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Climate Action to Support the Ja Ja Not Blah Blah Generation

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Climate Action to Support the Ja Ja Not Blah Blah Generation

Valetta, Malta, October 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Geoffrey Lipman remarks on receiving the 2021 Martha Honey Legacy Award from CREST. “I want to thank CREST for this prestigious award and to recognize the significant long time green tourism thought leadership of Martha Honey, in whose honour it is given. I’m glad we traded thoughts in the more civilized time of the early 1990s and not in the polarized, hate Infected, Trumpian world of today. It allowed us to come at the same issues from differing perspectives, with civility and decency.

I accept the Award, not so much for myself, but as an acknowledgement of the inspiration, I received back then from my friend and mentor for 25 years the late Maurice Strong – sustainability and climate activist half a century ago. And I marvel at what he achieved on the world stage.

The same Maurice Strong who organized the 1972 Earth Summit and the 1992 Rio Earth Summit – with 124 Heads of State. Who masterminded the birth of UNEP, the IPCC, the UNFCCC, the Earth Charter and Ted Turner’s billion dollar donation to the UN Foundation. And also arguably had fingerprints on the MDGs, the SDGs and the Paris Climate Accord. Just as his vision is baked into the DNA of SUNx Malta, a legacy to him in the Travel & Tourism space, an EU-based NGO, partnered with the government of Malta to advance Climate Friendly Travel

My message today, from SUNx Malta, along with my real gratitude to CREST for the Award, consists of three points, One The Climate Crisis is existential – it needs to be our primary focus. And it needs it now. This is the hottest year in recent memory, with the most disastrous impacts escalating around the world. Our current 2030 emissions trajectory is 16 % increase rather than the 50% decrease needed to stay on track to a 1.5-degree limit.

Two The Glasgow Tourism Declaration is a step in the right direction, but we have to go further, faster. We need a DASH-2-Zero, Net Zero Carbon 2030 rather than 2050 and by 2050 (3 decades away) we need No GHG. DASH stands for Declare:

Act: Support and Hope

Three our best hope is the Youth, who will as Greta Thunberg says will have to clean up our mess. Today’s young people are the Ja Ja – Yes we can generation. Not the blah blah – as Thunberg refers to ours. They will do take the tough actions needed to live with the Climate Crisis – because it’s not going away. And we must give them the Support and the Hope that they deserve.

As the Innuits say “We do not inherit the earth from our fathers, we borrow it from our children.” Thank you

About SUNx Malta
SUNx is an EU based, not-for-profit organisation, established as a legacy for Maurice Strong, climate and sustainability pioneer and partnered with the government of Malta.

SUNx Malta created the ‘Green & Clean, Climate Friendly Travel System’ which is designed to help Travel & Tourism companies and communities transform to the new Climate Economy. The programme is based on reducing carbon, meeting Sustainable Development Goals, and matching the Paris 1.5C trajectory. It is action and education focused – supporting today’s companies and communities to deliver on their climate ambitions and encouraging tomorrow’s young leaders to prepare for rewarding careers across the travel sector. Its co-founder and President is Professor Geoffrey Lipman.

SUNx Malta is calling for a DASH-2-Zero for the influential Travel & Tourism sector. Pushing for further action faster. Yes, to Net Zero Carbon, but by 2030 and a commitment to NO Greenhouse gases by 2050. DASH means Declare & Act with Support & Hope. SUNx Malta is training 100,000 young Strong Climate Champions across all UN States by 2030. Together with our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-17) partners we are offering a UNFCCC linked Registry of Accelerated Ambition and support for Climate Friendly companies and communities.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ENVI Lodges – First Experiential Eco-Lodge Brand from the GCC

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ENVI Lodges – First Experiential Eco-Lodge Brand from the GCC

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / A new luxury experiential eco-lodge brand and management company officially launched yesterday during the Arabian & African Hotel Investment Conference at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. ENVI Lodges is co-founded by Chris Nader and Noelle Homsy, both avid travellers and experts in the hospitality industry. Over the last decade, they witness the change in tourism in the MENA region and foresaw the travel revolution when it was still in “evolution”.

But revolution it is. According to Businesswire, the global experiential lodging (glamping) market size is expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2027, rising at a market growth of 17.5% CAGR.

