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Sustainability Toolkit
Incorporating sustainability into your operations isn't just about preserving the planet; it's about safeguarding the unique cultures, environments, and communities that make African tourism so extraordinary. With the ATTA Sustainability Toolkit, you'll discover practical tools, expert guidance, and inspiring success stories from industry leaders who have transformed their businesses while leaving a positive impact on the continent.
Join us as we venture on a transformative adventure, one that balances the thrill of exploration with the responsibility of preservation. Together, we'll explore best practices, discover innovative solutions, and collaborate on building a sustainable future that benefits travelers, communities, and the planet.
Let's collectively embrace this exciting journey, where sustainable, meaningful travel isn't just a destination—it's the path we choose to tread, hand in hand with the world's most stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures.
Welcome to the ATTA Sustainability Toolkit, where your adventure begins with a commitment to making a difference.
At ATTA®, we are committed to promoting and supporting sustainable practices within the African travel and tourism industry. We recognize the importance of protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering socio-economic development in the regions our members operate. Our sustainability policy serves as a guiding framework for our association, our members, and our stakeholders and have created an ATTA Charter for Sustainable Tourism based on the following principals:
Charter Principals
Environmental Stewardship:
- We encourage our members to minimize their environmental impact by promoting responsible resource management, waste reduction, and pollution prevention.
- We encourage our members to implement sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
- We support initiatives that contribute to biodiversity conservation, protection of natural habitats, and responsible wildlife tourism.
Socio-cultural Preservation:
- We value and respect the diverse cultures and traditions of the communities we engage with.
- We promote fair and equitable practices, respecting the rights and dignity of local communities and indigenous peoples.
- We encourage our members to engage in community-based tourism, supporting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage.
Economic Prosperity:
- We strive to create economic opportunities that benefit local communities, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
- We advocate for fair and ethical business practices, promoting transparency, and supporting responsible supply chains.
- We encourage our members to contribute to the socio-economic development of the regions they operate in, empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering job creation.
Climate Action:
- We acknowledge the importance of addressing climate change and commit to reducing our carbon footprint.
- We promote sustainable transportation options, encourage carbon offsetting, and support renewable energy initiatives.
- We advocate for climate resilience and adaptation measures within the tourism industry.
Collaboration and Partnerships:
- We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, government bodies, NGOs, and local communities.
- We actively seek opportunities to share knowledge, best practices, and resources to advance sustainable tourism in Africa.
- We support and engage in initiatives that promote sustainability, conservation, and responsible tourism at regional and international levels.
Education and Awareness:
- We are committed to raising awareness about sustainable tourism practices among our members, industry professionals, and travelers.
- We provide educational resources, training programs, and platforms for knowledge sharing.
- We encourage our members to educate and inspire travelers to make responsible choices that support sustainability and local communities.
Monitoring and Reporting:
- We strive for continuous improvement in our member’s sustainability efforts.
- We support programs and initiatives that monitor and evaluate progress, set measurable targets, and report transparently on sustainability performance.
- We encourage our members to monitor and report on their sustainability initiatives, sharing their successes and lessons learned.
This sustainability policy is a living document that will be reviewed periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. We commit to upholding these principles, promoting sustainable practices, and driving positive change within the African travel and tourism industry.
On this page you will find information relating to:
Certification Bodies
African tourism brands should seriously consider obtaining a sustainable certification or process for the many positive social and environmental outcomes for both the advocacy of climate and social justice in Africa as well as their own brand identity and economic gain.
Responsible travel isn't just a trend; it's a necessary approach for long-term business success. Climate change, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences can all affect the tourism industry. Businesses that embrace sustainable practices are better equipped to adapt to these challenges. Sustainable certifications often involve comprehensive assessments and planning, ensuring that businesses are prepared to thrive even in the face of uncertainty.
