and Awards in the Tourism Sector WORKSHOP ITB Berlin, Thursday, 06th - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Biodiversity in Standards, Certificates and Awards in the Tourism Sector

WORKSHOP

ITB Berlin, Thursday, 06th March 2014, 10:00 – 12:30, ICC gallery room 35

Programme

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in

Tourism’ Why does the German Ministry for Environment/Agency for Nature Protection support the

project? (Barbara Engels, BfN)

• What impacts does tourism have on biodiversity? (Marion Hammerl)
• What will the project achieve? (Herbert Hamele, Ecotrans)
• How is biodiversity perceived in the German tourism sector? (Stefan Hörmann, GNF)
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism
• Selection, procedure and results of the screening (Daniel Weiss, Adelphi)
• Biodiversity as part of the policies and the criteria of the standards and certificates
• Biodiversity as criteria of awards
• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the Standards (draft) and Conclusions
• Input: Exemplary criteria found in the screening (Marion Hammerl)
• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support
• Optimizing the biodiversity requirements of the standards and awards (Marion Hammerl)
• Supporting the awareness raising and promotion of the standards and awards and their

certified/awarded tourism businesses and services (Herbert Hamele, Ecotrans)

• How tourism associations and further initiatives can support the project (Stefan Hörmann, GNF)

Biodiversity in Standards, Certificates and Awards in the Tourism Sector

SITUATION 2014 CSR processes in tourism: 140 Standards and certificates … SITUATION 2014

… and 60 awards SITUATION 2014

DestiNet.eu Supporting transparency: 200 Certificates & Awards for Sustainable Tourism

SITUATION 2014

• Bayerisches Umweltgütesiegel

für das Gastgewerbe

• Biohotels
• Blaue Schwalbe
• Blue Flag
• CSR Tourismus
• Ecocamping
• Eifel - Qualität ist unsere Natur
• European Eco-Tourism Labeling

Standard (EETLS)

• European Ecolabel for tourist

accommodation services and camp site services

• European Charter for Sustainable

Tourism in Protected Areas

• ECEAT Quality Label - Urlaub auf

Biohöfen

• Green Globe
• Green Key
• Nachhaltige

Tourismusdestinationen Baden- Württemberg

• Partnerbetriebe Nationale

Naturlandschaften

• QualityCoast
• Travelife Awards
• TripAdvisor GreenLeaders

programme

• Viabono
• …

Standards & Certificates for Sustainable Tourism in Germany: the choice is not easy!

Certified tourism in Germany

SITUATION 2014

The demand side: 40 % of Germans want to travel green!

SITUATION 2014

Biodiversity in Standards, Certificates and Awards in the Tourism Sector Name Initiative Fichtl, Otto Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Balas, Martin Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusregionen Becker, Antje DER Touristik Burger, Annika CSR Tourism, TourCert Bürglen, Kathrin Fahrtziel Natur-Award Carceller, Elia Adelphi Debrine, Peter UNESCO/ WHC Dunkelberg, Dirk DTV, Deutscher Tourismuspreis (German Tourism Award) Engels, Barbara BfN

Friedrich-Hölscher, Heike Partnerbetriebe Nationale Naturlandschaften

Gruber, Ludwig Biohotels Hamele, Herbert Ecotrans Hammerl, Marion Ecotrans Name Initiative Hörmann, Stefan Global Nature Fund Kusters, Naut Travelife, ECEAT Quality Label Lorenz, Robert Green Key International, Blue Flag Marsden, Katrina Adelphi Preslmair, Regina Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism Rein, Hartmut Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusregionen Reiner, Karl Alpine Pearls Salman, Albert QualityCoast & GSTR for Destinations Szczesinski, Anja WWF Deutschland Trimborn, Ralf Inspektour/ NNL - Wattenmeer Weiss, Daniel Adelphi Werbeck, Inga Marie Fahrtziel Natur-Award Zimmer, Peter Green Globe Certification

Participants

• 1. Presentation of the Project

’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

Biodiversity in Standards, Certificates and Awards in the Tourism Sector

Why does the German Ministry for Environment/ Agency for Nature Protection support the project? Barbara Engels, BfN

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

What impacts does tourism have on biodiversity?

Marion Hammerl

Impacts on nature /ecosystems /biodiversity are widely analyzed, well known and documented!

