions

- Increase in waste generation, which can put pressure on local waste management systems

Is Your Home Safe From the Threat of Rising Seas?

2022-12-02T09:24:00.003-08:00

Coastline Paradox uses Google Maps Street View imagery to visualize how rising sea levels are likely to affect locations around the world over the next three hundred years. The map was created by Finnish artists Pekka Niittyvirta and Timo Aho to provide a powerful visualiztion of likely sea level rises and their effects on global migration.

Using Coastline Paradox it is possible to view the likely effects of rising sea levels at locations around the world for any year between now and 2300. Select one of the global locations marked on the map with a blue dot and a panoramic Street View image will appear. Superimposed on top of this image is a glowing white line which shows the likely future sea level at that location. You can adjust the date for the sea level prediction at any location by using the timeline control above the map.

A text box is also superimposed on top of the Street View image informing you of the year displayed, the number of feet that the sea will have risen by that date and the number of people who will likely have been displaced at the selected location by the rising sea level. The sea level rises displayed on the map are based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (2019).

It is possible to make a sea level rise visualization a little more realistic by using AI to add a little water to a Street View image. Foe example, the picture above shows how the Louvre art gallery might appear after global sea level rises have flooded Paris. This imagined view of the Louvre was created by ThisClimateDoesNotExit.

ThisClimateDoesNotExist is a clever Google Street View based application which allows you to see how your house might look after your street has flooded. To create an imagined view of your flooded house you just need to type your address into ThisClimateDoesNotExist's Google Map. If Google Street View imagery is available at this address you can then view an 'AI' generated image of your home under a few feet of water.

ThisClimateDoesNotExist claims to be "an AI-driven experience based on empathy". What this means is that the application does not use any real rising sea level predictions to picture your house under water. It just portrays an imagined scenario. As long as the user is clear that the enhanced Street View image isn't based on any real climate change science then the generated picture of an address can have a strong emotional impact. Nobody wants to really see their home flooded by rising waters.

I suspect that both Coastline Paradox and ThisClimateDoesNotExist have used the GSVPanoDepth Street View depth library to visualise sea level rise in such a powerful way.

Almost 20% of Singapore is reclaimed land. The country is therefore very worried about the likely effects of rising sea levels. In order to illustrate the possible impact of sea level rise the Straits Times has created a virtual reality visualization called Singapore Underwater.

Singapore Underwater uses virtual reality to show how Singapore might look in the future if global warming leads to rising sea levels. Singapore Underwater explains the reasons why sea levels are rising around the world. The visualization also looks at how Singapore might try to mitigate against rising seas and the possible impact of land loss and saltwater contamination of the country's farmland & reservoirs.

Singapore Underwater is best viewed with a VR headset but it can be viewed on a desktop, tablet or mobile device.

The recent devastating floods in Pakistan and Australia have obviously led many people to wonder about how susceptible their homes are to flooding. One consequence of global heating and rising sea levels is that flood risks are increasing across the world and these kind of lethal floods are going to become much more common.

Climate Risk's Coastal Risk Map allows you to view your risk from projected sea level rise and coastal flooding by year, water level, and by elevation.Share your location with the Coastal Risk Map and you can view the potential flood risk for different years and for different levels of sea level rise.

Maps Mania: Mapping Real-Time Carbon Emissions

2022-11-11T15:32:00.006-08:00

Maps Mania: Mapping Real-Time Carbon Emissions:Every day humans release 162 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the troposphere. This level of pollution is completely unsustainable and is directly leading to global heating. Now for the first time ever you can discover the individual facilities around the world which are the biggest contibutors to the destruction of planet Earth.

A new interactive map from Climate TRACE identifies, tracks, and monitors sources of greenhouse emissions around the globe. The map allows anyone to discover and monitor the 79,000 highest emitting greenhouse gas sources in the world.

The Climate TRACE Emissions Map uses scaled map markers to show the locations of facilities around the world emitting greenhouse gases and to show the level of gases emitted. The map also allows you to explore the levels of greenhouse gases emitted by individual countries and industrial sectors. The data from the map comes from an analysis of satellite imagery and from self-reported emissions data.

According to Climate TRACE the new map shows that self-reported data by countries and industries does not reflect the true levels of greenhouse gas emissions around the world. For example last year " the actual emissions from global oil and gas production collectively were around double what was self-reported to the UN in 2020."