Sustainability certification schemes provide a structured framework to measure and validate your commitment to ethical, environmental, and socially conscious operations. Whether you're a lodge owner, tour operator, or any other stakeholder in the African tourism supply chain, this overview is your gateway to understanding and embracing sustainability. We recognize the landscape can be overwhelming, therefore we have provided an overview of the various regional and international certification schemes available to African-based tourism businesses.
Numerous organizations specializing in tourism sustainability certification offer valuable guidance and assistance for enhancing operational sustainability and aligning with their standards. Businesses interested in certification should reach out to these organizations directly to gain insight into the services they provide and the application process.
African Focused Schemes - Single Country
Responsible Tourism Tanzania
Responsible Tourism Tanzania offers certification for tourism businesses in Tanzania that prioritize responsible and sustainable practices. The program evaluates environmental, socio-cultural, and economic criteria, aiming to promote positive impacts on local communities and the environment.
| Established: | 2012 |
| # Certified (2023) | Total: 30 In Africa: (Tanzania) 30 |
| Countries Covered | Tanzania |
| Types Covered |
Hotels |
| Services Provided | Practical Guidance Materials Sustainability Training |
| GSTC Status | None |
| Contact | [email protected] |
Namibian Eco Awards
The Namibian Eco Awards recognize and certify tourism accommodations and tour operators in Namibia that demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. The program evaluates factors such as energy efficiency, waste management, and community engagement.
Eco Awards Namibia
Established: 2005
# certified (2020): Total: 80+ | In Africa: Namibia 80+
Countries covered: Namibia only
Type covered: Accommodation establishments and tour operators
Services provided: Pre-assessment assistance - interns prepare businesses for assessment
GSTC status: None
Additional info: Management Committee with cross-sector connections. Assessors are volunteers trained in one or more fields of environmental impact
Contact: www.ecoawards-namibia.org
Green Star Egypt
The “Green Star Hotel” Program – Egypt’s Green Certification Program in support of Sustainable TourismThe Green Star Hotel (GSH) is a national green certification and capacity-building program managed by the Egyptian Hotel Association (EHA) under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism. The GSH Standard is one of the officially recognized standards by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (http://www.gstcouncil.org/sustainable-tourism-gstc-criteria/gstc-recognized-standards.html). The program offers an opportunity for hotels operating in Egypt to be internationally recognized for raising their environmental performance and social standards while reducing their operational costs. A team of certified national and international experts guide interested hotels through a sequence of training and information support workshops leading to field audits to ensure compliance with the program standards prior to granting the GSH certification. Number of Hotels: 176 Green Hotel through EGYPT
EcoTourism Kenya
EcoTourism Kenya provides certification for tourism businesses in Kenya that adhere to environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices. The certification assesses a range of criteria, including waste management, energy efficiency, cultural preservation, and community involvement. Businesses that receive this certification are recognized for their contributions to conservation and sustainable development.
Established: 2002
# certified (2023): Total: 98 | In Africa: Kenya 98
Countries covered: Kenya only
Type covered: Eco-lodges and hotels in ecotourism areas
Services provided: Practical guidance; sharing of best practices and Sustainability training.
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard
Additional info: Certification is offered at three levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold
Contact: [email protected];
Blue Oasis (MS 165) – Sustainable Tourism Management System Certification Scheme
Established: 2019
# certified (2022): Total: 2 | In Africa: Mauritius 2
Countries covered: Mauritius only
Type covered: Hotel/Accommodation and Tour Operator
Services provided: Awareness sessions
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard and GSTC-Accredited Certification Body
Additional info: Certification offered by the Mauritius Standards Bureau, Villa Road, Moka, Mauritius
Contact: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project
KPAP’s Partner for Responsible Travel Program has proven to be instrumental in facilitating improvements of porter treatment on Mount Kilimanjaro. KPAP collects seasonal data on porter treatment including porter wages, tipping, bag weight, food provision and tent accommodation. This data is reported annually to Tanzanian government authorities and tour operator associations as well as companies participating with the Partner for Responsible Travel Program. Please refer to their Our Impact page for a summary of this information.