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

Degradation and destruction of ecosystems

Tourism infrastructures –

• ften in prestine regions,

protected areas, hotspots

• f biodiversity

Reduce /aviod restrictions in protected areas because

• f tourism development

(example Mallorca) CO² and other Greenhouse Gas emissions contributing to Climate Change Emissions, waste, waste water, noise (e.g. lakes, rivers, coasts, beaches), Indirect Transport infrastructure, e.g. roads, airports, parkings

What impacts does tourism have on biodiversity?

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

Overexploitation of natural resources

Lack or no acceptance of management plans / land use plans Exeedance of the carrying capacity of a landscape /destination Exploitation of wild life without respecting rules /scientific advise, without well trained guides High water consumption in regions with water shortage Purchase of unsustainable produced products (food, souvenirs etc.) Recreational activities with high impact on biodiversity, e.g. heli skiing, Acceptance of selling illegal products (e.G. CITES) Offering /promoting activities against animal welfare (zoos not fullfilling international standards, dolphinarios .

What impacts does tourism have on biodiversity?

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

Invasive Species

Design of premises (hotel

• utdoor facilities) with

non native plants Introduction of non native fish species for fishing Cruise Ships (e.g. water tanks), souvenirs (e.g. galapagos turtle)

Climate Change Emissions /Contamination

What will the project achieve? Herbert Hamele, Ecotrans

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

Aims

• Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism:

standards, certificates, awards

• Raising sensitivity and interest of tourism businesses to protect

biodiversity and to make CSR processes, certification and participation at awards part of their management

• Raise travellers‘ attention for the value of biological diversity:

through the communication channels and tools of the tourism sector

• Primary partners: labels, standards, awards for sustainable

tourism: tour operators, travel agents, hotels and camping, restaurants, destination management organisations

What will the project achieve? Herbert Hamele, Ecotrans

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

Results will include:

• Checklist „Biodiversity“ for various tourism sectors
• Exemplary integration of effective criteria for biodiversity

conservation with at least 2 CSR processes (Standards, Labels)

• Case descriptions of examples for successful integration of

biodiversity in business management and CSR reporting

• Nationwide knowledge base for sustainable tourism in Germany
• n DestiNet: contacts, topics, background information, good

practice examples, exemplary businesses and destinations, practical tools (incl. labels and awards) , „green travel map“, a.o.

How is biodiversity perceived in the German tourism sector? Stefan Hörmann, GNF

Result of a Survey implemented September 2013 - January 2014

17 representatives of tourism businesses and tourism associations in Germany :

• 8 tour operators (large and SMEs)
• 4 destination marketing organisations
• 3 tourism umbrella associations
• 2 accommodation companies /hotels

Qualitative interviews – Key topics:

• Understanding and relevance of biodiversity
• Relevance of biodiversity in CSR processes
• Assessing the deficits of and the need for information on biodiversity
• Demand for information and information brokering
• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

• 1. Understanding of Biodiversity and Relevance

Dominating: species diversity and protection of species followed by the aspect of landscape conservation Rare: Biodiversity underpinning ecosystem services –ecosystem services Commitment to protect biodiversity is high among all respondents:

• Awareness Raising among customers (flyers, tours, ..)
• Ressources conservation (water, waste, local products)
• Species protection projects (nesting boxes,…)

Relevance is considered high for economic reasons => Dependence on intact nature => Attractive destinations as competitive advantage

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

• 2. Biodiversity in CSR Standards and Awards

Important CSR Standards and Certifications EMAS III, ISO 14001 followed by TourCert, Green Globe, Viabono Important Awards Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis, Deutscher Tourismuspreis, Bundeswettbewerb Nachhaltige Tourismusdestination => Heterogenious responses - not a single favorite standard or award  TourCert seems to get increasing important  Less standards and awards or one meta standard / award  no increase of categories within standards and awards Biodiversity in Standards and Awards  Biodiversity not sufficiently covered in standards and awards  Social Issues - Human rights currently higher on the agenda

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

• 3. Information Deficits and Demand in the German Tourism Sector

• 3. Information Deficits and Demands on Biodiversity in

the German Tourism Sector

Majority of associations and businesses expressed interest in additional tourism-specific information on biodiversity Current Key Sources of Information Online (Google) and (partner) NGOs Type of Information Requested  general information about impacts on the tourism sector resulting from the loss of biodiversity  practical guidance and examples  information on key data and indicators of biodiversity.  tour operators: Data bases on the state of biodiversity / on the possibilities for biodiversity protection at specific destinations  Short and comprehensive: Checklists ( 2 – 3 pages), seminars (1/2 day), webinars