“Travellers are looking for meaningful trips. They want to have a positive impact on the place they visit,” said ENVI Lodges co-founder Noelle Homsy. “We believe that the current hospitality offering in the region needs to evolve to remain relevant. So, we created a hotel brand in line with this global shift towards transformational and regenerative tourism, focusing on eco-lodges that are immersed in nature and anchored around experiences: adventure, wellness, agritourism, cultural immersion, and environmental discoveries.”

ENVI offers three types of accommodation (tents, prefab suites, and alternative pods), all built with low impact on the environment and with a sense of place, following the brand’s seven sustainability pillars. In fact, ENVI lodges will be developed and operated based on globally recognized sustainable tourism standards. According to a recent report by Booking.com, 83% of global travellers now believe sustainable travel is vital.

With the push from governments in the MENA region, particularly the GCC, to promote eco-tourism, and the development of nature-centric tourism projects in KSA, the UAE, and Egypt, ENVI lodges is well positioned to grow its portfolio within a short time frame. Chris Nader, Co-Founder of ENVI, said:

“Last June, we raised funds from European and GCC investors to develop the brand and we’re getting ready for our second round in 2022. What is very encouraging is to see the growing interest of investors in developing lodges with ENVI at such an early stage of our inception, and we already have a promising pipeline of projects under negotiation, particularly in the UAE and KSA”.

ENVI Lodges has brought on-board world-class hospitality experts and advisors specialised in experiential travel, and signed several partnerships, including with a world-class experiential designer, an eco-lodge marketing firm, and a large distribution platform. ENVI is also set to announce the signing of a major partnership with an alliance of eco-resorts and a renowned loyalty programme that will enhance the brand’s global reach.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GSTC Formally Joins ISEAL as Community Member

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GSTC Formally Joins ISEAL as Community Member

London, United Kingdom, September 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has formally became an ISEAL Community Member. The ISEAL is the global membership organisation for ambitious, collaborative and transparent sustainability systems. ISEAL advocates for the development and adoption of credible, effective sustainability systems, and works to promote the conditions for their uptake. ISEAL members are sustainability systems and accreditation bodies dedicated to delivering benefits for people and the planet. They are committed to continually improving their systems and impacts through learning and innovation; collaborating with stakeholders and peers; and are transparent and truthful about how their systems work and how they measure their impacts.

The GSTC establishes and manages the GSTC Criteria, global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism.

GSTC Chairman Luigi Cabrini said, “As a tourism-related scheme, we are proud that GSTC meets ISEAL’s eligibility criteria to become an ISEAL Community Member, be part of the important group of organizations that form the alliance. The GSTC has been dedicating years of effort to adhere to the concepts inherent in ISEAL and to apply them to the travel and tourism industry. From our inception our Bylaws have continuously referenced doing so, and as an ISEAL Community Member, GSTC will continue to improve its system.”

GSTC Assurance Manager Claudia Bustinza said, “One of the key activities of the GSTC is Providing Assurance for Sustainable Tourism, which includes Accreditation of Certification Bodies and Recognition of Standards and Systems.”

GSTC Accreditation: GSTC partners with ASI (Assurance Services International) to provide accreditation services for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations and tour operators as sustainable. GSTC also provides accreditation services for Certification Bodies that certify destinations as sustainable. This provides the marketplace a credible means of selecting Certification Bodies that have been verified by an impartial, credible assurance provider.*

GSTC Recognition: GSTC provides a formal indication of other standards that align with the GSTC Criteria. GSTC-Recognized means that a sustainable tourism standard has been deemed equivalent to the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism. This designation is made by GSTC’s expert, independent Assurance Panel. GSTC-Recognized refers to a standard or a system and does not mean that the Certification Body using the standard is accredited.

ISEAL Executive Director Karin Kreider stated she is delighted to be able to welcome GSTC to the ISEAL community. “I applaud the Global Sustainable Tourism Council on becoming an ISEAL Community Member. This step reflects their commitment to credible and effective practices. I look forward to GSTC sharing their experience as a well-established sustainability system and becoming a valuable part of the ISEAL learning community.”

* The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators/transport providers, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but provides an accreditation program through its partner ASI (Assurance Services International) to accredit Certification Bodies.

