COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HOLDS HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON TOURISM
Press Release
ENV/DEV/504
COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT HOLDS HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON TOURISM
19990421 Deputy Secretary-General, Executive Director of UNEP, Representatives of Government, Trade Unions, Industry and NGOs Address MeetingIn the absence of proper planning and management, development related to tourism could lead to economic problems, as well as to such environmental hazards as deforestation, soil erosion and loss of biological diversity, Louise Frechette, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, told the Commission on Sustainable Development this afternoon as it held its high-level meeting on tourism.
Thirty government Ministers and other representatives spoke on the topic of tourism, which is one of the Commission's substantive themes for its seventh annual session, scheduled to end on 30 April. Tourism was taken up as part of the Commission's overall mandate to monitor implementation of Agenda 21, the action plan adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
From 19 to 21 April, governments, businesses, trade unions and activist groups have debated proposals on how to reduce the negative environmental, cultural and social impacts of the tourism industry. At its nineteenth special session, the General Assembly recommended that the Commission develop an action plan on sustainable tourism, to be defined in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization and other relevant bodies.
Ms. Frechette said that tourism was the only major sector in international trade and services in which developing countries have consistently had surpluses with the rest of the world. Dependence on tourism could, however, have many implications. Since many countries relied excessively on tourism, there were links between the performance of the tourism sector and the country's economic fortunes. Human rights issues also came up in the context of tourism, especially with regard to sex tourism and children.
Governments, first and foremost, must take firm responsibility for combating sex tourism and child abuse by enacting and enforcing effective protection laws, stressed the representative of Germany, speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated countries. The Union had intensified efforts to combat sex tourism, in particular children's involvement, and
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European industry had voluntarily undertaken initiatives to curb the problem. The tourism industry, for its part, should commit itself to the goal of sustainable tourism by working towards a global code of conduct.
The representative of Guyana, speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, urged developed countries to meet their international commitments. Those countries had so far failed to fulfil their Agenda 21 commitments to transfer technology and provide requisite financial support to developing countries, thus hampering attempts to put developing countries on an equal footing with developed countries with respect to limiting and reducing production and consumption.
During the dialogue segment of the meeting, representatives of trade unions, non-governmental organizations, local authorities and the tourism industry summarized their views on sustainable tourism. Speakers stressed the importance of involving workers in the tourism industry in sustainable development efforts. They also said that tourism policies should be based on ethical principles that included maximizing the benefits of tourism on the local economy. A representative of industry noted that tourism spearheaded economic growth in many areas by creating jobs, replacing declining industry and underpinning developments in emerging markets.
In a closing statement, Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), emphasized the need for the international community to be more clear in defining the terms and initiatives for sustainable tourism. It should be realized that while tourism was currently a part of the problem, it could become a part of the solution to sustainable development problems, he added.
Statements this afternoon were also made by representatives of Thailand, Zimbabwe, Ecuador, Indonesia, Greece, Kenya, Spain, Poland, United Republic of Tanzania, Guyana, Germany, Slovenia, Namibia, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Costa Rica, Austria, Argentina, Peru, Krygzstan, Republic of Moldova, Cyprus, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, and Iran.
The Permanent Observer for Switzerland to the United Nations also spoke.
The Commission will meet again at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 22 April, to convene a high-level dialogue on the subject of oceans and seas and sustainable development.
Commission Work Programme
The Commission on Sustainable Development, charged with monitoring the implementation of Agenda 21, the action plan of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), met this afternoon to begin the high- level part of its current session. Today, the high-level meeting will bring together government ministers and policy makers from around the world to address tourism and sustainable development, considering emerging policy issues and providing political impetus to the implementation of decisions. Tomorrow, high-level meetings will take up oceans and seas, while Friday's meetings will consider the sustainable development of small island developing States and consumption and production patterns.
The Commission had before it a report of Inter-sessional Ad Hoc Working Group on Consumption and Production Patterns and on Tourism (document E/CN.17/1999/16) and a report of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Oceans and Seas and on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (document E/CN.17/1999/17). (For background on these reports, see Press Release ENV/DEV/499; for further background on the work of the Commission during its current session, see Press Release ENV/DEV/498.)
Statements
SUWIT KHUNKITTI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Science, Technology and Environment of Thailand, said that Thai tourism had been expanding for 10 years. Income from tourism now accounted for 8 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and played an important part in the economy. Sustainable tourism required healthy government policy. Therefore, the current meeting was timely for Thailand. Natural resources and cultural heritage were the most important aspects of tourism. Four sites in Thailand had been world heritage listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), thus establishing a close link between sustainable tourism and sustaining the environment.
Thailand was working diligently and at great cost to achieve a comprehensive and environmentally friendly approach to tourism, he said. The industry had learned from past mistakes. Short-term development and poor planning had resulted in urban sprawl and pollution at famous Thai tourism spots, such as Pattaya and Phuket. Affirmative steps had been taken by the Government to address those. Such short-sighted development was now firmly discouraged, and the "polluter pays" principle was vigorously enforced.
A master plan for 1999-2000 had been developed, he added, focusing on greening tourism. Its specific objectives included using tourism to emphasize the value of natural resources. Through ecotourism networks, the Government had worked with the private sector to promote tourism and trigger community participation in environmental protection. The "Amazing Thailand" tourist promotion of 1998 and 1999 emphasized the greening of tourism.
