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94 results
Greece needs to plan for a sustainable tourism model
The author contends that Greece's current tourism strategy, characterized by unplanned infrastructure and the legalization of illegal developments, is eroding the natural landscapes that attract visitors. The text criticizes recent legislative efforts to promote large holiday compounds and remove protections from forests, while proposing an alternative model based on the renovation of abandoned buildings and the sustainable management of natural and cultural heritage.
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Document type: Statement
Climate-compatible Tourism Project: Key Summary Findings from Policy Analysis
The analysis of 39 Belizean policy documents and laws reveals a significant gap in climate change integration, with only 15% of reviewed documents addressing climate impacts. While some frameworks support sustainable development, many are outdated or use vague language, failing to provide concrete steps for adaptation. The report recommends urgent revisions to key instruments, including the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan and the Coastal Zone Management Act, to integrate climate-smart measures and protect natural capital.
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Document type: Policy brief
The Impact of Transfrontier Conservation Areas on Regional Integration
The document examines the establishment of Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in Southern Africa, highlighting their role in protecting regional public goods and fostering integration. It identifies the Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) and SADC as key drivers, while noting significant barriers such as rhino poaching, livestock disease concerns, and sovereignty issues. The study concludes that successful implementation relies on a combination of high-level political leadership and ground-level collaboration among officials and local communities.
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Document type: Case study
Covane Community Lodge
The Covane Community Lodge project in Mozambique transitioned from a struggling CPPP involving Transfrontier Park Destinations (TPD) to a more viable partnership with Barra Resorts. TPD failed due to a lack of familiarity with local Mozambican laws, taxation, and community relations, as well as a reliance on donor funding. In contrast, Barra Resorts succeeded by leveraging its existing operational experience in Mozambique, independent capital, and integration of the lodge into a broader product suite. The project was facilitated by transaction advisors and funded in part by the World Bank and Ford Foundation.
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Document type: Case study
Destination Vulnerability Assessment for Khao Lak, Thailand
The report analyzes the 2004 tsunami's impact on Khao Lak, Thailand, using a Destination Sustainability Framework. It finds that vulnerability was driven by geophysical exposure (flat terrain, shallow offshore shelf), destination-specific sensitivities (high tourism dependency, seasonality), and governance failures (corruption, lack of capacity). While recovery was aided by loyal repeat clients and strong family networks, it was hindered by uneven aid distribution, limited access to credit for small businesses, and the marginalization of Burmese migrant workers. The document concludes with ten recommendations to improve governance, financial accessibility, and disaster preparedness.
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Document type: Report
Investigating Stakeholder Decision Priorities for Adapting to Climate Change in the Lake Balaton Recreational Area of Hungary
The report details the results of four workshops held between October 2007 and February 2008 in Siófok, Keszthely, and Balatonalmádi, Hungary. Stakeholders identified significant weather shifts, including summer peak temperatures reaching the +40˚C range and increased extreme rainfall events, which impact agriculture, tourism, and human health. Current adaptation is largely ad hoc and driven by economic loss, but participants proposed a range of future 'win-win' strategies. These include diversifying tourism to be less weather-dependent, reintroducing traditional building materials like reed, and implementing rainwater storage in viticulture. The report emphasizes that successful long-term resilience requires shifting from individual initiatives to collaborative regional planning and updating building codes and legislation to support sustainable practices.
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Document type: Report
The Economic Contribution of Belize's Coral Reefs and Mangroves
The report estimates that Belize's coral reefs and mangroves contribute between US$395 million and US$559 million annually to the national economy, representing a significant portion of the country's US$1.3 billion GDP (2007). The highest value is derived from shoreline protection (US$231–$347 million) and tourism (US$150–$196 million), while commercial fisheries contribute US$14–$16 million. Despite these high values, the report argues that investment in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is insufficient, citing the Glover's Reef Marine Reserve as a case study where annual economic contributions of US$4.9–$7.3 million are supported by only approximately US$100,000 in government management funding.
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Document type: Research paper
Rapid Trade and Environment Assessment (RTEA) / Evaluación rápida sobre comercio y ambiente - Informe Nacional de Ecuador
The report identifies a systemic conflict in Ecuador between export-led economic growth and environmental preservation. While the country possesses immense biodiversity, its economic model relies heavily on the intensive extraction of natural resources, often leading to severe ecosystem degradation. The analysis of five key sectors reveals that while trade liberalization and preferential access to markets (such as the US and EU) drive growth, they frequently exacerbate pollution and habitat loss. The document argues for a transition toward 'green markets' and the internalisation of environmental costs to ensure long-term sustainability.
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Document type: Report
Comparative Destination Vulnerability Assessment for Khao Lak, Patong Beach and Phi Phi Don
The report assesses the differential vulnerability and recovery of Khao Lak, Patong Beach, and Phi Phi Don after the 2004 tsunami. It finds that Patong's established history and strong business associations led to the swiftest recovery, while Khao Lak's status as a new destination and Phi Phi Don's governance and infrastructure challenges slowed their progress. The study highlights that reinforced concrete structures and diversified livelihoods increased resilience, whereas poor local governance, limited credit access for small businesses, and inadequate waste management increased vulnerability. It recommends improving micro-credit access, strengthening public-private coordination, and enhancing disaster preparedness training.
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Document type: Report
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR
The tourism sector in Lao PDR has grown significantly from 14,000 visitors in 1990 to 1.21 million in 2006, generating 173.2 million dollars. While the sector supports development objectives by providing jobs and foreign currency, the document warns that without careful planning and adherence to the 'carrying capacity of an area', the environment could be damaged. Recommendations include promoting ecotourism, strengthening the Lao National Tourism Authority's engagement with the private sector, exploring industry certification, and supporting National Protected Areas.
