PARTNERING TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THROUGH A WASTE MINIMISATION CAMPAIGN

In celebration of Tourism Month, Sustainable Seas Trust (SST), in partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Directorate, hosted a workshop to collaboratively determine a practical pathway towards sustainable tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay and launch a novel, interactive Tourism Waste Minimisation Campaign.  

 

Tourism is a sector particularly impacted by waste and pollution, as the desirability of tourism destinations is influenced by factors like cleanliness and the maintenance of amenities. Much of the tourism across Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is dependent on the area’s natural assets. Thus, entrenching sustainability principles into tourism operations within the area is very important. 

 

Sustainable tourism is based on principles of environmental conservation, economic development, and social or cultural inclusivity. This means that negative environmental or social impacts are minimised while local culture is conserved, and communities can meaningfully benefit from tourism. Sustainable tourism is about creating experiences and destinations that are compelling to visit and live in. To do this, tourism establishments need to actively participate in sustainability practices and positively demonstrate an understanding of local culture.

 

Sustainability practices range from improving water use to efficient energy consumption and responsible waste management. This workshop was used to combat the latter through the launch of the Tourism Waste Minimisation Campaign. The campaign is aimed at tourists, tourism establishments, and locals who enjoy the Bay’s natural and cultural assets. By creating an engaged and active community across the tourism value chain, we can take collective action to minimise waste and keep our local environment clean and healthy. To this end, the campaign offers practical steps for establishments and individuals to take action and minimise their waste footprint.

 

Plastic pollution specifically, is a major threat to both the marine and terrestrial environment. Plastic is generally lightweight and durable, which means it often ends up in the ocean, where it doesn’t decompose. It is also often mistaken for food by animals and contributes to climate change, which makes it an important issue to tackle.

 

As a marine area of exceptional ecological and biodiversity significance, Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) is one of a handful of global Hope Spots. Tourists flock to the metro’s beaches all year round for fun, healthy outdoor activities on the coastline. Therefore, it is important that the NMB community and tourists alike actively engage to help alleviate the plastic pollution problem and protect the natural environment we all rely on.

 

In his opening address at the sustainable tourism workshop, Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr Mkhuseli Jack emphasised that it is high time that the tide is turned against pollution.

 

“Together we can turn this city around. We are all in agreement that plastic is bad for the environment. When you distinguish yourself as an environmentally friendly destination, holidaymakers and tourists will notice this important distinction. We can do this. You have a friend in me in your campaign striving for zero plastic pollution in our oceans.” Deputy Executive Mayor Jack said.

 

The workshop ended on a high note, with attendees from local government, business, and tourism establishments acknowledging that collective action needs to take place and is possible through partnership. The next steps to enable sustainable tourism through sector wide participation in the waste minimisation campaign will be shared across multiple communication channels in the metro. 

 

More information about the trailblazing plastic waste minimisation campaign and how to get involved can be found on the NMBM Tourism website, under the ‘Discover NMB’ tab.

 

Contacts:

• Ms Joanna Wallace | SST | Department Coordinator Economic Incentives and Enterprise Development | 063 729 2592 | joanna@sstafrica.org.za  

• Mr Erenei Louw | NMBM - EDTA | Coordinator: Tourism IT, E-Marketing & Research | elouw@mandelametro.gov.za

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About Sustainable Seas Trust 

 

Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) is a science- and education-based organisation focused on creating networks of empowered and passionate individuals and organisations across Africa, who are committed to valuing, caring for, and safeguarding our seas for all who depend on them for their livelihood, their health, and their enjoyment. As a registered international charitable trust, an NPO and PBO, SST operates for scientific, educational, socio-economic, and philanthropic purposes. 

 

SST’s biggest project is the Towards Zero Plastics to the Seas of Africa project which aims to help the 54 continental and island states of Africa stop plastics from flowing into the environment and entering the seas. Thus, SST works to empower individuals, organisations, and communities to become passionate, involved, and committed custodians of Africa’s seas through an Africa-wide network of research, education, economic upliftment, and collaboration.

 

For more information, visit the website: www.sst.org.za