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SIMON KHAYA MOYO, Minister of Mines, Environment and Tourism of Zimbabwe, said that as the fastest growing industry, tourism remained a challenge in the quest for achieving sustainable development. It was one of his country's primary sources for earning foreign currency and employment, and for eradicating poverty. His Government had embarked on a number of initiatives to implement the goals of Agenda 21. Its policies for managing the environment and for tourism would be under one portfolio. An environment management bill was set to become law in the current year, bringing together the various legislative instruments that had a direct bearing on environmental management.
Zimbabwe had auctioned 20 tonnes of raw ivory last week, he said. That had been possible by the lifting of a 10-year ban on trade in ivory, which had been imposed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The proceeds of the auction would benefit local people, he said.
Tourism should be a key element in poverty eradication and social development, he said. Tourism could be a twenty-first century commodity in much of the developing world, in a way that mining and agriculture had been for the past two centuries. The ultimate beneficiaries of tourism should be local communities. The challenge facing developing countries was to create a partnership between the public and private sectors. Local authorities and communities should be effectively involved in all stages of planning, development and management of sustainable tourism.
ROCIO VASQUEZ, Minister of Tourism of Ecuador, said her country was multicultural and rich with biodiversity. Ecotourism was the best valid alternative to promote sustainable development in terms of economy, environment and social welfare. Her Government had embarked on a number of initiatives in that regard. It was promoting inter-institutional agreements for each eco-region, as well as programmes to encourage national ecotourism and strategies to preserve biological and cultural diversity through intersectoral plans and impact studies. The active participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in such efforts was important, she stressed.
Economic benefits from ecotourism would go to areas that were involved, she said. Her Government planned to protect the integrity of local communities and environments by strengthening the participation of local communities. That was within the framework of the proposed reform bill on tourist development. Distinct territorial characteristics would be borne in mind regarding eco-regions and sustainability. Ecuador had recognized seven distinct eco-regions: Amazon; Andes; Choco; coastal areas; Gulf of Guayaquil; dry forests; and the Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador's efforts had been recognized internationally, she said. It was leading the world in ecotourism. The Government placed priority on maintaining
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the ecological balance in the Galapagos Islands, and had implemented rules to control the introduction of non-native species to the islands, among other measures. There was need to hear the experience of other countries that had developed successful programmes. The United Nations could be helpful by facilitating such an exchange and by enabling technological and information sharing.
GEDE ADRDIKA, Director-General of Tourism of Indonesia, said tourism had become one of the world's largest industries. The industry had enormous potential for the economy and was a critical sector in promoting employment. The Indonesian vision for tourism involved enhancing the prosperity and peace of people. A balanced relationship between the needs of people and the conservation of culture and the environment was required. The Indonesian vision implicitly involved sustainable development. The tourism industry in Indonesia was developed from the people, for the people and by the people. Internationally, he believed that the host country and visitors must be put on an equal level in responsibility for the local environment. The integrity of host communities must be preserved.
Another major concern was that foreign enterprises could monopolize the tourism industry, he said. There should be a fair balance between the benefits to local participants and investors. Local people must benefit from tourism, and not just at the lowest levels of employment. Particular attention must be paid to assisting in the establishment of small- and medium- sized enterprises, as those were a key to local employment. He recommended that the Commission consider two points: that tourism should provide value and economic means to local people and, as much as possible, for sustainable development; and that the host country and visitors should have equal responsibility in implementing sustainable development.
THEODOROS KOLIOPANOS, Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works of Greece, conveyed his Government's concern over the negative impacts that the continuing conflict in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia had brought to bear upon local natural and human ecosystems in the Balkans. He said that the eventual risks from toxic substances released into the air, ground and water might raise significant issues. Perhaps, the United Nations could some day monitor, assess and even remedy the often catastrophic damages that conflicts caused to natural ecosystems, which thereby jeopardized the lives of future generations.
Tourism must be pursued in the context of a broader strategy of sustainable development, requiring the mobilization of several actors at all levels from both the public and private sectors, he said. A synergy of the various actors, a flexible policy mix, and appropriate action were essential components of achieving sustainable development through tourism. Moreover, a sustainable development strategy in which tourism played a major role should be adapted to the particularity of each area, on the basis of its environmental value, fragility and the pressures resulting from tourism. At
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the international level, policy coordination would minimize the negative impacts of international tourism on destinations with valuable cultural and natural heritage.
CLEMENT K. MWATSAMA, Director of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism of Kenya, said that in the last three decades tourism development in his country had been pursued on the basis of sustainability at all levels . The Wildlife Management and Conservation -- now Kenya Wildlife -- Act now protected the natural habitat of most wildlife in the country. Due to the importance of tourism in the national economy as a source of foreign exchange earnings and provider of employment opportunities, the Government established a specialized hotel and tourism college to ensure sustainability in the quality of manpower employed in the industry and the service rendered to residents and visitors alike.
He said decision-making had been decentralized. The district development committees discussed and approved all development projects located within areas of jurisdiction. That allowed local people to air their views on all development activities at the grass-roots level, with special emphasis on tourism. In most local areas, the one limiting factor on tourism development was the problem of sewage and waste disposal.
His delegation called upon the donor community to assist in the planning, management and protection of the environment and tourism development. Kenya's tourism industry private sector, through fraternal associations, had also developed self-regulatory mechanisms and forums for dialogue between the Government and individual investors in tourism.
CLARO FERNANDEZ-CARNICERO, Under-Secretary for the Ministry of Environment of Spain, said that tourism in recent decades had become of prime importance, particularly for economic and social development. It affected hundreds of millions of people and the quality of life. Spain sought to establish priorities for tourism and sustainable development. In 1998, the tourism sector accounted for 11 per cent of Spain's gross national product and more than 1 million jobs. It had one of the largest hotel infrastructures in the world. Adequately managing natural spaces to ensure the integration of economic and environmental concerns was not easy, but Spain had integrated plans for new and for well-established parts of the tourism industry.
