In a momentous stride towards sustainability, the Maldives and the Dominican Republic have received a prestigious invitation at the 118th Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). They have become the first nations to join the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, a groundbreaking effort that aims to rally tourism stakeholders worldwide to tackle the root causes of plastic pollution and foster a circular economy for plastics.
The 118th Executive Council session witnessed the gathering of esteemed delegates from 40 countries, including 30 council members, who convened to discuss the future priorities of the UNWTO and assess its accomplishments since the previous council meeting. Amidst this august gathering, the Maldives and the Dominican Republic stood out as beacons of progress, embracing the opportunity to lead the charge in combatting plastic pollution in the tourism industry.
Notably, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has already garnered support from over 100 accommodation providers, organizations, suppliers, and tour operators, all of whom have committed to its principles. Even some renowned international hotel chains operating in the Maldives, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, have pledged their support as signatories. While several destinations and tourism boards have also embraced the initiative, the Maldives and the Dominican Republic’s participation marks the first instance of an entire country stepping forward to join this pivotal movement.
The signatories of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative have set forth a comprehensive set of actionable commitments to be achieved by 2025. These commitments include the elimination of problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging and items, a concerted shift from single-use to reusable models or alternatives, and a collective endeavor to ensure that 100% of plastic packaging in the tourism sector is reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Furthermore, signatories have pledged to increase the use of recycled content in all plastic packaging and items, collaborate and invest in enhancing plastic recycling and composting rates, and provide annual public reports on their progress towards achieving these targets.
With the Maldives and the Dominican Republic at the helm of this transformative initiative, a new era of sustainability beckons for the global tourism industry. These nations are exemplifying true leadership, recognizing the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and paving the way for a circular economy that preserves and protects our natural environment. As more countries and stakeholders rally behind the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, we inch closer to a future where pristine beaches and vibrant ecosystems remain untouched by the scourge of plastic waste, ensuring a sustainable and resilient world for generations to come.