The interactive map includes a number of controls which allow you to filter the information shown on the map. You can filter the map to show individual countries, individual sectors of industry and different types of greenhouse gas emissions. For example you can filter the map to show only the highest emitters of carbon dioxide in the United States. Doing this reveals that the Permian oil & gas field in Texas is the highest polluter of CO2 in the U.S. In 2021 it emitted nearly 71 mt of CO2, which was almost double the amount of CO2 emitted by the third highest polluter of CO2 in the USA.

The third highest source of CO2 in the USA was the motor vehicles of Los Angeles (36.47 mt CO2). In comparison motor vehicles in London, a city with over double the population of LA, emitted 4.43 mt of CO2.

Where and How to Find YOUR Civic Leaders

2022-11-01T12:17:00.002-07:00

Civic Information Lookup Tool makes finding the contact information for your local civic leaders a breeze. Plug in the location information and get the info in a click!

Simply plug in your address or even your Zip Code and you will instantly find all of the local civic leaders in your region of the world.

Happy Halloween from Blue Community

2022-10-30T13:30:00.003-07:00

Happy #Halloween! There's nothing scarier than a world where we fail to achieve the #GlobalGoals.

It’s high time for everyone to step up action #ForPeopleForPlanet. un.org/sustainabledev

Newest Global Air Pollution Report (Map)

2022-10-27T14:01:00.002-07:00

The Swiss air quality technology company IQAir has released the first major global air quality report using the new air pollution guidelines from the World Health Organization. The 2021 World Air Quality Report tracks the air quality in 6,475 cities in 117 countries.

The IQAir report is accompanied by an interactive map which allows you to view the 2021 PM2.5 average in each city and to view where it ranks in comparison to the other 6,474 cities in the report, based on its levels of air pollution.

In 2021 only 222 cities around the world reported average air quality that would meet the WHO’s guideline for safe PM2.5 levels. Of the world's capital cities New Delhi, India and Dhaka, Bangladesh recorded the average worst air pollution. Bangladesh, Chad and Pakistan have the worst population weighted air pollution levels of individual countries. In the United States Los Angeles has the worst air pollution of the cities featured in the report.

Source: Google Maps Mania

Global Air Pollution Report 2021

Blue Community Assessment Documentation

2022-10-24T10:52:00.002-07:00

We have been compiling all of the Blue Community Assessment for Sustainable Tourism Documentation here.

All of the content inside this documentation wiki is subject to change over time.

Aligning Destination Communities with the 17 UN SDGs

2022-10-23T11:11:00.001-07:00

We aim to challenge the negative impacts of tourism by providing a place where destination communities can collaboratively measure, report, track and analyze local sustainability efforts, as a team. Each team is assigned a color which represents the destination members of that team have permissions to edit, update or contribute to.

Every question inside the assessment not only cross references both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the GSTC Criteria, it also provides an opportunity to provide proof of claims in the form of photo, video, document, reference link or otherwise. This not only allows everyone in the team in sync with the most current data, it also allows those stakeholders who are following your progress to build a trust with the data reported by the team.

An integrated Sustainability Glossary is provided allowing assessors to upload their own photo examples for any term and attribute their destination and team. Eventually these examples will be showcased throughout the destination dashboard.

Help the community trust you by providing the transparency stakeholders seek

Along with providing reference links to claims made inside the assessment, you can upload photos, videos, documents and evidence. When your destination provides demonstrable proof of improvement and implementations, the public will have a way to see you accomplish your established goals in real time. Blue Community will help your team with your plan and everything you need to succeed with your team efforts. Each section has a place for recording "Notes to Stakeholders" This is where goals can be announced and visible to stakeholders of your community. Whenever a goal set by a team is achieved, it is eligible to become a best practice for other communities to try locally.

Everything is connected. Assessment questions provide direct integrated reference to the related GSTC criteria as well as the UNWTO Sustainable Development Goals and the 12 Blue Community strategies co-developed with Walt Disney Environmental & Wildlife divisions. The UN SDGs also provide relationship to both questions and GSTC criteria.

Having the most current data is paramount to setting goals for your Blue Community. As the data becomes converted into graphs inside the Destination Dashboard, all representation of change over time will become exciting for your team, especially when the data proves the achievement of a goal.

A System of Accountability and Transparency

No more greenwashing. All edits made to the destination data are time stamped and the change becomes attributed to the person making the change. This data is only viewable by the members belonging to the same team. This change becomes archived to our database and recorded as a new change within the blockchain. The blue community blockchain keeps a record of every change which happens to the data over time, beginning from the date baseline was established.

