Costa Rica joins Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, the US, and Other Countries in Redefining Green Tourism with eco-friendly and community-based Solutions – Travel And Tour World

Report on Sustainable Tourism Initiatives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report details the strategic shift towards sustainable tourism undertaken by Costa Rica, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. These nations are implementing eco-friendly and community-based tourism models that directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis focuses on national policies, specific initiatives, and their contributions to environmental preservation, social equity, and economic prosperity, providing a framework for responsible global tourism.

Costa Rica: A Comprehensive Model for Sustainable Tourism

National Strategy and SDG Alignment

Costa Rica’s National Tourism Development Plan (2022-2027) institutionalizes sustainability as a core principle. The plan’s focus on creating a resilient, inclusive, and culturally aware tourism sector directly supports several SDGs.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By promoting tourism that benefits local communities, the strategy fosters sustainable economic opportunities.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The emphasis on cultural and environmental preservation safeguards national heritage for future generations.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The policy framework ensures that tourism activities contribute to the conservation of Costa Rica’s significant biodiversity.

Key Initiatives and SDG Contributions

1. Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST): This globally recognized program encourages tourism operators to adopt sustainable practices, directly advancing SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by establishing a standard for environmental and social responsibility.
2. Protected Natural Areas: With nearly 30% of its land designated as protected parks and reserves, Costa Rica makes a substantial contribution to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by safeguarding critical ecosystems.
3. Payment for Environmental Services (PES): This program provides economic incentives to landowners for forest conservation, linking environmental protection with economic benefits and supporting both SDG 15 and SDG 8.

Mexico: Advancing Community-Based and Inclusive Tourism

National Strategy for Inclusive Growth

In partnership with UNESCO, Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) is implementing a national strategy to shift from concentrated mass tourism to a decentralized, community-based model. This approach is aligned with key social and economic SDGs.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The strategy empowers local communities by creating sustainable livelihoods through cultural and eco-tourism.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): It promotes the preservation of cultural heritage and ensures that economic benefits are distributed to underserved regions.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The collaboration with UNESCO exemplifies a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving sustainable development.

Sustainable Frameworks and SDG Contributions

1. Agenda 21 for Tourism: This initiative promotes improved environmental practices and community involvement, contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
2. Strategy for Sustainable Ocean-Based Tourism Activities: Launched in 2024, this strategy focuses on the preservation of marine ecosystems, directly addressing SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Canada: Integrating Indigenous Leadership and Environmental Protection

Tourism 2030: A Vision for Sustainability

Canada’s national strategy, “Tourism 2030: A World of Opportunity,” aims to build a sustainable and resilient tourism sector. The strategy’s pillars are closely linked to the SDGs.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): A central component is the empowerment of Indigenous communities through the integration of Indigenous leadership and cultural heritage into tourism development.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The strategy prioritizes the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and supports environmental protection efforts.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): It reinforces the conservation of Canada’s vast natural landscapes, including forests, mountains, and lakes.

Dominican Republic: Championing Ecotourism in the Caribbean

National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism

The Dominican Republic, in collaboration with the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), has developed a national strategy focused on ecotourism and community involvement. This marks a significant shift from traditional resort-based tourism.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The strategy supports local businesses and creates sustainable income sources for residents in ecotourism zones.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The designation of Samaná as an Ecotourism Province directly supports the conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The partnership with the UNWTO demonstrates a commitment to adopting global best practices for sustainable tourism.

Brazil: Aligning Tourism with Broader Development Goals

Integrating Tourism into the 2030 Agenda

Brazil’s tourism policies are being increasingly aligned with its national commitments under the UN 2030 Agenda. Given its vast natural assets, such as the Amazon Rainforest, sustainable tourism is critical for achieving national and global environmental targets.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Responsible tourism in sensitive areas like the Amazon is essential for climate regulation.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Eco-tourism initiatives provide a pathway to protect Brazil’s unparalleled biodiversity while promoting economic growth.

United States: Supporting Sustainable Tourism through International Cooperation

Fostering Cross-Border Collaboration

The United States contributes to regional sustainable tourism primarily through international partnerships and technical support. These collaborations are vital for managing shared ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices across the Americas.

• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Initiatives such as the U.S. Forest Service’s collaboration with Mexico on sustainable landscape management exemplify the U.S. role in fostering cross-border efforts.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): These partnerships support natural resource management and conservation efforts in partner nations, underpinning the foundation for sustainable tourism.