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

• 4. Summary – Recommendations
• Biodiversity is an issue in the German tourism sector
• Single actions rather then holistic consideration of biodiversity
• Clear goals and action to manage biodiversity along the whole

value chain are missing Increase information on + awareness of biodiversity in strategy and management decisions Integration of biodiversity into CSR standards and awards could help and is accepted More sector-specific information on biodiversity: + easy to understand, concrete, practical

• cost- and time-intensive for the users
• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

Tourism – Biodiversity Knowledge Pool www.business-biodiversity.eu

• 1. Presentation of the Project ’Integration of Biodiversity Aspects in CSR Processes in Tourism’

• 2. Screening of Standards/Certificates/Awards in

Tourism

Biodiversity in Standards, Certificates and Awards in the Tourism Sector

Selection, procedure and results of the screening Daniel Weiss, adelphi

• Biodiversity as part of policies and criteria of CSR

standards and certificates

• Biodiversity as criteria in awards
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Standards: Overview of screening process

• Selection of 20 international and national CSR

Standards/Labels with relevance to the tourism sector

• Set of assessment criteria was developed by the project team
• Official standard documents were screened and assessed (on a

quantitiative basis) focussing on standard policy document and standard criteria

• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Analysis of standards: category I

• Policy documents: whether and to what extent does each

standard integrate references to the protection of biodiversity:

• Key elements of biodiversity: Animal and plant species, habitats, protected

areas and areas of particular importance for biodiversity

• Major threats to biodiversity, and responses to hazards: degradation /

destruction of habitats , overexploitation of natural resources , invasive alien species, etc.

• Mitigation hierarchy (avoiding as many as possible negative effects) and no

net loss or/ net positive impact on biodiversity

• International conventions relevant to biodiversity: Convention on

International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES ), Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention ), UNESCO World Heritage Convention , Convention on Migratory Species (CMS ) , Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD )

• Ecosystem services
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Analysis of standards: category II

Biodiversity aspects covered by standard criteria: Measures to reduce biodiversity loss caused by:

• Degradation/destruction of ecosystems
• Loss of species
• Overexploitation of natural resources
• Dissemination of invasive alien species

Measures to proactively protect biodiversity:

• Access and Benefit-Sharing
• Exceptional commitment towards conservation of biodiversity
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Analysis of standards: Assessment criteria

• Weighting
• Effectiveness
• Transparency
• Verifiability

For every standard, an average subtotal of the values given to every feature is

• calculated. These numbers give an overview of the standard’s quality.
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

128 81 71 25 24 9 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Degradation/destruction of ecosystems Overexploitation of natural ressources Loss of species Dissemination of invasive alien species ABS: involvement of local initiatives, local community support of the protection of Biodiversity Special commitment of the company towards biodiversity

• No. of biodiversity aspects listed in standards
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Degradation/destruction

• f ecosystems

38%

Loss of species 21% Overexploitation of natural resources 24% Dissemination of invasive alien species 7% Access and Benefit- Sharing: 7% Special commitment of the company towards Biodiversity 3%

Standards: coverage of biodiversity aspects in analysed standards (in %)

• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% Very effective Effective Less effective

Degradation/destruction of ecosystems (n=128)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Very effective Effective Less effective

Loss of species (n=71)

• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% Very effective Effective Less effective

Overexploitation of natural resources (n=81)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Very effective Effective Less effective

Dissemination of invasive alien species (n=25)

• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Very effective Effective Less effective

Access and Benefit-Sharing (n=24)

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Very effective Effective Less effective

Special commitment of the company towards biodiversity (n=9)

• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Awards: Overview of screening process

• Selection of 29 Awards with relevance to the tourism sector
• Set of assessment criteria was developed by the project team
• Official award documents were screened and assessed focussing on

references made to biodiversity aspects

• Each reference was weighted , the aggregated value for each award gives

an overview to what extent the case for the promotion of biodiversity is made (from very effective to less effective)

• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Analysis of awards: references made with regard to speficic biodiversity aspects

