responsible tourism: a maldives experience
TRANSCRIPT
Responsible Tourism: A Maldives Experience
Harry Masefield [email protected]
Green Drinks Shanghai, 14th Feb 2014
What is responsible tourism?
l Travel in a way that minimises negative impact on the environment
l Making sure the local community benefits
rather than being pushed aside by big companies making a quick profit
l Planning development of local resources in
a way that will be sustainable long term
Case Study: The Maldives l An island nation
with a population of 300,000
l About 1 million tourists per year, staying an average of 7 nights
l China is already the biggest source, with 200,000 visitors per year
l Annual revenue of US$2 billion+
What are the major challenges?
l Waste Management l Coastal Development l Climate Change Impact
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Out of sight, out of mind?
Thilafushi disposal island
Untreated sewage disposal
Sewer outfalls around Male
Coastal development - dredging
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How can you travel responsibly?
l http://www.responsibletravel.com l Reduce your carbon emissions, don't just
offset them l Actively engage in finding out more about
how operators claiming to care for the environment and local sustainability take action
Small steps
l Don’t throw garbage or cigarette filters into
the sea or on the beach l Don’t collect corals or shells from the beach
or sea l Don't don’t buy items like corals, sea shells,
shark or turtle products l Take batteries away with you when you
leave
Medium Steps
l Be more proactive – for example, ask to participate in beach clean-ups, underwater clean ups, etc.
l Chose resorts that take social and environmental sustainability seriously:
e.g. www.sixsenses.com
Bigger steps
l Change your lifestyle at home to be more environmentally friendly
l Travel closer to home, and take the train instead of flying if possible
l Try alternative holidays where you actively participate in environmental or community related projects:
Thank You
www.opwall.com http://earthwatch.org/ http://www.biosphere-expeditions.org/