The first requirement of effective management was cooperation and collaboration, at the national, regional and municipal levels and with all stakeholders, he said. Spain was aware of that and had implemented a programme for sustainable tourism with broad cooperation from the tourism sector. The response had been positive. Major operators had become involved in environmental reconversion processes, to preserve the viability and competitiveness of their industry.
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The changed awareness of the importance of the environment and of action to protect it must be extended to citizens in such a way as to allow their daily participation, he continued. Education campaigns to encourage that involvement were being carried out. Additionally, a cooperation agreement between the two relevant government ministries had been signed to coordinate the various health and waste issues related to tourism. Spain had introduced many initiatives, both nationally and as a member of the Mediterranean Commission. He suggested that the Mediterranean Commission might become an observer at the Commission on Sustainable Development
JAN SZYSZKO, Minister for Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Forestry of Poland, said coastal zones, mountains and forests were being exposed to the pressure of millions of tourists. Tourism also challenged local communities. Sex tourism and child prostitutes were among the most extreme, negative sides of tourism. Yet, the industry also created jobs and produced economic growth. According to the World Tourism Organization, Poland was the eighth most visited country in the world. In 1998, close to 20 million tourists came, primarily to appreciate its beautiful regions. That seriously pressured the natural and cultural values of the region. Poland shared problems with other countries that had recently been discovered as tourist attractions, particularly those with economies in transition.
He hoped the Commission's seventh session would, in its final decision, address the need for further clarification of the term "sustainable tourism". It should also address the role and responsibility of stakeholders other than governments, such as the private sector, regional and local authorities, NGOs, labour associations and indigenous people. Further, the Commission's outcome document should stress the need for international and national norms or voluntary codes of conduct, including on the protection of natural and cultural heritages, as well as of the traditional lifestyle of indigenous people. More emphasis could also be given to recommendations to develop agri-tourism and ecotourism, particularly in developing countries and in those with economies in transition.
E.N. LOWASSA, Minister of State, Vice-President's Office, United Republic of Tanzania, said the growth of tourism development had an important socio-economic dimension. As an industry, it generated income for addressing social and economic development concerns. Tourism alone earned his country over $400 million last year, making it a number one foreign exchange earner for the economy. The industry had maintained an impressive average growth rate of more than 16 per cent over the last three years. Like other development sectors, tourism used resources and generated waste. In the process, it gave rise to environmental, cultural and social costs and benefits.
The growth of tourism brought with it the construction of accommodation facilities and accompanying infrastructure, he went on to say. That infrastructure inevitably encroached upon previously open space, natural
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landscapes, or agricultural and pastoral lands. The concentration in time and space of tourists could result in congestion and overloading of tourist amenities and infrastructure. That could cause considerable harm to the environment, while detracting from the quality of services.
He said the growth of the tourism sector and the increasing reliance of many developing countries on that sector, highlighted the need for giving special attention to the relationship between environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. The challenge of the international community was, therefore, to assist developing countries in their struggle to maximize the potential economic and social benefits of tourism, by investing in aid and technical assistance to those countries. Much more needed to be done to resolve the external debt problem of developing countries. He urged the developed countries to write off those debts.
LOUISE FRÉCHETTE, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, turned first to the Commission's sectoral theme of seas and oceans. Oceans were at the heart of the climatic system, essential to trade and an important food source, she said. When discussing oceans, it was often forgotten that nearly two thirds of the world's population lived in coastal areas. Already threatened by pollution and overfishing, the coastal regions -- and the species living in them -- might be irreparably damaged. It was important that marine bioresources be better protected, which required tackling the sources of pollution more energetically. Research on the relationship between seas and oceans and the planet's climate must be intensified. Governments must ratify the applicable treaties and agreements, including the 1995 Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, which had still not come into force.
Turning then to the Commission's economic theme, tourism, she said it was the only major sector in international trade and services in which developing countries had consistently had surpluses with the rest of the world. In the absence of proper planning and management, however, tourism development could lead to deforestation, soil erosion and the loss of biological diversity. It could also pose economic risks. Since many countries relied excessively on a single source of tourist, there were links between the performance of the tourism sector and the economic fortunes of the source country. Human rights issues were also involved in sex tourism, especially when children were involved.
She said she looked forward to the International Year of Ecotourism, 2002, which had clear links with the oceans and which would help sustain momentum. Oceans and tourism led to the Commission's cross-sectoral theme -- consumption and production patterns, which pervaded everyday life. Consumption of energy and natural resources was growing steadily, driven by globalization, economic development, population growth, technological developments, urbanization and other factors.
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As the international community implemented the programme of action on which it had agreed, there was a need for more involvement from the dynamic and innovative forces of business and industry, she said. Social dimensions must also be central. Education, employment, health and community development were linked to patterns of consumption and production and must be addressed.
Turning then to small island developing States, she said they continued to face a range of serious problems. Financial constraints had led many small island States to de-emphasize sustainable development programmes and instead emphasize improving short-term economic performance. Small islands were experiencing more frequent and more devastating natural disasters. Owing to their small populations and narrow resource bases, those States had largely been bypassed in the globalization of production, distribution and finance. What was done with small islands would have implications beyond their troubled shores. Finally, sustainable development would never be achieved if one of every five people on earth continued to live in the squalor of poverty, she added.