• Main causes of the loss of biodiversity: degradation / destruction of habitats ,
• verexploitation of natural resources , invasive alien species…
• Components of biodiversity: Animal and plant species, habitats, protected

areas and areas of particular importance for biodiversity

• Measures for avoiding negative impacts in biodiversity: Mitigation hierarchy

(avoiding as many as possible negative effects) and no net loss or/ net positive impact on biodiversity

• Long-term strategies and long-term cooperation
• International conventions regarding biodiversity: Convention on International

Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES ), Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention ), UNESCO World Heritage Convention , Convention on Migratory Species (CMS ) , Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD )

• Ecosystem services
• Specific award category for biodiversity
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Awards – overview of results I

• 83% of awards mentioned term sustainability
• 33% of awards mentioned term biodiversity
• 41% of awards did not include any criteria with regard to biodiversity
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

Awards – overview of results II

• Regarding the main causes of loss of biodiversity, most of the criteria found

were related to degradation/destruction of ecosystems and to the overuse

• f natural resources
• Little mention was made to biodiversity hotspots and legally protected

areas.

• As regards measures established for avoiding the negative impacts of
• rganisations, those aimed at evading the loss of habitats and restoration

were found the most, along with those targeting the protection of wild living species.

• No references were found to either ecosystem services or dissemination of

invasive species.

• No references to the concepts of Mitigation Hierarchy and no net loss

and/or net positive impact.

• Little reference to international conventions related to biodiversity
• 2. Screening of the Standards/Certificates/Awards in Tourism

• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the

Standards and Conclusions

Biodiversity in Standards, Certificates and Awards in the Tourism Sector

Input: Exemplary criteria found in the screening

Marion Hammerl

• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the Standards and Conclusions

Criteria to prevent degradation /destruction of ecosystems

Österreichisches Umweltzeichen RA: Naturtourismus/Ökotourismus Umweltschonende Freizeitaktivitäten, die die Natur nicht belasten und ein Naturverständnis fördern Österr. Umweltzeichen Camping: Mindestens 90% der Fläche des Campingplatzes sind nicht mit Asphalt/Zement oder sonstigem Versiegelungsmaterial abgedeckt, das die erforderliche Entwässerung und Belüftung des Bodens behindert. Viabono Camping: Maßnahmen bzgl. einer naturnahen und umwelt- gerechten Gestaltung und/oder Pflege bei den Außenanlagen.

Input: Exemplary criteria found in the screening

Marion Hammerl

• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the Standards and Conclusions

Criteria to prevent degradation /destruction of ecosystems

Green Globe, EETLS: Biodiversity

• Conservation. Criteria: The business

contributes to the support of biodiversity conservation, including supporting natural protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value. Quality Coast: D2 Protection of sensitive environments The destination has a system to monitor the impact of tourism on sensitive environments and protect habitats and species. Green Key: XI.5 The establishment provides activities for raising awareness, focused on sustainable development, environment and nature in or around the premises (G). Various international Standards require: “The business contributes to the support of biodiversity conservation …”. This is a useful approach, but Standards should include an indication regarding cuantitiy and quality of support.

Input: Exemplary criteria found in the screening

Marion Hammerl

• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the Standards and Conclusions

Criteria to prevent loss of species

Eifel: „Verzicht auf Anbau von gentechnisch veränderter Pflanzen. Auf alle unsere Handelspartner wollen wir einwirken, gentechnisch veränderte Futtermittel, Zutaten und Zusatzstoffe im gesamten Produktionsprozess ebenfalls nicht zu verwenden." . Österr. Umweltzeichen Gastronomie: G12 Tierschutz: Speisen mit folgenden aus Sicht des Arten- und Tierschutzes besonders sensiblen oder geschützten Arten bzw. Produkten werden nicht angeboten: Gänsestopfleber, Froschschenkel, Schildkröten, Wal, Hai, Schwertfisch, Snapper, europäischer Flussaal, Stör und Huchen. Österr. Umweltzeichen alle: 90 Lebensmittel aus lokaler Produktion Bei jeder Mahlzeit einschließlich des Frühstücks werden mindestens zwei Lebensmittel lokaler Herkunft und (bei Obst und Gemüse) aus dem saisonalen Angebot angeboten. Sofern zutreffend ist der Verzehr bzw. der Kauf einheimischer gefährdeter Arten wie bestimmter Fisch- oder Schalentierarten sowie von exotischem Wild und von Garnelen aus zu Lasten von Mangrovenwäldern angelegten Aquakulturen verboten.