KPAP advocates that it is the duty of every climber, local tour operator, foreign travel agent, and charity group to take the steps needed to ensure that climbing companies provide fair and ethical treatment of their crew. IMEC’s Partner for Responsible Travel Program provides an assessment by a third party, based on objective measurements, to determine if a climbing company is meeting the proper treatment standards.
Established: 1996
# monitored and verified (2023): Total: 148 | TZ Local Climbing Operators: 51
Countries covered: Any Company selling Kilimanjaro
Type covered: Tour Operator, DMC, Agent
Services provided: Awareness sessions, Monitoring, Legal Compliance, Environmental and Social Best Practices
GSTC status: N/A,
Additional info: Travelife certification compulsory requirement
Contact: [email protected]
Africa Focused Schemes - Muilti Country
Fair Trade Tourism (FTT)
Fair Trade Tourism (FTT)
Established: 2004
# certified (2020): Total: 86 | In Africa: South Africa 81; Mozambique 3; Madagascar 2
Countries covered: South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Type covered: Accommodation (all); activities and day tours; volunteering; tour operators
Services provided: Consultancy services, audit services, training courses and materials, direct promotional activities and networking platforms.
GSTC status: GSTC-recognised in 2013, but not renewed due to cost barriers
Additional info: Noteworthy for its social impact criteria
Contact: [email protected]
Green Tourism Certification
Green Tourism offers certification for tourism businesses in various African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. The program assesses businesses' environmental practices, resource efficiency, community engagement, and visitor education. Green Tourism certification helps businesses attract environmentally conscious travelers.
Established: 2014
# certified (2020): Total: 120 | In Africa: 100 (South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda)
Countries covered: Most of Africa (baring Namibia, Seychelles, Kenya, Egypt, Mauritius)
Type covered: Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, apartments, lodges, tour operators
Services provided: Training and consultancy, guidance and tools
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard
Additional info: Focus on a collaborative and adaptable approach
Contact: www.gt-active.org; [email protected]
International Schemes - Africa Experience
Green Destinations
Established: 2016
# certified (2023): Total: 45 Fully Certified; 78 Benchmark; 63 Additional | In Africa: 8 Additional (Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, S Africa, Botswana, Zambia, DR Congo, Seychelles)
Countries covered: All countries
Type covered: Destinations (counties, provinces, regions, protected areas, local communities)
Services provided: Certification program, Top 100 stories Competition, Coaching on on-line platform; on-site training and workshops; on-line learning and webinars; destination management tools; one-to-one coaching; consultancy through partners.
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard; GSTC-Accredited certification.
Additional info: The scheme is for destinations (areas) and not operators. If you seek tourism operators' sustainability certifications please have a look at our affiliate program: the Good Travel Program.
Contact:[email protected]
Travelife
Established: 2007
# certified (2023): Total: 144 Certified; 567 Partner | In Africa: 20 Certified; 82 Partner (South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, Ethiopia)
Countries covered: All
Type covered: Tour operators; DMCs; travel agents; activity providers
Services provided: Basic sustainability training and certificate for one or more staff. Online and on-site trainings and workshops. Themed training on specific issues. Range of tools, e.g. for action planning, reporting and management of suppliers, excursions and communications. Dedicated Travelife coach.
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard; GSTC-Accredited certification
Additional info: Special emphasis on training, reporting, sector benchmarking and standards, data sharing and market access
Contact: [email protected] [email protected]
Travelife for Accommodation
Established: 2007
# certified (2023): Total: 963 Gold | In Africa: 25+ Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Morocco,)
Countries covered: All
Type covered: Large resorts, mid-size hotels, boutique hotels and campsites.
Services provided: Sustainability Toolkit (Over 100 guidance documents and templates to help hotels implement the requirements – e.g. from environmental policy to recording waste, water and energy usage).
