Sustainable Tourism: Keelung’s Path to Sustainability

Sustainable Tourism & Development in Keelung

In 2015, 193 nations convened at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals address pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

As for sustainable tourism, the World Tourism Organization defines it as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”. (retrieved from: Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UN)

Keelung’s Challenge

As a coastal city, Keelung, Taiwan, faces distinctive challenges related to marine pollution, coastal management, and climate resilience. These issues highlight the importance of adhering to the SDGs to protect marine life, foster sustainable economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its residents. Local projects can play a significant role in advancing these goals by addressing specific environmental and social issues.

Local Projects Advance United Nation´s 17 Sustainable Development Goals

Heping Island Park in Keelung serves as a notable example of promoting the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Efforts here highlight a critical environmental issue: ocean trash. While it’s believed that seaside garbage is mainly due to tourists littering, beach cleanups at Heping Island Park have shown that much of the debris drifts to Taiwan from across the world.

This underscores that even after a cleanup, the beach can be littered with trash again by the next morning. Therefore, beach cleanups alone are not a sustainable solution. The key to addressing ocean trash lies in individual actions and reducing the use of disposable items. This approach aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and emphasizes the need for individual actions to promote environmental responsibility.

Zero Waste Initiative at Heping Island Park

The Zero Waste Initiative at Heping Island Park is a prime example of promoting the SDGs. Recognizing that landfills, incinerators, and oceans have exceeded their waste-carrying capacities, Heping Island Park is dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability. The initiative draws attention to participate in promoting “Zero Waste management.”

By utilizing shared cups for drinking water, the initiative aims to minimize environmental waste. Additionally, advocating for environmentally friendly products, such as natural bath items that fully decompose in the sea, supports sustainable consumption and production. This initiative encourages individuals to make responsible choices, contributing to a sustainable future and promoting sustainable tourism in line with several SDGs.

Keelung´s Port Initiative

The Port of Keelung, a crucial commercial and cruise hub in Northern Taiwan since 1886, faces its own set of sustainability challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have impacted the port, highlighting the need for comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. In response, Keelung implemented an ESG Roadmap in 2022, focusing on protecting the environment, mitigating disruptions, and preserving the port’s cultural heritage.

This roadmap aligns with the World Ports Sustainability Program and includes efforts to reduce negative impacts through technological advancements and strategic planning. By enhancing safety and supporting the local economy, Keelung’s initiatives aim to achieve long-term sustainability and resilience.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism: Workation and Eco-Walking Tours

The Keelung Workation and Keelung For A Walk projects are further examples of local initiatives contributing to the SDGs.

• By promoting local tourism and bringing volunteers and digital nomads to the city, the project helps boost the local economy and supports local businesses, which links to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
• Through raising awareness of sustainable tourism it also encourages sustainable city development and helps preserve local culture, aligning with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• The project promotes sustainability-friendly practices among visitors, supporting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
• Finally, the collaboration between local businesses and international volunteers foster partnerships between countries, reflecting SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Keelung for a Greener Future

Looking to the future, Keelung’s focus on community involvement, innovative solutions, and cross-cultural partnerships will be crucial in achieving long-term sustainability and creating a model for sustainable urban development. As global awareness of environmental and social issues grows, Keelung’s commitment to the SDGs positions it leading example for other cities around the world and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Source:

https://sustainableworldports.org/project/port-of-keelung-esg-implementation-roadmap/

永續旅遊｜和平島地質公園｜Taiwan (hpigeopark.org)

https://keelungworkation.cc/en/

https://keelung-for-a-walk.com/