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Document type: Report
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR
The document assesses the rapid growth of the tourism sector in Lao PDR, highlighting its role as a priority export and its reliance on the country's natural environment. It contrasts the benefits of ecotourism, such as conservation advocacy and community income, with the risks of unplanned development, citing water pollution and waste issues in Vang Vieng. The paper argues that while regional integration through ASEAN and the WTO drives growth, strict capacity management and stronger private-sector engagement are necessary to protect the natural assets that underpin the industry.
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Document type: Research paper
International Trade and Sustainable Tourism in Chile
The report evaluates the sustainability of Chile's tourism industry within the context of trade liberalization. It finds that while the sector has grown rapidly, contributing significantly to GDP and employment, there is a critical lack of systematic data on environmental impacts and a tendency for economic benefits to leak away from local communities. The document highlights the tension between WTO-mandated market access and the ability of the Chilean state to implement sustainable regulatory frameworks, particularly in protected areas and rural zones.
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Document type: Report
North American Civil Society Statement to the Ninth Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum
The document outlines a series of policy recommendations from North American civil society to UNEP, emphasizing the region's responsibility as a major producer of chemicals and emitter of greenhouse gases. It calls for the achievement of the 2020 chemicals safety goal, a transition to sustainable energy services, and the integration of sustainability into all forms of tourism.
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Document type: Statement
United Nations Environment Programme North American Regional Civil Society Consultation In Preparation for the 9th Special Session of the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum Facilitator’s Summary
The consultation focused on three primary policy areas: energy and the environment, chemicals management, and tourism and the environment. Participants discussed the role of civil society in engaging with UNEP and worked in parallel groups to draft recommendations for a North American Regional Civil Society Statement. The meeting also served to elect representatives for a global drafting session in Bahrain and the Global Civil Society Forum in Dubai.
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Document type: Report
Sustainable Tourism in St. Lucia
The report evaluates the sustainability of St. Lucia's tourism sector under trade liberalization. While tourism is a primary driver of GDP and employment, the sector suffers from high foreign exchange leakage due to foreign ownership and package tours. Environmental concerns include rising energy consumption and wastewater mismanagement, while GATS obligations are identified as potential barriers to domestic regulatory autonomy.
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Document type: Report
International Trade in Services and Sustainable Development: The Case of Tourism in South Africa
The report examines how the liberalization of tourism services in South Africa interacts with economic growth, social equity, and environmental conservation. It finds that while tourism is a significant employer and GDP contributor, the links between trade liberalization and sustainable development are indirect, primarily manifesting as increased foreign investment and overseas visitor arrivals. Through case studies of Phinda Game Reserve, Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, and Amadiba Adventures, the document demonstrates that different ownership structures—private, government, and community—each offer distinct incentives for environmental preservation and community benefit, though institutional inertia and lack of coordination often hinder the potential of public-sector management.
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Document type: Report
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The report examines the legal, ecological, and social frameworks for coastal management in Estonia, with a detailed focus on Saaremaa and Ruhnu. It establishes a zoning methodology based on international guidelines (HELCOM, VASAB 2010) to balance public access and private interests. The text analyzes coastal erosion and dynamics, particularly on the Harilaid peninsula, and compares Estonian planning with the more restrictive private ownership models in Finland and Sweden. A specific case study on Ruhnu island uses historical maps from 1688 and 1871 to track land-use changes and surveys Swedish landowners to assess their views on the island's future.
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Document type: Report
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and future GATS-Negotiations – Implications for Environmental Policy Makers
The report examines how the GATS, as both a trade and investment agreement, may constrain national environmental policies through its broad scope and non-discrimination obligations. It highlights risks associated with the 'market access' and 'national treatment' phases, the potential for 'de facto' discrimination to invalidate neutral environmental rules, and the dangers of introducing a 'necessity test' for domestic regulations. The authors argue that the GATS environmental exception (Article XIV) is significantly weaker than the GATT equivalent and call for its expansion. Key recommendations include conducting comprehensive Sustainability Impact Assessments, excluding 'public services' like water and energy from liberalization, and ensuring that environmental protection is explicitly recognized as a legitimate policy objective in all future disciplines.
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Document type: Report
PROCEEDINGS OF THE TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
The proceedings of the Trade and Sustainable Development Workshop, held in July 1999 in Midrand, South Africa, detail discussions between government, business, and NGO representatives on the intersection of international trade and environmental protection. The workshop focused on preparing South Africa for the WTO Millennium Round in Seattle, examining the risks of 'green protectionism' and 'eco-imperialism' versus the opportunities of 'greening' trade. Key analyses included case studies on the South African coal, steel, and citrus sectors, as well as the potential of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and ISO 14001 certification. The participants identified significant research gaps in the impact of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and the need for a coordinated national mechanism to support trade negotiators with empirical evidence.
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Document type: Report
Plan 4C A Competitive and Climate Compatible Cartagena
Plan 4C is a strategic framework designed to make Cartagena de Indias the first coastal city in Colombia to implement a long-term vision for climate compatible development by 2040. The plan addresses the city's high vulnerability to sea level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather, which threaten its critical port, industrial, and tourism sectors, as well as its UNESCO World Heritage status. It proposes five core strategies: creating climate compatible ports and industries, committing the tourism sector to climate action, protecting historic heritage, adapting neighborhoods, and implementing ecosystem-based adaptation. To support these, the plan identifies 36 projects and three cross-cutting axes focused on information, education, and planning. The total estimated cost for adaptation, including complementary city projects, is approximately COL$1.5 trillion. Implementation is to be managed by the Cartagena Climate Action Center (CACC) and supported by the Inter-Institutional Commission on Climate Change (CICCC).
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Document type: Executive summary