2017 is the year of development of sustainable tourism and the implementation
The diversity of species, ecosystems and landscapes attracts tourism and fosters economic growth. In turn, a well-managed tourism sector contributes significantly to protecting flora and fauna, including increasing populations of certain key species, as well as raising awareness of the value of biodiversity through the income generated by tourism.
The promotion of the International Day of Biodiversity gives us an unique opportunity to highlight the benefits that sustainable tourism has for economic growth, as well as for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This link between biodiversity and sustainable tourism coincides with the declaration of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
Why the need for awareness of the International Day of Biological Diversity?
While we are increasingly aware that biological diversity in a global scope is great for present and future generations, the number of species decreases at a great pace due to human activities, such as tourism and especially mass tourism brings.
As any other international day, the core purpose is to raise more awareness. The importance of public education of biological diversity and implementation of sustainable strategies from a governmental level, is marked on May 22.