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard
Additional info: Distinctive experience in identifying areas of risk, e.g. ranging from child safety and bonded labour to animal welfare.
Contact: www.travelifestaybetter.com; [email protected]
Green Globe Certification
Established: 1994
# certified (2022): Total: 610 | In Africa: Côte d’Ivoire 1; Egypt 15; Kenya 4; La Reunion 1; Madagascar 4; Mauritius 10; Morocco 7; Namibia 2; Senegal 1; Seychelles 6; Tunisia 5
Countries covered: All
Type covered: Attraction; Business (Supply Chain); Congress Centre, Meeting Venues; Cruise Ships (River & Ocean); Golf Course; Hotel & Resort; Hostels; Camp Ground; Restaurant; Spa, Health Centre; Transportation (Mass Transportation, Bus Company, Limousine Service, Car Rental); Travel Industry (Tour Operators, Destination Management Company, Meeting & Incentive Industry)
Services provided: Access to the full Green Globe standard and online certification tool; Worldwide press release with successful certification; Marketing & PR; support via e-mail and/or phone; Best Practices; Listing on all Green Globe channels; Green Globe reporting to the most important OTAs; Access to the Green Globe Academy; and much more
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard
Additional info: Cooperating with many international hotel chains. But the standard is applicable for any accommodation type from small eco lodges to city hotels, beach resorts and more
Contact: [email protected]
Earthcheck
This program focuses on environmental and social sustainability in the tourism industry. It provides businesses with tools to measure and improve their performance, aiming for continuous improvement.
Established: 1987
# members (2023): Total: 824 | In Africa: Botswana: 3 members; Djibouti: 1 member; Ghana: 1 member; Kenya: 2 members; Mauritius: 27 members; Morocco: 3 members; Rwanda: 2 members; South Africa: 5 members; United Republic of Tanzania: 1 member; Zambia: 1 member
Countries covered: All
Type covered: All types of accommodation; activities; attractions; theme parks; convention centres; catering; retail; tour operators; transport; communities; destinations.
Services provided: EarthCheck helps tourism businesses and destinations become more sustainable through certification, consulting, training and software solutions. EarthCheck’s certification programs are respected by travellers, brands and destinations globally, and help consumers make informed decisions about the tourism experiences they choose.
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standards; GSTC-Accredited certification (Destinations)
Additional info: When a travel business displays an EarthCheck certification badge, you’ll know they have been through a rigorous science-backed, people-focused sustainability certification process.
Contact: [email protected]
Green Key
Description: Green Key is an eco-label awarded to tourism businesses, including accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, that demonstrate commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable operation. The program assesses factors such as energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and sustainable procurement practices. Green Key certification signifies a business's dedication to reducing its environmental impact.
