AT THE FOREFRONT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDS
LOS ANGELES, California - The Heritage Environmental Management Company (Heritage) has become one of only two environmental certification standards worldwide to be affiliated to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it was announced today.
Heritage’s membership of the UNWTO was approved during the 90th session of the UNWTO’s Executive Council held in Mombasa, Kenya, in June this year. Heritage has become the first UNWTO private sector affiliate in South Africa.
The only other tourism certification standard to be formally recognized by the UNWTO is Heritage’s strategic partner, the US-based Green Globe Certification company.
The UNWTO is a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. It also plays a pivotal role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally-accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the interests of developing countries.
The organization encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, with a view to ensuring that member countries, tourist destinations, and businesses maximize the positive economic, social, and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits, while minimizing its negative social and environmental impacts.
Its membership includes 154 countries, 7 territories, and over 400 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations, and local tourism authorities. Acceptance by the UNWTO proves that the South African-developed standard is of international relevance and a leader in the field of environmental certification in tourism.
“With the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) just around the corner, it is extremely gratifying to be recognized by an organization of this standing, and this proves that South Africa is at the forefront of environmental certification development and standards,” said Greg McManus, Managing Director of the Heritage Environmental Certification Company.
“In this light, Heritage is taking a leading role in ensuring that visitors to the conference experience an environmentally-responsible stay while in Durban. Efforts to encourage as many hotels and accommodation establishments in the city to commit to responsible business practice are well underway,” McManus said.
COP17 takes place from November 28 to December 9 at the ICC in Durban and will see the world’s attention focused on South Africa and its sustainable practices. The event is expected to draw almost 15,000 delegates to Durban with a spending potential of more than R300-million.
ABOUT THE HERITAGE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY
The Heritage Environmental Management Company was formed in 2002 as southern Africa’s first environmental performance rating initiative. It has since become the largest and most successful environmental management system and certification program of its kind in Africa. In May 2009, Heritage was appointed the Green Globe preferred partner for sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
The Heritage Program is currently being operated by over 150 tourism-based businesses across southern Africa. The program is recognized by the UNWTO and has partnered with FEDHASA in the Imvelo Awards held annually to recognize responsible tourism practice. Contact: Virginia McManus, Manager, Corporate Communications, The Heritage Environmental Management Company, Phone: 012 665 1028, Fax: 082 903 8118, Email: communication@heritagesa.co.za , Web:www.heritagesa.co.za .
ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION
Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is the only certification brand to be an affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) an agency of the United Nations, and is partly owned by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). For information visit www.greenglobe.com .
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