It is International Day for Biological Diversity, Tuesday 22nd of May, its theme is 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity. The theme marks the 25th anniversary of entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity and highlights progress made in achieving its objectives.
Did you know there are over 45 million km2 of protected areas (such as national parks and reserves) in the world? This is 5 times the size of Brazil. Protected areas cover around 15% of the Earth’s land surface and 7% of marine areas.
The tourism sector recognises the intrinsic need for biodiversity, in fact in 2017 the theme for International day for Biological Diversity was Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism.
How has the hospitality sector contributed to 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity?
The sector has developed initiatives such as the Sustainable Tourism Programme of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, rebranded in 2018 as One Planet network.
To protect and restore biodiversity hotels have financed conservation projects and most recently are banning plastic straws. For example, Mustique Island, has developed its own Coral Reef Restoration program, where the Coral Restoration Foundation planted over 2000 corals since 2015. To protect and maintain the corals and its biodiversity the Island, has also banned in 2018 sunscreen with oxybenzone.
The International Day for Biological Diversity provides an opportunity to celebrate reached milestones and look towards the future.
