Report on Explore Brookhaven’s Contributions to Sustainable Development

This report details the recent accolades awarded to Explore Brookhaven, the city’s destination marketing organization, and analyzes its initiatives through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization has demonstrated significant leadership in sustainable tourism, community development, and strategic partnerships.

International Recognition and Leadership in Sustainable Tourism

Explore Brookhaven has received multiple commendations for its excellence in the destination marketing field, reflecting a strong commitment to global standards and sustainable practices. These achievements were highlighted at the 2025 Destinations International annual convention, which focused on community engagement, sustainability, and responsible tourism.

Alignment with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The organization’s success is built on robust collaborations, directly contributing to SDG 17, which encourages partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

• Explore Brookhaven’s President and CEO, Renée Areng, was reappointed to the 2025-2026 Destinations International Board of Trustees, a role that enhances international cooperation in advancing sustainable tourism.
• The organization itself is a nonprofit directed by a board of local civic and business leaders, representing a multi-stakeholder partnership model that ensures community-centric development.

Adherence to Global Standards and Best Practices

Explore Brookhaven’s commitment to excellence is validated by formal accreditations that align with the principles of responsible and sustainable management.

• The organization holds a global accreditation from Destinations International, signifying compliance with rigorous industry standards in governance, finance, and innovation.
• It was also recognized with a gold-level Benchmark of Excellence from the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GACVB).
• As stated by CEO Renée Areng, “These three recognitions reflect Explore Brookhaven’s unwavering focus on excellence, transparency and impact.” This focus is critical for achieving the objectives of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by ensuring tourism’s effects are monitored and managed sustainably.

Fostering Local Economic Growth and Community Well-being

Explore Brookhaven’s strategy directly supports local economic vitality and cultural enrichment, aligning with key targets for sustainable urban development and economic growth.

Contribution to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The organization’s mission is centered on creating economic value for the local community through tourism.

• The stated goal is to drive “sustainable tourism that benefits our community, businesses and visitors alike.”
• This approach directly supports SDG Target 8.9, which calls for the promotion of sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

Strengthening Community Fabric through SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

A series of planned events at the new Brookhaven City Centre aims to enhance cultural life and create inclusive public spaces, contributing to SDG 11.

1. Art Pop-Up + Shop: This event will feature works from local artists and artisans, promoting local culture and providing economic opportunities.
2. Taste Brookhaven: This culinary event will showcase local chefs and restaurants, strengthening the local food service industry.
3. Brookhaven BAM (Bird and Mahjong) Weekend: A unique cultural event designed to engage the community and attract visitors.
4. Year-Round Art Exhibits: These exhibits will provide continuous access to cultural programming, supporting SDG Target 11.4 to safeguard cultural heritage.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

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

The article on Explore Brookhaven’s initiatives and recognitions connects to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article emphasizes the organization’s role in driving “sustainable tourism that benefits our community, businesses and visitors alike.” This directly aligns with SDG 8’s aim to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, particularly through the lens of sustainable tourism.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The focus on “community engagement, sustainability, and responsible tourism” relates to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By promoting local “arts and culture” through events and exhibits, Explore Brookhaven contributes to safeguarding and promoting the city’s cultural heritage, a key aspect of SDG 11.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article describes Explore Brookhaven as a “nonprofit organization… directed by a board of civic and business leaders within the community that represent lodging, food service and arts and culture.” This structure exemplifies a multi-stakeholder partnership, which is central to SDG 17, aimed at strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.

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

Based on the activities and goals described in the article, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.”
   • Explanation: The article explicitly states that Explore Brookhaven is dedicated to “driving sustainable tourism that benefits our community, businesses and visitors alike.” Its planned events, such as the “Art Pop-Up + Shop featuring works from local artists and artisans” and “Taste Brookhaven with local chefs and restaurants,” are direct implementations of policies that promote local culture and products.
2. Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”
   • Explanation: The organization’s focus on “year-round art exhibits” and promoting local artists and culture is a clear effort to safeguard and promote Brookhaven’s cultural heritage. The article highlights that its board includes representation from “arts and culture,” reinforcing its commitment to this target.
3. Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.”
   • Explanation: Explore Brookhaven itself is a model of this target. The article describes it as a “nonprofit organization” governed by a “board of civic and business leaders” from diverse sectors. This public-private-civil society partnership structure is designed to achieve the shared goal of promoting the city, demonstrating an effective partnership in action. Its “global accreditation” in governance and advocacy further supports this.

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

While the article does not provide quantitative data, it mentions or implies several qualitative and activity-based indicators for measuring progress:

• For Target 8.9:
  • Implied Indicator: Development and implementation of a sustainable tourism strategy. The article’s entire premise is about Explore Brookhaven’s work, which functions as the city’s strategy. The planned events (“Taste Brookhaven,” “Art Pop-Up + Shop”) are tangible outputs of this strategy that promote local products and culture.
• For Target 11.4:
  • Implied Indicator: Public and private investment in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. The organization’s budget and resources allocated to planning and hosting “year-round art exhibits” and other cultural events serve as an indicator of the total expenditure on safeguarding local culture.
• For Target 17.17:
  • Mentioned Indicator: The existence and recognition of multi-stakeholder partnerships. The article describes the structure of Explore Brookhaven as a partnership between civic and business leaders. Its “global accreditation” and “gold-level Benchmark of Excellence” serve as external validation and an indicator of the partnership’s effectiveness and adherence to high standards.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: roughdraftatlanta.com