A Sustainable Tourism Framework for the Caribbean Mercedes Silva Sustainable Tourism Specialist Caribbean Tourism Organization “Ma Pampo” World Ecotourism Conference Dominica, June 3 rd, 2002

Sustainable Tourism Definition è Sustainable Tourism is the optimal use of natural, cultural, social and financial resources for natural development on an equitable and self-sustaining basis to provide a unique visitor experience and an improved quality of life through partnership among government, the private sector and communities

Elements to Achieve Sustainable Tourism in the Caribbean p 1) regional consensus on a sustainable tourism policy p 2) the requisite regulatory framework which can facilitate the implementation of sustainable tourism development principles p 3) an action plan that identifies necessary actions for implementation of the regional policy at the national level p 4) on-going long-term technical support to governments for the formulation and enforcement of the regional sustainable tourism policy at the national level

Sustainable Tourism Meanings for different Stakeholders p Private Sector p Private Sector: Economic and marketing context: how can the tourism market be sustained and grow in the long run? Local communities p Local communities: Social benefits and cultural preservation: how can tourism help to sustain communities and cultures, rather than degrade them? Environmental organizations p Environmental organizations: Ecological perspective: how can tourism help to sustain natural resources, rather than degrade them?

Sustainable Tourism Meanings for different Stakeholders è Governments è Governments must recognize these differing perspectives in their selection and application of sustainable tourism policies Balancing these interests will require: p a shared long-term vision, p decision-making processes that provide for transparency, p consistency, p public participation and p compromise p compromise.

Policy Definition government intervention A policy is defined broadly as a government intervention to achieve a stated purpose. It captures It captures: p plans, p guidance, p legal and regulatory requirements, p incentives, p financing, p education and awareness

Policy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation è 9 Steps: p 1 – Issue Identification p 2 – Statement of Policy Objective(s) p 3 – Determination of Sustainable Tourism Indicators p 4 – Analysis of Existing Policies and Institutions p 5 - Determination of Opportunity for Policy Intervention p 6 - Selection of Appropriate Policy Instruments p 7 - Implementation within Legal and Regulatory Setting p 8 - Monitoring of Selected Indicators, and p 9 - Evaluation and Refinement of Policy

Regional Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework Policy Objectives 1.Improve Planning and Management 2.Maintain and Develop a High Standard of Environmental Quality 3.Address Socio-cultural and Economic issues 4.Encourage conservation and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources 5.Intensify training and in-service education 6.Involve local Communities and other stakeholders

Policy Instruments 1. Improve Planning and Management 1.1. Formulate and implement sustainable, long-term tourism strategies 1.2. Set up and carry out integrated coastal zone management plan 1.3. Integrate tourism development into improving and upgrading the destinations 1.4. Identify Acceptable Limits of Change 1.5. Strengthen Linkages between Tourism and Environmental Management 1.6. Identify and Secure Adequate Sources of Funding 1.7. Provide Sustainable Development Financing for Hotels and other Tourism Facilities

Policy Instruments 2. Maintain and Develop a High Standard of Environmental Quality 2.1. Improve existing management of Parks and Protected Areas 2.2. Accelerate the establishment of newly proposed Parks and Protected Areas 2.3. Improve management of forest reserves and forest resources 2.4. Protect certain plants and trees 2.5. Protect certain marine organisms and marine wildlife 2.6. Stop destructive fishing methods 2.7. Secure public access 2.8. Safeguard visual access 2.9. Improve sewage treatment Improve management of solid waste Provide clean and safe water supplies adequate for the needs of residents and visitors

3. Address Socio-cultural and Economic issues Policy Instruments 3. Address Socio-cultural and Economic issues 3.1. Reduce leakage of tourism generated spending, direct and indirect Community tourism provides opportunities for local people to get involved in tourism and gain economic benefits 3.3. Heritage tourism is an important vehicle for promoting local culture 3.4. Develop and promote local craft

4. Conservation and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources Policy Instruments 4. Conservation and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources 4.1. EIAs as a precondition for new tourism development 4.2. Promote sustainable site planning and building design 4.3. Improve Energy Management 4.4. Improve Liquid Waste Management 4.5. Improve Solid Waste Management 4.6. Improve disposal of hazardous wastes 4.7. Air pollution control 4.8. Voluntary environmental rating and certification 4.9. Safeguard marine environment reducing marine pollution Regulate Water Sport Activities Voluntary Certification for beaches and marinas Cultural integrity must be preserved

5. Intensify training and in-service education Policy Instruments 5. Intensify training and in-service education 5.1. More attention to the environment in school curricula 5.2. Promote care for the environment 5.3. Train programme for tourism industry professionals on environmental issues 5.4. Maintain public health 5.5. Promote community management of local assets 5.6. Promote more research on the environment

6. Involve Local Communities and other stakeholders Policy Instruments 6. Involve Local Communities and other stakeholders 6.1. Develop agendas with local communities and stakeholders 6.2. Tap into civic pride 6.3. Develop visitor facilities 6.4. Evaluate the social and cultural dimensions 6.5. Develop the involvement of local people in tourism initiatives

Status Report: Conclusions  Weak inter-sectoral integration at policy, planning and management levels  Weak environmental laws enforcement due to the lack of financial resources, coordination and clear responsibilities  Comprehensive integrated CZM programmes not well established in many countries  Lack of Management Plans for established Marine Reserves and Protected Areas  Few countries considering ST as a tool for socio- economic development and environmental protection  Successful poverty-mitigation strategies based on communities empowerment

Thanks! Mercedes Silva Sustainable Tourism Specialist