Established: 1994
# certified (2023): Total: 4600 | In Africa: Morocco 1; Tunisia 2; South Africa 1; Mauritius 2; Ethiopia 1; Kenya 2; Egypt 1; Zambia 1
Countries covered: All
Type covered: Hotels, hostels, campsites, small accommodation, holiday parks; conference centres; restaurants; attractions
Services provided: Practical guidance materials (online toolbox), direct support (via online meetings), measurement tools (internal database evaluates performance and produces an annual sustainability report for the establishments)
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard
Additional info: Cooperating with many international hotel chains
Contact: www.greenkey.global; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Green Globe
GGS is an easy to use online system delivering Green Globe’s internationally recognised standard for sustainable tourism, based on 44 globally accepted sustainability criteria across all departments and activities
Established: 1994
# certified (2022): Total: 610 | In Africa: Côte d’Ivoire 1; Egypt 15; Kenya 4; La Reunion 1; Madagascar 4; Mauritius 10; Morocco 7; Namibia 2; Senegal 1; Seychelles 6; Tunisia 5
Countries covered: All
Type covered: Attraction; Business (Supply Chain); Congress Centre, Meeting Venues; Cruise Ships (River & Ocean); Golf Course; Hotel & Resort; Hostels; Camp Ground; Restaurant; Spa, Health Centre; Transportation (Mass Transportation, Bus Company, Limousine Service, Car Rental); Travel Industry (Tour Operators, Destination Management Company, Meeting & Incentive Industry)
Services provided: Access to the full Green Globe standard and online certification tool; Worldwide press release with successful certification; Marketing & PR; support via e-mail and/or phone; Best Practices; Listing on all Green Globe channels; Green Globe reporting to the most important OTAs; Access to the Green Globe Academy; and much more
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standard
Additional info: Cooperating with many international hotel chains. But the standard is applicable for any accommodation type from small eco lodges to city hotels, beach resorts and more
Contact: [email protected]
TourCert - Travel for Tomorrow
is a certification program primarily focused on sustainable practices within the travel industry. It offers certifications for tour operators, travel agencies, and destinations. The program covers aspects like environmental management, social responsibility, and economic viability. TourCert promotes transparency and accountability in sustainability efforts.
Established: 2009
# certified (2020): Total: 200 | In Africa: 2 Tour Cert Qualified in Uganda and Cape Verde
Countries covered: East Africa (in particular Uganda)
Type covered: Accommodation; tour Operators; destinations; other tourism businesses
Services provided: Empowerment (training, coaching and consulting – online and offline); Qualification and Certification;
GSTC status: GSTC recognized
Additional info: Focus on a company’s learning and continuous development. Companies have their own CSR managers trained, who pass their knowledge on to the team and motivate them to act sustainably.
Contact: [email protected]
Biosphere Responsible Tourism
The Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification program is based on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It covers a wide range of aspects, including environmental management, cultural preservation, social inclusivity, and economic benefits for local communities. The certification is available for various tourism-related sectors, including destinations, accommodations, and tour operators.
Established: 1997
# certified (2023): Total: 1,716 (Certified) 744 (Committed) | In Africa: 2 (Committed)
Countries covered: All
Type covered: All types of accommodation; activities; attractions; convention centres; catering; retail; tour operators; transport; communities; destinations
Services provided: Achieve a commitment to a sustainable model, involving administrations, companies and, ultimately, all the people who make up the community of a destination: its workers and customers, citizens and tourists. Biosphere provides a flexible, motivating and user-friendly methodology, both for companies and destinations. You will access to a management system that recognises the path travelled in a public and transparent way, under the creation of personalised Sustainability Plans through the selection of sustainable activities and actions, linked to the 169 goals of the 2030 Agenda. A global and universal tool, designed to promote sustainability in the world.
GSTC status: GSTC-Recognized standards (businesses); GSTC-Accredited certification (Destinations)
Additional info: With Biosphere you will be able to demonstrate your good practices in real time, sharing all your achievements and progress with the guarantee of a system based on the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs. This model will allow you to involve your employees and customers, encouraging continuous improvement in ESG, in a real and attractive way.
Contact: [email protected]
Other Resources
B Labs
B Lab became known for certifying B Corporations, which are companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
B Lab creates standards, policies, tools, and programs that shift the behavior, culture, and structural underpinnings of capitalism.
By harnessing the power of business, B Lab positively impacts companies around the world, helping them balance profit with purpose. They are shifting our global economy from a system that profits few to one that benefits all: advancing a new model that moves from concentrating wealth and power to ensuring equity, from extraction to generation, and from prioritizing individualism to embracing interdependence.
Blue Flag
Blue Flag Blue Flag Beaches
The Blue Flag program, managed by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), certifies beaches and marinas that meet high environmental and safety standards. This certification is awarded to coastal destinations that prioritize water quality, environmental education, and sustainable management practices.
