Second Committee Approves Three Draft Resolutions on Benefits of Sustainable Tourism, Gastronomy, Development Support for Small Island States
The General Assembly would emphasize the need to optimize economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits of sustainable tourism, especially in African, least developed and small island developing States, according to one of three draft resolutions the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) approved today.
Further to the draft, titled “Promotion of sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, for poverty eradication and environment protection” (document A/C.2/71/L.23/Rev.1), approved as orally revised, the Assembly would emphasize that sustainable tourism could contribute to sustainable development, particularly in conserving and sustainably using biodiversity as well as natural resources.
By other terms, the Assembly would stress that indigenous cultures, traditions and knowledge were to be fully considered, respected and promoted in policy development for sustainable tourism. It would also emphasize the need for effective measures to ensure the full empowerment of women at all levels and in decision-making processes of sustainable tourism.
Another draft, approved as orally revised, focused on follow-up to and implementation of the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States” (document A/C.2/71/L.41).
By that text, the Assembly would reaffirm the outcome document of the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States – the Samoa Pathway -- and urge its speedy and effective implementation as well as monitoring, follow-up and review. By further terms, it would urge full and effective implementation of commitments and partnerships announced at the Conference as well as provisions on implementation.
Further to the text, the Assembly would urge the international community to help small island developing States strengthen their national statistical offices and data systems to support implementation, follow-up and review of the Samoa Pathway and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Committee Secretary read out in a statement that should the Assembly adopt that draft, additional resources of $44,800 would be needed for 2019.
A third text (document A/C.2/71/L.28/Rev.1) would have the Assembly designate 18 June as Sustainable Gastronomy Day. It would invite Member States, United Nations organizations and other international and regional bodies as well as civil society to observe the Day in raising public awareness of its contribution to sustainable development.
Also by the text, the Assembly would invite the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization to facilitate the observance of Sustainable Gastronomy Day in collaboration with other United Nations organizations, stressing that the cost of activities for the Day be met from voluntary contributions.
Addressing that draft, Peru’s representative said it highlighted the importance of gastronomy and its promotion of agricultural development, food security, nutrition, sustainable food production and conservation of biodiversity.