About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism. The Criteria are arranged in four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts (including consumption of resources, reducing pollution, and conserving biodiversity and landscapes). Since tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws, the Criteria are designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation of Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but it accredits those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

About ISEAL
ISEAL is the global membership organisation for ambitious, collaborative and transparent sustainability systems. We’re driving collective efforts to tackle the most pressing sustainability issues and create a world where markets are a force for good. Joining ISEAL’s learning community helps sustainability systems and their partners to deliver real, lasting, positive change. Our Community Members are sustainability standards and similar systems that collaborate to scale and demonstrate positive impact. Our Code Compliant members go further, adhering to our Codes of Good Practice – a globally recognised framework for best practice.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Climate Friendly Travel Summer School Launched

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Climate Friendly Travel Summer School Launched

Valletta, Malta, September 4, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SUNx Malta is launching the first Climate Friendly Travel Summer School – a week-long, online course featuring world class lectures and interactive learning. The sessions will provide an intensive introduction to Climate Friendly Travel – low carbon: SDG linked: Paris 1.5, which will be the future path of the global Travel Industry. It will mean increasing career opportunities in Sustainability and Climate Resilience and the course will prepare attendees for a continuing role in SUNx Malta’s national resilience programs around the world.

Course Outline
Explore key components of Climate Friendly Travel and acquire knowledge to encourage tourism companies and communities to become Zero GHG by 2050 through the Climate Friendly Travel System.

Become part of a global community of Strong Climate Champions to assist Travel and Tourism stakeholders find green and clean pathways to the future.

5-Day Online training 3 hours a day from 1300-1600 CEST*

  • 27 Sep – The UN 2030/2050 Green and Clean, Climate Friendly Travel Framework.
  • 28 Sep – The eXistential Climate Crisis.
  • 29 Sep – SUNx CFT DASH to Zero: Transformation & Resilience.
  • 30 Sep – Paris 1.5 It’s all about the Numbers.
  • 01 Oct – Strong Climate Champions: Action Agenda.

*Please check your local time.

Fee: FREE. Free doesn’t mean it has no value. The course is priced at EUR 120. We are able to offer it for free only for this very first course to support SUNx Malta’s vision to advance Climate Friendly Travel around the globe.

Limited spots available! Register today to not miss your place!

All sessions will be hosted through ZOOM. Stable internet connection is required to join. Zoom link will be emailed closer to the course date. Certificate of Participation will be endorsed on attending all sessions. We encourage interactions during the course.

Course Director Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of SUN x Malta, said:
“This is not just another of the many Travel & Tourism courses and training programmes. We are focused on preparing graduates for a clean and green post-Covid future, helping Travel & Tourism companies and communities transform in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and 2050 Paris Agreement. We aim to create 100, 000 climate champions worldwide by 2030 and these programmes are designed to identify the core issues for the post–pandemic green and clean tourism sector, promote climate hope through youth awareness , education and empowerment, SUN x Malta is a legacy program for the late Maurice Strong, Climate and Sustainability pioneer,

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Introducing the Strong Earth Awards

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Introducing the Strong Earth Awards

Brussels, Belgium, August 13, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SUNx Malta, a legacy program for Maurice Strong, Sustainability and Climate activist half a century ago, promoting Climate Friendly Travel, and Les Roches, one of the world’s leading hospitality business schools, announce the annual Strong Earth Awards which will be presented at the ShiftIn’ Festival on 19th November.

The award is for students interested in a future advancing Climate Friendly Travel – low carbon: SDG linked: Paris 1.5. There will be 6 awards of 500 Euro each donated by Les Roches. They will be given for the best 500-word “thought paper” on:

“Why the Earth Charter is even more important now than when it was introduced by Maurice Strong and Michael Gorbachev in 2005”

The competition has been designed to draw attention to the important sustainability messages contained in the Earth Charter, as well as the vision of the late Maurice Strong and its increasing relevance in today’s Climate challenged world.

For more information on the awards please go to www.thesunprogram.com

Please email entries to awards@thesunprogram.com. Judging will be done by a team of Strong Climate Champions, chaired by Professor Geoffrey Lipman.

