International Task Force Meeting on Sustainable Tourism Climate Change and Tourism United Nations Environment Programme Division of Technology, Industry and Economics

1 st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector

Background  2 nd International Conference on Climate Change and Tourism in Davos (October, 2007)  Request for assistance in building capacity for the management of issues relating to tourism developments and climate change impacts  UNEP, UNWTO and WMO joined together to highlight the need to mainstream efforts in tourism and climate change building on the Davos Declaration  Building on the Bali Strategic Plan (UNEP 2005) 1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector

 Balliol College, Oxford (April 2008)-1 st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector (UNEP,UNWTO,OUCE, WMO)  Delegates: 31 delegates selected from over 120 applicants expressing an interest 1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector

Content  Climate Change and Tourism- The Current Issue Climate science as an important tool The uncertainties involved and the implications on planning and policy making Emphasis on the realities of tourism within the context of global climate change Modelling and Forecasting Climate Impacts in Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Climate Change and Tourism Vulnerability Assessments- use of indicators such as cc vulnerability index 1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector

 Open Discussion and Knowledge Share Workshops Involved delegated from Africa, Central and South America, Asia Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean Islands Q: On what aspects of climate change do we require more information? Q: On which existing, and potential, impacts of climate change in your country do you believe you need more information and why?

1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector  Identification of Tourism Sector Vulnerabilities to Climate Change to identify ongoing and anticipated Adaptation Strategies- Rating exercise on: Tourism Resort and product vulnerabilities  Caribbean Region: sea level and temperature rises, coastal erosion, coral bleaching  African Region: Resource conflicts eg. Water, land use for tourism, agriculture, settlement and wildlife Source-market vulnerabilities  Disrupted food supplies – eg. Imported food items  Negative perceptions and behavioural changes amongst tourists

1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector Potential Opportunities  Expanding or changing tourist seasons e.g. from peak summer in Mediterranean to should seasons  Opportunities for more sustainable energy supplies e.g solar Identification of Adaptation Barriers  Lack of financial support for adaptation.  Lack of technological solutions

1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector Open Discussion on Ongoing / Anticipated Adaptation Strategies Being Used to Address Tourism Sector Vulnerabilities  Adaptation to tropical storms  Adaptation to financial barriers  Adaptation to biodiversity and ecosystem changes  Adaptation to climate change

1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector  Identification of Mitigation measures to reduce emissions in the tourism sector Delegates were asked to identify practical areas within the tourism sector where emissions may be reduced. Debate on carbon offsetting schemes  The need for UNEP and other agencies to take the lead in the development of quality offset initiatives- provide advice and guidance to governments and organisations and to consumers

1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector  Assessment of what range of stakeholders should be involved in a Tourism Sector Adaptation Process (Government and Private sector involvement)  The Scientist’s Role and Actions  The importance of communication in the climate change process and review of existing barriers

1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector Conclusion  Highlighted the high level of adaptation and mitigation activities already being carried out in many regions of the world  Noted the gaps in the provision of data and information on climate change impacts (at regional and local levels)  Lack of financial support and political will to move forward  The need for networks to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and practical experience  Shortage of skills and legal enforcement for the development of adaptation processes

1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector  The need to include all identified stakeholders in the decision making process  The need to support building capacity to initiate change and to lobby for funding  The need to provide support in building capacity to initiate change and to lobby for funding and other assistance  Multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral work has to be encouraged in order to strengthen both the input into decision-making for adaptation and mitigation and the outcomes

1st International Capacity Building Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector Results  The overall evaluation indicated a high level approval and satisfaction rate from the participants  Building partnerships at national and regional levels to develop a series of capacity building seminars to strengthen the capacity of professionals to understand and respond effectively to the challenges posed by climate change in tourism destination

Thank you for your kind attention Catalina Etcheverry Consultant Tourism and Environment Programme United Nations Environment Programme