NAVIN CHANDERPAL, Adviser to the President of Guyana on Science, Technology and Environment, speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, said the key to sustainable tourism was enhancing quality of life now, without risking that of generations to come. Agenda 21 stressed that all aspects of environmental protection must be taken into account, including economic and social aspects. All countries used the global set of resources. Traditionally, it had been the developed countries of the North that used the bulk of those resources, and that consumption must be kept in mind. Given the present international resource allocation, and their historical contribution to consumption, the developed countries must address the needs of developing countries. Those needs included investment in skills development and the financial resources to eradicate poverty.
The developed countries must meet their international commitments, he said. The international community had yet to fulfil the commitments of Agenda 21 to transfer technology and provide requisite financial support. Thus, he deplored attempts to put developing countries on an equal footing with developed countries regarding limiting and reducing production and consumption.
Tourism now made a dominant economic contribution to many countries, he said. The basic principles of Agenda 21 on environmental management and social and economic development must be followed. The improvement of the welfare of people was the most important outcome to be achieved, and basic work on capacity building, on education and on public awareness was required before maximum benefit could be garnered from that industry.
Regarding oceans and seas, he wished to draw attention to the critical importance of marine resources as a source of food security, particularly for small island States. It should be suitably covered in the report of this
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seventh session of the Commission. Particular attention should be given to chapter 17 of Agenda 21, and the commitments entered into there should be fulfilled. Requisite technical and financial assistance should be provided to enhance coastal and island communities' capacities to sustainably exploit their marine resources.
The commitments made at UNCED must be honoured, he said. The major change that had occurred since the Rio Conference was that developing countries now had greater need of assistance and support.
JURGEN TRITTIN, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany, spoke on behalf of the European Union and associated countries, and Norway. He said that the Union regarded tourism and sustainable development as a vital issue. It firmly supported the initiative of the Commission to adopt an ambitious and well-defined international action programme on tourism that was directed at all the stakeholders and defined the measures needed for sustainable development in that sector. All future tourism development should be based on the criteria of sustainability, including the need to reduce poverty.
He said that governments must create an appropriate legal, economic, social and environmental framework and use a mix of instruments, such as integrated land use, coastal zone management and economic and tax incentives. First and foremost, governments must take firm responsibility for combating sex tourism and child abuse by enacting and enforcing effective protection laws. The Union had intensified efforts to combat sex tourism, in particular children's involvement. European industry had also taken voluntary initiatives in that field. The tourism industry, for its part, should commit itself to the goal of sustainable tourism by working towards a global code of conduct.
Oceans -- the engines that drove the earth's living system -- were under enormous pressure, with grave consequences for both mankind and ecosystems, he said. The scientific basis for ocean and coastal zone management must be strengthened, and the degradation of the marine environment must be stopped. Equally important was the issue of fisheries and the integration of economic, environmental and social issues into sustainable fisheries management. Attention should also be given to shipping, including the scrapping of ships to prevent further harm to human health and the environment. Globalization was also of particular concern. In that context, trade, environment and development should be addressed in the framework of more sustainable consumption and production patterns. Closely linked to that issue was the fight against poverty, which must be placed at the heart of international development cooperation.
PAVEL GANTAR, Minister of the Environment and Physical Planning of Slovenia, said tourism had become increasingly global and competitive. Globalization implied that more and more tourist destinations were involved in
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the industry. Most of those were environmentally sensitive sites that had thus far been unspoiled by development. The challenge was to bring together the needs of the local population with the demands for preservation of such natural areas. Of utmost importance was proper land-use planning, for there was evidence that such areas were vulnerable to gigantic projects that ultimately devastated the natural environment and the region's economic performance.
Increased competitiveness among tourist regions forced local agents to invent new forms of activities that, in some cases, harmed the natural environment, he said. "Adrenaline-driven" activities, such as rafting on wild rivers, interfered with wildlife, even while fragile ecosystems were being destroyed. It was important to set rules in advance and apply them. If possible, they should be negotiated by the tourism industry and tourism developers at local levels.
The mass nature of contemporary tourism raised questions about the limits of ecological and social sustainability of different tourist sites and areas, he said. Prolonging the peak tourist season seemed an obvious answer, but it also had adverse affects, leaving less time for ecosystems to recover. The framework for tourism Slovenia envisaged would include: a system of concessions for use of natural resources, where precise rules were established; defining the carrying capacity of specific areas; applying spatial and land instruments to tourism development; and requiring environmental impact assessments.
TANGENI ERKANA, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Namibia, said the Commission had gathered to discuss the best avenues for sustainable tourism in the context of globalization, and to make sure that tourism provided a livelihood for people. It was not just concerned with opportunities for employment, however, but also with the environment that would be passed to generations to come.
He said tourism contributed $200 million to Namibia's gross domestic product in 1998, when 500,000 tourists visited the country. By 2002, it was expected to contribute $300 million. Namibia was a peaceful country that offered adventure and exploration to tourists, but not at the expense of security and comfort. Thus, tourism would be likely to continue to play a key role in its development.
Until recently, the tourism sector was developed, owned, managed and controlled by minority private sector groups, offering traditional safaris, he said. In 1998, the Government legislated, in order to promote sustainable tourism, to involve local communities in tourism and the management of the environment. The objectives had been to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and foster community participation and economic growth. Community-based tourism had grown rapidly as a result, and an advocacy association had now been formed
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that promoted sustainable tourism. The success of community-based tourism in Namibia had increased tourism's potential for the benefit of all people.