Entry is open until October 15th 2021

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of SUNx Malta said “As the latest IPCC Report dramatically makes clear we are running out of time to fix the eXistential Climate Crisis. Only tomorrow’s young leaders will be able to make the tough choices to get us to meet Paris targets. The Earth Charter, conceived by Maurice Strong, is an essential building block for an understanding of Climate Friendly Travel and the resilience needed now. We are delighted to partner with Les Roches, one of the world’s top hospitality business schools to add another dimension to our Climate Friendly Travel education program and to prepare tomorrows Strong Climate Champions for the essential transformation.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Release Key Guidelines for Prevention of Illegal Wildlife Trade

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WTTC Release Key Guidelines for Prevention of Illegal Wildlife Trade

Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released major new guidelines outlining how the global Travel & Tourism sector can work together to tackle illegal wildlife trade (IWT). Illicit market is valued between US$8 billion and US$23 billion per year COVID-19 led to a significant decrease in funding for conservation and an increase in poaching activities

The new guidelines from WTTC, which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, with support from Animondial, a key advisor to the global travel industry on animal welfare in tourism, aim to help interpret the ‘12 Commitments’ of its game-changing Buenos Aires Declaration.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The declaration, which was launched at WTTC’s Global Summit in Argentina, showed how coordinated commitment and action could combat the illegal trade in wildlife (IWT) and unveiled its Zero Tolerance Policy.

According to the guidelines, travellers often participate, albeit unwittingly, in the illicit movement of animals, plants, products made from them – and of wild species which are threatened, endangered, and protected by national or international law.

Tourism thrives in every corner of the world. But the challenge is balancing tourism with fragile environments where wildlife is at risk and animals are held and exploited in captivity.

And as demand for the legal trade in wildlife and their products increases, so rises IWT. This illicit market is valued between a staggering US$8 billion and US$23 billion per year with over 38,000 plant and animal species threatened by overexploitation and extinction. Yet, wildlife is worth more alive than dead- requiring us to take action.

Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: “The World Travel & Tourism Council and its Members are determined to help in the fight to eradicate the scourge of illegal trade in wildlife.

“As a sector, Travel & Tourism has a responsibility to tackle this appalling activity which causes misery to countless animals, putting entire species and ecosystems at risk.

“We believe these new guidelines will help businesses around the world in their fight against this corrupt and shameful practice and we renew and reinforce our commitment first made in WTTC’s game-changing Buenos Aires Declaration.”

John Scanlon, Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime Chair, said: “It is fantastic that the Travel & Tourism sector has joined the global fight against illegal wildlife trade, recognising how it can both protect wildlife at its source and help curb demand. But, what’s even better, is that it didn’t stop with the Declaration. 

“Despite the disruption of COVID-19, the World Travel & Tourism Council has worked with signatories to implement its terms, and it is now issuing practical implementation guidance through its new guidelines.”

However, despite the support of many Travel & Tourism businesses in the protection of animal and plant species threatened with extinction, much more can still be done to increase the endorsement of the sector in this fight.

The guidelines show that Travel & Tourism does and can continue to play a critical role in helping to tackle the IWT.

Unfortunately, widespread travel bans, and restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in funding for conservation efforts and an increase in poaching activities. Anti-poaching programmes have been starved of funds over the past 18 months.

WTTC is therefore committed to spearheading the drive by Travel & Tourism businesses around the world to embrace policies and practices to help eradicate IWT.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

By adopting a shared responsibility to tackle IWT and sign up to WTTC’s Buenos Aires Declaration and the WTTC-WWF Zero Tolerance Policy, the global Travel & Tourism sector can commit itself to responsible and sustainable wildlife-based tourism activities, to contribute to wildlife preservation.

WTTC’s latest guidelines include:
Tour operators and travel agents:

  • Adopt the principles advocated by the ABTA Animal Welfare Guidelines, promoting responsible Travel & Tourism activities with animals, respectful wildlife viewing practices and improved welfare standards (including no direct human-initiated contact with, or feeding of, wild animals)
  • Discourage suppliers from sourcing animals from the wild unless there is a demonstrable and justifiable conservation need. Consult national laws, animal stock list, CITES* permits and the CITES Management Authority for the respective national government.
  • Accommodation providers:
  • Adopt the principles advocated by the ABTA Animal Welfare Guidelines, promoting responsible Travel & Tourism activities with animals, respectful wildlife viewing practices and improved welfare standards (including no direct human-initiated contact with, and feeding of, wild animals)
  • No commercial trade, breeding or exploitation of animals, including habituated or ‘pet’ animals that may be housed in, or in the vicinity of, the hotel, lodge, or venue.

Transport providers:

  • Sign up to the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, the WTTC Buenos Aires Declaration on Illegal Trade in Wildlife and the related IWT Zero Tolerance Policy, and work with ROUTES to implement the commitments
  • Airlines should collaborate with industry associations including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), guided by its Live Animals Regulations (LAR), and with the taskforce against wildlife trafficking to support industry-wide action.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News