Tourism Rises To The Ocean Challenge At Blue Transformation
Tourism Rises To The Ocean Challenge At Blue Transformation hence advancing Sustainable and Resilient Ocean Economies for People and Planet.
tourism took centre stage in advancing sustainable ocean economies. In partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme .
the One Planet Network, UN Tourism convened the high-level event “Blue Tourism:
This session brought together ministers, multilateral institutions, private sector leaders, and civil society to explore how circular approaches, climate action
regenerative investment can transform tourism’s relationship with the ocean.
Tourism accounts for 33% of the blue economy, ahead of maritime transport at 22% and fisheries at just this gives us not only influence—but responsibility.”
The event also marked the official launch of the 2024 Annual Report of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative
reinforcing efforts to reduce pollution at the source and promote circular solutions across tourism value chains.
Additionally, UN Tourism joined the co-design process of the One Ocean Finance Facility, a multi-agency effort to redirect capital from ocean-dependent industries—including tourism—into sustainable blue economy solutions.
The facility, spearheaded by the Capital Development Fund and the United Nations Development Programme
aims to unlock blended and innovative financing for ocean health, climate-smart innovation,
community resilience, particularly in Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries
Jorge Laguna-Celis, Head of the One Planet Network at UNEP, emphasised the importance of addressing plastic pollution in the tourism sector, stating,
“While tourism plays a vital role in many coastal economies, it is also a major contributor to plastic pollution
a pressing environmental challenge that threatens the health of fragile marine ecosystems
This report highlights the ongoing efforts made by our signatories in tackling problematic plastics in the sector and thus contributing to the resilience of coastal tourism economies.”
The conference also saw the launch of the Ocean Tourism Pact, marking a milestone in global cooperation for ocean-positive tourism.
under the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, the Pact aims to establish a Coastal and Maritime Tourism Working Group
accelerate the implementation of tourism sector commitments, such as the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.
Tourism was also featured in multiple partner events, showcasing the breadth of momentum for transformation.
These initiatives represent a concerted effort by UN Tourism, various stakeholders to promote sustainable and resilient ocean economies
the tourism sector into a driver of positive change for the ocean and the communities that rely on it.
Compiled by
World Travel News, Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
