Towards Carbon Neutral Tourism

Tourism is an important source of both income and employment in every country; it plays an important role in social development and satisfaction. However, its rapid growth has had a detrimental impact on the environment, on culture and on society.

As a main driver of Montenegro’s economic growth and investment, the tourism sector is directly and indirectly responsible for a large share of GHG emissions, especially from transport and accommodation. The tourism sector contributes over a third of GDP and half of all capital investment relating to infrastructure; it will increasingly be a significant, if not a leading factor in the projected growth of GHG emissions.

The Solution

There is a growing awareness regarding environmental problems in the tourism industry and amongst tourists who, as responsible consumers, are concerned about tourism’s carbon footprint.

The Centre for Sustainable Development, UNDP and the Ministry for Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro are leading the way in implementing an innovative project, Towards Carbon Neutral Tourism in Montenegro, financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

This project is dedicated to promoting and developing carbon neutral tourism by fostering sustainability and encouraging innovation in business. The approach engages partners from industry, government and the wider community whilst also identifying and prioritising innovation opportunities; this is achieved by explaining the interrelationship of tourism and climate change from a mitigation perspective.

With a budget of USD 3 million over the next 5 years, the project will facilitate a reduction in GHG emissions from the Montenegrin tourism sector, thus lowering its environmental impact. It will achieve this through the following measures:

• Promoting the country’s transition towards carbon neutral travel & tourism thus enhancing Montenegro’s green reputation on the global market;
• Maximizing the efficient use of energy and promoting greenfield investments in tourism;
• Promoting development of low carbon spatial planning and development of sustainable transport solutions;
• Helping tourism sector identify and implement cost-effective mitigation options – especially in the accommodation sector;
• Introducing carbon offset schemes and other innovative financial mechanisms to compensate for the residual emissions, and to generate additional revenues for climate mitigation and adaptation actions in tourism;
• Raising awareness on importance and benefits of developing carbon neutral / green tourism and thus help transform Montenegro into the next carbon neutral green-friendly hot spot.

The project will mobilize a wide range of stakeholders from the Central and local Government, public institutions and companies, private sector, civil society organizations, international organizations, academia, media community, local population and tourists to work towards the successful achievement of the project’s goals.

The Four Goals/Dimensions of the Project:

#1: Regulatory framework for low carbon tourism.

The aim is to cooperate with decision makers on the revision and development of new legislation and strategic documents which will support the development of different, more environmentally friendly and more climate friendly tourism in the country. The introduction of ecological certification schemes for accommodation will result in improved standards and the implementation of resource efficiency standards. The ecological certification schemes, or green operations, will result in several direct benefits including:

• Lower energy consumption;
• Lower water consumption;
• Waste reduction;
• Reduction in purchasing costs;
• Reduction in impact on the environment;
• Stepping into the growing market of environmentally-conscious travellers;
• Higher profitability.

This innovative approach will incorporate mandatory climate mitigation measures into new tourism development projects, programs and plans, as well as low carbon measures into spatial plans.

The project will support the introduction of the continual monitoring of GHG emissions in tourism; thus tourism will be one of the few global frontrunners regarding the piloting of climate mitigation requirements in the service sector.

# 2: Low carbon transport infrastructure to support public transport related to the tourism sector and non-motorised transport.

Montenegro's transportation network is growing along with its profile as a tourist destination. This project will facilitate low carbon investment in the transport infrastructure and will promote a variety of low carbon transport options within the sector. It will seek opportunities to reduce or offset the carbon footprint.

The Polycentric Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for Boka Kotorska Bay and Cetinje, which is currently being developed, will facilitate the development of a more accessible, secure, clean, environmentally friendly and reliable urban transport system for the area. Additionally, low-carbon and no-carbon opportunities will be explored and promoted within the context of new public transport initiatives such as a cable car that is planned between Kotor and Cetinje, a new solar-electric or hybrid intercity boat and ferry service in Kotor Bay and an increased use of electric shuttle buses, biogas and/ or biodiesel.

