Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and illegal exploitation of plants, animals, and animal welfare

      In addition to economic and social value, tourists must consider the importance of conservation of resources and the environment, as well as cultural differences and changes in the community, which may cause changes in tourism patterns and activities, resulting in the development of a new form of tourism known as sustainable tourism (Sustainable Tourism). 

      In terms of environmental sustainability, one of the goals of implementing the GSTC guidelines is to maximize the attraction’s environmental benefit while minimizing its negative impact. The exploitation of plants or animals, as well as animal welfare, is one of the most sensitive issues. The following are the criteria:

• Attractions have systems in place to ensure compliance with local, national, and international laws and standards for animal welfare and plant and animal species conservation (animals, plants, and all living things). This includes raising or capturing wild organisms, trading, displaying, and selling manufactured goods of plant and animal species;
• Any wildlife acquisition, breeding, or captivity must be properly authorized and under the supervision of personnel who are equipped and subject to the appropriate requirements;
• All wildlife and pets must be housed, cared for, and managed in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards.

Indicators for the exploitation of plants or animals and animal welfare include the following:

• To protect animal welfare and for the conservation of plant and animal species, specific international, national, and local laws, standards, and guidelines are required for use in tourist attractions;
• Operators, tour operators, and guides must be made aware of applicable laws, standards, and guidelines;
• There must be a system in place to monitor the conditions of wild and domestic animal possession, as well as the provision of housing and care;
• Permits have been issued, and personnel responsible for wildlife in their possession have valid qualifications;
• Work is being done to promote and ensure compliance with the CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in the tourism sector;
• Tourists are given information on how to avoid buying souvenirs made with or from endangered wildlife declared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES);
• The law is strictly enforced to ensure that any hunting activity that is part of scientific research is properly managed and adheres to stringent conservation legislation.

Source : Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Information as of 28 February 2023