Implementing the UNSDGs as your sustainable tourism framework can ensure you consider many elements of sustainability; the UNSDGs breakdown down the tenets of sustainable tourism (environmental, social and economic) into 17 goals. This blog explores how SDG14: Life Below Water links to choosing your whale-watching operators.
What a day in Monterey Bay…this place has been my must-visit since Blue Planet Live quite some years ago, and it did not disappoint. Plus, it's only 3 hours from my new home, so there was no reason not to go for a New Year break.
I didn't think December was the best time for whale watching, but Monterey is a year-round destination with different species throughout the year. And wow, the Humpbacks proved me wrong. I had researched whale-watching operators and was glad I did when we saw how many sightings there were, even in this low season and that my choice of operator was an informed one.
We chose Monterey Bay Whale Watch as they are the original whale-watching company, founded by a renowned marine biologist, have a Marine Biologist or Naturalists on every trip, and from reading a few websites, seemed to be one of the few that contributed to science.
Looking after our oceans and the incredible creatures that inhabit them is essential. Tourism is heavily reliant on the oceans. SDG 14: Life Below Water has a target that recognises that tourism can positively impact conservation and the sustainability of our oceans. There are indicators within the target that suggest tourism planning should be integrated into marine protection areas, that tourism should include measures for monitoring the environment, that there be environmental awareness training and campaigns for staff and guests and that environmental management policies (often voluntary - particularly around whale watching) are implemented.
As a tour operator, how can you ensure whale-watching suppliers operate responsibly?
Work with your Destination Management Company (DMC) to understand their preferred whale-watching operators and their commitment to sustainable practices. Collating information from the DMC on how the operators align with local or international guidelines ensures you know that best practices are being adhered to. Organisations such as the World Cetacean Alliance have a robust set of guidelines. Most protected areas will have their guidelines ready to share.
Ask about the contribution to science; supporting operators that contribute to scientific research by collecting data on whale populations, behaviour, and health is also essential. The Monterey Bay Whale Watch owner has conducted a plethora of research into whales and is the founder of the California Killer Whale Project. Every sailing has a photographer whose images are added to an international database of whales. They also encourage guests to upload their photos to Happy Whale (which I will do once I’ve edited mine!). They are a great example of how to watch whales responsibly.
By choosing responsible whale-watching tours and supporting operators committed to conservation, we can ensure that future generations can also experience the wonder of these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Tips to implement UNSDG 14 in your sustainability strategy:
Have objectives and targets that link to SDG 14: Life Below Water in your sustainability strategy. Ensure you have an Animal Welfare Policy that covers marine life and can be shared with your suppliers - ask if they have one themselves.
Then, work with your supply chain to understand more about the operators you use:
Do they operate in Marine Protected Areas, and what does this mean for that area
Do they have expert guides and trained marine biologists onboard
Do they contribute to scientific research
Do they contribute to local conservation projects
Is there an education program for staff, locals and guests
What equipment are they using to reduce the disturbance of the whales
Are they adhering to local or international Whale Watching standards
I can create a bespoke sustainable tourism strategy using the UNSDGs as a framework. Book a call to discuss this here:
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