Setting Goals and Communicating with Stakeholders

Each section has a place for recording "Notes to Stakeholders" This is where goals can be announced and visible to stakeholders of your community. Whenever a goal set by a team is achieved, it is eligible to become a best practice for other communities to try locally.

Best practices are the backbone for action in Blue Communities. They help us stand up and look all the way around at where we are, where we need to be and how we get there. It is very simple to record a number and providing proof isn't difficult either. It is the act of setting a goal to improve which moves the needle. It is knowing the answer to a question so well that you cannot wait for the new data to become available.

The 12 Blue Community Strategies for Sustainable Tourism

2022-10-23T10:36:00.001-07:00

Blue Community Strategies For A Sustainable Planet & Healthy Oceans

The Ocean is facing the possibility of mass extinction according to a high level International workshop recently convened at Oxford University.

The key threats include: ocean acidification, climate change , ocean pollution, and overfishing at a rate that is 40% greater than the oceans can sustain.

Since most of the carbon emission as well as over 80% of ocean pollution is land based, there are several strategies that those concerned with sustainable tourism can implement to mitigate these concerns.

The twelve Blue Community strategies were developed in collaboration with the Walt Disney Animal, Science, and Environment team utilizing approaches that not only move tourism to sustainability, but are also proven to be cost effective.

The 12 Blue Community Strategies:

Improve Building Design - Build more sustainably and for disaster reduction.

Promote Mass Transportation - Reduce carbon emissions

Reduce Energy Use

Water Conservation

Improve Waste Management

Reduce Use of Plastic

Promote Local Organic or Hydroponic Food

Promote Sustainable Seafood

Protect Coastal Habitat & Cultural Heritage

Clean Marina Initiative

Education

Planning, Policy, and Management

Record and Edit Your Destination Data as a Team, Over Time

2022-10-23T10:32:00.001-07:00

Sustainable Tourism is a Team Effort

Unlike many sustainability related assessments which require someone on a team to do most of the work, the blue community assessment app is meant to be edited as a team. Every team inside the blue community assessment is notated by a color that color team associate you with all of the data for your destinations. A team manager can easily assign different sections of the assessment to different people in the team depending on their expertise. This way team members will only have between five and 10 questions to keep track of overtime. Having the most current data is paramount to setting goals for your Blue Community.

As the data becomes converted into graphs inside the Destination Dashboard, all representation of change over time will become exciting for your team, especially when the data proves the achievement of a goal.

How Destination Teams Work

We take the ability to edit data for a destination quite seriously. For this reason users of the assessment app will login with an email address that is associated with their team. By logging in as a team member associated with the team, you are able to easily edit sustainability data across all of the metrics without distractions. All data that is edited and submitted through the assessment app is reflected in real time to the Blue communities dashboard for stakeholders. One of the features that makes the blue community assessment much different than anything else like it is the focus on accountability and transparency. For this reason every edit made overtime to data related to a destination is archived and blocked chain for review at a later date if needed.

By providing data in this transparent manner you will gain the trust of the stakeholders through the process of setting goals proclaiming actions and meeting those goals over time.

The assessment includes all of the questions that are that are part of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) destination criteria. With those particularly questions there is a link to the specific GSTC criteria and examples of the kind of evidence you might provide in your descriptions, attachments, or website url links. In some cases the assessment asks for data. In those cases it is followed by a request for the source of your data. A source may be a website url link or the name title and contact info for the source of the data. All questions in the assessment need to be answered before proceeding to the next step of completing the online sustainability management plan.

Sustainability is Everyone's Responsibility

2022-10-23T09:44:00.009-07:00

We have been introducing the Blue Community Assessment for Sustainable Tourism . In this post we will explain the types of questions asked inside the assessment and subject matters included. We have a nice collection of articles related to Sustainable Tourism for you to explore as well.

There are 20 metric groups with 135 questions to assess sustainability locally...

Don't worry, you will not be responsible to submitting all of the data yourself....
The assessment and your community's data will be submitted and edited as a team, over time.
After your team is set up, you can invite experts and specialists in your community to gather data for any section.
Every destination community has a dedicated team represented with a color beginning with the same letter as the first in your community. Example: Orlando is the Orange Team.