LASZLO MIKLOS, Minister of Environment of Slovakia, expressed his belief in the harmonization and coordination of environment-related activities between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Commission on Sustainable Development. As the President of the Governing Council of UNEP, he was pleased to report that its twentieth session had underlined the necessity of cooperation between the two bodies.
He supported an integrated approach as one of the crucial principles of sustainable development, he continued. His delegation would welcome the Commission translating basic ideas into more concrete actions, which should, in particular, include the promotion of the principles of chapter 10 of Agenda 21 regarding the integrated approach to land resources. Within the framework of such complex ecologically sound plans, it was necessary to promote the principles of integrated spatial nature conservation with regard to the interests of the people -- parks for people -- as well as the integrated development of ecological networks.
ANDRE ERDOS (Hungary) said that tourism played a vital role in his country's national economy. The Hungarian National Environmental Protection Programme envisaged a reduction of the negative environmental impact of tourism. His country was also undertaking efforts to incorporate the priorities included in Agenda 21 into its national programme of action.
AHMED TAN, Minister of Tourism of Turkey, said his country, by virtue of its rich culture and history, was now among the top 12 tourist destinations in the world. Successive governments, including his own, had placed great emphasis on the development of tourism. All were fully conscious of the need to protect Turkey's heritage and environment. The Ministry of Tourism operated within a framework of national strategies and master plans for tourism. Regional plans for all of the Aegean and Mediterranean coastline had been prepared and master plans were also completed for 80 provinces.
He said Turkey's tourism policy had three goals: to create an efficient tourism sector which could compete effectively in the international market; to diversify the benefits of tourism within the country and develop new areas for tourism; and to preserve and protect archaeological, natural and cultural assets. Within the framework of Turkey's tourism policy, great importance was attached to training and education. Both the physical infrastructure and the existence of qualified personnel were highly important to satisfy the demands of today's tourists. Great care was taken to ensure that foreign tourists met the local population and interacted with them.
Turkey was also applying the "user pays/polluter pays" principle, which was among the most important policy tools for the implementation of sustainable tourism, he said. Particular attention was also given to the
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development of small- and medium-sized enterprises, since they often had difficulties obtaining loans and did not benefit as often from the incentives or finance mechanisms available to larger business concerns. One of the most important implementation tools in terms of achieving environmentally sound tourism was the environmental impact assessment process. Through that process, tourism investments were evaluated and assessed in terms of sustainable land use and environmental infrastructure.
V.I. TSYBUKH, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism of Ukraine, said that sustainable development of tourism should be strictly planned and underpinned by an appropriate regulatory framework. In creating such a framework, an important role could be played by international institutions, such as the World Tourism Organization, UNDP, and UNEP. Voluntary initiatives were an important supplement in that regard. A compilation of all such initiatives, as well as the systemization, description and evaluation of the world's positive experiences, would be valuable.
As ecotourism was increasing in Ukraine, greater attention was being paid to elaborating special programmes for youth, intended to provide ecological education and theoretical and practical training in the field of environmental protection, he said. During its current transitional period, Ukraine encountered significant difficulties in the development of the overall system of tourism, particularly in the introduction of the practice of sustainable tourism. One of the tasks in Ukraine was the development of an integrated national information system for tourism on the basis of modern technologies, which would connect the country to the world information network. He attached particular importance to the attraction of direct foreign investment in the national tourist industry.
DHARMASIRI SENANAYAKE, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka and Chairman of the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization, highlighted several points. First, as the world had realized the need of being eco-friendly while developing, the conservation of nature's gifts and biodiversity should be made a priority. Second, in a high-tech world, facilities such as the Internet and the information superhighway should be used to develop public awareness. Sustainable tourism should ensure the economic and educational benefits the host community derived were shared equitably, while ensuring that socio-cultural, environmental and archaeological resources were preserved for future generations.
Some of the ways in which Sri Lanka had upheld sustainable tourism development was by imposing an upper height limit on building construction and regulations pertaining to waste water and sewage disposal, which prohibited its discharge to the sea, he said. Foreign guests and nationals visiting places of religious worship were required to refrain from using footwear and headgear when entering such places. Also, the possession of or trafficking in narcotics was strictly prohibited.
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He said that there had not been an internationally accepted definition for sustainable tourism development. He said that, to him, that meant "developing and utilizing the available cultural, archaeological and natural resources in a tourist destination to reap economic benefits for the destination, in general, and its community, in particular, without exploiting such resources and ensuring that the resources are preserved for future generations". Since his definition was by no means exhaustive, he invited delegations to arrive at an internationally acceptable definition for sustainable tourism development during their deliberations over the next few days.
THANE MYINT (Myanmar) said that his country recognized the importance of tourism towards sustainable development. Infrastructure development for Myanmar's tourism industry was continuously being developed in accordance with the guidelines laid down in Myanmar's Agenda 21. In developing tourism in the country, special attention was given to the carrying capacity of host destinations. Imbalance in that aspect could disrupt culture, tradition, and the environment. The Ministry of Culture also took care to preserve and promote Myanmar's culture, so that it would not be affected by outside influence. Myanmar subscribed to ecotourism norms, and deemed appropriate the linking of some of the activities of the 2002 Year of Mountains with that of ecotourism.
An interesting aspect of tourism was that it promoted interaction and understanding among peoples, he said. In the long run, that understanding could develop into a base for the worldwide acceptance of the diversity of cultures and peoples, leading to a world of peace. Challenges connected with tourism could be overcome through cooperation and coordination between all parties involved. Technical assistance given without prejudice would be welcome, especially in environmentally sensitive matters concerning tourism, such as conservation of biodiversity and natural habitat, and waste treatment and disposal. Sustainable tourism could be promoted to benefit mankind, if everyone worked together.
