CBCGDF Responsible Working Committee Held a Meeting to Discuss Supporting Local Climate-Friendly Tourism and TPCC Forum

 On the morning of September 12, 2024, the Responsible Tourism Working Committee of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation held a working meeting in Beijing. The main topic was how to support the development of Hainan, Hong Kong and Macao in the field of climate tourism to promote sustainable tourism and environmental protection in the region and help these places in my country become leaders in global climate tourism.

 

Climate change has become a major threat to the global tourism industry. With rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and rising sea levels, traditional tourist destinations are facing increasing risks. For the tourism industry that relies on natural landscapes and climatic conditions, these changes may lead to the depletion of tourism resources, the destruction of ecosystems, and a significant decline in tourism experience. At the meeting, participants discussed the far-reaching impact of climate change on the tourism industry and emphasized the responsibilities and opportunities of various regions in responding to this challenge. Hainan, Hong Kong and Macao, as important regions on China's southeast coast, not only have unique advantages in the development of tourism, but also face increasingly severe challenges from climate change.

 

Hainan Province, as a tropical island in China, has a unique natural landscape and ecological environment. Its rich marine resources, tropical rainforests and unique biodiversity make it a destination for tourists from all over the world. However, rising sea levels and extreme weather events brought about by climate change pose a threat to Hainan's ecological environment. Beach erosion in coastal areas, degradation of coral reefs and changes in tropical climate may affect Hainan's tourism appeal. At the meeting, participants discussed how to mitigate these impacts by implementing low-carbon tourism policies, strengthening ecological protection and promoting sustainable development projects. It was also suggested that Hainan could encourage more measures to reduce carbon emissions, protect ecosystems, and raise public awareness of climate change to achieve green and sustainable tourism development.

 

As a highly international metropolis, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has advanced tourism infrastructure and rich cultural resources. Hong Kong's bustling urban landscape, world-class shopping and dining experiences, and diverse cultural activities have long made Hong Kong a popular destination for global tourists. But at the same time, Hong Kong is also facing challenges brought by climate change, including extreme temperatures, frequent heavy rains, and rising sea levels. At this working meeting, participants discussed the role of Hong Kong and Macao as international platforms, including proposing to consider supporting the suggestion of experts to hold the TPCC forum in Hong Kong and Macao. It is expected that this forum will help bring together global thought leaders to promote the green transformation of the global tourism industry, and also provide an opportunity for Hong Kong and Macao to demonstrate their leadership in sustainable tourism. By promoting low-carbon tourism, strengthening green infrastructure construction, and enhancing international cooperation on climate action, Hong Kong has the potential to become a global leader in climate tourism.

The moderator stressed that the tourism industry plays a particularly important role in global climate action. Traditionally, tourism is an important part of the global economy and also a high carbon emission industry. By promoting low-carbon tourism and sustainable development, the tourism industry can significantly reduce carbon emissions. For example, it is entirely possible to encourage the use of environmentally friendly transportation, promote green accommodation facilities, and support the use of renewable energy, which can all help reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism industry. Now many tourist destinations have begun to try to implement low-carbon tourism policies, such as increasing electric vehicle charging facilities, promoting ecotourism and green certification, etc., to promote economic transformation towards a low-carbon direction. In addition, in fact, tourism is also closely related to the natural environment. A good natural environment is an important factor in attracting tourists. Sustainable development of the tourism industry can promote ecological protection and restoration. For example, the promotion of ecotourism, research and study, etc., can help protect endangered species and important ecosystems. Promote the mainstreaming of biodiversity. In addition, by investing in nature reserves and ecological restoration projects, the tourism industry can directly participate in ecological protection, maintain biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of ecosystems.

 

Editor: Maggie

Checked by: Richard      

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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