GreenStep Sustainable Tourism
GreenStep Sustainable Tourism certification program is still active, and growing! While they currently do not have any African members, their new standard, released in 2018 and revised in 2020, has now achieved formal "Recognized" status with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, ensuring that it meets their criteria and global best practices for sustainable tourism. It has been specifically designed to be globally applicable, and are looking to expand into Africa.
Sustainability Training and Advice
At the heart of responsible travel lies the commitment to sustainability. As travelers increasingly seek authentic and eco-conscious experiences, it's crucial for the African tourism industry to lead the way in promoting sustainable practices. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with the essential resources to thrive in this evolving landscape.
- Discover Comprehensive Resources: Whether you're an avid traveler, a tourism professional, or a passionate advocate, our platform offers a wealth of sustainability training resources. From in-depth courses to bite-sized modules, or expert consultants we have something for everyone.
- Diverse Learning Formats: Choose your preferred learning style. Immerse yourself in our interactive in-person workshops, dive into the convenience of online courses, or engage with thought leaders through enlightening webinars. Our commitment to accessible educational options ensures that you can learn at your own pace, on your terms.
- Tailored to Your Needs: We understand that every journey is unique. Our platform accommodates individual learners seeking personal growth, as well as organizations aspiring to make a collective impact. We have provided you with a comprehensive list of solutions for businesses, groups, and destinations, designed to address your specific sustainability goals.
- Empower Change: Join us in our mission to create positive change in the way we explore and promote African tourism. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and tools for sustainable travel, we can collectively contribute to the preservation of our breathtaking landscapes and the well-being of local communities.
Start Your Sustainable Journey: Embark on a path of learning, growth, and impactful change. Explore our wide range of resources and start your journey towards responsible and sustainable travel in Africa. Join us in shaping the future of travel - one that leaves a positive footprint.
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Tools and Resources
Embrace Sustainability, Empower Change: As the African Travel and Tourism Association, we are committed to fostering a culture of sustainability that preserves the rich natural and cultural heritage of Africa for generations to come. By utilizing these resources, you are contributing to a more responsible and mindful travel industry—one that thrives while respecting the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the diverse communities we serve.
Embark on a journey of knowledge, action, and transformation. Explore our carefully curated selection of sustainability resources and take the first step towards shaping a brighter future for African travel and tourism.
Best Practices
Promote Local Community Involvement
Encourage the active participation of local communities in the tourism industry. This can be achieved by creating platforms for locals to showcase their culture, traditions, and crafts. By involving them in decision-making processes and offering economic benefits, the industry can empower local communities and ensure that tourism benefits are shared more equitably.
Emphasize conservation and wildlife protection
African countries are abundant with diverse ecosystems and incredible wildlife. It is crucial to prioritize conservation efforts and promote sustainable wildlife tourism. This involves implementing responsible tourism practices such as limiting the number of visitors in protected areas, providing education on wildlife protection, and supporting anti-poaching initiatives.
Support eco-friendly accommodations
Encourage the development and promotion of eco-friendly accommodations such as eco-lodges and sustainable resorts. These establishments should incorporate renewable energy sources, waste management systems, and water conservation practices. Additionally, they can collaborate with local suppliers for sourcing food and other resources, thereby supporting the local economy.
Promote responsible tour operators
Encourage travelers to choose responsible tour operators that prioritize sustainability. These operators should adhere to sustainable tourism practices, promote local experiences, respect wildlife and cultural heritage, and contribute to community development. Certifications or accreditation programs can be established to identify and promote such operators.
Raise awareness and educate tourists
Educate tourists about sustainable tourism practices and the importance of respecting local cultures, wildlife, and the environment. This can be done through social media, pre and post-trip communication, website resources, and other digital media platforms. Encourage responsible behavior, such as proper waste disposal, respecting wildlife habitats, and supporting local businesses.
Foster collaboration and partnerships
Encourage and participate in collaborations between government bodies, local communities, NGOs, and private sector entities. This collaboration can facilitate the development and implementation of sustainable tourism policies, conservation projects, and community-based initiatives. By working together, stakeholders can leverage their expertise and resources to create a more sustainable tourism industry.
