Introduction
The Green Fins Hub, a global digital platform focused on diving and snorkeling operators, was recently launched by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the UK-based charity Reef-World Foundation. The significance of this hub is immense as it aims to promote sustainable practices within the marine tourism industry. This hub is deeply intertwined with the concept of sustainable coastal and marine tourism. However, despite its potential benefits, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed.
Understanding Green Fins and its Global Hub
Green Fins is a conservation management approach utilized worldwide to mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with marine tourism. Initiated in 2004 in Thailand, it provides guidelines that foster sustainable diving and snorkeling activities.
As for the newly established Green Fins Hub, it is considered the first global platform dedicated solely to the marine tourism industry. It aims at drastically shifting the marine tourism sector toward sustainability by encouraging businesses to join the Green Fins membership. The hub is expected to scale up from around 700 operators across 14 countries to an estimated 30,000 operators globally. Notably, it offers solutions that allow operators to make cost-efficient changes to their practices, track their improvements, and engage with their communities and customers.
Importance of Coral Reefs and Challenges They Face
Coral reefs, which house at least 25% of marine life, are pivotal to marine-related tourism. These ecosystems contribute enormously to the gross domestic product of some island nations. However, their vulnerability, especially to climate change, poses a significant threat to their existence. The Green Fins Hub is regarded as a pivotal tool in ensuring the survival of these delicate ecosystems by disseminating best practices and knowledge.
Principles of Sustainable Coastal and Marine Tourism
Sustainable Tourism seeks to employ eco-friendly practices within the tourism industry. As per the UN, it should strive for the optimal utilization of environmental resources, respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, and ensure viable, long-term economic operations. Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT) currently constitutes at least 50% of global tourism and is projected to be the ocean economy’s largest value-adding segment by 2030.
Challenges within Coastal and Marine Tourism
The sustainability of Coastal and Marine Tourism faces several challenges. The persistent depletion and degradation of natural assets put the industry’s viability and local communities at risk. The Covid-19 pandemic has inflicted severe disruption on the industry, leading to massive job losses and GDP reduction. Additionally, climate change is predicted to adversely affect coastal areas, resulting in an increase in temperature, water scarcity, environmental events, and sea-level rise.
Global and Indian Initiatives Promoting Sustainable Coastal and Marine Tourism
Global initiatives like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), World Wild Fund (WWF), and Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative aim to partner with various industry stakeholders to champion nature-positive tourism. Additionally, the Ocean Recovery Alliance has joined the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative to tackle plastic pollution and promote a circular economy of plastics in tourism.
In India, several initiatives have been undertaken to foster sustainable coastal and marine tourism. These include the Deep Ocean Mission, India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development, O-SMART, and Integrated Coastal Zone Management.
The launch of the Green Fins Hub is a step forward in promoting sustainable practices within the marine tourism industry. Its success, however, will depend on effectively addressing the numerous challenges that the industry encounters.
