Everyone must protect biodiversity, ecological balance: UN chief

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that everyone must protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of all destinations.

He said: "Governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices. Private actors must adopt zero-emission pathways, lower their energy consumption and leverage renewable forms of energy."

The UN chief issued a statement on the eve of the World Tourism Day on Wednesday.

Noting that tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding, he said: "But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured."

"Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism. And many developing countries that are severely affected by a changing climate are also facing a growing investment deficit and a cost-of-living crisis," he added.

 "On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet."

He also said: "Targeted investments can deliver jobs and support local businesses and industries while mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, empowering communities, promoting their cultures, and contributing to essential social protection systems."

 He called everyone to do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. "Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all," he added.