Green Welcome Centres for tourists will be opened at Tivat and Cetinje bus stations to inform visitors about the availability of tourism opportunities and promotions. Non-motorised transport options will be promoted by improving walkways and cycle lanes, thus raising public awareness regarding the carbon footprint associated with different types of transport. Web-based calculation tools and carbon offset promotional offers will also be developed.

# 3. Financing mechanisms to support climate change mitigation initiatives in the tourism sector.

Carbon neutrality offers new opportunities for businesses. Whereas some see threats, frontrunners see potential opportunities to combine business successes to achieve a positive, measurable impact on both the environment and on society.

One of the objectives is to mobilise additional financial resources for climate mitigation activities in the tourism sector by supporting the introduction of carbon offset schemes for tourists, hotels and the car rental industry. The introduction of carbon offset schemes and programmes will serve as a marketing tool positioning Montenegro as a green and carbon neutral destination, thus attracting environmentally conscious tourists. This can only be accomplished ensuring that no more carbon dioxide is emitted than can be offset.

A number of flagship investment projects have been planned to demonstrate the social, environmental and economic benefits of climate change mitigation in tourism. By establishing innovative partnerships and helping high quality carbon finance projects to achieve a reduction in emission levels, Montenegro aims to be able to present itself as a carbon neutral tourism destination, offering visitors an enhanced experience of its natural environment. Assistance will be provided to partners regarding understanding and applying requirements, identifying and assessing the feasibility of low carbon measures and also regarding quantifying and monitoring the eventual carbon footprint of new tourism projects.

#4: Raising of public awareness regarding the carbon footprint of the tourism sector and its potential in terms of reducing GHG emissions.

Carbon neutral tourism is a newly developing branch of tourism; it appeals to tourists who seek to minimise the carbon footprint resulting from their travel. Because of its diverse geography - mountains, coastline, lowlands, rivers and lakes - Montenegro could benefit immensely from this emerging trend. Environmentally conscious tourists are drawn to locations that offer an experience of natural and wild beauty. By following the road towards carbon neutrality, Montenegro could become known as more than just a vacation destination; rather it could be perceived more as an interactive sensory experience. The implementation of environmentally sustainable business practices could greatly benefit the tourism industry, the environment and also contribute to conserving biodiversity.

What's My Carbon Footprint?

We all produce surprisingly high emissions of CO2 in our everyday lives, thus contributing to climate change. Our daily activities, when driving a car, heating a house, watching TV, cooking, working, and flying, create CO2 and other emissions.

There are many things that each one of us can do to reduce our carbon footprint by slightly changing our daily habits such as: reducing our energy consumption, choosing to travel in a sustainable way and being conscious of what we purchase.

Lower your impact, start today!

When people hear of carbon neutrality, the first thoughts that usually come to mind include brainstorming the phenomena of physics, cigarettes, expensive cars, solar panels, etc. But, in fact, the opposite is true. There are many simple ways that each one of us can reduce our impact on the environment at no cost; hence many of the things that we can do will actually save us money. The following are just a few of the many ways that we can lower our environmental impact:

• Take public transport, bike or walk whenever possible;
• Drive efficiently: STOP IDLING!
• Use air conditioning only when necessary;
• Install an energy efficient showerhead-it saves water and energy costs;
• Avoid running half-filled washing machines and dishwashers;
• Fix dripping taps;
• Switch off the TV when you are not watching;
• Switch off computers and other equipment when they are not in use;
• Buy energy efficient equipment;
• Install energy-efficient lighting;
• Buy local food whenever possible;
• Recycle waste.

The tourism industry- hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and travel industry, have all begun to realise that they need to reduce their CO2 emissions. If companies were to measure their carbon footprint, minimise it whenever possible and offset any remaining emissions, they could:

• Substantially increase their profits;
• Increase their market share;
• Improve customer loyalty and attract new environmentally conscious customers;
• Differentiate their brand.

Take photos. Share memories. Leave only footprints behind. Montenegro’s wild beauty deserves to be shared but also preserved. #lovemontenegro

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International conference on low carbon tourism in Montenegro 9-10 october-2015 in Milocer

Conference Agenda

Conference Concept Note