Protecting the tourism environment is considered an urgent issue in the development of tourism. Because if the natural environment plays a role as the basis for sustainable development, the cultural environment helps ensure the civilization of a society. So how are the regulations on tourism environmental protection activities determined according to current laws? What are some solutions to protect the tourism environment that need to be implemented? Let's GREEN IN Find out more about this issue through the article below!
1. What is the tourism environment?
According to Clause 1, Article 3 of the Law on Tourism 2017, "Tourism is activities related to human trips outside of their usual place of residence for no more than 01 consecutive year to meet the needs of sightseeing, relaxation, entertainment, learning, exploring tourism resources or in combination with other legitimate purposes". Sustainable tourism development is a journey to promote tourism but must still meet economic, social and environmental requirements at the same time, while ensuring a balance with the interests of the subjects participating in tourism activities, not negatively affecting the ability to meet tourism needs in the future.
2. Legal regulations on environmental protection in tourism
According to Clause 18, Article 3 of the 2017 Law on Tourism, "The tourism environment is the natural environment and the social environment where tourism activities take place". In order to develop tourism, it is impossible to ignore the environmental factor, including both the natural environment and the social-cultural environment. The cultural environment creates the foundation for civilized tourism, while the natural environment is the core factor ensuring sustainable development.
Article 8 of the 2017 Law on Tourism also stipulates the issue of protecting the tourism environment:
"1. The tourism environment must be protected, embellished and developed in a green, clean, beautiful, secure, safe, healthy and civilized direction.
2. Ministries and ministerial-level agencies, within the scope of their tasks and powers, shall issue regulations to protect, enhance and develop the tourism environment.
3. Local authorities at all levels have measures to protect, enhance and develop the tourism environment in accordance with local realities.
4. Organizations and individuals doing tourism business are responsible for collecting and treating all types of waste generated in their business activities; overcoming negative impacts caused by their activities on the environment; and taking measures to prevent and combat social evils in their business activities.
5. Tourists, communities and other organizations and individuals have the responsibility to protect and preserve the landscape, environment, cultural identity, customs and practices of the nation; and to behave in a civilized and polite manner to enhance the image of the country, people and tourism of Vietnam."
In addition, Clause 1, Article 66 of the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 also stipulates: "Organizations and individuals managing and exploiting relic sites, relic sites, tourist areas, tourist attractions, tourist accommodation establishments, venues for physical training, performance, and sports competitions, and festival organizers must comply with the provisions of Clause 2, Article 59 of this Law". Specifically, this provision can be explained as follows:
Organizations and individuals managing parks, entertainment areas, concentrated business and service areas, markets, train stations, bus stations, wharves, ports, ferry terminals and other public areas must perform the following responsibilities:
Environmental management:
- Arrange personnel to collect waste and ensure environmental sanitation in the management area.
- Establish an environmental protection team to conduct regular inspections and monitoring.
Building environmental protection infrastructure:
- Design and install public sanitation facilities and on-site wastewater treatment systems to ensure compliance with environmental protection standards.
- Provide equipment and means for collecting and treating waste in accordance with regulations.
Building regulations:
- Issue and publicize regulations on environmental protection and public hygiene.
- The organization strictly implements regulations within the scope of management.
- Monitoring and handling violations: Promptly detect violations of environmental protection laws and propose handling according to regulations.
Individuals visiting public or tourist places such as historical sites, tourist attractions, accommodation facilities, stadiums, and festival venues must fulfill the following obligations:
- Comply with environmental sanitation regulations.
- Dispose of trash properly and limit the use of plastic waste.
- Keep the landscape clean, do not harm the environment or living creatures.
According to legal regulations, ministries and ministerial-level agencies, within the scope of their tasks and powers, issue regulations to protect, preserve and develop the tourism environment:
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for developing regulations related to the protection of the natural environment in the tourism sector. This includes preventing and remedying environmental pollution, degradation and incidents, as well as maintaining the landscape at tourist sites.
- The Ministry of Public Security issues regulations to ensure security and order, creating conditions for tourism activities to take place safely and smoothly.
- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism focuses on promoting civilized behavior towards tourists, protecting traditional cultural values and customs at tourist destinations.
- These regulations play an important role in promoting sustainable tourism development, while contributing to improving the quality of visitor experiences and preserving valuable cultural and natural values.
In particular, coordination between relevant ministries and sectors plays an extremely important role in environmental protection in the tourism sector. According to Clause 3 of the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism is responsible for:
"a) Organize the implementation of environmental protection regulations for tourist accommodation establishments and tourism services; develop environmentally friendly tourist accommodation establishments and tourism services;
b) Organize the implementation of regulations on encouraging the reduction, reuse and recycling of plastic waste in cultural, sports and tourism activities."
3. Some solutions to protect the tourism environment
3.1. Encourage the use of reusable plastic products
Normally, the time of using a plastic item will not last more than 15 minutes but we will have to wait 1000 years for it to decompose. Therefore, changing daily living habits in a more sustainable direction is extremely necessary. You can use bottles and bags that can be reused many times. Thereby helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment.
3.2. Use water economically
Tourists tend to use more water than locals. If this continues, it could lead to water shortages in popular tourist destinations. Practicing the habit of not dumping water and using water wisely can help save water every year.
3.3. Buy local goods
One of the solutions to protect the tourism environment is to buy local goods. Buying local goods in the place you travel can help boost the local economy. This can reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced during the transportation of goods. Therefore, tourists should enjoy fresh products grown and processed directly in that place if they have the opportunity.
3.4. Prioritize tour operators that care about the environment
The tour tourism model will include many factors such as people, suppliers, forms of transportation, logistics and more. Each link in the chain can have a positive or negative impact on the environment. Some solutions to protect the tourism environment are to choose tour operators who care about environmental protection, use resources effectively and maintain a respectful attitude towards local culture.
3.5. Limit feeding animals food
Feeding wild animals or being in close contact with them can spread diseases from humans, such as colds, flu, or pneumonia, which can seriously affect their health. Not only that, the habit of receiving food from humans will change the natural survival instinct of animals, making them dependent on human food sources. This sometimes leads to unwanted conflicts between humans and animals, which is dangerous for both sides.
3.6. Do not eat wild animals
Consuming food and products made from wild animals can promote hunting and wildlife trade. This will lead to the complete extinction of wild animals that are already threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Note that when traveling, you should stay away from souvenirs, items and foods made from wild animals.
3.7. Using public transport
Traveling is one of the activities that can increase CO2 emissions from the use of means of transport. Instead of traveling by personal vehicle, you can use public transport more often such as buses, trains, etc.
3.8. Limit littering
Always throw trash in the right place to avoid pollution and keep the surrounding space clean. This small but meaningful action helps us preserve beautiful images, instead of negative impacts on the environment.
3.9. Spread awareness about sustainable tourism
Be a pioneer in choosing eco-friendly travel and inspire the surrounding community. Share with friends, family and fellow travelers the importance of sustainable tourism. Not only does it bring a stable income to local people, protecting the environment also brings practical benefits for both our present and future.
4. Conclusion
The above article has helped you learn about some solutions to protect the tourism environment. Hopefully our information will be of some help to you. Don't forget to follow the next articles at GREEN IN for more updated information!