LAMBE ARNAUDOV, Deputy Minister of Economy of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, said that while his country had all the conditions to become a highly developed tourist destination, its ambitions had been shattered due to the current developments in the region. Tourists did not go to places where there were ongoing wars, acts of terrorism and refugees. The investors in tourism knew that, so it was logical that they did not invest in areas of crises. The Government's ambition was to preserve the country to keep it unpolluted and ecologically clean and beautiful. On that basis, develop foreign and domestic tourism.
During the current year, due to the Kosovo war, Macedonia's tourist capacities would remain unused, he said. The Commission and the United Nations should contribute to changing that unfavourable situation. Tourist destinations were increasing, competition was rising, and the requests made by
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tourists were growing with regard to quality and prices. All of that would have a greater impact on intensifying tourism as an important sustainable, economic activity. For those reasons, in the future, international cooperation should increase. His country was a place where all people, regardless of their religion and nationality, mutually respected each other.
ELIZABETH ODIO, Vice President and Minister of Environment of Costa Rica, said that for several years her country had been developing a very strong tourism industry. Considerable national effort had been made to establish a system of national parks and private natural preserves. In addition, coastal resources, with the aim of protecting the ecosystems, had been developed, as well as the country's extensive biodiversity.
She said her country was aware of the potential negative impact of tourism, including sex tourism, the exploitation of native labour, and so forth. It also attached particular importance to consideration of the complex relationship between environmental preservation and the economic success of tourism and social development. It was aware also of the complex coexistence of the natural and human spheres and the interrelationship between the economy and ecology within the framework of sustainable development. The country was focused on achieving development that was meaningful for all. In that context, it particularly supported the document formulated by the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, which had raised many of Costa Rica's own concerns.
The Commission should not forget about the labour market or an analysis of the market's relationship with the education and training of people in tourism, she said. In the work sphere, the country considered employees' protection, gender equality and improved living standards for its citizens. Equally important were the social and cultural changes resulting from increased tourism. As an outside phenomenon, it inevitably affected the local daily life of a people, including their foods, speech and clothing. Situated in a region particularly vulnerable to natural and ecological disasters, Costa Rica supported a focus on climate change. In that context, the world community should not shirk from its responsibilities to the Central American people, who had recently suffered from natural disasters.
MARTIN BARENSTEIN, Minister for the Environment, Youth and Family Affairs of Austria, said that one problem facing the tourism sector was the lack of statistical data for the elaboration of indicators on sustainable tourism. The fact that many developing countries saw tourism strategically, as a source of income, deserved greater attention from the international community. All those countries that depended on tourism to generate income should also take steps to protect the environment and biodiversity. Austria was supporting a number of cooperation projects that addressed tourism and development in a sustainable manner.
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In regard to the Commission's decisions regarding tourism, he said it was important to keep in mind that sustainable tourism development needed at least two partners -- private and public sectors -- in order to provide policy and a framework for sustainable development. International organizations could play an important role. Without the involvement of private and public actors, however, the proposed international activities would have little relevance.
He added that the Commission, in its decisions, should also concentrate on the following areas: the need to elaborate on the meaning of ecotourism and sustainable tourism; the need to address regional and sectoral differences; the need to develop guidelines and best practices with the involvement of the private sector and the World Tourism Organization; the need to raise awareness for social and ecological situations by consumers; and the need to combat sex tourism.
FRANCISCO MAYORGA, Secretary of Tourism of Argentina, said tourism occupied an important place in the development agenda. It was an activity whose strong expansion during the last decades had led it to hold a position of undisputed leadership within the context of the world economy. His country had been carrying out a successful tourism-development plan, had achieved historic records in domestic tourism and was strongly positioned as the first destination in South America with regard to receptive tourism. Argentina also distinguished itself by a high standard in the protection of nature. The destination which stood out was the Patagonic Atlantic coast with its incomparable animal life sanctuaries.
To the South, Tierra Del Fuego, the southernmost city in the world, was the gateway to Antarctica, he said. Within the scope of international law, Argentina was one of the 12 countries that had signed the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, which preserved Antarctica for peaceful ends, giving priority to scientific research through international cooperation. Over the last decades, Antarctic tourism had experienced outstanding growth. The fact that Argentina was just 1,000 kilometres from Antarctica gave his country a great competitive advantage, which had been used to give impetus to the sustained and careful tourism development of the Antarctic continent.
In 1985, only 37 per cent of world passengers had started their trip from the Argentine city of Ushuaia to the Antarctic, he said. At present, that figure had risen to 92 per cent. Argentina had a total of 13 bases in Antarctica, six of which were permanent and seven temporary. Those bases were frequently visited by tourists for information on activities and facilities. Southern Patagonia also had a state-of-the-art infrastructure to support Antarctic tourism.
JOSE MIGUEL GAMARRA, Vice-Minister of Tourism of Peru, cited the Matsiguenka Lodge Project as one example of his country's many initiatives in the area under discussion. He said that apart from accommodations in typical native constructions and food based on regional products, the Matsiguenkas
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native community also offered guide and orientation services to visitors, thus contributing towards promoting their culture and the region's biodiversity. Additionally, the project contributed to the park's conservation in tight collaboration with the national park guards. Allowing the Matsiguenkas to render guidance services had required training members of the community in elementary aspects such as hygiene, guiding techniques, attending clients and management basics. Services were sold through agencies in Cusco and Lima, in collaboration with representatives of the community.