Support cultural preservation
African countries have rich cultural heritage, which should be protected and preserved. Encourage the promotion of cultural experiences that respect and preserve local traditions, arts, and crafts. This can be achieved through cultural festivals, museums, and artisan markets that showcase and support local artisans.
Develop sustainable tourism strategies
Governments and tourism authorities and private businesses should develop comprehensive strategies and policies that prioritize sustainability. These strategies should encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, addressing issues such as resource management, community development, and fair distribution of tourism benefits.
Monitor and evaluate impact
Regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of tourism activities on the environment, local communities, and wildlife. This will help identify areas that need improvement and inform decision-making processes. Transparent reporting and sharing of data will enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to ensure long-term sustainability.
By implementing these measures, the African tourism industry can become more sustainable, benefiting both the environment and local communities while providing an authentic and responsible travel experience for tourists.
Sustainable Resources
WTM Responsible Tourism Africa
WTM Responsible Tourism Africa
WTM Africa’s Responsible Tourism Awards champion the best work in Responsible Tourism on the continent. Join our celebration of those devoted to sustainability and consistently generate positive influence and set exemplary standards. The primary goal of these awards is to unearth, acknowledge, and promote good practice. These prestigious awards demonstrate how businesses and destinations are fostering transformation and spearheading innovative initiatives centred around the welfare and sustainability of tourism.
Switch Africa Green
Since 2014, the program has been supporting African countries in their transition towards sustainable development, supporting policymakers, business and non-state actors in making the switch to sustainable consumption and production practices that also generate growth, create decent jobs and reduce poverty. The programme has a wide range of stakeholders, including national and local government representatives, regional economic communities, other programmes under the European Union’s SWITCH to green initiative.
The programme is designed to support and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production in Africa and has been very active working with multi stakeholders in the tourism sector to support public-private partnerships and increase tourism certification schemes regionally by country. This has successfully already been implemented in Kenya and recently launched in Uganda.
Fairtrade international
Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries. As a leader in the global movement to make trade fair, Fairtrade supports and challenges businesses and governments while connecting farmers and workers with the people who buy their products.
By choosing Fairtrade, people can create change through their everyday actions.
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
With members in over 100 countries and territories as well as regional bodies and sector platforms, they foster the broad adoption of truly sustainable agriculture, value chains, and consumption in line with the principles of organic agriculture. Through their work, they build capacity to facilitate the transition of farmers to organic agriculture, raise awareness of the need for sustainable production and consumption, and advocate for a policy environment conducive to agro-ecological farming practices and sustainable development
Marine Stewardship Council international
Their mission is to use their ecolabel and fishery certification program to contribute to the health of the world’s oceans by recognising and rewarding sustainable fishing practices, influencing the choices people make when buying seafood and working with partners to transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis.
SASSI List
To support consumers in understanding their sustainable seafood options, SASSI provides a few easy-to-use tools that categorise seafood species according to a ‘traffic light’ system of red, orange and green. These tools include a credit card-sized pocket guide, a free app and a mobile SMS service, aptly named FishMS.
Rainforest Alliance
The Sustainable Agriculture Standard, along with its assurance and technology systems, are designed to deliver more value to the more than four million farmers and workers and thousands of businesses that use Rainforest Alliance certification to drive more sustainable agricultural production and responsible supply chains.
World Cetacean Alliance
Their mission is to protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises through a connected community of people with expertise, capacity, and resources. The WCA was created with the explicit purpose of bringing together organisations and people to create an integrated model for cetacean conservation and protection.
Green Fins
Green Fins is a proven conservation management approach – implemented internationally by The Reef-World Foundation and the UN Environment Programme – which leads to a measurable reduction in the negative environmental impacts associated with marine tourism. It aims to protect coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines promoting sustainable diving and snorkelling. It provides the only internationally recognised environmental standards for marine tourism and its robust assessment system measures compliance.