Assessment Questions

Blue Community Metrics Legend

Symbol	Metric Group
📇	Destination Contact Information
⚙️	Sustainability Management
😎	Tourism Satisfaction
🧲	Tourism Promotion
💹	Socio Economic Sustainability
🏖️	Tourism Seasonality
🍛	Cultural Sustainability
☀️	Energy Management
💧	Water Management
♻️	Waste Management
🌄	Land Management
🏗️	Building Design
🚇	Transportation
🍼	Plastic Reduction
🌿	Organic/Hydroponic Foods
🦐	Sustainable Seafood
🏞️	Habitat Protections
⛵	Certified Clean Marinas
🏫	Education Programs
🌎	Planetary Boundaries

Features of Sustainability Assessment for Destinations

Every destination inside the app has a dedicated team for making edits to metrics. You can add members to your team for any metric group. With an in-app dashboard, you can track the progress of your sustainability efforts for your destination, anytime, anywhere. You'll find the entire Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria integrated into the Assessment App in addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each question in the assessment is cross referenced with the related 12 Blue Community Strategies, the UN SDGs and the GSTC Criteria which specifically represents the subject matter.

Track Your Sustainability Efforts & Progress From Now until Forever:

Establish a baseline for your community by completing a series of questions, based on themes in sustainability. The Blue Community Assessment app allows the work of data collection, entry and update to be distributed across a team. All destinations are assigned a team color. When assessors log in, the system already knows that team they belong to and which criteria they are permitted to edit/update/access. Once all 133 questions have been given an initial answer, 100% of baseline will be complete. From that moment forward, everything is tracked based on updates provided to the assessment over time, activating Historical Data modules and such.

Give the Stakeholders a Reason to Trust You

Help the community trust you by providing the transparency stakeholders seek. Along with providing reference links to claims made inside the assessment, you can upload photos, videos, documents and evidence. When your destination provides demonstrable proof of improvement and implementations, the public will have a way to see you accomplish your established goals in real time. Blue Community will help your team with your plan and everything you need to succeed with your team efforts.

Establish & Showcase Best Practices in Sustainability

In addition to establishing best practices by improving a destinations metrics, you can add best practices to the system and sort by category and metric group

Learn from Best Practices in other destinations within the system.

Track your destination’s progress over time, as a system, and engage your stakeholders in a in a transparent and easy to manage assessment application. When something improves within a metric group, your Destination will have the opportunity to add a Best Practice to the Blue Community Assessment system

Do you live in a Blue Community?

2022-10-22T16:33:00.007-07:00

We cannot improve what we do know. Therefore, we begin by establishing a baseline for your community by completing a series of questions, based on themes in sustainability.

Establishing a Baseline

The Blue Community Assessment app is a paperless process inside an easy to edit cloud-based virtual sustainability assessment ecosystem for destination communities. It allows the work of data collection, entry and update to be distributed across a team. All destinations are assigned a team color. When assessors log in, the system already knows that team they belong to and which criteria they are permitted to edit/update/access. Once all 135 questions have been given an initial answer, 100% of baseline will be complete. From that moment forward, everything is measured and tracked based on updates provided to the assessment over time, activating "Historical Data Modules" (more on this later).

Blue Community Sustainability Assessment Metrix

a Metric Matrix for tracking Sustainability Goals in Destination Communities

📇⚙️😎🧲💹🏖️🍛☀️💧♻️🌄🏗️🚇🍼🌿🦐🏞️⛵🏫🌎

Blue Community Metrics Legend
Symbol Metric Group
📇 Destination Contact Information
⚙️ Sustainability Management
😎 Tourism Satisfaction
🧲 Tourism Promotion
💹 Socio Economic Sustainability
🏖️ Tourism Seasonality
🍛 Cultural Sustainability
☀️ Energy Management
💧 Water Management
♻️ Waste Management
🌄 Land Management
🏗️ Building Design
🚇 Transportation
🍼 Plastic Reduction
🌿 Organic/Hydroponic Foods
🦐 Sustainable Seafood
🏞️ Habitat Protections
⛵ Certified Clean Marinas
🏫 Education Programs
🌎 Planetary Boundaries

Features of Sustainability Assessment for Destinations

Every destination inside the app has a dedicated team for making edits to metrics. You can add members to your team for any metric group.
With an in-app dashboard, you can track the progress of your sustainability efforts for your destination, anytime, anywhere.
You'll find the entire Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria integrated into the Assessment App in addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each question in the assessment is cross referenced with the related 12 Blue Community Strategies, the UN SDGs and the GSTC Criteria which specifically represents the subject matter.

With an in-app dashboard, you can track the progress of your sustainability efforts for your destination, anytime, anywhere.
You'll find the entire Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria integrated into the Assessment App in addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each question in the assessment is cross referenced with the related 12 Blue Community Strategies, the UN SDGs and the GSTC Criteria which specifically represents the subject matter.