Another initiative was the Sachavacayo Centre within the Tambopata- Candamo National Park in Madre de Dios, three miles from the Sachavacayo lake, south-east of Lima, he said. The Centre had begun as the initiative of a school in Lima, a place where all students pursuing an international degree with specialization in natural science would go through an obligatory internship. Accommodation and food was offered to students who carried out a number of activities with the local community. Currently, the Centre was available for a number of educational institutions, including universities, from around the world, and it was used as a scientific research, educational and experimental centre for nature and environmental specialists and students.
ZAMIRA ESHMAMBETOVA (Kyrgyzstan) said that, as a representative of a very mountainous country, she wanted to focus only upon the role of tourism in sustainable mountain development. Tourism presented remarkable opportunities for sustainable mountain development by creating jobs, redistribution of income and poverty alleviation. However, it could also have negative implications, by putting pressure on natural resources and presenting challenges to local culture, traditions and ways of life.
Striking a balance between sustainable mountain development and the growing demands of tourism was one of the important tasks which lay ahead for the international community, she said. Kyrgyzstan was very pleased that its initiative on the International Year of the Mountains had received wide support. Its coincidence with the International Year of Ecotourism in 2002 would provide the international community with a unique opportunity to address the role of tourism in sustainable mountain development both comprehensively and globally.
ANDREI ISAC, Head of the Environmental Policy Division in the Ministry of the Environment of Moldova, said that development of sustainable tourism in his country was not widespread. However, in the last few years, Moldova had started to pay more attention to the promotion and organization of sustainable tourism as part of a State strategy for the implementation environmental policies. The issue of ecological tourism and the importance of nature conservation had been incorporated into national education policies. Starting in January, the National Ecological Fund for Moldova provided support for environmental institutions and different projects in the field of nature restoration and education.
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He said other important measures that could be taken in regard to sustainable tourism included: the promotion of a State policy on ecological tourism; public awareness and information campaigns; nature and monuments restoration and protection; and coordination and support for obtaining assistance and financial resources for the development of sustainable tourism. The United Nations should continue to support sustainable development efforts in regard to environment protection and ecological tourism.
SOTOS ZACKHEOS (Cyprus) said that last year some 2.2 million people had visited Cyprus -- nearly four times the permanent population of the island. After the invasion of 1974, Cyprus had lost nearly 92 per cent of its tourism. The industry had revived quickly, but the environment, especially coastal areas, were strained because of inadequate planning. Adverse effects of tourism included hindered accessibility to beaches, overcrowding, excessive pressure on resources, and conflicting land uses and urbanization. At the same time, tourism generated income which improved social welfare, enhanced cultural activities and raised standards of living.
In 1990, the Government had replaced an 18-month moratorium on tourism development with a Tourism Development Policy, he said. That acknowledged the need for protection of the natural, cultural and social environment and introduced strict controls on coastal development and minimum site requirements. Planning legislation had also been introduced with special environment provisions, and tourism had become an integrated part of the island's overall development programme. In 1991, an agro-tourism programme had been launched in selected hinterland villages aimed at revitalizing rural life.
Cyprus supported the establishment of an International Action Programme which would reinforce and sustain development in this industry, he said. International cooperation should be strengthened.
ALI HACHANI (Tunisia) said that the developing world's share of the international tourism market had risen dramatically to approximately 30 per cent. The development of the tourism sector, however, could pose risks to society, culture and the environment, especially in countries that were particularly vulnerable, including small island developing States. In that context, sustainable development had an important role to play, including the compatibility of tourist flows with the preservation of local culture, values and identity.
He said the Commission should set clear policies on how to promote the development of sustainable tourism. Particularly important was the creation by countries of the necessary economic, social, environmental, legal, fiscal, health and safety conditions to attract private investment and enable the tourism industry to contribute significantly to economic growth, employment and the eradication of poverty. Also important, among other considerations, was the integration of tourism activities into national strategies for
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sustainable development, the development of international guidelines for sustainable tourism and a code of ethics and concentration on the fight against sex tourism and all forms of child exploitation. Countries might also consider establishing databases for promoting an exchange of information on the best practices in the tourism field.
BULAT ESEKIN, Director of the National Environmental Centre for Sustainable Development of Kazakhstan, said that sustainable tourism was a priority in his country's overall development strategy; however, those efforts were hindered by serious economic constraints that were inherited from the previous centralized economy. He invited all nations to take part in a conference to be held in his country next year on sustainable development issues.
It was very important to make use of national experiences in the formation of sustainable policies, he said. That was especially the case in developing national legislation for the protection of tourist areas and historical sites. The United Nations should continue to support transitional economies in helping them to develop sustainable development policies and protect their environments.
MOJTAHED SHABESTARI, Director for International Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, said that tourism -- if managed in a sustainable manner -- contributed considerably to achieving sustainable development, and played a crucial role in the economic and social development of developing countries. Sustainable tourism required sufficient investment and technology, upon which implementation of global environmental standards depended. Sustainable tourism should also be flexible and should be aligned with a country's development strategy.
He said his country had paid particular attention to the protection of the environment, owing to its nature-loving culture and its considerable natural potential for tourism development. As such, a set of environmental criteria and regulations had been integrated into the national development plan to enable tourism to develop in harmony with the overall economic, social and environmental goals of the country. Although tourism played a positive role in the cultural and social development of host nations, elimination of its possible negative effects on cultural assets should be taken into account. In that regard, he supported the partnership of industry and all relevant organizations in raising public awareness, education and formal and informal exchange of information.
