Economic and Social Council

46th plenary meeting
30 July 1998

1998/40 - Declaring the year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 on international years and anniversaries in which the Council recognized the contribution of international years to the furtherance of international cooperation and understanding,

Recalling also Agenda 21, 1/ which was adopted by one hundred and eighty-two Governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit), on 14 June 1992, and the conclusions of the General Assembly at its nineteenth special session relative to sustainable tourism,

Stressing that the implementation of Agenda 21 requires the full integration of sustainable development in the tourism industry in order to ensure, inter alia, that travel and tourism provide a source of income for many people; that travel and tourism contribute to the conservation, protection and restoration of the Earthþs ecosystem; that international trade in travel and tourism services takes place on a sustainable basis; and that environmental protection is an integral part of tourism development,

Stressing also the need to promote the implementation of international conventions on environment and development, including those on biodiversity and climate change,

Bearing in mind the need for international cooperation in promoting tourism within the framework of sustainable development so as to meet the needs of present tourists and host countries and regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future, managing resources to fulfil economic, social and aesthetic needs, and maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life-support systems,

Recognizing the support of the World Tourism Organization for the importance of ecotourism, and particularly of the designation of the year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism, in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of world peace,

Considering that the designation of the year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism will encourage the intensification of cooperative efforts by Governments and international and regional organizations, as well as non- governmental organizations, to achieve the aims of Agenda 21 in promoting development and the protection of the environment,

1. Recommends to the General Assembly that it declare the year 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism;

2. Invites States Members of the United Nations, and members of the specialized agencies and pertinent intergovernmental and governmental organizations, to exert all possible efforts on behalf of the success of the Year, in particular regarding ecotourism in developing countries;

3. Requests the Commission on Sustainable Development, in the framework of its discussion of tourism during its seventh session, to recommend to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, supportive measures and activities which will contribute to a successful Year;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to provide, in accordance with the guidelines for future international years as contained in the annex to Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67, necessary support to ensure the success of the Year, including widespread dissemination of pertinent information;

5. Requests the Secretary-General, in cooperation with all relevant entities of the United Nations system, including the United Nations Environment Programme as well as the World Tourism Organization and the World Travel and Tourism Council, to submit to the General Assembly at its fifty-eighth session a report containing:

(a) Programmes and activities undertaken by Governments and interested organizations during the Year;

(b) An assessment of the results achieved in realizing the aims and objectives of the Year, particularly in terms of encouraging ecotourism in developing countries;

(c) Recommendations to further advance the promotion of ecotourism within the framework of sustainable development.

Note

1/ Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development , Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992, vol. I, Resolutions Adopted by the Conference (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigendum), resolution 1, annex II.