Conclusion

The collective actions of these nations illustrate a paradigm shift in the global tourism industry. By embedding the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals into their national tourism strategies, these countries are transforming the sector into a powerful instrument for positive change. The focus on community-based solutions, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation demonstrates a commitment to a tourism model that is not only economically viable but also socially equitable and environmentally responsible. This movement sets a global standard for a greener, more inclusive future in travel, directly contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article connects to SDG 8 by highlighting how sustainable tourism creates economic benefits and sustainable income for local communities. It discusses community-based tourism in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Canada, which aims to empower local populations and ensure they receive economic benefits from tourism, contributing to local development and job creation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is addressed through the emphasis on protecting and safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. Mexico’s partnership with UNESCO to promote cultural tourism and Canada’s focus on Indigenous leadership and cultural preservation are direct examples of efforts to make tourism a tool for preserving the unique heritage of communities.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The core theme of the article, sustainable tourism, directly relates to SDG 12. It discusses the implementation of sustainable practices and policies in the tourism sector. Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) programme is a prime example of a tool to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns within the tourism industry.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article links to SDG 13 by mentioning the global challenge of climate change as a driver for sustainable tourism. It also notes Canada’s focus on developing “climate-resilient infrastructure” and Costa Rica’s use of renewable resources for the majority of its electricity, which are measures to combat climate change and its impacts.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  SDG 14 is relevant through Mexico’s focus on ocean-based and marine tourism. The article mentions the launch of the “Strategy for Sustainable Ocean-Based Tourism Activities,” which aims to preserve marine ecosystems while promoting eco-friendly marine tourism, directly contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This goal is central to the article, which repeatedly emphasizes the protection of biodiversity, forests, and natural landscapes. Costa Rica’s designation of nearly 30% of its land as protected parks and reserves, Brazil’s efforts concerning the Amazon Rainforest, and Canada’s focus on protecting its vast natural landscapes are all actions aimed at halting biodiversity loss and protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article highlights several multi-stakeholder partnerships. Examples include Mexico’s collaboration with UNESCO, the Dominican Republic’s work with the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and cross-border collaborations involving the U.S. Forest Service and Mexico. These partnerships are crucial for achieving sustainable development in the tourism sector.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.”

   This target is directly addressed by the national strategies mentioned for several countries. For instance, Mexico’s focus on “community-based tourism,” the Dominican Republic’s designation of Samaná as an “Ecotourism Province” to support local businesses, and Canada’s “Tourism 2030” strategy all aim to create policies for sustainable tourism that benefit local communities.

2. Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”

   The article provides clear examples related to this target. Mexico’s promotion of “cultural tourism” in partnership with UNESCO and Canada’s integration of “Indigenous leadership” and “cultural preservation” into its tourism policy are direct efforts to safeguard cultural heritage. The protection of natural heritage is exemplified by Costa Rica’s extensive network of protected parks and reserves.

3. Target 12.b: “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism…”

   Costa Rica’s “Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)” programme is a specific tool identified in the article that aligns with this target. The CST provides a framework for tourism operators to implement and monitor sustainable practices, positioning the country as a leader in setting sustainability standards.

4. Target 14.7: “By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States… from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of… tourism.”

   This target is relevant to the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean island nation, which is shifting towards ecotourism to create a sustainable alternative to mass tourism. Additionally, Mexico’s “Strategy for Sustainable Ocean-Based Tourism Activities” aims to preserve marine ecosystems while providing sustainable tourism experiences, which aligns with the sustainable management of tourism related to marine resources.

5. Target 15.1: “ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests…”

   The article highlights Costa Rica’s success in protecting its biodiversity by designating “nearly 30% of its territory” as protected areas. Brazil’s alignment of its tourism policies with the protection of the Amazon Rainforest also directly supports the conservation of forest ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Existence of national sustainable tourism strategies: The article explicitly mentions several national plans and strategies that can serve as an indicator of commitment. These include Costa Rica’s “National Tourism Development Plan 2022-2027,” Canada’s “Tourism 2030,” and Mexico’s “Strategy for Sustainable Ocean-Based Tourism Activities.” The implementation of these strategies is a measure of progress.
• Number of tourism businesses with sustainability certification: The article highlights Costa Rica’s “Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)” programme. The number of hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that achieve this certification can be used as a quantitative indicator to measure the adoption of sustainable practices in the tourism sector (related to Target 12.b).
• Proportion of land area designated as protected: The article states that in Costa Rica, “nearly 30% of its land designated as protected parks and reserves.” This percentage is a direct and measurable indicator of progress towards protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity (related to Target 15.1).
• Implementation of conservation incentive programs: Costa Rica’s “Payment for Environmental Services (PES)” programme is mentioned as a community-driven solution. The scale and funding of such programs, which compensate landowners for preserving forests, can be an indicator of a country’s commitment to conservation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com