Dialogue Segment on Proposals for Draft Decision
The representative of China said that international cooperation played an important role in the development of sustainable tourism. Developed countries should help developing countries create tourism policies that were sustainable and profitable. It was also important to provide assistance for
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the building of infrastructure. Responsible tourism was also an important factor in sustainable tourism and in protecting and developing tourist resources.
The representative of Australia stressed the importance of defining terms and sharing best practices and policies in relation to sustainable tourism.
The representative of Mexico said the Commission should conduct more such open dialogue formats on important sustainable development. She added that there was a need for a global plan and a set of guidelines to provide guidance to countries on sustainable tourism policies. Such guidelines should include provisions for protection of the environment and reducing pressure on land use.
A speaker for the United Kingdom said that some kinds of tourism could create more poverty. But, at the same time, tourism could be crucial in eliminating poverty. The Commission's draft decision should include a statement on promoting "pro-poor tourism".
The representative of Spain suggested that the Commission's decisions stress the need for better training for tourism professionals. Such tourism workers were crucial in promoting sustainable tourism. The development of environmental educational programmes should also be supported.
The representative of Switzerland highlighted the sexual exploitation of children through tourism. Next June, parties would attempt to expand the mandate of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention to seek to eliminate the most dangerous exploitation of children, including child labour. The Commission should come out much more strongly against the exploitation of children than it did in the current draft.
The representative of Egypt said that the General Assembly had asked the Commission to develop an international programme of action to be implemented by the year 2002. How was that possible and who was going to do what? he asked. Unless the Ministers declared here and now that their delegations would seriously consider ways and means of implementation, and the measures by which to do so, by the year 2002, the document produced by the Commission would simply be "a piece of paper that is worth nothing". Time should not be spent on definitions. Environment and sustainable development had not been defined; nor should sustainable tourism be. Rather, that concept should be explained.
Tourism was a tool for development and improvement of the quality of life at the local level, and it promoted more balanced national development, the representative of Brazil said. Thus, any proposal on indicators must consider the preservation of cultural values, the environment and the degree of participation of a local community in tourism planning. No tourism
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development programme would succeed in achieving sustainable development without institutional capacity-building, local education, and adequate financial resources. In that context, international financial agencies were of major importance.
The representative of the Netherlands noted that many speakers from host countries had emphasized the fragile character of their natural resources. The distinction between mass tourism and other forms of tourism had not been well reflected so far in the text. A number of rather good paragraphs in the Chairman's summary should be incorporated into it. In addition, since mass tourism required mass transportation, something should be said about cheap air travel that resulted in enormous negative consequences for the environment.
A representative of Argentina said that the World Tourism Organization should be denoted in the proposed draft on tourism as the international agency responsible for coordinating that item.
Sustainable tourism would be the key positive contributor to sustainable development in the twenty-first century, "if we get it right", an industry representative said. It could spearhead economic growth by directly and indirectly driving more than 10 per cent of the global gross domestic product, capital exports and jobs. It could also lead social evolution by creating jobs, replacing declining industry, and underpinning developments in emerging markets. The result of increasing the cost of air travel on emerging markets must be considered. The very growth of tourism -- doubling every 10 to 15 years -- placed a concentration on certain destinations and their resources, and affected local cultures. That was the essence of the sustainability challenge.
Since Rio, a new culture of "wise growth" was spreading through industry, resulting in a determined effort to change operating patterns, he said. Industry must go further and faster, in the context of committed partnerships. The current session and its conclusion would compel that process. He applauded the recommendation contained in the document produced at the inter-sessional meeting, which called for travel and tourism to be at the core of sustainable strategies. That document had provided a process- oriented framework for industry and government and a model for regional involvement.
A representative of local authorities said sustainable tourism required the sustainable development of the local communities that served as destinations. In developing strategies and recommendations, local governments must establish their "carrying capacity" limits for tourism that were based not only on their biophysical constraints -- such as water and waste capacities -- but on qualitative constraints related to the effects of varying levels of tourism on the local culture. Otherwise, such development would risk degrading the very asset that had attracted tourists in the first place. The draft report reaffirmed government's role in that regard, and encouraged
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the tourism industry to design with nature in mind, in order to minimize the impact on receiving communities.
A representative of trade unions said workers in the tourism industry were engaged in change and promoting sustainable development policies; however, they could not make those changes alone -- they needed the support of employers and governments. Union members wanted to engage in action at the workplace and in other forums. There could also be attention given to those tourists that went to coastal regions for holidays and tried to change their consumption patterns. He added that the dialogue process in the Commission had been a success, and trade unions wanted to help implement to the dialogue's outcomes.
A speaker from NGOs said there should be a distinction between the terms "ecotourism" and "sustainable tourism". They were not the same thing. She added that sustainable tourism policies should be based on ethical principles and should ensure the fully informed participation of all stakeholders. Such policies should also maximize the benefits of tourism on the local economy and ensure access of local people to all natural resources, including land and water rights. Working groups should examine such issues and report back at the Commission at its eighth and ninth sessions.
KLAUS TOEPFER, Executive Director of the UNEP, said the international community should take into account the principles of sustainable tourism in development strategies. It also needed to finalize guidelines on that topic. Governments needed to develop a partnership with tour operators to implement sustainable tourism policies. They also needed to examine ways to increase the money spent by tourists on local products and services so tourism would benefit local communities. There was also a need to be more clear on defining the terms and initiatives for sustainable tourism. It should be realized that tourism was currently a part of the problem, but that it could become a part of the solution to sustainable development problems.
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