Input: Exemplary criteria found in the screening

Marion Hammerl

• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the Standards and Conclusions

Criteria to prevent loss of species

EETLS, Green Globe: Wildlife Species. Criteria: Wildlife species are only harvested from the wild, consumed, displayed, sold, or internationally traded, as part of a regulated activity that ensures that their utilization is sustainable. . EETLS, Green Globe: D.3.2. Wildlife in Captivity: No captive wildlife is held, except for properly regulated activities, and living specimens of protected wildlife species are

• nly kept by those authorized and suitably

equipped to house and care for them. GSTC: D.3.5. Interaktionen mit wild lebenden Tieren dürfen keine nachteiligen Wirkungen auf die Entwicklungsfähigkeit von Populationen in der Wildnis haben; jede Störung natürlicher Ökosysteme wird minimiert bzw. saniert und es wird ein ausgleichender Beitrag für das Naturschutzmanagement geleistet. Quality Coast: D3 Wildlife protection: The destination has a system to ensure compliance with local, national, and international standards for the harvest or capture, display, and sale of wildlife (including both plants and animals).

Input: Exemplary criteria found in the screening

• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the Standards and Conclusions

Criteria to prevent overexploitation of natural resources

TripAdvisor: P1A. Do you purchase food and beverages with any of the following certifications? // P3. Do you purchase at least 90% (measured by cost) of your toiletries with at least one of the following characteristics? P4A. Do at least 50% of your products for facility cleaning, laundry, and/or dishwashing have any of the following certifications?

• EU Organic Label ("Euro-Leaf")
• Rainforest Alliance Certified
• Fair Trade Certified
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Blue Eco-Label
• Regionally/ Locally Produced (within 150 kilometers)
• Grown/ produced on site
• Bio-Siegel
• Environmental Choice EcoLogo
• EcoCert
• All standards for accomodations include criteria for the reduction of consumption of

energy and water. Criteria to avoid the overuse of other resources such as landscape, soil, lakes /rivers were not found in the screened standards.

Input: Exemplary criteria found in the screening

• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the Standards and Conclusions

Criteria to prevent invasive species

Viabono Camping: Einsaat von Blumenrasen und/oder -wiesen mit Saatgut von standortgerechten Pflanzen. EETLS, Green Globe, GSTC: Landscaping: The business uses native species for landscaping and restoration, and takes measures to avoid the introduction of invasive alien species.

Criteria to include local initiatives (ABS)

Alpine Pearls: 1.11. Die Kommune unterstützt aktiv traditionelles, umweltschonendes Handwerk und die natur- und umwelt-verträgliche Land- und Forst wirtschaft (z.B. Bergbauern, Käsereien, Weinbauern, Erhalt regional- typischer Tierrassen, etc.).

Discussion notes

• Degradation /destruction of ecosystems
• Loss of species
• Overexploitation of natural resources
• Invasive species
• Access and benefit sharing
• 3. Discussion of Exemplary Criteria from the Standards and Conclusions

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

Biodiversity in Standards, Certificates and Awards in the Tourism Sector

Optimizing the biodiversity requirements of the standards and awards

Marion Hammerl

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

Recommendations for policy /strategy of standards and awards

• Internationally recognized definitions or own clear definitions
• Capacity building for certified companies /destinations
• Capacity building for auditors /certifiers
• Monitoring: Status quo, indicators, monitoring procedure

Recommendations to optimize existing criteria and to include new criteria for areas which are not covered yet

• Individual assessment of standard organizations interested in

improving biodiversity performance

• Individual assessment of awards interested in underlining the

importance of biodiversity

Supporting the awareness raising and promotion of

• the standards and awards and
• their certified/awarded tourism businesses and

services Herbert Hamele, Ecotrans

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

Keyword „biodiversity“ for filtering

Presentation and promotion of participating certificates/awards e.g.

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

Certified & awarded tourism in Germany: central source for tour operators, travel agencies, marketing services

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

e.g. certified by „Viabono“

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

Promotion & marketing of certified/awarded tourism with biodiversity strengths!

GreenHopping: > Travellers & social media BookDifferent: > booking TravelMotion: > travel agencies

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

How tourism associations and further initiatives can support the project Stefan Hörmann, GNF

• 4. Next Steps: Strengthening and Support

Thank You for Your Contributions & Keep in touch !

Biodiversity in Standards, Certificates and Awards in the Tourism Sector