ECPACT UK
Every Child Protected Against Trafficking is a leading children's rights organisation working to protect children from trafficking and transnational exploitation. We support children everywhere to uphold their rights and to live a life free from abuse and exploitation.
The Code
The Code (short for The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism) is a multi-stakeholder initiative with the mission to provide awareness, tools and support to the travel and tourism industry to prevent the sexual exploitation of children. The Code is a voluntary set of criteria that members commit to, to keep children safe.
UNICEF
UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
World Tourism Assoc for Culture and Heritage
World Tourism Assoc for Culture and Heritage
The World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) is the global authority on the protection and preservations of cultural heritage assets through the development of responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism practices and policies.
As a globally recognised and respected NGO we bring together public, private, community-based and specialist academic sector organisations to assist Governments, Donors, Destinations and the Tourism sector as a whole, achieve their long-term goals and objectives whilst minimising the risks associated with inadequate or ineffective Cultural Heritage Tourism (CHT) planning.
Sustainable Brands
Sustainable Brands is a community of thought leaders and innovators who are working to create a more sustainable future. Their website is full of articles, webinars, and other resources to help individuals and businesses learn about sustainable practices and how to implement them.
GreenBiz
GreenBiz is a media company focused on sustainable business practices. Their website features articles, podcasts, and other resources on a wide range of sustainability-related topics, from renewable energy to circular economy.
The Climate Reality Project
The Climate Reality Project is a non-profit organization founded by former Vice President Al Gore. Their website is a great resource for learning about climate change and what we can do to mitigate its effects.
Project Drawdown:
Project Drawdown is the world’s leading resource for climate solutions. From individual action to international finance and beyond, Project Drawdown is accelerating the adoption of climate solutions around the world in partnership with corporate leaders, investors, philanthropists, policymakers, educators, community change makers, and more.
World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund is a conservation organization that works to protect endangered species and their habitats. Their website features information on sustainability and environmental issues, as well as ways individuals can get involved in conservation efforts.
By visiting these websites and others like them, you can stay informed and educated on sustainability, and work towards creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.
Resource Library for Capacity Building
Green Reading
- Wanderlust – How to Travel Guilt Free: Essential Tips for Ethical Travellers By Hazel Plush/Wanderlust
- The Responsible Traveller By Karen Edwards
- Sustainable Travel – The Essential Guide to Positive-Impact Adventures By Holly Tuppen
- The Flightless Traveller By Emma Gregg
- Zero Altitude By Helen Coffey
Green Watching
Visit Water Bear for great resources – quick videos and documentaries worth your time for great insight
Greenwash -Explained with Hamsters
A Plastic Solution to Pollution
Green Living Apps
- Think Dirty
- Giki
- Green Travel Choice
- Good on You
- LiveGreen Daily
- My Little Plastic Footprint
- Happy Cow
- Klima
- Localvore
- TripIt
Melissa Foley
Melissa Foley has recently joined the ATTA® team to advise and support the ATTA for Action – A Conscious CommUNITY Collective initiative. Utilising over 20 years of corporate marketing experience, extensive world travel, and more than a decade of NGO consulting globally, she has a unique perspective on ethical travel. She has organically curated a diverse international network striving to benchmark meaningful social and environmental sustainability practices that are adaptable and relevant for the African tourism industry.
Creating All About Africa Consulting was inspired by a simple philosophy that everyone in the tourism supply chain shares a collective obligation and economic opportunity to protect our communities, natural resources, and cultural traditions.
Based in Cape Town, she represents a diverse portfolio sharing common values. Her true passion is facilitating the integration between various stakeholders to create lasting collaborations where transformational tourism can truly thrive.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +27613419623
- LinkedIn:
- https://linkedin.com/in/melissafoley1/