Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty
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Durban – The tourism industry must lead the way to take SA into a low carbon economy, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said.
“Rather than waiting for government to regulate its carbon footprint, its recycling practices or its commitment to the environmentally responsible practices, I encourage the industry to initiate its own processes,” Van Schalkwyk, who was speaking at the SA Association for the Conference Industry held at Elangeni Hotel in Durban, said.
Van Schalkwyk said government would eventually come up with standards and regulations in promoting a low carbon economy but the tourism industry should be at the forefront and be able to lead.
“Not only does it make business sense, but it’s the right thing to do for the future generations. I am convinced that in a few years from now we will be looking back in disbelief about days gone by when all major conferences or events were carbon neutral.”
The conference was also attended by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Mike Mabuyakhulu and SA Tourism CEO Thandiwe January-Mclean.
Van Schalkwyk encouraged tourism industry players to switch to greener or renewable energy sources, green procurements throughout the supply chain, promoting changes to consumer behaviour and promoting lower carbon transport options.
“We want to be dynamic leaders in this revolution and not the reluctant followers,” he said.
Source: News24
When one of South Africa’s high-ranking government officials says that we must not wait for the government to lead the green revolution, then we can probably assume that the government is a long way off from doing so! Sustainable tourism can also alleviate unemployment stimulate local economies. There are many sustainable solutions for green hotels as well as other sectors, including the private homeowner. Water scarcity is an issue in South Africa and thus the logical first step to ‘go green’ is to implement water conservation measures. Hotels, office blocks, schools and small houses can all benefit from rainwater harvesting systems and greywater systems. Even small changes such as replacing toilet flushing mechanisms with a more water-efficient system can make a big difference to the water bill. Energy is another global concern; in South Africa, our high irradiation rates are ideal for solar panels and solar water heating systems. Water Rhapsody and Yes Solar Mpumalanga/Limpopo have combined technologies so that we can provide you with the highest quality water systems (and JoJo water tanks) and solar geysers. Our products and services are guaranteed and we have nearly 17 years in the water conservation business. Contact us for a free quote on how to get free water and free solar energy!