Brief Introduction to Blue Community Sustainability Assessment

2022-10-22T15:53:00.007-07:00

Your community's data is currently locked up inside silos. It's now time to break that data out, record it and get a better overall picture of how your tourism operations are impacting the planet and local residents. Organizing your data is like a puzzle - you need to figure out which pieces to use, where to put them and how to connect them all. We have made it easier for you with this integrated tool that helps you plan & organize projects without any hassle.

Blue Community Sustainability Assessment enables leaders in your community to create and edit reports directly as a dedicated team. We provide an enterprise-grade data entry and analytics experience geared to stop the cycle of endless data requests.

A holistic approach to sustainable tourism

Our holistic sustainability assessment focuses on a strategic matrix of inquiries regarding local sustainability efforts, practices and policies. Teams decide for themselves how to best delegate the sectional responsibilities. Each section is represented by a single emoji, containing metric questions related to the represented theme. Track your destination’s progress over time, as a system, and engage your stakeholders in a in a transparent and easy to manage assessment application. When something improves within a metric group, your Destination will have the opportunity to add a Best Practice to the Blue Community Assessment system.

Blue Community Assessment Roadmap

Not my earth, not my problem?

Fostering Environmental Sustainability in Tourist Destinations: A Collaborative Endeavor

The Stakeholders' Role in Environmental Sustainability

The Tourism Industry and Suppliers: A Crucial Role Amid Complex Responsibilities

Local Businesses: Guardians of Economic Well-being and Environmental Integrity

Conscientious Tourists: Catalyzing Change Through Responsible Choices

Collaboration and the Path Forward

Effective Waste Management: A Cornerstone of Sustainability

The Intersection of Outdoor Artist Festivals, UN SDGs, and Measuring Sustainability

Outdoor Artist Festivals, UN SDGs and Measuring Sustainability Impact

UN SDGs which align with Artist Festivals

Here are some Questions to Ask to Measure Impact over Time

A List of Possible Positive Social Impacts

A list of possible data collection methods:

Who Do We Blame In The Tourism Industry?

Tourism Businesses: The Frontline of Change

Tourists: The Power of Conscious Choices

Suppliers: The Backbone of Sustainable Infrastructure

Airlines and Transportation Companies

Hotels and Resorts

Government Regulations and Incentives

Funding Research and Innovation

Eliminating Greenwashing: A Collective Responsibility

The Future of Sustainable Tourism

Authoritative Sources:

Sea Level Rise in South Beach

How to Manage Tourism Impacts on the Environment

What is Sustainable Tourism?

What are Some Negative Environmental Impacts of Tourism?

Negative Impacts of Tourism

Related Posts:

What are Some Positive Environmental Impacts of Tourism?

Responsible Tourism: What is it?

Real Life examples of responsible tourism:

What is Tourism?

What is Tourism?

Examples of positive environmental impacts of tourism:

Is Your Home Safe From the Threat of Rising Seas?

Maps Mania: Mapping Real-Time Carbon Emissions

Where and How to Find YOUR Civic Leaders

Happy Halloween from Blue Community

Newest Global Air Pollution Report (Map)

Global Air Pollution Report 2021

Blue Community Assessment Documentation

Aligning Destination Communities with the 17 UN SDGs

Help the community trust you by providing the transparency stakeholders seek

A System of Accountability and Transparency

Setting Goals and Communicating with Stakeholders

The 12 Blue Community Strategies for Sustainable Tourism

Blue Community Strategies For A Sustainable Planet & Healthy Oceans

The 12 Blue Community Strategies:

Record and Edit Your Destination Data as a Team, Over Time

Sustainable Tourism is a Team Effort

How Destination Teams Work

Sustainability is Everyone's Responsibility

Blue Community Metrics Legend

Do you live in a Blue Community?

We cannot improve what we do know. Therefore, we begin by establishing a baseline for your community by completing a series of questions, based on themes in sustainability.

Establishing a Baseline

Blue Community Sustainability Assessment Metrix

a Metric Matrix for tracking Sustainability Goals in Destination Communities

📇⚙️😎🧲💹🏖️🍛☀️💧♻️🌄🏗️🚇🍼🌿🦐🏞️⛵🏫🌎

Blue Community Metrics Legend

Features of Sustainability Assessment for Destinations

Brief Introduction to Blue Community Sustainability Assessment

A holistic approach to sustainable tourism